Wahoo have launched their first smart bike, named simply the Kickr Bike, at Eurobike this morning. It retains the flywheel that appears on their Kickr smart trainers, is designed to fit any rider and you can even replicate the shifting of your preferred drivetrain with the smart controls.
Review: Wahoo Kickr
Offering maximum customisation and a realistic ride feel, Wahoo made the Kickr Bike because they recognised we don't always want to be transferring our outdoor bikes on and off the trainer; so they've gone to great lengths to ensure it can be adjusted to your measurements quickly and easily. Using the Wahoo App, you can access a bike fit guide to generate a perfect fit based off either measurements from a pro fit system such as Retul, or you can simply upload a photo of your bike and the app works it out for you: "training time doesn’t become configuration time", say Wahoo.
It's a five-point adjustment system, and the custom crankset also has five built in selectable lengths from 165mm to 175mm. The cockpit controls can be set up to match the gearing system of your choice (Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM), and there is a brake system so you can experience controlling your speed just like on the road. You can customise chainrings and rear cog 'sizes' to match the ones on your outdoor bike, and there are algorithms built into the pedalling designed to feel like you're genuinely shifting.
There is even integrated grade simulation (first seen from Wahoo on their Kickr Climb designed to work with a smart trainer) that tilts the bike up or down on hills or descents respectively. Of course it's all compatible with your favourite third-party training apps such as Zwift, The Sufferfest, Trainerroad and more.
Wahoo's CEO Mike Saturnia says the Kickr bike represents the "next generation" of indoor smart training: "It is the ultimate product for discerning, data-driven athletes who are ready for a feature-rich, top-quality, responsive, dedicated indoor bike as the new cornerstone of their fitness.”
Want one? That'll be $3,499 (we don't have prices in pounds yet) and shipping dates are set at October in the US and early 2020 in Europe. The price point makes it one of the spendiest indoor trainers for personal use we've seen, but the impressive features might just make it worth splashing out for.
We'll have a video interview with Wahoo CEO Chip Hawkins coming soon, and of course will be looking to get one in for testing in the coming weeks...
It depends where you live of course but around here (Germany) it could get you a fine. My understanding is that it isn't illegal unless it impairs...
The cases were helmets prevented a hospital admission will be missed so, as I said previously, the studies will likely underestimate the efficacy...
I'm pleased that there's some resolution to this, it's a horrendous crime and I'm pleased to see long custodial sentances handed out. ...
What about people who cycle purely to travel, who get no enjoyment out of cycling but have no other means of getting about. Are they still hobbyists?
I think you had it all covered already at "I ride". That's enough for some...
How could making goods harder to move around ever make them cheaper? Primary school aged children could tell you the answer to that.
I would be up from Tour of Oman. But it doesn't look like many others have much interest?
Harry Corbett was Sooty's sidekick, not to be confused with Ronnie Corbett or indeed Harry H. Corbett. (Although he was once confused with the...
Stealing a couple of BSO's from a couple of kids using a car as a weapon. Seems like a high risk/low reward crime. Moron(s).
Cold snap here - below zero at commuting time.