1 Year With the Wahoo Kicker Core // Watch Before You Buy!

The wahoo kickr is a great little turbo trainer, but is it a smart trainer worth purchasing? Good question! Over the last year, I've been using the turbo trainer every week and putting it through its paces. Now I'm in a good place to tell you what to look out for the things I like about this smart trainer and the things I don't like.

Being a "cheap" (nothing is cheap in the bike world) turbo trainer does it fall back on any features or build quality? How does it stand the test of time? That's what I'll be covering in this video, so you know whether or not the Wahoo Kickr Core is worth purchasing or not!

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PS. When I provide a link here to gear or equipment I sometimes get a kickback from it. But I NEVER link to something that I haven't used or did use and didn't like! 👍

[kovie]

So, I got my Core last week and have used it several times, for relatively short rides on Zwift as I'm just getting back into riding and shape (as well as on in years, alas), so I clearly don't have extensive experience with it. But so far I'm really impressed.

As everyone's said it's really smooth and realistic feeling (to the extent that any trainer can be) and makes very little noise (although I can hear a low steady hum-like sound around twice a second but I think I've heard it in videos too so it's probably normal and nothing to worry about). But the drivetrain is by far the noisiest thing I hear (but quieter after I thoroughly cleaned and relubed it).

I'm trying to gradually push myself harder but it's not easy, yet not longer after each ride I find myself looking forward to and eagerly anticipating my next ride. That I didn't expect. I also didn't expect the Zwift background music to be so monotonous, so I'll have to start riding with headphones (hopefully I won't cause massive Bluetooth overload).

Finally, regarding the issue you had with the 130/135mm adapter not screwing in and falling out when you try to connect your bike to the Core, there's a very simple fix for that. Install the quick release skewer first, as would be the case on a bike, into this adapter as well as the drive side adapter, then connect the bike. The skewer keeps the adapters in place, problem solved.

Thanks again for all the tips and observations.

[TheIznog]

You can't get power from each legs from this unit simply because, unlike with power meter pedals, the power is measured at the output flywheel. Basically the unit is measuring how much power it is using to brake you. So by definition, it will be the total power of both legs averaged.

[rogerlahaye]

Coming from a Tacx Bushido which I used for the last 6, 5 years I only can say that the Core is bloody fantastic. Dead silent, no more slipping on gradients above 8%, so much better in SIM mode, power spot on with my Powertap C1, small, pretty and stable as a rock. 7 Years ago these direct drives were just too expensive, now they have the same price tag as the wheel-ons then. The transportation of the Bushido or other wheel-on for that matter is of course much easier. So the Bushido has still a function.

BTW Good down to earth review, but the title was a bit to red flaggy for me.

[gotoalexis]

I did 150000 kilometers or 97530 miles on Zwift with my kickr 2017. it is still like new.

[krisbowditch]

Had my core to replace my taxc flux .. pretty pleased with it compared to the flux, loads better without constant noise rubbing the out plastic cover. I always use my stages for the power data n racing it’s more accurate.. can be -10-20watts difference ..which is a lot especially when racing.. plus side… it good in erg mode when doing intervals holds the correct wattage within 3-5 watts brilliantly consistent 🤙🤙

[davidcrews]

Great review, straight to the point, no fluff. Thanks.

[ShawnIsBatman]

Great review, I am new to your channel and am absolutely appreciating your content, extremely well done!! I am still on an old wheel-on smart trainer (Saris Magnus). I almost bought a new earlier this indoor season when Wahoo was doing some blowout sales, but held-off on the purchase (spent the $ on bike upgrades instead). I will absolutely get a new trainer for the winter season next year. Right now my debate is between the Kickr Core and the new Zwift trainer. I believe that the Kickr is probably a better until overall, but the Zwift device is definitely interesting. I will be looking for more long-term review on the Zwift device before next Winter and will also follow their updates (firmware, etc.) to see any advancement. Currently I am a Wahoo X user (long-time Sufferfest user), however, I am contemplating a switch to Zwift for next year...we shall see!

[AndyT]

I’m on my 3rd unit in 4 years, all replaced FOC by wahoo excellent service! The latest one I’ve had has been updated so the legs do snap into position when fully extended

[robdrelich]

great review. I have 5 months of cold grey wet / snow weather ahead of me and will go mental if I don't keep my bike fitness going. looks like I will order one (also a profi racer friend of mine recommended one, but that was one line in a text - your video is really helpful to set some realistic expectations and setup tips)

[Anonymus]

Love my kickr core. But I had to replace the flywheel bearings after 3 years and 9000km. There was corrosion on the flywheel axle where the right bearing is running. Did clean the axle used 1200 sandpaper to remove the surface damage on the axle and used Loctite 641 retaining compound for the right bearing to ‚glue‘ it to the flywheel axle. That bearing replacement was possible with bike shop tools. According to some users the tacx neo T2 needs manufactur specific tool to replace.

[Giuliobull]

No Way, i bought the V5 2 years ago, ok it’s not the same mode but I don’t think there’s so many differences. 2 years used in the worsts conditions and with brutal power with 10.000 km and it’s always perfect.

[Deke]

great review with clear rational opinions!

[aidanmasterson]

2 years in, circa 3k and no issues what so ever.

[gregoryf]

Newbie question on single leg power: can’t you do a test ride on a single leg to check each legs power? Also a decent drill for smooth leg revolutions IMO.

[darinsteele]

the new spacers are completely flat so they must have changed it, got my kikr core a few weeks ago and the spacer is 100% flat and seems to work fine with my 9spd.

[choddo]

Nice thing about rim brake bikes is you can just put the skewer in to hold the adapter in place before trying to drop the rear dropouts on. ;)

Washer is just flat now.

Space between the bolts on the 2 bars is different so you can only put them the right way round (I know because I put the long one on the back at first and the 2nd bolt couldn’t go through!)

[dwightWSmith]

British accents always add authenticity and credibility.

[BAKPDL]

I’ve had my core 3 years now but one issue (with the core’s flywheel) after a year of usage caused the trainer to be replaced so contacted Wahoo and they sent me a refurbished core rather than a brand new one. Don’t know if this was due to cheap replacement or customer service - as a few friends had replacements of brand new trainer whereas I get a refurbished one 🤔🤔🤔.
But on the positive I’ve had the replacement last longer (2 years more) than my original model which is even better - what am I going to do when it comes to this model breaking 🤞🏻🤞🏻.

[fabioslink]

When you go info a descent of a real track simulation what do you feel? Thanks

[thehigsy]

Hi, great explanation and this is great timing as were looking at the core or v5. We mtb and want to put a 29er on it.. im pretty sure the wheel size works but we have a 12 sp cassette. Will that work on the wahoo ?