I had a laugh at myself editing that too.... I was meaning the trainer was able to give me enough resistance to hit those watts. The machine did it easily... I was doing it hard! :)
I had an issue with my kickr 5 dropping Bluetooth. Bought the direct connect and haven't had any more problems. But cool to see the new version has wireless option.
G’day Shane,I’m after my first indoor smart trainer.Still using a Lemond,I’m worried I’ll miss the noise 😉 But seriously,I think after watching your review I will be purchasing one of these.Thanks for taking the time and the thorough review.
Surprised that that to see such an improvement in wifi interference on the 2.4ghz. I would have thought that any remedy to that would have been via your wifi ap switch bands to avoid interference. Does the v6 have a mower powerful signal transmission or something? Would be worth doing pop corn test with both side by side on same ap , very interesting !
Google Nest/Mesh has no option for selecting 2.4GHz channel (that I can find). Most things are on 5GHz here anyway. I was surprised the microwave didn't kill the 2.4 WiFi... but... it held up.
Not that I want my tacx neo OG to die but if it ever does at least I feel like trainer tech has now made a jump and would likely go to the bike at this time now it is gen 2 and has wifi etc
Just got my Wahoo 6 and Wahoo Climb. I'm new to the smart trainer world. If I unplug the unit when not in use will I have to do a set up every time? Great videos with a ton of great info ! ! ! ! Thanks ! ! !
I have a question, is the new Wahoo Kickr Bike 2022 v2 worth the extra £1,300 (£3,400) compared to the older model v1, which is retailed in the uk for £2,100?
I will look at this until zwift hub release its own. Today I ride around 50-60Km with lots of wind and it got cold the last hour and my friend got injured. Maybe its more comfortable riding at home...
Guess I'm glad I didn't sit around and wait to hear about the imminent release of a newer KickrBike and ended up buying a refreshed model back in February. After replacing the handlebars, and the awful clamp skewers (one of which broke the day it arrived), I don't feel as though I'm missing out on a whole lot here. Which, I guess is a bit of a shame, or, from another perspective, just shows how good the KickrBike is? I guess with how things cost now, and how few improvements were made over 3 years (was thinking it was longer than that actually), this update certainly isn't giving me any FOMO [fear of missing out].
Very interested if the new KICKR Core will have a have a a big price cut to compete with the Zwift hub. Provided Zwift gets there firmware up to at least the Jetblack Volt level, that $700 premium will be tough to justify for all the non-dentists out there.
I suspect the industry is holding out to see Zwift can deliver and support their own offering first. This is all new ground for Zwift to cover. Wahoo have global distribution, support, and have 10 years of history in the game.
@@gplama Manufacturing and logistics are massive hurdles to expand rapidly, they certainly should have the capital to negotiate and build up for the launch. That doesn't mean much if any one of the suppliers or even the assembly plant isn't up to the task or the terms haven't been narrowed from a QC perspective. Starting from an existing model is great, but increasing production 50-100x likely mean all new lines, with new tooling ect. The target audience isn't just new indoor riders, it's also current indoor riders currently running wheel on trainers, such as the snap and m2. I hope they went into this with realistic numbers and have experience people who've actually made physical things, engineers are great, but for every one of them you'd better have at least a hundred experienced production/process employees or else you're just going to fail.
@@gplama looks like the Core is coming down in price. Only +$50AUD over the Volt V2 in some stores. I'm guessing with that price differential, the Core is the better buy?
I would also like to get a Smarttrainer for this winter. The Kickr V6 looks very good, however it is also insanely expensive. How does it compare to the new Zwift Hub, which is almost a third of the price? Have you been able to compare the two?
It's not going to be in the same league. And we'll have to wait for Zwift to launch their trainer (or at least finalise the firmware) before any comparisons can be made.
Hi Shane, have you posted a full review of the Kickr Bike V2 in the meantime? I couldn‘t find it on your channel… I’m trying to decide between the Kickr Bike(v2 or Shift) and Tacx Neo Bike Plus… thanks and greetings from Switzerland.
The K6 looks great, as usual, but when I compare it to the new Zwift trainer that's less than a 1/3rd the price it's hard to believe it's 3x the quality or experience. I guess Zwift is using their trainer as a loss-leader in order to grow the market
Hey Shane , thanks for the videos. I know this one's older. Have you gotten any hands-on on the new Kickr bike version two by chance.? I'm on the fence of gone with the stages or looking at this V2 wahoo kicker Bike but haven't heard much info on it and if it's worth the price difference.
The quality of the kickr bike is major concern for price point. Seen a guy break 2. They snapped as well as adjustable mechanism being poor at holding steady. Sb20 has all the strength and robustness but hard to get in Australia and I am not sure if they are going to make it redundant
I've never had a problem dropping a connection with my Kickr 5 using ANT/Bluetooth. I'm not sure what the "complications" are. It's the same thing as using a Garmin and a power meter. The only problem I've ever had with the Kickr 5 is when I do high cadence drills. When I concentrate on spinning smoothly the Kickr 5 can't record my cadence accurately. I can spin at 115-120 rpm and it records cadence as low as 70 rpm.
Great video. As someone who has ridden both the v5 an v6 would you recommend I sell my v5 and add a few dollars to get the v6 or should I just wait for whatever comes out next?
@@gplama I've recently moved from a kickr to an SB20 And for erg mode I feel they both get it wrong but at different ends of the spectrum. Something in-between would be great
It’s quiet. Very quiet. The bike drivetrain is louder. The 2T is louder at some flywheel speeds iirc, but it’s really splitting hairs as fans are louder. If you’re after almost complete silence then a smart bike is the answer.
I was hoping for MTB handlebar option for bike. I want to train for marathon and endurance MTB events without having to move my bike on and off the KICKR. It turns out the MTB gets dirty every time I ride it outside. And the road bike body position just isn’t the same. Roadies, amirite?
Loving the WiFi, but found the low gear offset very interesting. That looked to be more than just a bit off, definitely significantly under and consistent - did you notice it in any other data records ?
Hi Shane great review as always. I have a V5 which just works and no drop outs. But always find it difficult to link to my Garmin 1030plus. Please could you tell me how I should be connecting them. TIA.
If you’re using Zwift, RGT, TrainerRoad, etc then there’s no need to connect a Garmin to it. If you want to control the trainer with the Edge then you can pair it under ‘Training’, not under Sensors.
It's getting time to replace my 5yr old Kickr Snap v2, which has been stellar on all fronts for me. Now, do I go for the KICKR v5 or v6? In my area, it's about 400EUR difference, and i've never struggled with ANT+ drop out on the snap. Apart for Wifi, odo and erg, is the rest of the machine exactly the same? If so, I might just go for the v5.
Question: At the start of the video you mention that with "a bit of an addition" you could make the Direct Connection module wireless... can you outline what this "addition" is? I've just got myself the Kickr V5 and wondering if or rather how I can use Wifi with the Direct Connect Module. Thanks!
Hi, GP Lama. Since the tacx neo2t is almost the same price compare with the wahoo kikcr6. Which one do you recommend? Which one has a better pedaling experience?
Shane, are you aware of the recent Zwift screw-up? In the Road Academy the Baseline ride was useless: people experienced rubber banding, for me there were no instructions on screen, and many (sooo many) people received the email with blank results, or not at all (as Zwift stopped the emails because they were buggy anyway). Many more to read on the Zwift fora. Might be interesting to include in your next video
@@gplama Well said Shane - unfortunately, Zwift seems to have been setting the wrong priorities for years now. With the last app update they have changed the interface font type, which made e.g. numbers less readable, but they do not care about interface display bugs, which exsit over years. I am sorry to say that, but the Road Academy Baseline issue was just another example for Zwifts bad quality management.
Hello! I am new to the Shane Miller - GPLama channel, however I have enjoyed Shane's videos on Zwift and Wahoo very much! I just watched Shane's latest Wahoo KICKR 6 and KICKR BIKE v2 video, and I have a question - just in case anyone within the community may know? I have been riding Zwift for about 2 years now (almost every day - I am retired...), and I am totally addicted! I am very interested in buying a Wahoo KICKR Bike (v2 model), to improve my experience on Zwift. However (and surprisingly?), I have been having some difficulty confirming whether the new KICKR Bike (v2 model) will be (already is?) fully compatible with Zwift... Does anyone in the GPLama community know if I should be worried about this, or do you think that I can confidently assume all will be well (ideally out of the box upon delivery) if I go ahead and order one for myself? Please let me know if you happen to know, either way. Thanks, and best wishes to everyone!
Its taken Wahoo a long time to resolve the issue with the shifters, hopefully this will be an improvement to the V1. Do you know if the new port can be retrofitted to the V1 Kickr as I'm sure some users will still be having shifter problems with their V1 bars and port?
The Kickr Bike v2 seems to have only added some minor connectivity changes/ ERG software changes, but has done nothing to address the problems with crank arm and shifter breakage which have plagued many. The new price of $4000. is a big jump above the recently found online price of $3000. for the v1. Not worth the difference to me. Wahoo needs to offer a user replaceable crank arm upgrade( a simple procedure to replace) and correct the shifter internal connectivity issues to support the loyal purchasers of the v1 bike.
@@gplama bummer, makes me hold back on the check out button. I mean, so far I neither need wifi nor to bridge HR, but I’m just a tech nerd as you are. So I want it.
I wonder if Wahoo will ever produce a rear wheel trainer with a variant of the electromagnetic virtual flywheel that we see on the Kickr bike? A bit surprised it's not in the line-up by now. Then again where would it fit? Just musing as I've bugger all else to say about the v6. Might be the eventual push to trade in the Kickr18.
@@laf9686 Nope, the local FedEx crew were lazy AF and I had to call them to get the thing delivered. It sat in a warehouse 3km from here for a week. Now I have to unbox/build/ride it.
@@gplama Ah. Thank you. We now have two riders in the household as my partner bought a bike this year (and started watching you regularly). Working on adapting the pain cave for two people.
I still have a Kickr 18 - Helped me rehab for a year after a major accident and injury. Subsequently I only use it in the winter at the weekends when frosty, icy or wet. But, I get terrible microwave drop outs. Can't justify a new Kickr, but is there anyway to retrofit to avoid these dropouts?
I never thought I'd like it this much but the motorized freewheeling on the Tacx Neo 2T is just so good for downhills in Zwift, is there anything similar on the Kickr? I just hate it when the freewheel stops and you have that "unnatural" extra resistance to start pedalling at high speeds again as the downhill ends.
@@gplama There's just something about riding down hills without pedalling and hearing the freewheel ticking along. It's very noticeable once it's gone... Of course this only applies to free riding really.
The freewheeling is what makes it so more natural as well as the road feel. I don’t use the road feel all the time but the freewheeling is what makes the Tacx so much better. The kickr is the same as an old computrainer…pedal going up, pedal going down
@@andrewm6816 Ye I disabled the road feel as well after a few rides but the freewheeling feels so good when you're doing rolling hills and resting on the downhills.
@@NetQvist i mean seriously have you ever climbed Ventoux or d'huez..i have multiple times in real life and on the trainer and who the heck wants to ruin a good downhill!! I rest my case
Sorry this could be a silly Q, is this 12sp compatible? Further from that, is it safe to assume current trainers are 12sp compatible unless specified otherwise? (Saris for example).
@@pedoncule36 There's really not much more to the v2 of the bike than what's covered here. It's 99.9% the same. v2 has WiFi/DIRCON support. There has been a minor change to the sound/resonance of the bike. The lever control unit/box has been slightly modified, which was also a running change made to v1.
Hi Shane! I got my kickr v6 a week ago and it's a total catastrophe... The WiFi is dropping multiple times in Zwift, it's a nightmare. I ordered the direct connect and a cat 8 Ethernet cable, losing connection all the same. Wahoo is telling me this is a known software issue, how come you have no loss at all? Do you know about that? Seriously I can't do anything😥😥😥
No issues here... so it's not something I've had to dive into or diagnose. My network setup is rock solid. I'm not across what software issue Wahoo (or Zwift?) are referring to.
@@gplama I have no idea either but it's dropping several times per hour... And it seems like it's ongoing for a while already as lot of people are having this issue. They haven't said from which software, just that it's known and I need to wait for an update. Not really nice to just tell me to wait... Few months before I can use it? :O
I have Assioma duo and Kickr 5. Tried everything obvious but is there any reason I’m getting a 10-15w difference in readings between the two? Kickr low, Assioma high 😢
Your drive train causes some watts lost. The dirtier the more you loose. Also cross chaining can play a part. Assioma reads the power you put on the pedals and the Kickr at the end of the chain.
@@peterv1307 thanks, that probably explains some part of it actually. Though my drivetrain is absolutely spotless and I generally keep on erg mode for workouts on straight chain lines. I think perhaps this is still worth up to roughly 5w worth of losses, but it feels more than that. Thanks for the reply though, I had forgotten about drivetrain losses!
Just checked training peaks for exact numbers. Intervals on most recent dual recorded workout this weekend in erg mode were 165w on kickr and 181w on Assiomas (all calibrated and full spin-down completed)
I’ve been having the same issue with my Kickr 5 vs my Vector 3 pedals. Been too lazy to contact Wahoo support. Likely they will advise to do an advanced spin down. I have done this once and it helped a bit but still 10 to 15 watts low compared to the pedals. I just use power from my pedals
@@RoyImahara yeh I was on dual Vector 3 before moving to Assiomas and before I owned the Kickr, so never had chance to compare. The move from Vectors to Assiomas was pretty much exactly same power numbers hence me thinking the Kickr reads low. If only I had a llama lab! 🤓
Hello, I know you have been waiting for the shipping of the Kickr bike version 2. When do you think the review will come out ? If you have it is it much improved? Quieter? Thanks
@@andymonks7126 To be honest, there's nothing to wait for. I'm really struggling to find any difference from V1 of the bike. I have a few queries over to Wahoo I'm waiting to hear back on before doing anything further with it.
Hello, thank you for the replies. Any update on possible review of the version 2? I maybe able to get a good discount on version 2 but still will be more than getting the version 1. If you can get version 2 and just pay $550 more is it worth getting the version 2? Thanks for your help
the ergmode thing can be sorted through software ? and have they done anything to the build quality of the kickr bike? the clamps, the creaking, the cracked crankarms
Until we see/test the production firmware from Zwift, it’s all guesswork. They’ll also need to nail delivery and support of the Hub too. Here in AU there’s no option to buy the Zwift Hub at this point.
@@gplama Understandable, but being that there is already a workable firmware out there for the Jet Black trainer, I imagine that fixing this firmware is just a matter of retracing steps until they find out where they fumbled.
@@brent4adv Recent testing with the latest VOLT firmware shows there's still thermal drift and power accuracy issues at higher flywheel speeds. While the VOLT gets quite positive reviews, it's not perfect. And it's not on par with the higher end trainers on the market.
@@gplama Good to know. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I currently run a Kickr Core so I'll stick with that but looking at another trainer (for the wife if I can get her to use it) so considering the Zwift as an option. Still, I would think thermal drift is an issue they should be able to solve via software. We'll see.
This triggered a memory of a YT video I saw where a woman made an omelette whilst riding on rollers. Think you've made a bit of a rod for your own back here Shane...
Geez you would think after v1 they would have addressed all its weaknesses like stability, a place to put your phone/iPad…bitterly disappointing to see such not worth mentioning updates as opposed to upgrades
Elite Justo that you've tested is similar to this cca...in some details even better...The real thing on wahoo is just larger flywheel and a wi fi(if anybody needs that)..So dear Lama,how can you speak stories like this??Did wahoo pay you?😉
The Elite Justo has no WiFi, no automatic firmware update, no ODO. I've done my homework before speaking here. Go back through all my DIRCON videos too, I've been calling for WiFi to be directly built-in for a LONG time. .... and the Justo still being controlled by a stepper motor. How deep do we go here?
I dig my KICKR v5 with FULGAZ software for those who prefer climbing epic summits to chatting in SWIFT woohoo-topia-worlds - you hopefully realise that your tres expensive carbon monoque frame was NOT designed to have the rear stays RIGIDLY supported while your front wheel dances "la cucharacha" side-side at 5:02 - the large flex you are introducing into your frame while you pretend to sprint is actually DAMAGING your frame - it was NOT designed for undertaking this type of stress loading and would NEVER see that on the ROAD as the tires would microslip on the tarmac to prevent any over-loading - so do not be too surprised if you are developing microcracks in your frame over time - just saying - surprisingly I have NEVER made popcorn while indoor training so cannot say I NEED the v6 anytime soon - the tech plots were appealing to see the variations in output power comparisons - well done on that part ...
Well, except Wifi and a slightly lighter flywheel, I don't see anything important the kicker has over the actual direto XR, which would justify the price difference of about 700 Euro by today...
"hit around 1200 watts with no problems at all" had me laughing my butt off here. If only that was not a problem for most of us Shane!
I had a laugh at myself editing that too.... I was meaning the trainer was able to give me enough resistance to hit those watts. The machine did it easily... I was doing it hard! :)
@@gplama what kind of power did the microwave hit though?
@@gplama So if I upgrade from my Neo2 I might be able to hit 1200 watts??!!
Great video again mate. Always enjoy your content.
What…..you can’t do 1200w?
“And I’m happy to use this as a baseline” - is there a higher accolade from GPLama, I don’t think so
Just a tip with the popcorn, pull opposite corners to open it without needing to burn your fingers with the steam. 👍
I heard "Microwave popcorn test" and skipped right to that section 🤣
The Lama Lab still smells like burnt popcorn. 🤣
BetterPopcorn, the spinoff we all need
I had an issue with my kickr 5 dropping Bluetooth. Bought the direct connect and haven't had any more problems. But cool to see the new version has wireless option.
I was hoping the power from the kicker would run the microwave. That's coming in version 7 hopefully
When are you posting the Kickr Bike V2 review? Love all you videos 👍🏻👍🏻
G’day Shane,I’m after my first indoor smart trainer.Still using a Lemond,I’m worried I’ll miss the noise 😉 But seriously,I think after watching your review I will be purchasing one of these.Thanks for taking the time and the thorough review.
You will love it!
Just bought it! Upgrading from my Kickr Snap. Winter is going to be fun and a sufferfest
hi Shane,
Just wanted to ask if you would recommend the kickr v6 over the tacx neo 2t?
Thanks alot
Wahaha, that popcorn test.
How did anyones bike have chance to get sweat ingress issues? I’m on my 3rd bike (2nd one had less than 20 hours use). Some people on 4th or 5th bikes
For some reason, I think we all would like to see the GPLama Cooking Show. Where you produce a 3 course meal all while sticking with Coco.
Surprised that that to see such an improvement in wifi interference on the 2.4ghz. I would have thought that any remedy to that would have been via your wifi ap switch bands to avoid interference. Does the v6 have a mower powerful signal transmission or something? Would be worth doing pop corn test with both side by side on same ap , very interesting !
Google Nest/Mesh has no option for selecting 2.4GHz channel (that I can find). Most things are on 5GHz here anyway. I was surprised the microwave didn't kill the 2.4 WiFi... but... it held up.
Not that I want my tacx neo OG to die but if it ever does at least I feel like trainer tech has now made a jump and would likely go to the bike at this time now it is gen 2 and has wifi etc
Just got my Wahoo 6 and Wahoo Climb. I'm new to the smart trainer world. If I unplug the unit when not in use will I have to do a set up every time? Great videos with a ton of great info ! ! ! ! Thanks ! ! !
I have a question, is the new Wahoo Kickr Bike 2022 v2 worth the extra £1,300 (£3,400) compared to the older model v1, which is retailed in the uk for £2,100?
Seems not much Shane on the V6 yeah vs v5 has stable wifi so all good 😊 Great info as always mate and watch out for those magpies 😅
I will look at this until zwift hub release its own. Today I ride around 50-60Km with lots of wind and it got cold the last hour and my friend got injured. Maybe its more comfortable riding at home...
Guess I'm glad I didn't sit around and wait to hear about the imminent release of a newer KickrBike and ended up buying a refreshed model back in February. After replacing the handlebars, and the awful clamp skewers (one of which broke the day it arrived), I don't feel as though I'm missing out on a whole lot here.
Which, I guess is a bit of a shame, or, from another perspective, just shows how good the KickrBike is?
I guess with how things cost now, and how few improvements were made over 3 years (was thinking it was longer than that actually), this update certainly isn't giving me any FOMO [fear of missing out].
Very interested if the new KICKR Core will have a have a a big price cut to compete with the Zwift hub. Provided Zwift gets there firmware up to at least the Jetblack Volt level, that $700 premium will be tough to justify for all the non-dentists out there.
I suspect the industry is holding out to see Zwift can deliver and support their own offering first. This is all new ground for Zwift to cover. Wahoo have global distribution, support, and have 10 years of history in the game.
@@gplama Manufacturing and logistics are massive hurdles to expand rapidly, they certainly should have the capital to negotiate and build up for the launch. That doesn't mean much if any one of the suppliers or even the assembly plant isn't up to the task or the terms haven't been narrowed from a QC perspective. Starting from an existing model is great, but increasing production 50-100x likely mean all new lines, with new tooling ect.
The target audience isn't just new indoor riders, it's also current indoor riders currently running wheel on trainers, such as the snap and m2. I hope they went into this with realistic numbers and have experience people who've actually made physical things, engineers are great, but for every one of them you'd better have at least a hundred experienced production/process employees or else you're just going to fail.
@@gplama looks like the Core is coming down in price. Only +$50AUD over the Volt V2 in some stores. I'm guessing with that price differential, the Core is the better buy?
@@jarrahfitzgerald2752 Yes
Ah, looks like it is not only me who can crap the popcorn in the microwave oven
I would also like to get a Smarttrainer for this winter. The Kickr V6 looks very good, however it is also insanely expensive. How does it compare to the new Zwift Hub, which is almost a third of the price? Have you been able to compare the two?
It's not going to be in the same league. And we'll have to wait for Zwift to launch their trainer (or at least finalise the firmware) before any comparisons can be made.
Shane, is it possible that you would share your "test protocol" for comparing the readings of several power sources (trainer, PM)?
greetings
Hi Shane, have you posted a full review of the Kickr Bike V2 in the meantime? I couldn‘t find it on your channel…
I’m trying to decide between the Kickr Bike(v2 or Shift) and Tacx Neo Bike Plus… thanks and greetings from Switzerland.
No, there really wasn't enough technical change from the V1 to review it to be honest. I believe the main change was built-in WiFi.
Finally kickr bike v2 and they don’t change the sloppy seat clamps….
I’m told they’ve addressed that. I’m waiting to see it with my own eyes. Stay tuned.
Something is off. Your Assiomas should read higher compared to the Kickr, because you loose some watts in the drive train.
I disabled 2.4G wifi a long time ago it’s a shame it wasn’t duel, new trainer old wifi tech
The K6 looks great, as usual, but when I compare it to the new Zwift trainer that's less than a 1/3rd the price it's hard to believe it's 3x the quality or experience. I guess Zwift is using their trainer as a loss-leader in order to grow the market
A comparison that’s only on paper. We’re still waiting to see how the Hun performs with a production firmware.
@@gplama looking fwd to that
Glad it’s not another year for Zwift to support wifi
That’s the beauty of Direct Connect. Now it’s supported, these trainers (and Bike V2) will just work. 👌🏼
Hey Shane , thanks for the videos. I know this one's older. Have you gotten any hands-on on the new Kickr bike version two by chance.? I'm on the fence of gone with the stages or looking at this V2 wahoo kicker Bike but haven't heard much info on it and if it's worth the price difference.
The quality of the kickr bike is major concern for price point. Seen a guy break 2. They snapped as well as adjustable mechanism being poor at holding steady. Sb20 has all the strength and robustness but hard to get in Australia and I am not sure if they are going to make it redundant
I've never had a problem dropping a connection with my Kickr 5 using ANT/Bluetooth. I'm not sure what the "complications" are. It's the same thing as using a Garmin and a power meter. The only problem I've ever had with the Kickr 5 is when I do high cadence drills. When I concentrate on spinning smoothly the Kickr 5 can't record my cadence accurately. I can spin at 115-120 rpm and it records cadence as low as 70 rpm.
Great video. As someone who has ridden both the v5 an v6 would you recommend I sell my v5 and add a few dollars to get the v6 or should I just wait for whatever comes out next?
That depends on what features you want. Totally your call.
Great video Shane 💪🏼
When can we expect the full Kickr Bike V2 review?
It’s still in transit.
To open a bag of microwave popcorn without scalding yourself, simply pull on diagonally opposite corners of the bag. You are welcome.
Does some smoothing haha. It absolutely flatlines any output
Not as much as switching on ERG Mode Power Smoothing. That is true flat lining.
@@gplama I've recently moved from a kickr to an SB20 And for erg mode I feel they both get it wrong but at different ends of the spectrum. Something in-between would be great
Hallo!
Welche Bodenplatten verwendest du? Es gibt Modelle mit 1 cm und andere mit 2 cm Stärke.
looks good, cheers Shane! is there anything else you're allowed to hint at that might be coming up for the (northern hemisphere) winter season?
Saris have said they'd send over a H4... and I'm keen on seeing what Zwift can do with their HUB once the firmware is final.
@@gplama thanks! I really enjoy your content so will look forward to future vids.
How noisy is the KICKR 6? Is the Neo 2T still the winner in this aspect? Thanks for the informative video!
It’s quiet. Very quiet. The bike drivetrain is louder. The 2T is louder at some flywheel speeds iirc, but it’s really splitting hairs as fans are louder. If you’re after almost complete silence then a smart bike is the answer.
@@gplama appreciate the response!
I was hoping for MTB handlebar option for bike. I want to train for marathon and endurance MTB events without having to move my bike on and off the KICKR.
It turns out the MTB gets dirty every time I ride it outside. And the road bike body position just isn’t the same.
Roadies, amirite?
Loving the WiFi, but found the low gear offset very interesting. That looked to be more than just a bit off, definitely significantly under and consistent - did you notice it in any other data records ?
More data needed and across a few bikes. It got somewhat of a leave pass given the results I've had from other trainers recently in the same test.
@@gplama 👍 Cheers, oh and I meant the low cadence / low gear on the KOM if that makes a difference (rather than the flywheel test).
Hi Shane great review as always. I have a V5 which just works and no drop outs. But always find it difficult to link to my Garmin 1030plus. Please could you tell me how I should be connecting them. TIA.
If you’re using Zwift, RGT, TrainerRoad, etc then there’s no need to connect a Garmin to it. If you want to control the trainer with the Edge then you can pair it under ‘Training’, not under Sensors.
Thank you. 👍 I have been trying to pair it under sensors. Doh. 😩
Thanks for the updates Shane!
How does the Kickr measures the cadence?
How Smart Trainers Calculate Cadence // Indoor Cycling FAQ
czcams.com/video/xmWW4Np7P7g/video.html
l have a question which indoor cycling app support WiFi?
Zwift
By WiFi connectivity do you mean there's no need for a dongle?
Correct! It's built-in.
It's getting time to replace my 5yr old Kickr Snap v2, which has been stellar on all fronts for me. Now, do I go for the KICKR v5 or v6? In my area, it's about 400EUR difference, and i've never struggled with ANT+ drop out on the snap. Apart for Wifi, odo and erg, is the rest of the machine exactly the same? If so, I might just go for the v5.
Yep. Go with the 5 with the discount if none of the additions are needed.
Question: At the start of the video you mention that with "a bit of an addition" you could make the Direct Connection module wireless... can you outline what this "addition" is? I've just got myself the Kickr V5 and wondering if or rather how I can use Wifi with the Direct Connect Module. Thanks!
See this video: czcams.com/video/XtIM5675dLo/video.html
Hi, GP Lama. Since the tacx neo2t is almost the same price compare with the wahoo kikcr6. Which one do you recommend? Which one has a better pedaling experience?
Kicker.
Shane, are you aware of the recent Zwift screw-up? In the Road Academy the Baseline ride was useless: people experienced rubber banding, for me there were no instructions on screen, and many (sooo many) people received the email with blank results, or not at all (as Zwift stopped the emails because they were buggy anyway). Many more to read on the Zwift fora. Might be interesting to include in your next video
I’m across it. Not much to say about it really. They have a lot of work to do in providing subscribers a better experience.
@@gplama Well said Shane - unfortunately, Zwift seems to have been setting the wrong priorities for years now. With the last app update they have changed the interface font type, which made e.g. numbers less readable, but they do not care about interface display bugs, which exsit over years. I am sorry to say that, but the Road Academy Baseline issue was just another example for Zwifts bad quality management.
Hello! I am new to the Shane Miller - GPLama channel, however I have enjoyed Shane's videos on Zwift and Wahoo very much! I just watched Shane's latest Wahoo KICKR 6 and KICKR BIKE v2 video, and I have a question - just in case anyone within the community may know? I have been riding Zwift for about 2 years now (almost every day - I am retired...), and I am totally addicted! I am very interested in buying a Wahoo KICKR Bike (v2 model), to improve my experience on Zwift. However (and surprisingly?), I have been having some difficulty confirming whether the new KICKR Bike (v2 model) will be (already is?) fully compatible with Zwift... Does anyone in the GPLama community know if I should be worried about this, or do you think that I can confidently assume all will be well (ideally out of the box upon delivery) if I go ahead and order one for myself? Please let me know if you happen to know, either way. Thanks, and best wishes to everyone!
Its taken Wahoo a long time to resolve the issue with the shifters, hopefully this will be an improvement to the V1. Do you know if the new port can be retrofitted to the V1 Kickr as I'm sure some users will still be having shifter problems with their V1 bars and port?
I'll know more about the Bike v2 when it arrives.
Shane did they update the kickr core? Wahoo website now says the kickr core has automatic calibration.
This isn't a feature of the CORE that I can see in any update, or on the Wahoo website.
The Kickr Bike v2 seems to have only added some minor connectivity changes/ ERG software changes, but has done nothing to address the problems with crank arm and shifter breakage which have plagued many. The new price of $4000. is a big jump above the recently found online price of $3000. for the v1. Not worth the difference to me. Wahoo needs to offer a user replaceable crank arm upgrade( a simple procedure to replace) and correct the shifter internal connectivity issues to support the loyal purchasers of the v1 bike.
Thanks GPLama! Any basic comparison points between the KICKR Bike and the TechnoGym Ride? Specifically when it comes to racing on Zwift?
I’m not across the TechnoGym bike. After their direct drive trainer was reviewed here on this channel, they no longer talk to me. 🤷🏻♂️🤣
@@gplama 😂 ok, thanks for the response!
Does it bridge HR and other sensors over direct connect?
No bridge functionality. At this point.
@@gplama bummer, makes me hold back on the check out button. I mean, so far I neither need wifi nor to bridge HR, but I’m just a tech nerd as you are. So I want it.
I wonder if Wahoo will ever produce a rear wheel trainer with a variant of the electromagnetic virtual flywheel that we see on the Kickr bike? A bit surprised it's not in the line-up by now. Then again where would it fit? Just musing as I've bugger all else to say about the v6. Might be the eventual push to trade in the Kickr18.
Don't give them any ideas! (or at least trademark that one before suggesting it) 🤣
If it ain't broke..
We are looking forward to the bike review before deciding if the new version is worth the price tag. Did they deliver the bike yet?
Arrives tomorrow!
@@gplama I'm beginning to suspect something is wrong with this bike or there would be a review at this point?
@@laf9686 Nope, the local FedEx crew were lazy AF and I had to call them to get the thing delivered. It sat in a warehouse 3km from here for a week. Now I have to unbox/build/ride it.
@@gplama Ah. Thank you. We now have two riders in the household as my partner bought a bike this year (and started watching you regularly). Working on adapting the pain cave for two people.
I still have a Kickr 18 - Helped me rehab for a year after a major accident and injury. Subsequently I only use it in the winter at the weekends when frosty, icy or wet. But, I get terrible microwave drop outs. Can't justify a new Kickr, but is there anyway to retrofit to avoid these dropouts?
No
@@gplama Thanks. Shame 😢
What is the product on your front wheel?
Under it? That's the Tacx NEO riser block.
Silly question… Am I assuming correctly, if I have not experienced any dropout issues should be okay with my current v5?
Yep. 👌🏼
I don't understand the whole wifi thing. Does that connect to an apple tv?
Yes
@@gplama I mean the WiFi. Does it WiFi to an Apple Tv?
I never thought I'd like it this much but the motorized freewheeling on the Tacx Neo 2T is just so good for downhills in Zwift, is there anything similar on the Kickr? I just hate it when the freewheel stops and you have that "unnatural" extra resistance to start pedalling at high speeds again as the downhill ends.
The Kickr Bike has this. Imo it’s a bit of a novelty.
@@gplama There's just something about riding down hills without pedalling and hearing the freewheel ticking along. It's very noticeable once it's gone... Of course this only applies to free riding really.
The freewheeling is what makes it so more natural as well as the road feel. I don’t use the road feel all the time but the freewheeling is what makes the Tacx so much better. The kickr is the same as an old computrainer…pedal going up, pedal going down
@@andrewm6816 Ye I disabled the road feel as well after a few rides but the freewheeling feels so good when you're doing rolling hills and resting on the downhills.
@@NetQvist i mean seriously have you ever climbed Ventoux or d'huez..i have multiple times in real life and on the trainer and who the heck wants to ruin a good downhill!! I rest my case
Sorry this could be a silly Q, is this 12sp compatible? Further from that, is it safe to assume current trainers are 12sp compatible unless specified otherwise? (Saris for example).
Yes. The freehub will take a Shimano 12spd road cassette and there’s a SRAM XDR driver option. Lots of clearance for RD too.
Awesome! How was the popcorn? #pelotonsucks
I'd avoid 'Cinnamon Donut' in the future and go for a more traditional option. Unburnt. 🤣
Is the ERG Easy Ramp a hardware upgrade, or is it something that could be pushed out to older Kickrs via firmware updates?
Not sure. I wouldn’t expect it on older units.
I’m guessing it’s purely software, but then you wouldn’t have a reason to upgrade to a new Kickr
Can you please help me with this.. can i connect Wahoo Kickr Core to Apple TV HD (32Gb)
That is possible. You'll need to use an app such as Zwift/FulGaz, etc.
@@gplama Thanks a lot for the help.. really very greatful
WiFi :-)
So no physical upgrades to the Kickr Bike? It's still only a matter of when, not if, they will break.
More detail when one arrives. I'll give it a solid going-over and side-by-side with the v1.
@@gplama So impatient to watch your review..!!
@@pedoncule36 There's really not much more to the v2 of the bike than what's covered here. It's 99.9% the same. v2 has WiFi/DIRCON support. There has been a minor change to the sound/resonance of the bike. The lever control unit/box has been slightly modified, which was also a running change made to v1.
@@gplama Thanks a lot for your quick reply !! 👍
Hi Shane!
I got my kickr v6 a week ago and it's a total catastrophe... The WiFi is dropping multiple times in Zwift, it's a nightmare. I ordered the direct connect and a cat 8 Ethernet cable, losing connection all the same. Wahoo is telling me this is a known software issue, how come you have no loss at all? Do you know about that? Seriously I can't do anything😥😥😥
No issues here... so it's not something I've had to dive into or diagnose. My network setup is rock solid. I'm not across what software issue Wahoo (or Zwift?) are referring to.
@@gplama I have no idea either but it's dropping several times per hour... And it seems like it's ongoing for a while already as lot of people are having this issue. They haven't said from which software, just that it's known and I need to wait for an update. Not really nice to just tell me to wait... Few months before I can use it? :O
@@gplama Hey Shane, wahoo released a firmware update few hours ago and it seems to have solved everything. I was on for over an hour wit zero drop!!!
Kickr looks good, but you need to do a bad review of that microwave…no ‘popcorn’ button? Unacceptable.
I have Assioma duo and Kickr 5. Tried everything obvious but is there any reason I’m getting a 10-15w difference in readings between the two? Kickr low, Assioma high 😢
Your drive train causes some watts lost. The dirtier the more you loose. Also cross chaining can play a part. Assioma reads the power you put on the pedals and the Kickr at the end of the chain.
@@peterv1307 thanks, that probably explains some part of it actually. Though my drivetrain is absolutely spotless and I generally keep on erg mode for workouts on straight chain lines. I think perhaps this is still worth up to roughly 5w worth of losses, but it feels more than that. Thanks for the reply though, I had forgotten about drivetrain losses!
Just checked training peaks for exact numbers. Intervals on most recent dual recorded workout this weekend in erg mode were 165w on kickr and 181w on Assiomas (all calibrated and full spin-down completed)
I’ve been having the same issue with my Kickr 5 vs my Vector 3 pedals. Been too lazy to contact Wahoo support. Likely they will advise to do an advanced spin down. I have done this once and it helped a bit but still 10 to 15 watts low compared to the pedals. I just use power from my pedals
@@RoyImahara yeh I was on dual Vector 3 before moving to Assiomas and before I owned the Kickr, so never had chance to compare. The move from Vectors to Assiomas was pretty much exactly same power numbers hence me thinking the Kickr reads low. If only I had a llama lab! 🤓
2.4hghz or 2.4/5ghz WiFi?
It’s only 2.4GHz.
Hello, I know you have been waiting for the shipping of the Kickr bike version 2. When do you think the review will come out ? If you have it is it much improved? Quieter? Thanks
Just stepped off it now... umm... it's... well... it has WiFi.
Hopefully review comes out soon. Great channel. Thanks for replying
I’m waiting for a review also from yourself or Ray.
@@andymonks7126 To be honest, there's nothing to wait for. I'm really struggling to find any difference from V1 of the bike. I have a few queries over to Wahoo I'm waiting to hear back on before doing anything further with it.
Hello, thank you for the replies. Any update on possible review of the version 2? I maybe able to get a good discount on version 2 but still will be more than getting the version 1. If you can get version 2 and just pay $550 more is it worth getting the version 2? Thanks for your help
ProTip: Pull the microwave popcorn bag from the opposite corners to open easily
Only 2.4 GHz... what about 5 GHz?
Yes, only 2.4GHz... and it's the first thing I asked. Apparently chip/supply issues prevented this.
the ergmode thing can be sorted through software ? and have they done anything to the build quality of the kickr bike? the clamps, the creaking, the cracked crankarms
Zwift disables ERG if you're not hitting the target watts. It'll re-engage after a few seconds when you ramp up again.
Yeah, feels better in zwift than trainerroad. TR spiral of death is hell 😅
Hope they will done something about the clamps, rocking and weak crank. But it looks exactly the same
Sjekk kommentaren på insta, dei har gjort litt 🤔
@@Eirikkinserdal hvilken kommentar på insta? 😊
Really hard to consider this trainer when the Zwift branded trainer retails for less than half this price. Is it really worth more than 2x the price?
Until we see/test the production firmware from Zwift, it’s all guesswork. They’ll also need to nail delivery and support of the Hub too. Here in AU there’s no option to buy the Zwift Hub at this point.
@@gplama Understandable, but being that there is already a workable firmware out there for the Jet Black trainer, I imagine that fixing this firmware is just a matter of retracing steps until they find out where they fumbled.
@@brent4adv Recent testing with the latest VOLT firmware shows there's still thermal drift and power accuracy issues at higher flywheel speeds. While the VOLT gets quite positive reviews, it's not perfect. And it's not on par with the higher end trainers on the market.
@@gplama Good to know. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I currently run a Kickr Core so I'll stick with that but looking at another trainer (for the wife if I can get her to use it) so considering the Zwift as an option.
Still, I would think thermal drift is an issue they should be able to solve via software. We'll see.
This triggered a memory of a YT video I saw where a woman made an omelette whilst riding on rollers. Think you've made a bit of a rod for your own back here Shane...
If the Kickr Bike 2 arrives any time soon I'll do a croquembouche on it! Or something. 🤣🤣
Geez you would think after v1 they would have addressed all its weaknesses like stability, a place to put your phone/iPad…bitterly disappointing to see such not worth mentioning updates as opposed to upgrades
Elite Justo that you've tested is similar to this cca...in some details even better...The real thing on wahoo is just larger flywheel and a wi fi(if anybody needs that)..So dear Lama,how can you speak stories like this??Did wahoo pay you?😉
The Elite Justo has no WiFi, no automatic firmware update, no ODO. I've done my homework before speaking here. Go back through all my DIRCON videos too, I've been calling for WiFi to be directly built-in for a LONG time. .... and the Justo still being controlled by a stepper motor. How deep do we go here?
Wouldn't touch an elite product with yours. Should stick to water bottles. Wahoo just work.
I dig my KICKR v5 with FULGAZ software for those who prefer climbing epic summits to chatting in SWIFT woohoo-topia-worlds - you hopefully realise that your tres expensive carbon monoque frame was NOT designed to have the rear stays RIGIDLY supported while your front wheel dances "la cucharacha" side-side at 5:02 - the large flex you are introducing into your frame while you pretend to sprint is actually DAMAGING your frame - it was NOT designed for undertaking this type of stress loading and would NEVER see that on the ROAD as the tires would microslip on the tarmac to prevent any over-loading - so do not be too surprised if you are developing microcracks in your frame over time - just saying - surprisingly I have NEVER made popcorn while indoor training so cannot say I NEED the v6 anytime soon - the tech plots were appealing to see the variations in output power comparisons - well done on that part ...
Well, except Wifi and a slightly lighter flywheel, I don't see anything important the kicker has over the actual direto XR, which would justify the price difference of about 700 Euro by today...
You missed auto calibration. But this isn’t a comparison/value review. Prices change.
l have a question which indoor cycling app support WiFi?
Direct Connect is what the software needs to support. All platforms should have it by now, I’d hope: