Live Science Verdict
The Wahoo KICKR Bike V2 is a great training tool for cycling enthusiasts serious about elevating their exercise operation — but for those who just require to boost their cardio fitness or lose weight in the consolation of their home , this silken - looking motorcar may be an expensive overkill .
extremist - realistic drive feel
ramp modification
The Wahoo KICKR Bike (V2) can be customized with the pedals of your choice.
extremely customizable conniption , shifting and gearing
feature of speech - tamp workout apps
Max free weight limit of 250 lbs ( 113 kilogram )
The Wahoo KICKR Bike (V2) allows you to adjust saddle height, frame height, stack, reach, and setback.
No smartphone or tablet holder
More expensive than other exercise motorcycle
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A small LED screen is located on the right-hand side underneath the handlebar.
The Wahoo KICKR bike is not a distinctive physical exercise wheel by any way . From its unique design and advanced customization feature to a truly banging price tag end , it goes above and beyond what you would unremarkably see in an exercise wheel . But does the Wahoo KICKR bike extradite a market - beating carrying into action , too ?
It does appear so . This sleek car may be one of thebest exercise bikesmoney can buy , given that it feature incline changes , customizable gearing and other feature design to give out an extremist - naturalistic drive experience . True , the Wahoo KICKR wheel does not total with a huge touch screen like almost all premium example machine these days , but its wide compatibility with fitness apps grant you to access dateless immersive rides and fitness classes on gadget of your choice . The KICKR Bike is also compatible with Wahoo accessories , such as the KICKR Headwind fan that chill you down during workouts , meaning you could make it a part of a fully functional workout place .
However , it costs $ 3,999.99 , wee it one of the most expensive indoor cycle on the market . So is the flagship Wahoo bike deserving such a steep investment ? To find out , we hire the Wahoo KICKR bike for a spin ( wordplay intended ) , assess its design , durability , characteristic and simpleness of use . register on for our take on this iconic drill bike .
The Wahoo KICKR Bike (V2) features a handy bottle holder.
Wahoo KICKR BIKE V2 review
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: Set up and usability
The Wahoo KICKR Bike is comparatively soft to put together . However , it is a leaden and bulky piece of kit , so the forum would ideally involve two people . Also , the packaging does not let in any pedal point , hand tools or bicycle lubricating oil , so ensure you have those on hand when unbox the machine .
The Wahoo KICKR Bike comes with a elaborate and well-heeled - to - understand manual , as well as a handy tutorial video on the Wahoo site . However , some founder may lack the technical knowledge needed for a flawless set - up . If you have never tweaked around a veritable outdoor bike , it may take you a while to get the KICKR up and running . But if you are a more experienced cyclist , you will likely enjoy the familiarity of putting it all together .
First , you call for to tack the stabilizer legs to the lower skeleton and ascertain that the bike is even out and unbendable . Then , you may attach the handlebar , insert the seatpost and punch both shifter cords into the bottom of the moderate presentation screen . Next , impound the pedals of your choice to the crank limb ― you will involve a wrench , some grime and pedal washers let in in the packaging ― then plug your KICKR wheel into the power arranger . Lastly , download the Wahoo app to finish the setup .
There are several selection to customize your bike in the Wahoo app , including an option to upload a photo of your bicycle to let the app clean the best scene for you . We knew the tantrum on our out-of-door wheel so we opted for the honest-to-goodness - fashioned manual adjustments , but using an algorithm to customize your composition of equipment is a truly impressive characteristic . The Wahoo app is a ready to hand piece of package , nonetheless ― it allow you to control the bike and store your workout data , and it integrates all Wahoo accessories into one functioning unit .
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: Design and display
Approximate dimensions : 48 - in disco biscuit 30 - in x 37 - in
Weight : 93 lbs ( 42 kg )
substance abuser height chain : 5 to 6’4 feet ( 1.52 to 1.93 m )
Max substance abuser weighting : 250 lb ( 113 kilo )
Drive type : Belt
Resistance : Electromagnetic and enhanced motor
Grade range : -15 % to +20 %
presentation : small LED CRT screen
Warranty : 1 yr
Compatibility : Wahoo and third - party apps
Other features : Drinks bearer
tone - wise , the Wahoo KICKR Bike does not resemble a typical exercise wheel ― just like an outside bike , it is less podgy , more refined in shape , and it does claim quite a large chunk of the floor infinite . You will not be able-bodied to keep it in a cupboard ( unless its dimensions are larger than 48 - in hug drug 30 - in x 37 - in ) , so ensure you have enough elbow room to store this creature . The KICKR Bike does have a readiness of bicycle , but the gossamer weight of this machine ― a respectable 93 lb , no less ― pee-pee it difficult to move around . If this is a trouble for you then we rede you to keep the cycle in one destine place that is convenient to live with in the room or , if budget allows , invest in a more portable machine .
We were impressed by the customization features of the Wahoo KICKR bike . you’re able to adjust it across five points ― saddleback height , frame height , stack , reach and setback ― so it correspond your body just right . However , we found that adjusting the bike need some strength and manual dexterity ( and right fortune to you if you happen to have long nail ) . The levers are blind drunk and tricky to unlock , and at times we were worried that we would snap them if we practice too much military force . We also find it tricky to keep the bicycle seat at the right angle when align the hindquarters height .
The electric resistance , grade changes and Pteridium aquilinum are controlled by button on the handlebar , while a little LED covert locate on the right - hand side underneath displays what gear you are in , your current grade share , whether the cycle is interlace ( if so , international software is ineffective to control it ) and connexion condition to indicate if it is paired with another equipment . The ascendence feel nonrational and responsive , and we like that the CRT screen did not obscure the view .
We did , however , find the derriere quite uncomfortable . It felt too minute and stiff , and it did lack the padding often seen in other premium exercise bikes . Moreover , the capacitance of the Wahoo KICKR Bike is limited to 250 lbs ( 113 kg ) , so it is not desirable for heavier individuals .
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: Features
The Wahoo KICKR Bike offers racy connectivity to apps and third - political party devices thanks to a 2.4 gigahertz Wi - Fi connection and up to three Bluetooth connexion . We had no problems linking the bicycle to our mobile phone and laptop , and experienced no meantime in data transport between devices .
There are plentifulness of apps that are compatible with the Wahoo KICKR motorcycle , so let ’s concenter on the ones directly related to the brand : the Wahoo app , and the Wahoo SYSTM app .
The master Wahoo app , used to place up , customize and control the cycle , offers three exercise modes . The Level mode is akin to ride on a wind trainer , have in mind the quicker you go , the harder it gets . In the ERG mode , you go down your desired index output , and the machine will automatically adjust the impedance to maintain it regardless of how fast you pedal . Whereas , in the SIM mode , the KICKR bike will mould the ride based on your desired preferences . We liked the versatility of alternative — it is not something you tend to come across in an exercise motorcycle . The Wahoo app also salt away workout data , make up it a useful instrument for tracking operation . And , importantly , it is free of charge .
The Wahoo X and its materialisation Wahoo SYSTM , are declare oneself on a subscription basis , but they descend with a free trial full stop . These apps have been curated by passionate cycling professionals — and it testify . They contain century of cycling exercising , ranging from simple musical interval sessions to pre - recorded fittingness classes and rides on locating where you cruise through picturesque places . These apps also offer plenty of mobility and persuasiveness grooming workouts , often with tips on how to promote performance on the bike and speed up post - exercise recovery . Although designed with cyclists in mind , the workouts can still put up valuable advice to others . There is only one caution : the drumfire of beep and whistles that announce the beginning and death of each workout set can become quite slow after a while , and there is no option to switch it off . you could twist the phone off all , but this means you may lose some of the input from the exercise education .
In addition , the Wahoo SYSTM app offer dozen of running game , swimming and yoga classes , as well as the Systm Mental Training Programme : A series of motivational classes designed to hike up your mental resiliency during competitions and difficult rides . The app also sport challenges , seaworthiness tests and cycling documentary film , and it allows you to track your progress and schedule specific exercise .
All in all , the Wahoo KICKR bike and associate apps volunteer a ton of valuable content to bud cyclist and athlete alike , and we like how bully the apps looked , too .
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: Performance
The Wahoo KICKR Bike does what it promises . It bear an incredibly naturalistic drive flavor , while seamlessly connecting to third - party devices , such as mobile sound and laptops .
We liked that the KICKR Bike behaved like a literal out-of-door bicycle , down to the characteristic ‘ thumping ’ sound heard between gear shifts . Adjustments to opposition and incline were quick and effective , with each gear mechanism and class percentage bringing a touchable difference to the intensity and overall feel of our workouts . The machine feel comparatively sturdy and remained stable at high speeds . Whether we did an active recovery ride or a heart - pumping dash , we found that the KICKR Bike served its purpose well .
We also liked that it was comparatively placid . The Wahoo KICKR Bike is outfit with a hefty motor , but even when kicked into operose action it does not cross the threshold of a easy Harkat ul-Ansar . If you lean to train at odd times of the day and night , this bicycle is improbable to heat up anyone around you .
However , turn over how built-in the apps are to the KICKR Bike experience , you ca n’t help but find the want of a smartphone or tablet bearer . Wahoo does offer a desk stand to go with the wheel , but not everyone has the space or budget for this add - on . reliable , any climb sticking from a handlebar would diminish the naked feel of the KICKR Bike , but not have anything at all does makes it more unmanageable to take full advantage of what Wahoo has to offer .
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: What the users say
The Wahoo KICKR Bike is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on theWahoowebsite , with 69 % of users give it a full five stars . electropositive critique praise this exercise bike for its uncompromising flesh , connectivity , tailor-make features and incline changes . As one user commented , “ The motorcycle is built like a tank . ”
Negative reviews often cite its sky - high Mary Leontyne Price and problematic levers . As one user said , “ It‘s really difficult to not get them [ levers ] to slue . It‘s pesky to then have to make the saddle and handlebar be completely straight on the bike . line up pear-shaped tubes when you are push with all your might to close up the quick - release lever tumbler is quite arduous . ” Some users also disagree on the sturdiness and stability of the Wahoo KICKR bike .
Should you buy the Wahoo KICKR Bike V2?
✅ If you are look for an exercise bike meticulously designed to elevate your cycling performance ( and you do not mind splosh out some serious cash while doing so ) , the Wahoo KICKR bike is a great selection . This beastly political machine takes up quite some space , but its realistic drive feel , customizability and compatibility are hard to match .
❌ However , if you are not a cycling enthusiast , or if you are looking for a more indoor - style workout experience , the Wahoo KICKR Bike may be an overkill , both in terms of price and functionality .
If the Wahoo KICKR Bike V2 isn’t for you
With its sturdy physical body , fashionable tone , and top - rated app content , thePeloton bikemakes for a good alternative to the Wahoo KICKR Bike . It may lack its high customizability , but the flagship Peloton machine offer an as engaging cycling experience at a more pocketbook - well-disposed cost .
TheWattbike Atommay be another suited alternative . It offer a naturalistic ride tone , challenge workouts , and a free app . This exercise bike is also much chinchy than the KICKR bike .
Wahoo KICKR Bike V2: How we tested
We tested the Wahoo KICKR Bike for over a calendar month , looking at its design , durability , ease of use , features and value for money . We put the bike through a range of exercising , include gentle active convalescence rides and high - volume sprint , working through all geartrain and incline changes . We also assessed its connectivity with third - political party machine , explored compatible apps , and turn over our verdict on the overall functionality of the Wahoo KICKR Bike .
