Wahoo Kickr Core - any owners?

[Harleyboy]

hi, I like the look of the Kickr Core and it is a little more affordable than the full fat Kickr or the Tacx Neo 2t. I'm coming from a dumb wheel on trainer so suspect it will feel like a massive upgrade regardless but before I press the button, thought I'd see if anyone has some direct experience?

I'm a Zwift user but of course only getting a partial experience although Zwift is clever enough to not allow me to blast up hills at 20mph even if the resistance doesn't change. I'd be using it at least 3 or 4 times a week.

any comments welcomed.

Thanks

[Handbag]

I have the core and my other half has the full fat one. The only noticeable difference in use is that the core doesn't have levelling feet and is perhaps a little less stable due to the stabilising arms not being quite as good. Mine is quieter and spins down quicker, but it is newer.
You won't notice any difference in performance unless you're putting out a huge amount of power.

[Harleyboy]

Thanks, that’s really useful. I don’t think I’ll be troubling the max power limits 😃

[MrBarry123]

The newest Kickr has a heavier flywheel than the Core which is supposed to feel more realistic whilst riding. I have the newest version of the Kickr (2020) and the ride feel is very good.

[Mastodon2]

I've got the "full fat", top of the line Kickr. If you get the Kickr Core, you can buy the Axis feet as a separate upgrade, they give the bike a bit more lateral tilt, most noticeable during maximum power sprints. It's not life-changing, but it is one of those little things that makes the Kickr a better experience than other trainers.

If you're coming from from a trainer that can't adjust the resistance based on what Zwift tells it, you will find a proper smart trainer to be a huge improvement. Being able to feel climbs and descents properly will be night and day in terms of realism. Also, having ERG mode working properly will make the workouts mode a viable option. I think if you've got only got a dumb trainer, the Zwift workouts just wouldn't work.

In terms of feel, the flywheel effect on the Kickr is very good and much more like riding a bike on the road than some trainers I've tried. I think it's worth having a good indoor trainer; it will never be as much fun as riding outside, but if it feels similar to riding in terms of resistance, flywheel feel etc, it makes the training process feel a bit more relevant to road riding.

[Harleyboy]

Thanks - really useful comments. I know I could probably pick any smart trainer and the difference would be huge but I want to get the best I can. Don’t think I can stomach doing £1000 on the full fat version but it sounds as if the Core will work very well.

[IrateNinja]

I got a Core in February this year, have put around 100 hours into it since.

Love it to be honest. Means I don't have to force myself out in the dark or wet, and can do some more controlled sessions when i fancy it. Hasn't missed a beat, and very closely aligns with the Spesh power meter I have on my cranks.

[Harleyboy]

Excellent. Order going in today I think!

[Paper Lawyer]

I was weighing up the Core and full fat Kickr back in May/June. However, I was won over by the Climb (yes, it is expensive for what is is, but it does make it more immersive and I wouldn't return to just a front wheel on the front forks) and when I realised I could get the Kickr & Climb "KOM" bundle for just £150 over buying the Core and CLimb as separate items, I was sold....