Back in 2021, I purchased a Wahoo Kickr. I guess it’s a V5 since the V6 is 2022 onwards.
I’ve been using it through the winters with my old Stumpjumper. As I have a SRAM eagle 12 x 1 drivetrain on it, I have to swap over my front chainring to a larger 36T one, but even then, the gearing isn’t enough for some of the routes. It’s fine for climbing a lot of the hilly routes… just not so much for coming down, and even the flats.
I’m a mountain biker, and have no interest in road cycling - which is why I’ve never bought a road bike for the Kickr… but I find Zwift particularly useful for the dark / cold nights.
Anyway - I recently stumbled upon the Zwift Ride Smart Frame and thought that’d be ideal. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with my V5 Kickr
I see Wahoo are doing a package with the Kickr Core and the frame… but nothing with the Kickr. When I bought my Kickr, it was almost double the price of the Kickr Core, and reviewed as a much better trainer.
The package comes in at £1200, but if I was to buy a frame and Kickr V6, it’d cost me £850 + £750.
I guess I have 2 questions. Is there away to be a Kickr V7 due out soon that Wahoo are ‘out of stock’ of Kickrs? Would I notice a big difference downgrading to a Kickr Core?
I think if you adjust the wheel size in Wahoo settings that should change the base level of resistance from the trainer. You could talk to Wahoo support about that for guidance.
You can also pair via the QZ app and it will let you increase the trainer’s resistance level.
With all the reports of damaged Zwift Ride deliveries, failed controllers, bent chainrings, etc. and their support being overloaded, I would think twice about that. If you like your trainer and you like your bike, the best solution for you might be one of the alternatives. You already have a great trainer. I can’t say whether you would notice the difference between the V5 and the Core. Some would, some wouldn’t.
Having the Zwift Ride frame would be a better option than converting my Stumpjumper every time I want to use it - plus re-indexing gears etc. If it was just the cost of the frame, then I’d definitely go down that route… but I don’t really want to have to buy another Kickr to make it work.
I’ll have a look at adjusting the resistance level
I did have a look at it, but I don’t think it’s really suitable. The Kickr currently has a home on a shelf when not in use, and my bike is stored on a Floaterhoist on the ceiling… so the floor can be cleared in a few minutes. My garage doubles as a golf simulator, so a clear floor is required in the winter for that too.
The Kickr bike doesn’t appear to have a fold up option, and looks pretty heavy to be moving about. The Smart Frame looks like something I’d easily be able to store when not in use.
I guess I’ll just stick with what I have for the time being and see what happens.
Personally I would go with a used road bike, with play controllers, on your V5, with mechanical shifting. It would cost less, it’s easy to repair at home or have serviced at any shop, and you get your choice of all cycling apps now or in the future. The Ride is more adjustable though, so easier to share between multiple riders if that’s a consideration.
Keep an eye out for the Elite Square as well… a smartbike frame that should work with your existing v5 trainer. Supposedly releasing later this year, but we’ll see
