Wahoo 10Hz 'Race Mode'

Outside of any controversy, I love Wahoo innovative spirit -over the years… I’m still waiting on a somewhat accurate elevation graph in Zwift :slight_smile:

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fixed it.

Was able to update the firmware to 4.3.0 for my Kickr v5 today using my android phone. All good, Race Mode enabled.

I’ve used Race Mode on the Kickr v6 on several rides now, including some A robopacer rides, and some long/hard, strong B group rides. I’ve done numerous of these same rides previously/recently on my Kickr Core, and I’ve gotta say, it’s harder on the v6 in Race Mode. The faster power readings are a double-edge instrument - it picks up the power increase faster, but it also drops your power faster. I was able to be a little bit lazier on the Core, but I’ve got to be very conscious of my power at all times in Race Mode. A brief moment of inattention, or if I try to catch a quick little rest (like a second or two), and I’m going backward. I’ve spent far more time chasing back onto groups on the Race Mode rides than I ever had to with the Core. There could definitely be an advantage when initiating sprints, but that’s literally just a few seconds of advantage at best. That comes at the cost of having to be far more consistent in your effort over the duration of the entire ride, however. I literally feel like my sustainable power has dropped by 5-10 watts on the v6. I was typically in the front 25-30% of the group on the Core, and I’m now in the rear 25-30% on the v6, and working my butt off to even stay there. I keep telling myself that this will make me stronger, LoL. :slight_smile:

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Since I tested dircon/race mode, even for someone like me [zero interest in vRacing], Race Mode is the way to go! It became the default for me.

The fact is that if you want to game the system you don’t need “Race mode” you just need a cheap trainer, but if you really want to see your Power Output as close as IRL for training purposes… dircom/wifi/race mode will drop your jaw :wink:

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I wish my original Kickr Bike could have that mode to be honest.

I set up my Cervelo P5 on the Neo 2T for a while (different position on the bike) and loved how it showed power compared to Kickr Bike:

Kickr Bike: 160-185-235
Neo 2T: 160-163-165-168… etc

I don’t know what the Neo2T does differently to show the power levels more finely - the Kickr Bike on the other hand doesn’t give you fine detail at all. That said the Kickr Bike is far more convenient.

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Agreed, I won’t be going back to non-Race Mode. It’s been a bit of a hit to the ego, but the whole point of Zwit for me is to stay in shape, and I think Race Mode will ultimately help with that.

It has not only dropped my jaw, but everything attached to the jaw is getting dropped more frequently now in Race Mode, too! :slight_smile:

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I’m extremely interested in higher sample rate power - very applicable to my IRL racing (BMX)

Going to have to dig into this a little bit more. Unfortunately my powermeter is 4iiii, but I do have a single-sided stages around.

I bought the direct connect dongle for my Kickr V5 and also found that it is a double-edged sword but I found it advantageous.

It’s not just big sprints you can respond to quickly it’s the little surges in the pack or in a break, you just need a tiny push to get back on, I find it a more “natural” / “realistic” feeling and it’s definitely easier to hold your position in the pack. I do understand what you mean about dropping off quicker but I have to say I didn’t really find that I think perhaps because I’ve always concentrated hard on group positioning as I’m a weaker rider and so far more likely to get dropped.

Of course there is the very clear advantage in sprints (/breaks), you can respond so quickly you can draft the lead rider(s) knowing that if they sprint (and you’re paying attention!) you can respond instantly meaning that you have a better chance of getting past them then and there or staying close enough to keep in their draft.

I’d say overall it’s a definite advantage.

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Still no news on when we can expect Race mode for Kickr Bike v2 or the new Kickr Bike Shift?

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No news from Wahoo as far as I know. Same kind of questions are on the Wahoo forum. Their website still says “coming soon” on the Kickr bike page.