Wahoo Kickr Core high resistance on low gear - first use

General Discussion
1

Hi,

I recently purchased a Wahoo Kickr Core. After the installation of my bike on the Kickr, and giving it a first go, I noticed the resistance was pretty high. The resistance did not match at all with the feeling I have on the road with this gear.
Is there some setup in the Wahoo that causes this?
Thanks in advance,

Maarten

2

Were you just pedaling with your bike on the Core? Or were you connected to Zwift or some other app? Have you done a calibration? Were you connected to Zwift in erg mode?

Some additional information about your setup would be helpful.

3

If its a new version Kickr Core there is auto spindown calibration. Have you updated your software for the Core via the wahoo app, it will also register your unit for warranty

4

That’s news to me. Was there something announced about Kickr Core auto calibration? I thought it was only for v5 and newer.

5

I wish I could add a video here, but when I’m starting to ride and shift to the fourth gear from the left (and from then on all the gears), there is:

  • a lot more resistance than expected from this gear
  • the bike starts making an creaking sound in the crankset area

Firmware is updated V1.1.3
Spindown performed

My uncle noticed I could not reach my eleventh gear, which seems to be a set up problem that could explain the creaking sound (the chain is pulled too tight?) but that would not explain the difference in resistance.

6

the issue with not being able to get into a certain gear is probably just an indexing problem and can be fixed by tightening or loosening the rear derailleur cable. Chains don’t usually cause a creaking sound, that could be anything from a bearing in your bottom bracket to a loose pedal or other bolt.

The resistance will feel different if this is the first time you have ever used the trainer and I suspect you will get used to it over time. Choose a flat route like Tempus Fugit in Watopia and go for a spin, most of the route is pan flat.

7

Unfortunately I’m not allowed to add links in this reply but I uploaded a recording on Youtube with a short recording of the sound.
“Kickr Core test 08/12/2023”

From 0:07 I shift to a heavier gear and you’ll hear this creaking sound around the bottom bracket. At the same time, the jump in resistance is much higher than the same jump from those gears on a road ride.

As a test, I was just following the data in the Wahoo fitness app via ‘record’ and then checking the date in ‘Passive’ and ‘Level’. I was not in ERG mode.