Wahoo’s KICKR is the most popular smart trainer in the world, and for good reason – it was one of the first, it’s built like a tank, and it’s backed by Wahoo’s solid support and distribution network.
Now in its 6th generation, things can get a little confusing if you’re looking to buy a used KICKR or pick up some new/old stock at a bargain price.
Buy a New Wahoo KICKR
Here’s a complete rundown of all the differences between each KICKR generation so you can tell them apart visually and understand the evolution of this smart trainer.
Identifying Your KICKR Generation
Each KICKR has a few unique characteristics which make it easy to identify visually.
KICKR v1 (’14)
- Carry handle is black and directly mounted to downsloping bar
- Power plug is beneath that handle on the underside of the downsloping bar
- No LED lights
KICKR v2 (’16)
- Downsloping bar completely envelopes the rear axle assembly and has a straight plastic cap
- Flywheel side of pulley is not recessed
KICKR v3 (’17)
- Downsloping bar ends flush with the rear axle, has a welded top, with a slight bulge in the center where the axle travels through
- Flywheel side of pulley is not recessed
KICKR v4 (’18)
- Downsloping bar ends flush with the rear axle, has a welded top, with a slight bulge in the center where the axle travels through
- Flywheel side of pulley is recessed
KICKR v5 (’20)
- Includes an RJ11 (phone jack) Direct Connect port just above the power plug
- Wider AXIS feet used for all contact points
KICKR v6 (’22)
- WiFi status light instead of ANT+
SKU/Part # Identification
KICKR models can be identified by the Part# on the white sticker on the drive side of the flywheel plastics:
| Model | SKU/Part # |
| KICKR v6 (2022) | WFBKTR122 |
| KICKR v5 (2020) | WFBKTR120 |
| KICKR v4 (2018) | WFBKTR118 |
| KICKR v3 (2017) | WFBKTR117 |
| KICKR v2 (2016) | WFBKTR116 |
| KICKR v1 (< 2016) | WFBKTRNR11 |
| KICKR CORE | WFBKTR4 |
Hardware Differences Between KICKR Models
| Model Year | Belt Type | Flywheel | Accuracy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (Gen 1) | Timing | 12lb | 3% | The only model with a strain gauge, a slanted handle, and no LED indicators. |
| 2016 (Gen 2) | Timing | 12lb | 2% | |
| 2017 (Gen 3) | Timing | 12lb | 2% | |
| 2018 (Gen 4) | V | 16lb | 2% | First model to include built-in cadence and support multiple Bluetooth connections. |
| 2020 (Gen 5) | V | 16lb | 1% | First model to include auto-calibration, an RJ11 port, and AXIS feet. |
| 2022 (Gen 6) | V | 16lb | 1% | First model to include WiFi |
Compatibility/Feel Differences Between KICKR Models
| Model Year | Noise Level | Climb compatible | Thru Axle compatibility | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (Gen 1) | Noisy | No | 12x142 with adapter kit | Decent |
| 2016 (Gen 2) | Quieter than previous | No | Same as previous | Better than previous |
| 2017 (Gen 3) | Same as previous | Yes (Usually) | 12x142 and 12x148 | Same as previous |
| 2018 (Gen 4) | Very quiet | Yes | Same as previous | Same as previous |
| 2020 (Gen 5) | Same as previous | Yes | Same as previous | Race mode supported |
| 2022 (Gen 6) | Same as previous | Yes | Same as previous | Same as previous |
Great and useful info, Eric. Looks like it’s come about since your last update of this article, but for the next update you might want to consider adding “Race Mode” capability to the “hardware differences” table for the gen 5 & 6 models. Cheers!
It’s already listed in the Compatibility/Feel Differences table!
Please, the Kickr Core WFBKTR4, exactly what model is it? V5 or V4 What are its characteristics?
That’s a lower-spec trainer than the standard Wahoo KICKR. See details at https://zwiftinsider.com/smart-trainer/wahoo-kickr-core/
Do you have any more info on the TA adapter for the V1 kickr? I thought it wasn’t TA or disc brake compatible period!
Is the wahoo kickr v2 (wf113)( straight handlebar top) possible to make it usable for insert axle, a bike with disc brakes?
Yes, there was (is?) an adapter kit available for thru axles. Not sure that if it’s still available, but you could reach out to Wahoo support and ask.
What cassette was included on the various models? Someone is trying to sell an Ultegra 11-speed 11/23, saying that it’s a take-off from a Kickr, and I want to call BS on them because I’m pretty sure that all the Kickrs (except maybe the Core, with its multiple cassette options at time of purchase) came with 105 cassettes and 11/28 gearing.
My V1 KICKR came with a 11 speed SRAM cassette.
Do you know belt part number? For kickr v6 … I know it is the same as v4 … I got a “weck … Weck” noise. Looking for good price budget.. I don’t know if it will fix the noise problem.
Great reference for someone like me looking for a good used wahoo. Now I know it must be. V4 or newer!!
So much for the “it’s built like a tank, and it’s backed by Wahoo’s solid support and distribution network” unless you are in South Africa and get told that “We unfortunately no longer have new units, since Wahoo Fitness HQ has discontinued support for this trainer. No new units can be made available”. And you need a new drive belt, so you sit with ur finger in ur ear so a Kicker V1-V2 can’t be repaired, go figure
I am selling a V1 for parts as the power is fluctuating a bit and Zwift can’t support it with parts (too old), the belt is fine though.