Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
  • Get Started
    • Create Zwift Account
    • How To Get Started On Zwift
    • Zwift Course Maps
    • How to Race on Zwift (Setup, Strategy, and More)
    • Women’s Racing on Zwift
    • Links Every Zwifter Must Have
    • More “Get Started” Posts
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Training & Nutrition
    • Racing
    • Zwift Hacks
  • Reference
    • How Zwift Works
    • Course Calendar
    • RoboPacer Calendar
    • Climb Portal Calendar
    • Route of the Week Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Game Updates
    • Smart Trainer Index
      • Current Models
      • Exhaustive Trainer List
    • Achievements & Unlocks
      • XP Basics for Riders
      • XP Basics for Runners
      • Kit Unlock Codes
      • Master List of Badges
    • Frames & Wheels
    • Routes & Maps
      • Master List: Routes
      • Master List: Climb Portal
      • Master List: KOMs
      • Master List: Sprints
      • Master List: Rebel Routes
      • Downloadable Watopia Map
      • Printable List of Routes by Difficulty
    • Speed Tests
    • Tiny Races
  • Women
    • Race Calendar
    • Why race?
    • Women’s Teams
    • Racer Spotlights
    • More Women’s Racing posts
  • Shop
    • Watopia Map and Other Posters
    • ZI Indoor Cycling Kit
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Get Started
    • Create Zwift Account
    • How To Get Started On Zwift
    • Zwift Course Maps
    • How to Race on Zwift (Setup, Strategy, and More)
    • Women’s Racing on Zwift
    • Links Every Zwifter Must Have
    • More “Get Started” Posts
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Training & Nutrition
    • Racing
    • Zwift Hacks
  • Reference
    • How Zwift Works
    • Course Calendar
    • RoboPacer Calendar
    • Climb Portal Calendar
    • Route of the Week Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Game Updates
    • Smart Trainer Index
      • Current Models
      • Exhaustive Trainer List
    • Achievements & Unlocks
      • XP Basics for Riders
      • XP Basics for Runners
      • Kit Unlock Codes
      • Master List of Badges
    • Frames & Wheels
    • Routes & Maps
      • Master List: Routes
      • Master List: Climb Portal
      • Master List: KOMs
      • Master List: Sprints
      • Master List: Rebel Routes
      • Downloadable Watopia Map
      • Printable List of Routes by Difficulty
    • Speed Tests
    • Tiny Races
  • Women
    • Race Calendar
    • Why race?
    • Women’s Teams
    • Racer Spotlights
    • More Women’s Racing posts
  • Shop
    • Watopia Map and Other Posters
    • ZI Indoor Cycling Kit
More
    Trainers

    Wahoo Kickr 2018 Review Roundup

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    July 12, 2019
    LAST UPDATED September 16, 2019
    0

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” _builder_version=”3.22.3″ background_color=”#d8d8d8″ box_shadow_style=”preset6″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”0″ _address=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article intro” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0.0″]

    We’ve combed the web seeking Wahoo KICKR 2018 reviews and information, summarizing our findings so you can learn everything worth knowing about this very popular smart trainer. If you decide to purchase the KICKR 2018, please consider doing so through the shopping links at the bottom of this post, as this will help support Zwift Insider. 

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”1″ _address=”1″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”1.0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”1.0.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.0.0.0″]

    Wahoo rolled out the KICKR 2018 direct-drive trainer at July 2018’s Eurobike show. As the 4th update to their flagship model, the KICKR 2018 competes directly with the industry’s top direct-drive smart trainers including the Tacx Neo, Hammer H2, and Elite Drivo.

    The KICKR is the world’s most popular smart trainer, and for good reason: it’s a rock-solid unit which consistently performs well. It’s also backed by Wahoo’s US-based support, which has a reputation as being quite fair and responsive.

    What could you possibly change in the world’s most popular smart trainer? In a word: noise. Wahoo has made the new KICKR virtually silent… and that’s big news! Previous KICKR models were known for their distinctive sound, but the KICKR 2018 replaces the timing belt with a v-belt, with the result being sweet, sweet silence. They’ve also made it compatible with more bikes and upgraded the flywheel from 12.5 to 16 pounds for a more realistic road feel.

    These upgrades plus the KICKR’s solid reputation made it DC Rainmaker’s top recommended high-end trainer for 2018.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”1.0.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quick Quotes” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_color=”#efefef” custom_padding=”20px|20px|5px|20px” border_radii=”|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.0.1.0″]

    Quick Quotes

    Ray at DC Rainmaker says: 

    Wahoo KICKR is the best trainer Wahoo’s ever made. It’s quiet, works with every app out there, is easy to use, and doesn’t require an arts and crafts project to get it up and running. It’s spot-on accurate, reacts quickly, and the flywheel is the best Wahoo has ever offered. All of that is great, Wahoo has no reason to be ashamed of it.

    Tariq at SmartBikeTrainers says:

    It’s a solid trainer, accurate and quiet. I have no reservation recommending it to anyone.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”1″ _address=”1.1″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”1.1.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Promo Video” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.1.0.0″]

    Wahoo KICKR 2018 Promo Video

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0X_UmN1-I” image_src=”//i.ytimg.com/vi/3SgxQVi5d4M/hqdefault.jpg” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”1″ _address=”1.1.0.1″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”2″ _address=”1.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”1.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kickr-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.2.0.0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”1.2.1″][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kickr-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.2.1.0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”2″ _address=”1.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kickr-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.2.2.0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”3″ _address=”1.3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”1.3.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Key Specs” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” link_text_color=”#e09900″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#595959″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.3.0.0″]

    Key Specs

    • Accuracy: + / – 2%
    • Maximum Grade: 20%
    • Maximum Power Output: 2200W
    • Flywheel Weight: 16 lb
    • 20″L x 9″W x 17″H (legs closed), 20″L x 28″W x 17″H (legs open)
    • Weight: 47 lb
    • Hub Types: 130/135mm QR, 12×142, and 12×148. Thru Axle Adapters included.
    • KICKR Climb and Headwind compatible
    • 11-speed 11-28 cassette and RPM cadence sensor included

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”1.3.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pros & Cons” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#930707″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ _i=”0″ _address=”1.3.1.0″]

    Pros & Cons

    The Good:

    • Very quiet
    • Realistic flywheel feel
    • KICKR Climb compatible
    • Built like a tank

    The Bad:

    • Some quality control issues in early manufacturing runs
    • Quite heavy

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” _builder_version=”3.22.3″ background_color=”#dddddd” box_shadow_style=”preset6″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”2″ _address=”2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”2.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”2.0.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Video Reviews” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.0.0.0″]

    Video Reviews

    We’ve taken a look at the best KICKR 2018 review videos and summarized them for quick digestion.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.0.0″]

    Shane Miller

    • Very quiet, matching or even beating the Tacx Neo (the gold standard for silence)
    • Pairs with KICKR Climb, no problem
    • Accurate power throughout all tests

     

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”2.1.1″][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X09mAhzfi-0″ image_src=”//i.ytimg.com/vi/Fi_w2vghs1k/hqdefault.jpg” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.1.0″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”2″ _address=”2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.0.0″]

    DC Rainmaker

    • Seems quiet, but you can listen and decide 

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”2.2.1″][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7EE0B6IsmU&t=2s” image_src=”//i.ytimg.com/vi/-7EE0B6IsmU/hqdefault.jpg” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.1.0″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”3″ _address=”2.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.0.0″]

    SMARTBikeTrainers

    • Very quiet
    • Power accuracy is very good
    • Built-in cadence would be nice
    • Hard to tell if bigger flywheel feels different

     

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”2.3.1″][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZXNfIIFheA” image_src=”//i.ytimg.com/vi/BZXNfIIFheA/hqdefault.jpg” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”3.26″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.1.0″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″ background_color=”#000000″ custom_margin=”-1px||2px||false|” fb_built=”1″ _i=”3″ _address=”3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”3.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”3.0.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusions” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” link_text_color=”#4389c1″ header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” _i=”0″ _address=”3.0.0.0″]

    Conclusions

    There has been some talk of “flywheel-gate” due to reports of some KICKR 2018 units developing a clicking noise from a loose flywheel key. All indications are that Wahoo support has been very good about getting issues resolved, and Wahoo CEO  Chip Hawkins even worked with DC Rainmaker to create a video explaining these issues.

    With Wahoo continuing to stand behind its product, and the newest model being virtually silent and very compatible with a wide range of frames, it’s safe to say the newest KICKR will help Wahoo continue to keep its place at the top of the smart trainer mountain. In fact, as DC Rainmaker so astutely pointed out, it could be that some of the biggest competition for the KICKR 2018 is the KICKR Core, Wahoo’s newest model which has much of the standard KICKR’s capabilities but for $300 less. 

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”4″ _address=”4″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”4.0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”4.0.0″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Read Reviews” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.0.0.0″]

    Read KICKR 2018 Reviews

    DC Rainmaker
    Gearmashers
    SMARTBikeTrainers

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||” _i=”1″ _address=”4.0.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Where to Buy” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.0.1.0″]

    Where to Buy

    Direct from Wahoo
    Clever Training
    REI
    Competitive Cyclist

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

    Related Posts

    Facebook
    Twitter
    Pinterest
    ReddIt
      Eric Schlange
      Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
      Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava
      Subscribe
      Notify of
      guest

      guest

      0 Comments
      Oldest
      Newest Most Voted
      Inline Feedbacks
      View all comments

      Get Started on Zwift

      Sign Up (Free Trial)
      Buy Zwift Ride
      Buy KICKR CORE One
      Read More...

      Newest Featured Posts

      Zwift Offers Free Play Controllers To Level 85+ Riders

      Hardware/Equipment

      Join the CommuniTTTy: On-Demand Zwift Time Trialing!

      Racing

      Support This Site

      Write a post, shop through us, donate or advertise. Learn more

      NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

      Zwift tips and news every 2 weeks! Click to subscribe.

      More Posts

      Zwift Will Not Be Hosting an Elite Zwift World Series This Fall

      Racing

      Zwift Charts: Climb Portal Growth

      Routes & Maps

      Friday Night Fun Races Announced

      Events

      Zwift Releases Fitness Trends Charts on Companion App

      Game Updates

      This community-driven site is maintained by Eric Schlange and a team of Zwift enthusiasts. Zwift Insider is independent of Zwift corporate (www.zwift.com), although Zwift does provide funding to help defray site costs.

      This site contains affiliate links to Amazon, Wahoo, and other brands. Zwift Insider makes a small commission on purchases made from these links, so please shop through them to support our efforts.

      Terms of Use/DMCA Copyright Policy

      Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent

      [email protected]

      Latest articles

      “Hautacam” Climb Portal Details

      Zwift Route of the Week Schedule

      Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of July 12-13

      Popular Categories

      • Racing1509
      • Events1014
      • News833
      • Training & Nutrition712
      • Interviews564
      • Routes & Maps447
      Comment Author Info
      :wpds_smile::wpds_grin::wpds_wink::wpds_mrgreen::wpds_neutral::wpds_twisted::wpds_arrow::wpds_shock::wpds_unamused::wpds_cool::wpds_evil::wpds_oops::wpds_razz::wpds_roll::wpds_cry::wpds_eek::wpds_lol::wpds_mad::wpds_sad::wpds_exclamation::wpds_question::wpds_idea::wpds_hmm::wpds_beg::wpds_whew::wpds_chuckle::wpds_silly::wpds_envy::wpds_shutmouth:
      0
      0
      Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
      ()
      x
      | Reply
      You are going to send email to

      Move Comment

    • Related Posts