Zwift Hub and Wahoo KICKR Core Bundled with Discounted 1-Year Zwift Membership

Zwifters have been requesting a discounted annual membership since the platform’s early days, and today Zwift has taken the first steps toward offering exactly that.

The Zwift Hub and Wahoo KICKR Core smart trainers are now being sold as bundle deals that include 1 year of Zwift membership at a steep discount.

Shop Zwift Hub

Shop KICKR Core

This increases Zwift Hub’s price from $499 to $599 (€599/£549), but given that a year of Zwift costs $180 (€180/£156), this is a big discount if you plan to keep your Zwift membership active year-round.

(US and EU Zwifters would need to turn off their Zwift account for at least 6 months of the year before the discounted annual membership wouldn’t save them money, or 5 months for UK Zwifters.)

Membership bundling will increase Wahoo’s KICKR Core from $599 to $699 (€699/£639) on Wahoo.com and Zwift.com, but you can still buy the Core without Zwift bundling through other resellers.

Flexible Annual Membership

The bundled membership doesn’t come with any restrictions, either. It’s a simple membership code that can be used by current Zwift users, new users, or even given to a friend.

Zwift says, “Your year-long Zwift Membership code will be sent to the email address provided at checkout. Activate it on zwift.com once you’re ready to ride, or forward it on if you’re gifting Zwift Hub to someone else.”

More Annual Membership Discounts Coming?

Is this a sign that Zwift will begin offering annual membership discounts to all users soon? Perhaps. If that does happen, we wouldn’t expect them to offer an annual membership for just $100. Many Zwifters would be happy to get just 2-4 free months in an annual plan, and that’s where we would expect Zwift to price it.

Questions or Comments?

Does the membership bundling make either of these trainers more attractive to you? Would you jump at a Zwift annual membership discount, and if so, at what price point? Share below!

Wahoo’s New KICKR MOVE Smart Trainer: Details and Full Review

Wahoo announced two new indoor trainers today: a lower-priced smart bike named KICKR BIKE SHIFT (read our review) and a smart trainer with fore/aft movement named KICKR MOVE.

We’ve had both items in the Zwift Insider Pain Lab for a few weeks, running them through their paces. And today we share our experience with each, along with key specs and other details!

Let’s talk about the KICKR MOVE. (Apologies: we’re not yelling. Wahoo just likes to capitalize its product names.)

Features and Specs

The MOVE is priced $300 above Wahoo’s flagship KICKR. So how does it compare?

Simple: the MOVE is essentially identical to the newest KICKR, except it allows the bike to move on all 4 axes. Hence the name. You can see the movement nicely in Wahoo’s promo video:

We’ll talk more about this movement below, but the MOVE allows for extensive fore/aft movement and a small amount of side-to-side movement. The mechanism which allows this movement means the MOVE is a bit wider, and nearly 20lb/9kg heavier, than the standard KICKR.

Listed specs/features include:

Unboxing/Setup

Unboxing, assembly, and setup were simple enough – at this point we’ve unpacked and set up so many smart bikes and trainers that a quick glance at the instruction manual is all that’s needed!

Unboxing and Assembly

For those less experienced, Wahoo has introduced a new unboxing experience with the KICKR MOVE and SHIFT bike (it will soon be rolled out across their indoor training range). This was actually quite helpful with the KICKR MOVE, as the box design made it much easier to get the trainer out of the packaging compared to past KICKRs (and we’ve unpacked a lot of KICKRs!)

This is an especially welcome change with the MOVE, since it is a heavy trainer! We weighed it at 66.3 lbs (30kg), compared to the standard KICKR at 47.7 lbs (21.6kg).

Wahoo’s new packaging is also more sustainable with a 90% reduction in non-recyclable foam, and a QR code takes riders to a quick and easy digital guide, delivered through videos.

WiFi Connect + Firmware Updates

After plugging in the MOVE, we connected to it via the Wahoo app to check for firmware updates (there weren’t any). We then connected it to our WiFi, allowing us to connect easily and reliably to the smart trainer on Zwift.

(The MOVE, of course, supports ANT and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Wahoo’s Direct Connect dongle. And while all of these methods work just fine, we’ve loved the ease and reliability of connecting via WiFi. It’s become our standard way of riding with Wahoo trainers.)

Bike Setup

Setting up the MOVE at our Zwift station, we noticed two things:

• It’s significantly wider than the standard KICKR, due to the central fore/aft mechanism adding 4.5″/11cm to the overall width
• You have to allow extra space for the 8″/20cm of fore/aft movement

Our bike slipped right onto the quick release and matched up perfectly with the pre-installed 11-speed cassette. We needed to adjust the height of the MOVE’s feet so our bike was straight up and down, allowing us to rock a bit to each side. (If your bike is leaning to one side you’ll only be able to rock one way, which feels quite awkward.) With setup done, it was time to ride!

Ride Experience

Fore/Aft Movement

The MOVE’s big selling point is allowing your bike to move beneath you. As someone who has tested numerous rocker plates, rocking trainers, and other movement-enabling devices, I’m more qualified than most to offer an educated opinion on this topic. In fact, I’ve used a rocker plate of some type for the vast majority of my ~8 years of Zwifting!

The MOVE allows for approximately 8″ of fore/aft movement. How does this compare to other products on the market? For reference, the Saris MP1 allows 9.5″, while the Velocity rocker plates allow around 6.5″.

The MOVE’s fore/aft movement follows a shallow arc, similar to the Saris MP1. This means you’re automatically centered in the trough of the arc, but can move forward (perhaps when getting out of the saddle) or backward (when sitting down) in the arc quite easily and naturally.

There’s a bit of noise as you move fore and aft, but it’s fairly quiet – quieter than the Velocity rocker, but louder than the perfectly-silent E-FLEX from InsideRide.

Don’t want any fore/aft movement? There’s a large “switch” which can be engaged to lock it out. This is especially handy when relocating the MOVE to another room in the house.

We found the MOVE’s fore/aft movement quite natural, and never felt we hit the “end” of the arc despite throwing the bike around a fair amount. It’s a pleasing motion that reduces friction on your sit bones, increases realism, and reduces strain on your bike frame.

(Important note: the MOVE won’t feel great with a standard CLIMB device on your front forks, but today Wahoo also released a base adapter (below) that enables the CLIMB to “rock” in a way that moves your front forks along the same arc as the trainer moves your rear triangle. The price is $49.99/€49.99/£44.99. We don’t have the adapter yet, so we can’t comment on the ride experience yet.)

Side-To-Side Movement

Wahoo claims four-axis movement for the MOVE, but let’s be clear: the MOVE doesn’t rock left to right as far as a typical rocker plate.

Velocity says their plate allows for 15 degrees of left-right movement, while KOM Cycling allows for 13 degrees and SBR ROCKR Pro allows for 18 degrees. The KICKR MOVE? By our calculations, it’s around 2 degrees. More movement than the semi-flexible Tacx NEO, but much less than a typical rocker plate.

Most of that movement comes from a slight rock in the new central fore/aft mechanism, while a bit comes from the spongy feet at the end of each KICKR leg.

So the MOVE brings more side-to-side action into the KICKR world, but it’s far from the range of motion like you experience outdoors and, indeed, on many rocker plates. That said, the added movement absolutely increases comfort during Zwift sessions. Don’t expect a natural side-to-side rocking with out-of-the-saddle riding, but expect increased comfort as the bike rocks below you while seated.

Power Accuracy

Having completed several workouts, rides, and races with power dual recorded from the MOVE and our Favero Assioma pedals, we can say the MOVE is accurate and within spec.

Things got off to a messy start, though. When our demo MOVE arrived, it was clearly over-reading by 15-20W. We let the trainer auto-calibrate, but that didn’t fix things, so eventually we performed a factory spindown and viola!, the MOVE’s power lined up with our Assiomas. See the before and after videos.

We reached out to Wahoo to let them know about this issue – here’s what they told us:

We’ve reviewed your factory calibration data and it appears some of the early pre-production units missed the factory calibration procedure which resulted in the 15-20W discrepancy that you’re seeing and why the factory spindown you performed corrected the error.

We’ve validated that all of our mass production units have gone through the proper factory spindown procedure and won’t be subject to this issue that you’re seeing. 

Another thing to note is that the automatic calibration algorithm would have corrected this issue over time but it would have taken quite a few sessions on the trainer.

~Wahoo Support

Once the factory spindown was done, the MOVE performed beautifully. Here’s our standard smart trainer test workout (click to see the actual chart on ZwiftPower):

No complaints here. The MOVE performed like a champ across a range of flywheel speeds, wattages, and cadences. This didn’t surprise us one bit, though, since the MOVE is built on the well-tested KICKR platform.

Inertial Feel

Every trainer uses different tricks to try and replicate the inertial “feel” of pedaling outdoors. When you’re moving fast outside on flat ground, you’re not pushing hard across the top or bottom of your pedal stroke – inertia carries the pedals across those sections. On steeper climbs, however, there’s less of that inertia, so you have to push through more of the pedal stroke.

The “feel” of a particular trainer is rather subjective, with each trainer trying to replicate realistic inertia through some combination of physical flywheels and/or resistance changes managed by firmware.

We found the MOVE’s inertial feel to be smooth and realistic, exactly like the standard KICKR.

Noise Level

The MOVE is a bit noisier than the standard KICKR, because movement along any of its axes produces noise. Fore/aft movement produces a sliding sound, while side-to-side movement produces a bit of a knock as you hit the mechanical rocking limits.

Most of those sounds get drowned out by the sound of your drivetrain, though, so we would still describe the MOVE as a very quiet trainer.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, we found Wahoo’s new KICKR MOVE to be exactly that: a smart trainer built on the industry-leading KICKR platform that brings four-axis movement into the game.

The fore-aft movement is smooth and natural, while the side-to-side movement is more limited and less natural – but still better than no movement at all. Adding this movement to the long list of KICKR features makes the KICKR MOVE the most feature-rich trainer on the market today.

Is it worth the price tag? That depends on how you do the math, and how picky you are about your side-to-side movement. Adding a fore/aft rocker device to a standard KICKR will cost you an extra $600US+, so in that sense, the KICKR MOVE is a great deal as an all-in-one premium trainer solution. On the other hand, one could purchase a midrange trainer like Wahoo’s KICKR Core or Zwift’s Hub, add a full-motion rocker plate like the Velocity Rocker, and come out at least a few hundred bucks ahead of the MOVE, with the ability to ride more naturally out of the saddle.

We’re happy to see Wahoo acknowledging through product development that bike movement affects indoor training. Proper movement adds comfort, and the more comfortable you are, the longer and harder you can ride. Perhaps Wahoo’s introduction of the MOVE will even encourage some longtime “static” indoor riders to take another look at adding movement to their indoor setup.

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

Wahoo’s New KICKR BIKE SHIFT: Details and Full Review

Wahoo announced two new indoor trainers today: a lower-priced smart bike named KICKR BIKE SHIFT and a smart trainer with fore/aft movement named KICKR MOVE (read our review).

We’ve had both items in the Zwift Insider Pain Lab for a few weeks, running them through their paces. And today we share our experience with each, along with key specs and other details!

Let’s talk about the KICKR BIKE SHIFT. (Apologies: we’re not yelling. Wahoo just likes to capitalize its product names.)

Comparing Features and Specs: KICKR BIKE SHIFT vs KICKR BIKE Gen 2

The SHIFT is priced $1,000 below the BIKE. So how does it compare?

The SHIFT clearly benefits from much of the BIKE’s proven tech, sporting many of the same features. We’ve got a KICKR BIKE Gen 1 here in the office, so we can compare them side by side. Here’s where they’re the same:

• Handlebars (BIKE has slightly thicker foam bar tape), shifters, and extra buttons
• Saddle and seatpost
• Crank arms with length options for 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, and 175
• “True Fit” system with easily adjustable top tube lengths, bar height, saddle height, frame height, and crank lengths (165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, and 175mm)

The SHIFT differs from the BIKE physically in a few obvious ways – some of which are actually improvements over the BIKE:

• SHIFT has a narrower top tube due to stronger steel construction
• Adjustment levers and quick releases on the SHIFT allow for increased tightness
• SHIFT’s flywheel is much larger (48cm diameter compared to BIKE’s 31cm) and covered
• BIKE has a physical “CLIMB” gradient simulator that tilts the entire frame, while the SHIFT has no such device
• SHIFT’s base lacks back wheels for easy one-person movement
• BIKE has a small screen showing current gear, while the SHIFT has no such screen
• SHIFT has a magnetic connector between frame and bars, while the BIKE has physical plugins
• SHIFT’s brake/flywheel is noticeably quieter than the BIKE

The BIKE uses an electromagnetic brake paired with a motor for its resistance/road feel, while the SHIFT uses only an electromagnetic brake. Don’t understand the difference? The SHIFT basically works like a standard KICKR, while the BIKE includes a motor that can actually spin the flywheel, simulating downhill inertia and making it easier to start from a standstill.

Unboxing/Setup

Unboxing, assembly, and setup were simple enough – at this point we’ve unpacked and set up so many smart bikes and trainers that a quick glance at the instruction manual is all that’s needed!

Unboxing and Assembly

For those less experienced, Wahoo has introduced a new unboxing experience with the SHIFT and KICKR MOVE (it will soon be rolled out across their indoor training range).

Their new packaging is more sustainable with a 90% reduction in non-recyclable foam, and a QR code takes riders to a quick and easy digital guide, delivered through videos, including a detailed setup and fit video, to help dial in the bike’s dimensions.

We installed the seat post, handlebars, and three leg extensions. Then it was a simple matter of hauling it upstairs, which was definitely a two-person job!

WiFi Connect + Firmware Updates

After plugging in the SHIFT, we connected to it via the Wahoo app, which prompted us to install a firmware update. We then connected it to our WiFi, allowing us to connect easily and reliably to the bike on Zwift.

(The SHIFT, like the BIKE and latest Wahoo KICKR versions, supports ANT and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Wahoo’s Direct Connect dongle. And while all of these methods work just fine, we’ve loved the ease and reliability of connecting via WiFi. It’s become our standard way of riding with Wahoo trainers.)

Bike Fitting

We didn’t use the wizard built into Wahoo’s app to get the SHIFT sized correctly, but it was easy enough to take measurements and set up the bike accordingly.

The quick releases on the BIKE have always given us problems – if we tighten them too far they break (Wahoo has shipped multiple replacements) but if we leave them loose things wobble or slide out of place! Thankfully, the SHIFT’s quick-release levers include an Allen bolt on one side, so you can lock the lever and tighten it further with the included Allen key. +1 for the SHIFT!

Ride Experience

Shifting and Virtual Gears

SHIFT uses virtual shifting, like the BIKE. So when you click to shift you’re not physically moving a chain from one cog to another – you’re just changing the resistance of the brake to simulate a shift. The benefits of virtual shifting are three-fold:

• No missed or slow shifts
• Shifter components don’t wear out
• Customizable virtual gearing

The BIKE’S motor allows it to deliver some haptic feedback through the pedals, so when you shift you feel the “click”. The SHIFT can’t deliver such feedback, so the only thing you feel when shifting is the change in resistance.

This is fine, and we found SHIFT’s shifting to be smooth and reliable. What got confusing, though, was the lack of display showing your current gearing. The BIKE has this display, the SHIFT does not. And Zwift doesn’t show the gearing either… yet. Wahoo tells me they’re working with Zwift to make this happen, so hopefully now that Zwift+Wahoo are friends we’ll see this feature and more rolling out soon.

Power Accuracy

Having completed several rides and races with power dual recorded from the SHIFT and our Favero Assioma pedals, we can say the RIDE is quite accurate and within spec.

Here’s our standard smart trainer test workout (click to see the actual chart on ZwiftPower):

The RIDE consistently read around 1% lower than the Favero Assioma pedals. Less than ideal for racing, but well within spec. Overall, across various power levels, cadences, and virtual gears, the RIDE’s accuracy stayed within its +/-1% spec, which is exactly what we would expect from Wahoo at this point in the game.

Inertial Feel

Every trainer uses different tricks to try and replicate the inertial “feel” of pedaling outdoors. When you’re moving fast outside on flat ground, you’re not pushing hard across the top or bottom of your pedal stroke – your inertia is carrying you across those sections. On steeper climbs, however, there’s less of that inertia, so you have to push across more of the stroke.

The “feel” of a particular trainer is rather subjective, with each trainer trying to replicate realistic inertia through some combination of physical flywheels and/or resistance changes managed by firmware.

We found the RIDE’s inertial feel to be smooth and fairly realistic, similar to a KICKR but somehow different.

Gradient Simulation (or Lack Thereof)

The SHIFT can’t physically tilt forward and back to simulate in-game gradients like the BIKE can. Leaving out this feature certainly reduced the unit cost significantly. But how does it impact the rider experience?

For us, it’s not a big miss. We found the physical tilting of the BIKE to be fun at first, but within a few weeks turned it off, preferring instead to have a consistent frame position. This preference will differ from rider to rider, of course.

Noise Level

The original KICKR Bike was fairly quiet, but had some resonance issues where it could get a bit noisy at certain RPMs. The second version of the BIKE fixed/reduced this issue, but we still found the SHIFT to be noticeably quieter than any KICKR BIKE we’ve ever used.

It’s even quieter than a KICKR, and that’s saying something! As evidence, we submit this text convo:

Wrapping It Up

Overall, we found Wahoo’s new KICKR BIKE SHIFT to be solidly built and impressively accurate, with a strong feature set that benefits from proven technology developed over the past several years.

While the SHIFT is a bit less capable than the full-blown KICKR BIKE (notably lower max wattage, no downhill drive, and no physical climb simulation), its features and pricing match up nicely with the competition (Stages SB20, Wattbike Atom, Tacx NEO Bike) while beating them when it comes to connectivity thanks to WiFi and Direct Connect support.

Is it worth the price tag? That, fair reader, is for you to decide. Smartbike pricing hasn’t dropped like smart trainers in the past year; in fact, prices have increased! Now, as ever, smartbikes are seen as a premium product that demands a premium price. That holds true for Wahoo’s new KICKR BIKE SHIFT, even if it’s a “budget” version of the KICKR BIKE.

Questions or Comments?

Share below!