In the past few days, Wahoo has released important firmware updates for their most popular trainers and smart bikes. Read on for details…
KICKR v6, CORE, and MOVE Updates
In the past month or so, I’ve been hearing more and more murmuring from the Zwift racing community about a bug in Wahoo’s trainers when used with Zwift’s virtual shifting. The bug, as I’ve experienced it, is triggered when you use virtual shifting and stop pedaling while in a big virtual gear (let’s say, gear 22 out of 24).
When you stop pedaling long enough (perhaps while descending the Epic KOM), the trainer automatically recalibrates. And when it does so, it calibrates incorrectly, resulting in riders getting free watts!
It’s pretty easy to spot, because once it starts happening, when you coast the HUD will show you’re putting out 10-15 watts without pedaling.
Worst of all, the problem doesn’t seem to fix itself with subsequent automatic calibrations. A factory spindown seems to be the only fix.
As time went on and Wahoo still hadn’t patched the bug, I went back and forth about whether Zwift Insider should publicize it or not. In the end, I settled on keeping it quiet, since I didn’t want the bug exploited further and was assured by Wahoo that fixing it was a top priority.
Today, Wahoo released firmware updates that fix the issue for the three affected trainers:
For reference sake, here’s how Wahoo describes the bug in their KICKR v6 firmware notes:
In the previous firmware versions, there was an issue with the trainer calculating the correct spindown values during the auto calibration process in certain scenarios when also using Zwift Virtual Shifting. The conditions could result in the trainer reporting “ghost” watts (watts while coasting), and could result in a power offset throughout the ride. If you are currently experiencing “ghost” watts, this firmware update will not immediately fix the issue on its own, but having updated to the current firmware, the auto calibration process will fix the power offset over time without manual intervention. If you would like to resolve the power offset immediately, you can complete a factory spindown.
If you are using any of the three affected trainer models, you should connect to the trainer via the Wahoo app on your phone and update to the latest firmware. (Wahoo says WiFi-enabled trainers will be updated automatically, but in my experience, this doesn’t always happen reliably.)
See firmware update instructions from Wahoo >
KICKR BIKE v2 and KICKR BIKE SHIFT Updates
As noted in today’s Zwift version 1.77 release notes, Wahoo just released firmware updates for KICKR BIKE v2 (firmware version 2.2.22) and KICKR BIKE SHIFT (firmware version 1.21.18) to enable the display of your current virtual gear on the Zwift HUD:
This will be an especially welcome upgrade for KICKR BIKE SHIFT users who have no gear display on the bike itself!
And before you ask, I also asked… about the KICKR BIKE v1. Will it get a similar firmware upgrade to show gearing in Zwift? Wahoo says, “This feature won’t be coming to the KICKR BIKE v1.” 😬
See firmware upgrade instructions from Wahoo >
This firmware update includes other new features for the KICKR BIKE v2 and KICKR BIKE SHIFT. Both bikes now support Zwift Protocol, so they can do Ride On bombs, braking, and more. Here’s the diagram from Wahoo:
Note that Zwift Protocol is Bluetooth-only, so you won’t have this functionality if you pair your KICKR BIKE via ANT+.
Questions or Comments?
Post below!
Thanks Eric! Great to hear the ghost watts issue has been fixed!
Does the bug carry over to other apps? In other words, if I coast in Zwift in a way that causes the trainer to be miscalibrated, would I see the ghost watts in, say, TrainerRoad?
Yes, since calibration data is stored on the trainer, not in the software.
kickr version 6 the current firmware is 5.3.47 not 5.3.57
Updated the post. What’s odd is, Zwift’s forum post (https://forums.zwift.com/t/wahoo-trainers-with-virtual-shifting-issue-free-watts-october-2024/635715/220) says 5.3.47. AND 5.3.5 was released back in April, so why would this number be lower?
It’s technically a roll back update.
If you don’t want the bug to be exploited, why mention it here? People can now choose not to update and start exploiting it.
If their Kickr is connected via Wi-Fi, it will probably already have updated itself. I checked mine today and it was already on the most current firmware – without me having done anything.
Because at some point, it needs to be mentioned. We always talk about key firmware updates. Plus, I think the vast majority of people just want their trainer to be accurate.
Ghost watts problem is not fixed. I installed the firmware update, did a factory spin down and rode for about an hour yesterday. The issue appeared to be resolved. Logged back on today and went for a ride and the ghost watts were back, just like they have been for the past year. Going down hill while not pedaling the trainer is reporting 15-30 watts and 110 rpm.
Just curious if this was resolved for you yet? In most instances, people are reporting good results.
There was also a bug with virtual shifter and autocalibration at the start of the ride. There were wattage jumps. Crazy ups and downs. I tested a bit and think it was also changed.
However more tests are needed
I think that hit me today at the start of my ToW ride. I just unboxed a brand new Kickr and updated it. Using Play controllers and the 11 speed stock cassette for virtual shifting.
If the left hood buttons now do ‘ride on’ and ‘select’ how do we manually adjust the gradient of the bike?? I use that feature all the time and now it seems to be dead.
Firmware update notes say “Updated: Manual tilt now requires both forward or back shifter top buttons to be pressed simultaneously to activate tilt.”
Similar experience after the upgrade in October-2.2.22 firmware, I no longer have any manual control over the tilt/gradient, nor do I have any gradient controls with Zwift. Wahoo support has been slow to respond.
I fear that U-turn button! Looks easy for clumsy people like me to inadvertently press.
I believe that button has always functioned the same. At least there’s a time delay before it turns you!
Shame the v1 doesn’t get the update; I assume there’s no technical reason for this as the gubbins inside the bike are the same between v1 & v2?
A real shame
Not only is it a shame, its extremely unreasonable of Wahoo that they don’t update such an expensive piece of equipment that is meant to last for years.
I agree – having spent a fortune on Wahoo equipment this is a massive let down by Wahoo. I can understand with the more replaceable trainers but the Bike is a much longer term thing. Punished for buying a brand new Kickr bike just before the v2 came out.
Snap purchased mine just before they announced V2 and have multiple problems with shifting, now on my third set of bars and these still occasionally stop me change down.
Dont agree with other peoples points that its not the latest version so you dont get updates, I have a 2 year old Iphone and was still able to update…..
I was getting frustrated with not knowing my gearing without looking down during Zwift races (sweat guard blocks my view)but ever since I went to di2 synchro setup option for my V1, I don’t need to know. Just up and down when I need it. Such a relief.
Totally agree. I have two V1 Kickr bikes, the most recent purchased only 8 months ago. Now learning they are obsolete. This is one example of what will likely be many future upgrades I won’t have access to. I just spent time on Wahoo chat. They admit Zwift is a very robust platform, and hoped v1 could keep up. They understand my situation, but don’t have a solution, other than suggesting I sell the bike on a third party platform to fund a new bike!🤔
@eric: Is there a recalibration everytime, when u stop pedaling long enough or only once a day?
Every time. Source: https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015740780-Auto-Spindown-Calibration-KICKR-v5-2020-MOVE-and-CORE
The Kickr Bike V1 is cursed.
Not quite sure how the offset works. Does this mean that with this issue watts are being inflated across the whole ride, or just whilst coasting?
If it’s the latter then I think I’d rather regain the option to super tuck… if the former, then there could be riders out there stuck in the wrong racing categories due to an inflated seed score.
Yea, unfortunately inflated across the whole ride. Usually the watts shown while you aren’t pedaling is the amount it’s inflated by when you are pedaling.
yes, there are undoubtedly riders who are unaware of the issue. I’ve seen offsets as far out as 30 watts. Dual recording evidence suggests that once mis calibrated, the offset is present the majority of the time the flywheel is spinning.
“Note that Zwift Protocol is Bluetooth-only, so you won’t have this functionality if you pair your KICKR BIKE via ANT+.”
What about via WiFi? Both BIKE v2 and SHIFT can use WiFi instead of Bluetooth.
I believe the WiFi and DIRCON leverage the Bluetooth protocol, so it should work.
Yes, WiFi works great with Zwift Protocol.
Nothing about race mode for Kickr Bike Shift? 😬
Apparently it can’t be added to the Shift due to ‘hardware differences’.
https://forums.zwift.com/t/wahoo-kickr-shift-and-race-mode/637688/3?u=true
This is deeply disappointing. Sounds like a lame excuse made by marketing. I was looking to upgrade from a 2020 Kickr V5 – but not anymore. I think Wahoo is loosing it.
Hi, yesterday after automatic update via Wi-Fi….logged in to the Zwift and start my training and Virtual shifiting did not work as expected. I shifted to the gear 24 and was still able to pedal with around 80rpm and 17km/h. There was something wrong with it and shifting had no impact on the pedal resistance. I had to restart the trainer to unplug it for some time and then it worked perfectly.
case of Kickrbike V2 + Zwift Play controller. , I have a big issue that can not select two type controller at the same time after this gear displaly upgrade.
See https://forums.zwift.com/t/new-wahoo-bike-firmware-broke-zwift-controller-bike-controller-october-2024/637767
After the update my KICKR V6 doesn’t work anymore via WiFi. It’s connected but sends no data. Via Bluetooth it works but then I am limited to the max amount of connection. Does anyone know how to solve this?
My issue is similar, but I have lost the resistance, so it is like pedaling in the air. I have not been able to use Zwift for a month because it is 17F/-8C outside, and it is not so much the cold that is dangerous; it is the ice.😕
the new functionality of the kickr bike V2 seems to work on wifi too. I used it this morning.
ive never been in gears 22-24… :/
Hello!
I have a brand new kickr bike V2. Since the update a few days ago the top buttons of the left side of the handlebar are without ANY function. No Ride Ons or select or anything.
Please fix it!
Likely a Wahoo issue. Perhaps a Zwift issue. But definitely not a Zwift Insider issue (this is just a fansite) 😜
Have you reached out to Wahoo support?
Eric, There had been mention of a Zwift update that would let you improve your frame (ie make a Venge lighter). Has that been released?
Not released yet, but definitely coming.
I’m sorry but no update for Kickr Bike v1 is an absolute disgrace. This is a VERY expensive bit of kit which users are not going to upgrade every two years the way they might a $300 watch. If Wahoo can show a HARDWARE reason for not doing this then fair enough. But I strongly suspect that nothing is going on here aside from we don’t want to commit a tiny amount of extra cost to our loyal user base. So, Wahoo, here you go. I was going to by your Treadmill. Now I am not going to. Why would I get conned again into buying a hugely expensive bit of hardware only to be abandoned by you.
dcr suggested it is due to insufficient memory on the trainer. Same reason for the kickr v4/5 not getting virtual shifting. We’re forced to believe that this is the true reason. I have a hard time believing that these devices were built just a few years ago with barely enough memory to handle the base protocol code and any additions would push them over the limit. Do we have any way of verifying that this is true?
This may or may not be the case. However, Wahoo should at least update the V1 as much as IS possible. That braking doesn’t work is unexplainable and i dont beleive that they cannot change at least some of the buttons functions if they wanted to.
I may be missing something but hasn’t there always been a gear display on Zwift for the Kickr Bike Shift?
The update didn’t work, and Zwift had me jump through a bunch of hoops (uninstall and reinstall Zwift, try it on the Wahoo app, update then unplug the trainer…..). When none of those things work, they say,”I guess you’ll have to talk to Wahoo.” Even though I bought the Zwift Ride from Zwift, they won’t actually back the product.
Stil no racemode for the Shift bike… please fix this now.
The problem still exists. On January 12, 2025 I had the problem that Super Tuck was not possible. Queen’s stage at FRR: Alpe descent. The smart trainer showed low RPM and low wattage and prevented super tuck. The result: the avatar sits upright on the bike. Other cyclists – significantly easier – overtake with Super Tuck position. There are more important things in life, but of course you get upset at that moment and then start looking for errors.