Indoor bike trainer?

Strix

Strix

Well-Known Member
So I’m thinking about buying a bike trainer the wahoo kickr core to be exact. They seem to have a good deal on them now for 600$ anyone have any experience with this model? And zwift app?

Like pros and cons
How much is it monthly
And what are the cost for extras like bikes and outfits etc.
 
zwift is a gamified workout experience. some people like it, some hate it. (ie, do a climb, spin a wheel, get virtual swag)
strava segments exist in the virtual space, and there are in-app leaderboards for various sprints, climbs, routes.
it has structured workouts, where you ride with others, but you are doing your own thing.
rides/races are fun, or JRA and explore.
There are also meet-ups to ride with friends.
$17/mo, and can cancel/restart.

you'll need a heart rate monitor

If you'd prefer to listen to a podcast or watch something on netflix, then your bicycle computer or an app can drive the trainer.
ie - i have an 18mile road route into the sourland mountains. I can "play it back" on the trainer using my wahoo head unit, and
watch where i am on the screen - so i can "picture" the spot, and be ready to climb, or push the flats.
Or you can load workouts from sources like trainer road, or create your own.

my old road bike is mounted there, and unless i'm working in NYC, that is where it stays.

when I'm good about getting on the thing consistently, it works. hmm, i'm consistently not good at consistently...

oldest bike shorts i own, and a loose tech shirt - don't need to worry about bees getting in the kit.
sweat band, towel, and a couple of fans to blow on ya while working out.

remember to lube the chain occasionally.

Cons:
static position can cause pain in the *ss
need to be self motivated

i looked at mine last week.....
 
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That’s pretty cool with what you can do with that 18 mile run from Sourland. This is all new to me. I know you could spend extra on there for different outfits and stuff like that for your character but they don’t mention prices at least on some of the videos I watched.

It all seems like my “ call of duty” extra for cool, guns, and characters lol and that gets $$$ lol
 
Strix said:
That’s pretty cool with what you can do with that 18 mile run from Sourland. This is all new to me. I know you could spend extra on there for different outfits and stuff like that for your character but they don’t mention prices at least on some of the videos I watched.

It all seems like my “ call of duty” extra for cool, guns, and characters lol and that gets $$$ lol
Click to expand...

part of the gamification - earn "drops" of sweat from riding/climbing/completing levels to use in the shop.
i don't think there is VC that can be purchased.
 
Spent years riding a old bike in a trainer…. It sucks, shifter cable braking , shifting issues, blowing out the trainer resistance. just get a mid range spin bike… used if you can find one. Indoor training should only be interval training IMO, the style of intervals that if you did on a bike, you would fall off the bike.
 
one more thing - i use an zwift app on my Apple TV 4K, and use their "companion" app on my phone mounted to my handlebar.

Display is on the basement tv - which is a 40" flat screen old-tech on a rolling cart. you can use a computer, or just the phone,
or a tablet.
 
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Yeah I know. I would want it like you on a tv much better experience I think. I like the game aspect of it. I think it will make it a little more fun and get me to put more mileage down when I’m not outside.
 
Cycling is crazy with all the money I’m spending on the bike gear and now this trainer I probably could’ve went through a divorce and got one of those Japanese sex dolls and been happy lmao!!!
 
Oh I’m sorry I also left out. I just bought my wife and kid brand new bikes, so they won’t feel jealous of my new bike.
 
Zwift's own smart trainer, the Zwift Hub is a rebranded Jetblack Volt 2 and is sold at what is essentially a subsidized price that undercuts all the competitors at that 600-750 price range. Worth checking out.
 
FYI there's a whole blog section on this forum for "Indoor Cyclist Support Forum" where we blog about cycling indoors and the like. Its up to 79 pages the link takes you to the end, have fun scrolling back.

The Indoor Cyclist's support thread

Oh boy! I've got some work to do this fall and winter. I haven't been on zwift since June. Did a 5 mile route badge grab them decided on a ramp test. Hit a wall at 300w. Couldn't turn the pedals at 320w 214w FTP.
mtbnj.com mtbnj.com

Just to add to some of what's been posted as I have been on Zwift since the early beta days when it was free circa 2015 ish?

- you only need an HRM if you plan to race, but IMHO its helpful data point to track your progress
- a basic setup with a "dumb trainer" like a Cycleops Fluid2 and speed/cadence sensors is the budget setup
- if you get and older "wheel on" trainer your going to want/need an extra wheel/tire combo since the trainer can wear your tire a bit smooth
- Apple TV is cheap and easy setup and makes it so simple to get up and running
- broadcast or attach to a 32"+ older TV makes a huge difference.
- I have a dedicated beater "trainer bike" (i know a luxury) that i bought for less than 150 bucks thats always ready to go. reduces the hassle and complexity of bringing the bike in and out.

Zwift has the gaming/social part pretty well done, you can jump on there and just ride, try a group ride, race or just do your own exploring. I would encourage you to read up a bit before you dive in to see how you want to use it. For me personally its my go to for the bad weather days, or when I need some more structured sessions like intervals or even just an easy recovery day.

Wahoo and Zwift just settled a copyright lawsuit so they are offering deals on the subscription/trainer combos (Zwift Hub or Kickr Core - both wheel off trainers). You can't go wrong with either of them.

I would be biased if I didnt mention there are other Zwift competitors out there but I have never tried them.
 
Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST said:
Also comes with a years Zwift subscription.

Actually I'm not entirely sure about that. Thought I read it somewhere.
Click to expand...
yes - they are bundling now (Wahoo and Zwift) as part of the lawsuit settlement.

I think at some point Zwift is not going to be allowed to sell the Hub in US - not sure if I read that correctly either online.
 
Yea, Zwift currently has a promotion going for their Zwift Hub trainer. $599 with a free year of Zwift. I think there is free shipping code out there too

us.zwift.com

Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click

Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click, formerly the KICKR CORE Zwift One, unlocks a world of indoor cycling fun and fitness. With Zwift Cog pre-installed and Zwift Click for virtual shifting, you get a seamless and quiet experience with full control on almost any 8-13-speed bike.
us.zwift.com us.zwift.com
 
iman29 said:
FYI there's a whole blog section on this forum for "Indoor Cyclist Support Forum" where we blog about cycling indoors and the like. Its up to 79 pages the link takes you to the end, have fun scrolling back.

The Indoor Cyclist's support thread

Oh boy! I've got some work to do this fall and winter. I haven't been on zwift since June. Did a 5 mile route badge grab them decided on a ramp test. Hit a wall at 300w. Couldn't turn the pedals at 320w 214w FTP.
mtbnj.com mtbnj.com

Just to add to some of what's been posted as I have been on Zwift since the early beta days when it was free circa 2015 ish?

- you only need an HRM if you plan to race, but IMHO its helpful data point to track your progress
- a basic setup with a "dumb trainer" like a Cycleops Fluid2 and speed/cadence sensors is the budget setup
- if you get and older "wheel on" trainer your going to want/need an extra wheel/tire combo since the trainer can wear your tire a bit smooth
- Apple TV is cheap and easy setup and makes it so simple to get up and running
- broadcast or attach to a 32"+ older TV makes a huge difference.
- I have a dedicated beater "trainer bike" (i know a luxury) that i bought for less than 150 bucks thats always ready to go. reduces the hassle and complexity of bringing the bike in and out.

Zwift has the gaming/social part pretty well done, you can jump on there and just ride, try a group ride, race or just do your own exploring. I would encourage you to read up a bit before you dive in to see how you want to use it. For me personally its my go to for the bad weather days, or when I need some more structured sessions like intervals or even just an easy recovery day.

Wahoo and Zwift just settled a copyright lawsuit so they are offering deals on the subscription/trainer combos (Zwift Hub or Kickr Core - both wheel off trainers). You can't go wrong with either of them.

I would be biased if I didnt mention there are other Zwift competitors out there but I have never tried them.
Click to expand...
It seems like I’m on the same page as you for the use purposes of it. And a little fun.
 
Roadie said:
Yea, Zwift currently has a promotion going for their Zwift Hub trainer. $599 with a free year of Zwift. I think there is free shipping code out there too

us.zwift.com

Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click

Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click, formerly the KICKR CORE Zwift One, unlocks a world of indoor cycling fun and fitness. With Zwift Cog pre-installed and Zwift Click for virtual shifting, you get a seamless and quiet experience with full control on almost any 8-13-speed bike.
us.zwift.com us.zwift.com
Click to expand...
It seems like the zwift hub may be the better choice I was just watching some videos on it and it also comes with a cassette
 
To play Devil's Advocate on the Zwift love train in here, I train indoors at least partially year round but I use TrainerRoad with a wheel on mountain bike (train like you race).

I've tried Zwift about 5 different times now and it does absolutely nothing for me. It's as boring as staring at the graph on TR without the benefits of following a decent workout IMO. I have no interest in virtual racing whatsoever...I just throw on either POV riding footage for tougher workouts or whatever documentary to pass the time if the workout is easy. Really depends on your goals.

Strix said:
It seems like the zwift hub may be the better choice I was just watching some videos on it and it also comes with a cassette
Click to expand...

I have the JetBlack Volt which is the predecessor to the Zwift Hub. It's been bulletproof...it just works. Quiet, easy to install and accurate. Only thing to be aware of the unit get super hot on longer rides. I've almost burnt my leg getting my shoes off after a workout.
 
There was just a 20% off sale at REI and probably will be another one for whatever the next holiday/event is. So the Kickr Core was $480 without zwift for a year. For reference I paid $550 for a refurbished one 3 years ago. Prices have definitely dropped! Keep an eye on used ones also...

For me, wheel off 100% if you can afford it. Quieter, easier to setup, no dealing with tires, flats or inaccurate power. I had a Cyclops generic one and never used it. I then had the wheel-on Kickr Snap and while it was world better the wheel-off is that much better.

And yeah, figure out what works for you. like Casinonorth I can't understand why anyone would like Zwift, feels like watching other people play video games but it works for many. I much prefer TrainerRoad w/ a movie.

There's way to do free training w/ things like Golden Cheetah but everytime I looked at it or tried it, it was a PITA.
 
Another "Free" way to train with a smart trainer is to connect it to a bike computer (garmin, etc if you have one) and have it follow along a previously recorded ride or pre-programmed route. We had a recent storm where the internet was out and that means Zwift was dead in the water (though in retrospect i could have used the phone app but i prefer having it on the TV). I just loaded up a previous local route and the garmin knows all the elevations and distances for the route so it communicates with the trainer and varies the resistance on the fly. I believe you can also create workouts on the web interface and save to the unit and drive it with that.
 
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