Tag: Wahoo

Wahoo Fitness has recently unveiled two new products that are set to launch in the UK market: the KICKR BIKE PRO and KICKR CORE 2. These two models are scheduled to be available for purchase starting from 9 September 2025. The aim of these new releases is to cater to a wide range of indoor cycling needs, from dedicated enthusiasts to riders looking for value without compromising on performance. According to Wahoo, these latest additions enhance the company's comprehensive indoor training ecosystem. **KICKR BIKE PRO: Flagship Features and Hardware** The KICKR BIKE PRO is positioned as the pinnacle of Wahoo's offerings, taking over the role of the brand's flagship trainer from the outgoing KICKR BIKE. One of the standout features of this model is its emphasis on ride realism and enhanced control. It introduces redesigned shifter controls that align more closely with modern virtual cycling trends, offering improved comfort and responsiveness. The primary objective appears to be to enhance in-ride interaction and seamless integration with popular apps like Zwift, bringing the shifting experience closer to what high-end road bikes provide during outdoor rides. The hardware updates on the KICKR BIKE PRO prioritize comfort. The bike now comes equipped with a Fi’zi:k Aliante R5 saddle, upgraded Solocush handlebar tape, and a completely redesigned ergonomic handlebar tailored specifically for indoor sessions. These enhancements are aimed at making long indoor rides more manageable, particularly for users engaging in extensive base training during the winter months. In terms of ride feel, Wahoo continues to utilize a precision flywheel with an integrated motor, allowing the BIKE PRO to replicate steep gradients of up to 20 percent and declines of up to -15 percent. The five-point fit system is highly adjustable, enabling users to achieve a geometry that closely mimics their actual road bike setup. For riders who prioritize metrics and real-world responsiveness, the KICKR BIKE PRO boasts precision power measurement accuracy within ±1%. Additionally, the inclusion of Wahoo's Race Mode feature caters to virtual racing enthusiasts, reducing the latency between effort and simulated response. **Core Specifications Breakdown: KICKR BIKE PRO** - Price: £3,499.99 RRP in the UK - Weight: 42 kg unboxed - Max simulated grade: 20 percent incline, -15 percent decline - Max power output: 2500 watts - Fit adjustments: five-point system (including crank arm length options) - Gear shifting: Virtual, customizable simulation via redesigned shifters - Connectivity: WiFi, ANT+ FEC, Bluetooth, direct connect WiFi connectivity is now a standard feature, offering faster and more reliable data transmission compared to using Bluetooth or ANT+ alone. This enhancement can benefit users with multi-device setups and those participating in group training environments. **KICKR CORE 2: The Workhorse for Everyday Riders** In contrast to the immersive and high-end features of the KICKR BIKE PRO, the KICKR CORE 2 is designed for users seeking reliability and solid performance at a more accessible price point. This marks the first significant update to the CORE since its initial launch in 2018, with a focus on practical improvements to connectivity and assembly. The KICKR CORE 2 now comes equipped with either a traditional 11-speed cassette or the "Zwift Cog and Click" virtual shifting system, offering users more flexibility to match their existing bikes or seamlessly transition between real and simulated rides. WiFi connectivity is also standard on the KICKR CORE 2, and the addition of Wahoo's KICKR BRIDGE feature transforms the trainer into a sensor hub for heart rate data, streamlining the setup process and reducing the need for extensive device pairing before each session. Virtual shifting and Race Mode functionalities are carried over to the CORE 2, bridging the gap with more premium trainers in terms of compatibility with platforms like Zwift. The new leg design enhances assembly simplicity and stability, a subtle yet welcomed improvement, particularly for users who have experienced the challenges of setting up and balancing a turbo trainer. Multi-color LEDs have also been incorporated, providing users with quick status indicators at a glance, in addition to app-based notifications. **Core Specifications Breakdown: KICKR CORE 2** - Price: £499.99 RRP in the UK - Weight: 13.6 kg - Max simulated grade: 20 percent incline, -10 percent decline - Max power output: 1800 watts - Power accuracy: ±2 percent - Standard cassette: 11-speed (11-28) or Zwift virtual cog - Connectivity: WiFi, ANT+ FEC, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth FTMS, Zwift protocol - KICKR BRIDGE: Heart rate sensor integration into software apps The trainer remains compatible with various axle standards and wheel sizes, retaining its electromagnetic resistance mechanism. Similar to the previous model, the maximum user weight capacity is rated at 114 kg. **Comparative Overview** Given the substantial price difference—£3,499.99 for the KICKR BIKE PRO and £499.99 for the CORE 2—each product is geared towards distinct user segments. Feature | KICKR BIKE PRO | KICKR CORE 2 ---|---|--- UK RRP | £3,499.99 | £499.99 Max Power Output | 2500 W | 1800 W Grade Simulation | 20% uphill, -15% down | 20% uphill, -10% down Power Accuracy | ±1% | ±2% Weight (Unboxed) | 42 kg | 13.6 kg Gear Shifting | Virtual, customizable | 11-speed cassette/Zwift cog Connectivity | WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth | WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth Premium Touchpoints | Yes | No Race Mode | Yes | Yes KICKR Bridge Function | n/a | Yes For users dedicated to indoor cycling, the BIKE PRO offers a comprehensive set of features expected in a flagship model, including top-tier fit options and exceptional ergonomics. While the price point may deter some buyers, it directly competes with premium models like the Tacx NEO Bike and Wattbike Atom X, which are similarly priced and emphasize realism and integrated hardware. On the other hand, the KICKR CORE 2 serves as a reliable workhorse option, providing ample gradient simulation for most riders' needs, lightweight construction, and easier setup and transportability. At its price, it offers a competitive edge over its counterparts, particularly with the inclusion of WiFi as a standard feature and semi-integrated sensor bridging, which are typically absent in other trainers within this price bracket. **Availability** Both the KICKR BIKE PRO and KICKR CORE 2 are set to hit the market on 9 September 2025. Wahoo has confirmed that these products will be available for purchase in retail stores and online in the UK from the launch date. The KICKR BIKE PRO is tailored for users seeking a comprehensive indoor cycling solution, while the KICKR CORE 2 is likely to appeal to road riders looking for off-season training options or budget-conscious consumers who desire accurate power data and a quality ride experience. **Final Impressions** Wahoo is making a strong statement at both the premium and entry-level ends of the smart trainer spectrum with the KICKR BIKE PRO and KICKR CORE 2. These new models address minor yet significant user concerns, such as improved handlebar ergonomics, simplified assembly, universal connectivity, and enhanced virtual shifting. Although neither model represents a drastic departure from its predecessor, Wahoo's iterative approach focuses on practical upgrades to enhance the overall user experience rather than pursuing headline-grabbing features. The premium price of the BIKE PRO may limit its appeal to users who prioritize realism and fit customization, while the CORE 2 could potentially offer the best performance-to-price ratio within Wahoo's lineup and the wider smart trainer market as of autumn 2025. Both models exemplify a pragmatic approach to product development in a maturing industry, focusing on deploying features where they add genuine value and streamlining complexity wherever possible.

Tag: Wahoo

Wahoo Fitness Launches New KICKR BIKE PRO and KICKR CORE 2

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