– Advertisement –
If you love to cycle, but you hate the poor winter weather, you may be in a bit of a bind. Do you risk getting soaked, blown over, or worse? Alternatively, do you store your bike and allow your fitness and mental health to suffer? You could get the best of both worlds and invest in a turbo trainer. I’ve been contemplating this for months, and Wahoo kindly provided me with a loaner unit for this review. The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One is the product I will look at, and boy is it an impressive machine from the off!
This weighty beast is easy to construct and even easier to set up. You will need a mobile phone or tablet/laptop capable of Bluetooth connectivity. However, assuming you own those things, you’ll be up and running in no time. Moreover, this trainer is suitable for many modern bikes and as it’s a direct drive trainer, there is some deconstruction of your pushbike required before you can jump into the action.
I don’t claim to be the most mechanically minded individual, but I was up and running in around 10 minutes. I admit I used a stand to remove my rear wheel and to help me keep things balanced. Yet, this isn’t required especially if you are comfortable with removing wheels and playing with your rear derailer.
Unlike other reviews on this product, I’m going to focus on the usability and why I believe it works as a concept. I will touch upon some of the technical elements, but I’m going to keep this light-hearted throughout. So, let’s wait no longer, and get this badass winter training tool unboxed.
What’s in the box of the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One?
- The packaging is robust and the brown colour won’t capture your attention. However, it is extremely heavy and you will get a warning from your delivery driver when they hand it over.
- The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One comes in 3 parts. Thankfully, the Zwift cog was preinstalled as this saves you some time.
- 2 sturdy legs are provided to balance the device.
- Screws, quick-release skewers, and adaptors are provided.
- Power the device with the included power supply.
- Change the gears with the Zwift Click virtual shifter.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Setting it up!
If, like me, you use your local bike shop for every element of your bike maintenance, you may feel somewhat nervous about taking apart your pride and joy. I use a modded 2024 TCR and I hate the thought of damaging it. Luckily, Wahoo and Zwift treat you with kid gloves. Every element from measuring your quick release distance to adaptors and set up is well explained. On top of this, YouTube helps you with wheel removal and everything in between.
What I’m trying to say, is you don’t need to worry. Though you may get dirty and slightly frustrated at first, it is pleasant and rewarding once you get everything set up. The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One requires little to no DIY expertise. The simple-to-follow instructions talk you through which leg goes where and the screws to use. Moreover, setting the adaptor is a cinch and testing the stability feels like you’ve climbed your own “worry mountain”.
Once the trainer is constructed and your bike is suitably placed, you download the relevant apps from Zwift and Wahoo, and you get to work. This trainer is compatible with many different training apps and methods, but I’m focusing my experience on Zwift and how that unfolded. Full compatibility information can be found online if you wish to use an alternative. Furthermore, if you purchase this product, you can pick up a cut-price offer for your Zwift subscription. This is the most cost-effective approach, but feel free to sign up for the monthly payment plan.
Technical aspects.
I know I said I wouldn’t focus on technical aspects, but I have to cover some key elements for a rounded review. First, the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One can be purchased with a standard cassette, bare-bones, or with the impressive Wahoo Zwift Cog. My device came with the latter preinstalled and I was over the moon. This device is compatible with most 8-12 speed bikes/chains. However, check the compatibility of your axle.
The trainer is capable of up to 16% gradient simulation and 1800 watts of resistance. Though this isn’t as high as some of its peers, it shouldn’t cause an issue for most riders. The thought of punishing myself on anything more than 16% inclines turn my stomach, so if you are foolish or brave enough to go for more, best of luck to you. What’s more, 1800 W of power is bloody impressive. Accordingly, if you are smashing out more than this regularly, you probably cycle for a pro team.
Knowing the protocol compatibility is essential. This trainer has ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth Smart Trainer Control, and Bluetooth Smart Power. As such, it covers all bases and is suitable for many applications. Yet, be aware that the virtual shift is only suitable for Zwift. Consequently, if you are exploring this avenue, you need to make the correct cassette choice based on your training and budget needs.
Usability.
If you are lazy and want the simplest set-up possible, then the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One has you covered. The 2 free to download apps talk you through the process and connecting each essential tool is just as easy. Word of warning, though, don’t try to connect everything via Bluetooth to your phone. I was attempting a hearty 4/5 Bluetooth daisy chain and things went wrong very quickly. As such, I recommend keeping the key items such as the trainer and the virtual shift connected for the most seamless experience.
If you need to have more bits connected, you may wish to adapt your arrangement or use the Zwift Companion App. A little trial and error go a long way and you’ll discover what works for you in a few minutes. My OTT set-up of beefy speakers and a large TV may be overkill, but I don’t care. Once I get everything powered up, I lose myself in my session and that’s all that matters.
When you first get going, you must check for firmware updates. If you overlook this step, you will not be happy. You’ll have performance issues and everything will feel off. Consequently, take a few moments to get yourself sorted and feel the benefits immediately.
How is the ride with the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One?
Virtual shifting and direct drive training may not be your cup of tea. After all, you could purchase an exercise bike and get that false experience. However, this wasn’t how the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One felt to me. Though there isn’t that mechanical clunk of your gears moving, and the ERG takes away a lot of your thoughts and skills when tackling workouts, it feels real and alive.
The simplicity of one cog removes maintenance and worry. Additionally, if you accidentally hit your shifters, and you will, it makes no difference. Yes, the near-silent chain movement makes a big racket, but this matters not. Simply tap down or up the gears and get the rear derailer realigned again. This worry and stress-free approach is perfect for those who wish to get on and ride. Moreover, the smooth and instantaneous electric shifting lets you enjoy the social element of each outing.
I don’t think that purists will ever move towards this system. The idea of streamlining your working arrangement will be alien. Furthermore, taking away some key control elements will potentially undermine performance aspects for the most powerful athletes. This is a problem for an elite group of riders who will potentially not consider the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One as a serious alternative to their current trainers. As such, it is a niche concern and one that will not impact the larger community.
Safety and the social side.
Cycling isn’t the safest sport around! I know this as I was involved in a serious RTC around 18 months ago. This incident has caused countless issues including anxiety and injuries. Consequently, the idea of jumping on a bike and commuting to work fills me with dread. This is a shame as cycling is one of the most enthralling and social sports you can tackle. Luckily, this trainer lets you enjoy the fitness and the social aspect whilst filling you with confidence. This design allows anxious or injured riders to rehabilitate and recover in the comfort of their own home and that is a godsend.
Though this was my main reason for wanting a turbo trainer, I love the social side of cycling. Car drivers may hate big groups of riders, but a Sunday session with your friends makes the miles fly by. Thankfully Zwift replicates this with its amazing training sessions and events. Additionally, there is a thumbs-up system to show your support and the chance to join virtual clubs. Each of these aspects inspires you to push yourself further and keeps you in the virtual saddle for longer.
Is the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One worth it?
I’m no fair-weather rider, but I adore this turbo trainer. The ability to use the ERG for set wattage resistance or go it alone with the virtual shifters was amazing. What’s more, the pre-built workouts, events, races, and social aspects of Zwift keep you coming back for more. If you then consider the amazing build quality, the responsive shifter, and the easy-to-set-up approach, this is the perfect tool for newbies and mechanically inept riders.
Purists may hate the idea of the Zwift Cog, but this shouldn’t put them off the trainer. If you don’t want virtual shifting, stick to your cassette and benefit from every other element. Yes, the direct driver design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the reassuring stability and how easy it was to get going. Accordingly, every aspect is a winner and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Zwift can be found here and more information on Wahoo can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! The unit was loaned to me for 6 months. This timescale allows me to offer an unbiased and free review!)
