Wahoo Updates Kickr Bike with “Pro” Status.

At this point, unless someone is going to retry the things that simply did not work with indoor trainers from the past, I’m not sure what else can be brought to the table, considering the current options available. That’s especially true when the market has reached its threshhold for those looking to buy at the upper, top-end products for the “masses.”  Considering the first KICKR BIKE V1 came to market in 2021, and we’re having a look at the third version now, I can see why it’s no surprise that the New WAHOO Kickr Pro isn’t groundbreaking – there’s nothing “big” with this release.  In speaking like a real-estate agent, I’d say what we have here is a pretty good “flip,” same foundation as the last one, with just some new siding on the house and some new carpet in the living room. In short, there are some nice upgrades and, for the new buyer, this could be a nice, new, clean purchase. 

With that said let’s dive into what is new: 

Comes direct into the single Wahoo ecosystem.  

(WAHOO APP) 

A new formed relationship with Fi’zi:k 

In the past Wahoo has had generic saddles and bar tape for this indoor bike. This new unit comes with the new Fi’zi:k Aliante R5 Saddle (which, so far, I have had no issues with), and the Fi’zi:k  Solocush handlebar tape. (It’s fine – it’s soft tape)

Newer Ergonomic Handlebar and new Shifter Design

The drop bar flare and a little bigger shifter design is way better than the last version, but still not 100 percent like wrapping your palm around a Shimano hood for comfort.  I was a little disappointed in this, as I was expecting a little better ergonomics with the shifters. The good thing about the bar is, as you can with the saddle, switch them out if you really want.

 I will say this, though, where are the remote bottom shifters for aero bars?  Wahoo should have these already. 

ZWIFT Gamer buttons (This is what I call them)  

OK. I give in. Zwift has offered to let me try something like this many times in the past, but I have always refused to go down the rabbit hole of “living” in the virtual world on a bike. But, after being forced to have them, I can see the point. While the buttons are a little out of place for my thumbs, it’s fun and easy to have more control over your Zwift dashboard and not have to touch your iPad or laptop and hope that the sweat off your fingers doesn’t mess anything up.  The other big plus is for people that use their Apple TV to ride. So, I have said it. The new WAHOO and Zwift geek buttons are pretty cool.

Secure Connections 

This mostly has to do with some new laws in Europe around BlueTooth laws, including the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

This is new for both KICKR CORE 2 and BIKE PRO. 

•There are initially two versions of each product. This will consolidate into only the secure version. 

•No functional difference when riding, or with compatibility.

•Not required for riding with any app. 

•Does not affect any other apps, or bike computers. 

•Adds a bonded connection to your phone (iOS and Android) for Wahoo App device set up. 

•60-second pairing window with in app walk through.

•Can save 3 bonded devices.

In closing

We have the following specs on the new version

• Builtin incline for a great immersive ride experience

• Improved touch points (Saddle, bar, tape and shifters)

• Shifter Controls matching industry standard of Zwift Play controllers and new Zwift Clicks

• Sensor Hub (Heart Rate)

• Best in class Customizable Virtual Shifting

• KICKR Race Mode

• Five-Point Adjustment System

• Improvements to QR levers and shifter cables

• Max power 2500 Watts • +/- 1% Power Accuracy*

• Automatic Calibration

• WiFi, Bluetooth and ANT+ Connectivity

• Automatic Firmware Update 

Here are my thoughts.

I really like these bikes. They are well made, very easy to put together, and Wahoo doesn’t push things that shouldn’t be pushed. They have a good history of customer feedback, and they stick to the things that are very stable and work well. I am surprised a little that the price went up $100 on this compared the second version of the bike, but Wahoo as dealt with some of the CHINA tariffs. It seems as though they may not have passed all those charges to customers – it seems as thought they have split the difference.

Wahoo has had a very busy 24 months as well, and I don’t think that my lack of excitement on this new product should be any indication of what WAHOO has really done to their foundation as a whole. After all, they have successfully combined three apps into one. They have launched three brand new computer head units, too.

They also have one of the industry’s coolest treadmills. I jumped into the rear light and radar game, and regained the working relationship with one of the largest indoor virtual cycling platforms. That means each can live on its own, yet still work together for the benefit of all that use each platform and or equipment.  Wahoo also seems to continue to what they do best. Provide tools for you to get indoors and outdoors They want you to move regardless of where that place is.