The Wahoo Kickr turbo trainer is getting a lot of press at the moment. DC Rainmaker, a hugely respected cycling blogger recommended this trainer and it has even been featured on the Gadget Show on Channel 5. This show also talks about the Bkool software which is awesome. You can see our review of the Bkool trainer & software here (P.S. you can trial this trainer & software for just £1).
Check out the cheapest place to buy the Wahoo Kickr turbo trainer here.
Why is the Wahoo Kickr so great?
Probably the best asset of the turbo trainer is its openness to 3rd party software. Other indoor trainers are limited to the software that comes with it or if available the upgrade software that the brand sells. This is not the case with the Wahoo Kickr, which is compatible with lots of other companies training software.
For example the Kickr works with Bkool's amazing training software and the hugely popular TrainerRoad software. There are many apps for smartphone and tablets that also hook up to the Wahoo trainer.
Of course just linking up with other companies software does not make a turbo trainer great, and the hardware needs to be sound too. The Wahoo Kickr is a direct-drive turbo trainer which means you remove your back wheel and connect your bike directly to the trainer. This leads to a more efficient power transfer from your pedals to the trainer, it eliminates back tyre wear, and it reduces noise. The trainer also uses an electromagnetic resistance unit that is controlled wirelessly via computer software. This means the resistance automatically varies depending on the slope you are riding on (in for example the Bkool Simulator software) or in the trainer program you are completing.
What are it's competitors
There are many different trainers out there, but as a high-end electormagnetic trainer there are less options. However there are still other options such as the Bkool Pro trainer itself. The standout feature of the Bkool Pro turbo trainer is it's price tag that is approximately half of that of other comparable trainers, and of course its 3D Simulator software is great. There is also the Tacx i-Genius & Tacx Ironman (essentially the same product) that work with the Tacx software, which looks awesome too. See the Tacx software in the video below.
Summary
The Wahoo Kickr is a high-end interactive turbo trainer and is up there as one of the best you can get. It carries a top-end price tag so it will not be the option of some, but if you want a great riding experience and the choice of hooking up with lots of 3rd party apps and software then it is a solid choice.
If price is an option but you still want the interactive training experience then you may want to give the Bkool trainer a go. It is not a cheap trainer but it will cost you around 1/2 of the Wahoo Kickr. Also you can give it a risk free trial for just £1. If you do not like it just send it back (free of charge) within a month.
- Purchase direct from Bkool.
- Free for 30 days (only £1 card verification payment taken).
- Free shipping, even on returns.
- Return within 30 days no extra payment taken.
- Includes 1-YEAR Premium membership (normally 78).
