It’s also worth mentioning that a basic level of mechanical knowledge is required to mount the cassette and make rear derailleur adjustments. The Kickr comes ready to mount an 11-speed cassette and spacers for either quick-release or thru-axle hubs, so it makes getting off the trainer and on the road seamless.Īs I see it, riding the same bike on the road as what you train on is a huge bonus over traditional stationary bikes since you get to have a consistent riding position.
I’ve had my Otso Waheela C with a 2×11 Shimano Ultegra groupset and 142x12mm through axle mounted to the trainer. Maybe that’s not a staggering amount, but it’s been a solid amount of training in addition to my outdoor riding. In four months of riding, I’ve logged around 500 miles and 25 hours.
I’ve been using Garmin head units for years and was happy that everything paired with my Edge 520 Plus and Edge 530 without issue.
It will of course connect with either of Wahoo’s computers, the ELEMNT ROAM and BOLT. In addition to monitoring speed, distance, and cadence on your phone, you can also connect your cycling computer to give some of the familiarity of riding outside.
It has four manual speed settings or you can pair it to your virtual speed or heart rate, so as your effort increases the fan automatically matches its wind speed up to 30mph. Sure, you can get a couple of house fans set up, but still won’t provide you with as much wind power as the Headwind. That’s why the Headwind fan is almost a necessity. After just 15 minutes I turn into a puddle and must have a towel and water bottle within arm’s reach. There’s also adjustability for whatever wheel size you ride, which means you don’t need a block under your front wheel to maintain a level riding position.Īnyone who has ridden indoors on a stationary bike knows it’s a sweaty endeavor. The resistance can simulate up to a 20% gradient, which is steep enough to make me walk in real life. To be fair, I still don’t know what 200 watts feels like on the road but it’s given me a better understanding of the kind of effort I can sustain over time. I’ve never ridden with power consistently enough to get an understanding of what 200 watts feels like, nor have I done a FTP test, but it’s been fun to learn as I go and measure my progress. From what I’ve read, the Kickr can measure power output up to 2200 watts, so unless you can put out roughly 700 more watts than world tour sprinters, you’ll have accurate power data to rely on. The Kickr itself measures speed and power output.
All of the individual pieces are connected via Bluetooth and ANT+ and can be controlled and monitored via the iPhone app.
I received the Wahoo Kickr paired with the Headwind Bluetooth Fan, Kickr Floormat, Tickr Heart Rate Monitor, and cadence sensor… only missing the desk and climbing simulator from their complete line up. While I enjoy laughing along, a few months of using it makes it seem less funny. They know I don’t train or do intervals, I just try to be fit enough for whatever ride I want to do. Some of my friends recently found out that I have been riding on a trainer and it’s made me the butt of many easy jokes. But since I was (thanks COVID-19) preparing for my first Tour Divide attempt this year, I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to get a top-shelf trainer to complement my outdoor riding. I prioritize adventure over any kind of athletic training. Words and photos by Justin McKinley ( don’t have anything against indoor trainers, I just love the adventure of being outside in wild weather.