Wahoo Fitness  KICKR Core 2 Bike Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click

Wahoo products have worked really well for me in the past. I am sorry to say that is not the case here. Functionality with Zwift Cog and Click now works for both Zwift and Rouvy (with subscription). Compared with my original Kickr, two other higher end trainers, and a Stages SB20, I think the Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog feels clunky. Acceleration is slower when compared with others, and the noise is much much higher. This may be faulty unit since the Cog with Kickr 2 is supposedly "nearly silent." This is not the case with my unit. Coupled with the feeling that I am pedaling through a ditch full of honey, I won't buy this again.

This is my first experience with an indoor trainer, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I did a lot of research beforehand. I’m extremely happy with this purchase and would absolutely buy it again. Setup was quick and easy using the Wahoo app and Zwift. Occasionally, the Click controls will disconnect mid-ride, which I think may be related to interference with my heart rate monitor. They reconnect automatically again within 5-10 seconds, so it’s only a minor inconvenience and not something that would affect my rating. Ill look into the issue more soon. I’m using this with a 2007 Trek 1500 SLR, and it’s been performing great so far. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the quality and performance.

Great trainer overall, but I’m surprised it doesn’t come with leveling feet. My floor isn’t perfectly level, so I’ve had to use shims, which shift whenever I push hard. Now I’ll need to buy adjustable feet and drill into a brand-new trainer just to make it stable. For the price, built-in leveling should really be standard.

You can not use the remote to shift with the cog without an active zwift subscription. The cog and shifter remote is effectively ZWIFT property, and you can rent functionality. There should be a disclaimer that the product will not function, without an active zwift subscription. For the month I had a subscription, it worked, but even with the app open, the remote shift function will not initiate until you enter a subscription locked ride/training program. So you will be stuck in whatever gear, forever, if zwift cancels their service or you don't keep paying them to use the hardware you purchased. Wahoo should have implemented remote shifter controls with their app, at least, so you could shift with wahoo training app or bike computer, and not be 100% dependent on zwift's subscription. Again, the remote does not function as a universal remote, like a video game controller, it is a proprietary platform locked to an active zwift ride/training program. It does function for a little time after a zwift ride is over, so the functionality is deliberately turned off to force subscription.

Great trainer so far! I use it with the Rouvy app and it’s been very fun !

High quality trainer making winter months much more active. As an intermediate cyclist, this trainer's power, cadence, and stability will likely be more than I'll ever need. Exercise has never been so fun. I hadn't used the first Core, but from what I've read, the legs on this Core are a huge upgrade. I haven't felt unstable on it once. Can't imagine needing a "better" trainer unless you are a highly advanced cyclist. Also, it works great with MyWhoosh.

Ordered from REI on Feb.17th on March 17th I called REI to check the status of my order . they told me it was on back order that they” expect”the Wahoo to arrive in a couple of weeks but, they could not tell me for certain when I would get it. So, I Re- Ordered it with the advise of the service representative’s advise that I order it for pickup, because I then, may get it quicker. I was frustrated after waiting for a month with no end in sight so, I cancelled Both orders with REI. I went directly to Wahoo and ordered it with them.instead as, the shipping Clearly stated you will receive your Wahoo within 5-7 business days. REI did not have this in stock , Backordered for an unknown time. Cost at REI, Wahoo they had on sale for 399.00 plus tax and shipping $475.00. Wahoo charges 590$tax & shipping included.

This trainer (and a Zwift account) will get you through the winter(s) when the weather stinks or if there are other reasons why it's hard to get your cardio outdoors. I can't compare this to other smart trainers because I've only ever owned "dumb" trainers and could never stick with them. I've been using this trainer almost daily for several months. You don't need to have a nice bike. The virtual shifting is slick. Be prepared for a tender bum. Hope to virtually draft behind you soon.

Summary: The Wahoo Kickr Core 2 overall is an excellent bike trainer. It just wasn't right for me. The flywheel weight to be too heavy for me to accelerate quickly (almost 12lbs.). It was hurting my knees and legs. For a guy being over 70 years old, I'm in excellent physical shape ... except for my knees which have arthritis. I needed too much effort to get it going and accelerating which was putting too much stain on me. First used the Cog with the Clicker buttons. The buttons were too small and the repetitiveness of pressing the buttons caused my thumbs to go numb. Found the speed of shifting with the buttons too slow. Decided to swap the Cog for a cassette. Starting the ride was quite-a-bit easier and shifting was much, much better. The trainer had about 15 hours on it when it was returned to REI. Returning went very smooth. Went back to CycleOps Magnus trainer and the indoor cycling experience is very nice. If you are between the ages of 15-65 years old, this trainer would be Great. Was extremely impressed by the quietness of the Kickr Core 2. Personally, I do prefer the cassette over the Cog. At the time of this review, I think REI has a 90 day return policy which is very nice.

Happy with this trainer. Set up went smoothly with use of some YouTube tutorials. I've only used it for a week but so far enjoying the rides.