KICKR CORE

I can't ride outdoors in winters here in the northeast as it's just too cold, and even running got to be too unpleasant the older I got, so I decided to start riding indoors on a trainer. I had an old and very basic wheel-on "dumb trainer", but it was noisy and clunky and resistance couldn't be controlled so it wasn't suitable for everyday use, so I decided to get a direct drive smart trainer, and ended up choosing the Core because it was the least expensive one I found that was well-regarded.And I'm so happy that I did. It's very easy to set up, both initially and before each training session, folding up nicely and storing well between uses. Installing a cassette was no different from installing a cassette on a wheel, and I already had all the necessary tools as I do all my bike maintenance. Same with connecting the bike to it, takes just seconds, especially since I keep the rear wheel off between uses since I don't ride outside in winter. Then it's just plug in the adapter, fire up whatever app you're using (I mostly use Zwift but also Rouvy and MyWhoosh), pick an event, race, workout or route, and off you go.Which brings me to the main point, that actually using it is such a pleasure. It's really quiet, much quieter than the drivetrain and even fan, and with a mat shouldn't cause floor vibrations at all (I use a single interlocking foam mat from a set of 4 I got at Harbor Freight for under $10), and the feel is super-smooth and refined, like riding on fresh blacktop, and is as smooth as your drivetrain is (which you should of course keep cleaned and well-lubed and replace parts as needed). Resistance transitions due to changing virtual terrain or workout intensity levels are smooth as well, nothing jerky at all.I've already put in more than 300 miles on it and have absolutely no complaints. And it looks nice too! I just ordered Zwift's Play controllers (you can only buy them directly for $99) to be able to use their new virtual shifting feature, where you no longer have to physically shift and it's all done in software, resulting in smoother and quiet shifts and a wider range of gearing. I'll post an update when I've had a chance to use them for a while. They also allow you to steer, brake and interact with Zwift without having to use a mouse, keyboard or phone, which is awkward while riding.If you're looking to get into indoor cycling and prefer a direct drive trainer and don't want to spend too much, this is basically the only viable choice as Zwift has discontinued its line of trainers (you can find them on sale though as they sell out existing inventory and they promise to support them for at least a couple more years if you're willing to chance it), and they weren't quite as good as the Core. All other options are much more expensive and have features that most people probably don't need, like more precise power readings, higher max watts and incline (like most people will ever exceed 1800W or want to ride up a greater than 16% incline), and forward or side to side movement.Just get it. You won't regret it.

This is a great smart trainer. It was easy to unpack and assemble. The setup took just a few minutes including calibration. I replaced an original, 10-year-old Kickr (Gen 1) with this unit and am very happy with it. It feels just as sturdy and steady when standing for a sprint as the old unit. I use it exclusively with Zwift and have had no issues.

I got this to replace an old CompuTrainer. The CompuTrainer was state-of-the art in its day and built to last forever, but they missed the boat on modern software and hardware interfaces.The Kickr Core required just a few minutes to attach the legs and it was ready to go. The app and my Garmin bike computer both recognized it easily. Power control is very smooth. It is accurate as far as I can tell by feel, though I haven't checked with an independent meter yet. Road simulation is quite good, although it doesn't have the hardware to properly simulate coasting (few systems do).I won't try to review the software options other than to say that there are many, from Wahoo and others.There are some small issues, which don't justify removing a star in my opinion.1) If you let your cadence drop very low while set to a specific power it tries to make that happen by increasing the required torque to nearly impossible levels. Don't absent-mindedly let your cadence drop or you may have to come to a complete stop to get it to reset.2) The power readings are almost too smooth to be true. If I set to 200 W it typically reads 200 W unless I really push hard or ease up dramatically. In fact I know that my instantaneous power isn't that perfect.3) I'm going to get a third party cadence sensor. The system does a pretty good job of deducing cadence from the torque you apply, but it's not perfect.4) They could be more transparent about calibration, particularly in terms of how accurate it is when temperature changes. My workout space isn't temperature-controlled, and I don't really know how much of a change is acceptable before calibration is needed. Also, you can't calibrate during a workout, which means you have to dedicate time and energy to a separate calibration ride.In spite of these quibbles, I am very happy with the product overall. I would buy the same thing again.

Great trainerOnly thought is that it would be great to have a manual mode where you could change resistance on the trainer itself and without bluetooth. If you do not have bluetooth this trainer is effectively uselessLove the trainer overall but remember you need to buy the cassette too!!

My first wheel off trainer. Super easy to install cassette and skewer. Zwift app was easy to use. I've never enjoyed spin classes or indoor riding of any kind until now. I'm doing group rides, races, routes and workouts, including ftp tests. So fun, quiet, and super hard and efficient training. Awesome!

The trainer works well. It's nothing fancy nowadays, but it works as intended. I haven't experienced a single drop in connection. It's easy to set up, and the noise level is average. It's a decent direct-drive trainer. I took a star for the lack of WiFi or Ant+ pass, but it's unacceptable in 2024 and needs an update.

I don't know why i waited so long to upgrade my trainer, but this thing is a game changer. Automatically detected by every program i tried it with; it just works and its got more than enough resistance for most cyclists. Can get a little wobbly if you're at full sprint but there are work arounds. A great value, especially if you find it on sale

It’s heavy, but vert stable. It seemed to take a while to pair with my iPad, but otherwise it was very straightforward to set up. It pedals very smoothly. I haven’t done any out of the saddle climbing yet, but I’m confident it will be fine. It works well with Rouvy. It’s actually enjoyable to ride indoors now.