I just have brief experience using one (not an owner). Outer coating or paint seems fine, I’m more mentioning it to be preventative towards any corrosion on the inside of the tubes/frame. It’s an issue with all fitness equipment that gets sweat on.
Feel free to disregard ofc if you put an inspection cam in it and verified that it was dipped during production etc
It’s built like a tank and I’m pretty sure the frame will outlast me. It doesn’t look like sweat will ever get inside the frame anyway the way it has been designed. It’s really the least of my worries with the bike.
Maybe in like 30 years time if it rusts through you can say I told you so, lol.
We’ll be riding virtual bikes in the metaverse by then
I picked up the Kickr Bike back in the spring when Zwift.com had their blowout sale. I had some issues with Fedex Freight getting the bike delivered but eventually got it sorted and received the bike in March. It saw in my garage for most of the summer as I was mainly riding outside or using my existing Tacx Neo/MP1 set up, but about two weeks ago I got finally brought the Kickr Bike downstairs to my basement and set it up.
The Kickr Bike had arrived on a wooden pallet and there was some minor shipping damage to the outer box, but nothing that looked concerning. Bike set up went fine but when I turned it, a fan near the rear of the bike started whirring loudly and wouldn’t stop. The display gave an “Err 17” reading. The tilt level button didn’t do anything but I was able to update the firmware in the app. I tried unplugging and plugging back in a few times but always the same result.
I ultimately called Wahoo support. They recommended unplugging and plugging back in…lol. Still didn’t work. They then had be re-do the inital set up in the app, but still the same result. He then said he would need to speak to his collegues and would email me back. A while later got an email asking for photo’s of SN and copies of receipt, as well as some questions where the Kickr Bike was housed and at what temperature. Sent this all in an then was told the bike would need to be sent in and they would send out a new one.
The sent two large boxes by Fedex to pack the bike into and a link to a webpage with detailed instructions to take the bike apart and pack it into these two boxes. It said it would take 15 - 20 min but realistically took about 90 min. The instructions were clear except they didn’t mention packing the screws and pedals in the boxes, but I found some space to stuff them in. They also sent shipping labels for the boxes. I dragged the two large boxes to a local Fedex depot for dropoff. The two boxes did fit in the back of my SUV but would be a problem with a smaller vehicle.
They gave an option to immediately send a new bike if you put a $1500 deposit on your CC, but I elected to not do this. Instead, once they see my bike is on the way back, they are supposed to then ship out the replacement.
Looking forward to the replacement Kickr Bike as we get into the fall and winter. Hopefully no issues with the replacement bike.
Well, I started this thread, and it’s been close to a year that I have had the bike, using it a minimum of 3 weekday morning’s a week, and sometimes 6 days a week. I’ve pedalled it as long as a 5 hour continuous zone 2+ ride, and it has been rock solid. The only issue has been the handlebar height. The clamp slips, and it is really tight. But it slips slowly, lowering an unnoticeable amount, till you look at it after a month or two. Then I bring it back up. I did have a power discrepancy early on with my Vector 3 pedals, and Wahoo tech support was pretty responsive, asked for a specific pyramid workout dual recorded, which I transmitted to them. They said all was good, issue was 5-10%, and then a firmware update mysteriously happened a week later. Then all was actually good. I have ridden it in erg mode controlled by TR, sim mode controlled by Rouvy.com, and it works the way you would expect. The hill climbing angle changes are pretty slick, especially when controlled by a platform like Rouvy. 99% of my time I do my workouts in “level” mode, which is as close to resistance mode as you can get. TR had a known issue regarding incompatibility with this wahoo mode 10 months ago, and was not able to resolve it for control from the TR app. I don’t know if it was ever resolved. I just control the bike from the Wahoo app, and use the shifters like it’s a real bike. I have had no weird noises or issues, it has been super reliable. Personally, I am convinced that I get a better workout indoors in a resistance type mode than erg mode, forcing me to concentrate on the power output, much more like actually riding outside.
I’d buy it again.
This happens to me as well. Like you said it’s not noticeable each time I get on the bike. But then one day a month later I’ll look at it and say to myself “wasn’t this supposed to be on 6 and not 2?”
I guess on the bright side it is helping me adapt to a lower more aero position
Have had my Kickr Bike for approximately 4 months / 4000km now. I love it. Very convenient - fuss and maintenance free. I would also buy one again.
The only issue I have experienced is a faulty power adaptor, which occurred earlier this evening. The Australian distributor will hopefully send a replacement power unit out tomorrow.
If you’re on the fence thinking about getting one, I’d say go for it. With all the wet weather we’ve had here this year it’s been a great way to keep the training up and get the km in.
The handlebar and seatpost slipping are definitely known issues by Wahoo. Hopefully they sort out better clamping system. If you search the wahoo Facebook group a variety of solutions come up. Carbon paste, replacing clamps. I was able to get them tight enough but it’s a real pain.
I’ve had my bike about 6 months. I bought it for $2500 when Zwift had their blowout sale. I do like it a lot but would only buy at that price. I’ve had no issues with it. I ride it typically 2-3 times during the week. I had a few rides times with long rides when weather was bad outside. So I did like 3 hours on it. I have it mount on a rocker plate which works well. The climb feature is very nice. Even in erg mode it’s nice just for some variety.
Is “sim mode” similar to ERG plus adjusting the tilt based on the road, or is it more like resistance mode where you shift gears based on the road?
Also, for Sufferfest workouts, what modes have worked best?
SIM (short for Simulation) is not like ERG really. SIM is about applying a resistance level that simulates the relative force you would experience if you were riding on that same terrain outside, on a regular bike.
The only similarity between ERG & SIM is that the trainer and controlling app are adjusting the resistance of the trainer. The “how & why” they adjustments take place is the key difference.
Guess I’ll jump in about my experience so far. I bought my bike during the Zwift sale back in March(?). Box was pretty messed up when it arrive but the bike itself received no damage.
The only concern I’ve had with mine so far is an occasional “tick” noise from the right hand crank… it’s intermittent, but consistent (as in, it’ll appear for 10 minutes during a ride and click every pedal stroke near the top of the stroke, then it’ll disappear). Otherwise, the bike has been flawless; I don’t even have issues with slipping.
I’ve had that same tick sound but I’m not sure it ever lasted 10 minutes. It obviously is not very bothersome to me or else I would pay attention to it more.
I’m in the market for a smart bike .
I found a two-year-old kickr bike that has 1000 miles on it. I have no idea where in the lifecycle this would place the bike. And whether it would be due for maintenance etc., does anyone have experience with the bike? , they are asking for $2000, would also value any input about that price
I moved your post under a related topic that is very worthwhile.
I have no idea how you would know how many miles are on a trainer since they never move, but hours are countable. I have 23 months of training on mine so about 650 hours on mine roughly and it has been flawless so far.
You need to adjust the clamp pre-load then all will be right with the world. They can also send you a special bolt that you tighten with a tool rather than quick release if you ask. I have that bolt, but never put it on because the preload adjustment instructions worked great.
I’m a big guy…240 lbs or so…if this clamp can hold me for out of saddle efforts, it can hold anyone.
Me too. Sometimes it’ll last the whole ride, but usually goes away. I’m pretty sure it’s coming from the part of the base where the front and back slide together. If my levelers aren’t quite right, I think there’s a bit of flex at that joint.
Honestly, what I really think is going on is sweat get’s under the rear leveler and until it’s squished out, the bike rocks just a bit to be annoying. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it since I can’t come up with anything else all on my own!