Kickr Core / Low Power (Is it the app, the trainer, or a mac?)

Equipment
1

Is it possible that my Kickr Core is somehow not giving “real”/accurate power?

(disclaimer: this isn’t some weird sad humblebrag)

Situation: I’m doing long endurance rides. The watts i’m supposed to be doing seem too easy. Makes me think that something is getting lost in the accuracy of the power delivery.

Notes:

  • It’s an old Core (bought in 2020).
  • Connected via Bluetooth
  • Very cold - This is being done in a garage in MN where the ambient temps are in the teens/low 20’s
  • My fitness is improving, but not THAT much.
  • The effect seems to be happening across all zones
  • I haven’t noticed any issues using Zwift, but my usage there is very sporadic

The setup:

  • Control device - 2019 Macbook pro running TR (Latest version of TR, latest version of MacOS; I double checked everything)
  • Kickr Core - Updated the firmware to 1.1.3.double checked
  • Calibrated - Tried the TR calibration features. Says the calibration was successful
  • Calibrated double check - Used the latest Wahoo app on my iphone to run the calibration. Says it was successful
  • Bluetooth - Made sure that only the mac was connected to the trainer (turned off bluetooth on phone, no other devices nearby). Can’t think of what else would be creating interference

Any ideas?

In the meantime, i’m going to:

  • Try using my phone as the control unit (vs. the Mac)
  • If that doesn’t work, i’ll go back to the Ant+ dongle i have and see if that works
2

The device you control the Core with really shouldn’t matter at all. This seemingly is about the trainer itself. It could be worth tracking down the “Advanced Calibration” process to run that. But it may be best to start with Wahoo support, so they can direct any research and testing prior to the suggestion above.

Honestly, without a separate power meter (and parallel history of prior workout), this is not something with an easy answer. You could get or borrow a power meter for side-by-side comparison, but that will just show you the now situation without a clear connection to the then side of the question.

2 Likes
3

Thanks Chad! I sort of knew control device wasn’t going to be the core issue. I am assuming it’s a bluetooth thing with the Core firmware. Might be time to get those Garmin Rally XC200’s.

4

Try the Wahoo app controlling the trainer at various loads and see if it correlates to what TR is showing.

Try Alpe du Zwift and see how that feels - completing it in an hour is an indicator you’re pretty fit. If you can complete it well under an hour, there’s something wrong (or you’re an elite athlete).

Just to be clear, the app is saying “ride at 150W” but it feels like you’re only doing 100W?

5

the app is saying “ride at 150W” but it feels like you’re only doing 100W?

yep, that’s what’s going on.

Try the Wahoo app controlling the trainer at various loads and see if it correlates to what TR is showing.

Will try that. Hadn’t done that because i was concerned that the dual connections might be an issue. But, i like that approach

Try Alpe du Zwift and see how that feels

I like the idea of doing the Alp du Zwift. I once rode up the real Alp De Huez in about 64 minutes, but that was 25 years ago!

6

If the TR app on the Mac is closed, there shouldn’t be any issue.

I’ve never had connections cause weird readings, only inability to connect to the second device because the first is keeping the connection (and I don’t recall if this is an ANT thing or BT or both).

7

That’s moving pretty good.

I’ve gone under an hour on the Zwift version a few times, but only when I’m in race shape (and weight).

8

30 years old and about 170 lbs. 25 years, and 25 pounds ago! A different life.

9

In case anyone ever comes to this thread again…

Wahoo issued an updated firmware update.

Doesn’t solve the problem (yet)

10

You don’t mention it, but have you done an Advanced Factory Spindown with your Core?

https://wahoofitness.yonyx.com/y/conversation/?id=c6c2e2e0-be88-11e7-b908-bc764e10c19d

I recently pulled my Core out to use after letting it sit for 1.5 years. For the first ride, compared to the same Power Meter as before, it was 15w higher relatively after just doing a normal spindown. After the advanced spindown though, it was back to the same relative power as before I put it in storage. Something to try if you haven’t already.

  • edit - Ah … it is mentioned up there in the Thread! At least I added the link :slight_smile:
2 Likes
11

I got some info via Wahoo support, and the Advanced Factory Spindown was the “last ditch” effort. Luckily, i got the “normal” spindown to work this afternoon, so we’ll see tomorrow during my Reinstein workout (ouch!) if it actually worked or not!

12

Maybe you should bring the trainer inside, let it warm up, calibrate it and then test it again.

13

Do you ride the trainer a bit before doing the calibration, to warm-up the trainer parts? As you are riding in a very cold environment this could have an impact.

14

the “cold” issue had me scratching my head too. I actually did do a 5-10 minute warm up before the attempts at spindown. Also, i’ve been riding out in the garage for years, and i hadn’t experienced this problem before, so i’m pretty sure it wasn’t the cold.

15

One more update: Made a Service ticket at Wahoo.com and they got back to me with the latest info. Had me do a “normal” spindown with some very specific steps. Didn’t seem to help. Then, they had me do a “factory spindown” and that seemed to work. I think I’m back in business.