Nice work troubleshooting everything over the weekend. Frustrating that you couldn’t get it to work - I’ve got nothing else for you to try as you’ve changed just about every possible variable and it still doesn’t seem to work correctly. Returning the lemon is definitely the only viable option. Also - glad to hear your power curve from the dumb trainer was pretty close, that’s always a nice thing to find out!
I’d strongly recommend going with a wheel off smart trainer if you can afford the (relatively small) increase in price.
As for whether to go Wahoo (Kickr or Kickr Core) or another brand - that’s really up to you. Every manufacturer has some issues, and Wahoo has certainly been going through a rough patch over the past 2-3 months.
Take a look at the DC Rainmaker post linked above and figure out what best meets your needs both from a requirements and a financial perspective.
With no visibility into your financials or other needs I can only comment on your state of mind and remind you of some of the extra costs. You’re out $50 if you return the Snap, and if you switch brands to one that doesn’t include a cassette you’re out a further $40-60. That’s not a lot, but it’s not nothing. However, you’ve just had an awful Wahoo experience, so it might be worth it just from a peace of mind standpoint to go with a different brand. If you’re going to be much harder on a Wahoo product because of past experience it might be worth making a clean break from them for the time being (I say this as someone riding on a Kickr Core 6 days a week with no issues)
Same here. When I bought my Snap there was a bigger price delta between it and direct-drive but they’ve come vaguely in line with frequent sales and discounts.
I’d like a direct-drive for better responsiveness, no more spin-downs, etc… but not enough to go to the hassle of selling the Snap and spending more money on it. The Snap works well for my uses as winter-only base training. If I used it year round maybe I’d take the plunge to a Neo or something, but the call of the outdoors is too compelling to do any trainer rides during months the earth is tilted correctly.
The only trainer that doesn’t require spindown is the Neo 1/2. Other DD trainers still need them. But you can commonly do them about twice a month (if the bike and trainer stay in place), compared to every ride with a wheel-on trainer (per mfg rec).
I finally got through to Wahoo today (this is a harsh statement, as I understand they are busy, but I did send off a few emails to them w/o response), but when I finally did, they were very kind and helpful. They have a 30-day money back guarantee policy, and they do NOT waiver from this policy at all. So, if you have a problem on day 31, you’re straight out of luck. They will exchange the product after 30 days for the same product (for up to a one-year limited warranty), but will not give money back if you choose to end your relationship, for lack of better terms, with Wahoo. Come to find out, I opened my claim on the 30th day, and they are going to honor that 30-day period from when I opened my ticket w/ them. I told them I wanted to upgrade to the wheel-off KickR, and I asked about shipping. The lady stated to me they would only cover shipping if I was exchanging the product, but because I was returning the product for a refund, and buying a new trainer, then they would not cover shipping. I told her this made no sense, as I was in essence returning it for another machine. She finally agreed and sent me a pre-paid shipping label via FedEx. I’m hoping the Kickr will be the answer to my woes. I will keep you all tuned. EDIT: They are going to give me a 10% off coupon for the Kickr