Wahoo Kickr Core - vibration?

[hotcamel]

I have just bought a brand new Wahoo Kickr core. I previously a tacx Bushido (wheel on).

The core is much quieter, but there is some vibration, and I’m just not sure if it’s normal.

At low power, the only sound is the drive train, but once power gets above about 180w, there is a vibration felt through the whole bike with each pedal stroke, and a rhythmic deep sound with each pedal stroke. This isn’t related to flywheel speed and isn’t present when freewheeling.

I just wondered what others experience with the Kickr core is like. Is this sound and vibration normal? It’s fairly subtle, but I’m concerned this could develop into something else.

Here’s a link to a video of the sound:

13 July 2020

I have tried:

• a different bike
• new cassette
• new chain
• re-indexing the gears

All of which have made zero difference. I know there were issues with early production units but these seem to have been different to the sound and vibration I am experiencing.

I’m planning on returning it to the store, but I suspect as the issue is pretty subtle they will tell me it’s normal.

[Pamplemoose]

Not sure how helpful this is but my ‘18 Kickr is the same. It’s my first direct drive trainer so I just assumed it’s normal? I notice it more when I’m in the small chainring in ERG mode, big ring on Zwift is totally smooth

[MI-XC]

I found that certain gears sound better than others on my Core and the sound got quieter after a few weeks of use. I also have to adjust the derailleur inboard a bit compared to riding outside.

[hotcamel]

Thanks for your experiences. I am going to go back to the store today and will reports back with an update!

[Dmudge]

I’m having exactly the same experience with my new Kickr Core. I spent ages setting up my corner of the garage and have really been enjoying getting back training properly which is why I haven’t taken it back to the store at this stage.

I’ve done about 10 hours on it so far. I feels like it’s getting less the more I ride but I have been training in erg mode only with no gear changes. It doesn’t bother me that much but I guess we just expect it to all run smoother with no vibration.

Really keen to hear what feedback you get and if any others are having a similar experience.

[hotcamel]

So, I sent the above video to Wahoo and they replied and said there is a bearing issue and the unit needs replacing.

I went to the store, but they won’t replace it without the supplier having sent me some sort of return code (I am in Australia and there is some third party that appears to be the importer). That should come through in the next few days, and I will get a new one from the store.

For me, the issue is not related to gears - it happens in all gears. It is more related to how much power is being produced. The cutoff seems to be at about 180W and above this the deep sound and vibration get worse as power resistance up. The vibration is not severe - I would say it is similar to riding outside on an old sealed road or a gravel trail, as compared to a nice new smooth road - but it is rhythmic - associated with the power phase of the pedal stroke.

I haven’t been able to hear anything similar on the published videos of the trainer - such as in DC rainmaker’s site, or on Wahoo’s help pages.

At least now I have a nice new and very clean chain and cassette having swapped them out!

I’ll keep you updated when I get my new one to see if there is any difference!

[hotcamel]

So - a few updates!
I made a more comprehensive video of the sound here at different wattages:

KICKR CORE vibrations

Then - I returned my trainer for a new one. This seems to be basically exactly the same - if anything it is a little worse!

I am a bit skeptical that it was a bearing issue as Wahoo suggested - because I thought this would likely also cause the sound when freewheeling (which it doesn’t).

At least it has fixed a secondary issue - my speed was not being broadcast on the old unit (and so I couldn’t do a spin down calibration) and this one now works seamlessly.

I’ll use it regularly for a few weeks and see it if “wears in”.

[Ollie2600]

I got my new core a couple of days ago and i’m having a similar vibration. It’s subtle at low resistance but reasonably noticable at higher resistance. I feel it in my feet mainly and it does seem to be at the same point when the crank turns every time but it doesn’t feel like the bike. It’s hard to know if this is to be expected or if there is an issue. I’ve read lots of people reporting the same feeling so perhaps its part of direct drive trainers?