Interesting watch from @GPLama. I had a different installation experience, but I was previously using the base model and bought the upgrade unit - I didn’t have to screw on the actuators, but I had other trouble with aligning the new resistance unit. I can understand the fiddly nature of install turning people off, though. It’s easy to forget once I got the trainer set up and the sailing has been so smooth since.
I was most surprised at his reaction when the trainer didn’t eliminate drivetrain noise on his bike. The trainer is not contributing any noise, and it’s quiet enough that I can train in the room next to my sleeping daughter just fine. It doesn’t silence my drive train, but it doesn’t silence my fan either.
You’re right. And in fact even if you have an aluminum rim, installing / removing the wheel weights will make you want a dedicated wheel anyway. I don’t think the wheel weights are hugely important in TrainerRoad, but they may be more important if you’re doing simulated riding. Of course if we’re trying to compare the complete experiences across different trainers, the wheel weights (using them, having to deal with them) is definitely part of it.
For those looking at the 2018 Kickr or Core, here is some interesting info about the issue and likelihood of getting a good or bad unit:
Hi all, so a little update on the Kickr 18 issue. I ordered one and it was delayed for like 10 days, but finally arrived. In the meantime, I found out some info that might or might not be known.
If you have a model with the serial number starting 011839 or later, that refers to the 39th week of production. If you have this then the manufacturing issue causing the knocking noise should be fixed. Mine sadly isn’t and is 011837. I contacted wahoo as I was unhappy to have been supplied an item with a huge price tag that has a potential know fault. They said that they would be happy to either fed ex me a kit to fix any potential issue or they were happy to do it for me. However the knocking issue might not happen on every kickr, and that only a 'couple’of people have had the issue so far. Not sure about the last statement but I thought this sounded like a solution if it fixes the problem.
Has anyone else received this kit and did it work?
Yes I am pre-emptively looking at this and there might not be a fault with mine, however, I am intending to sell my 2015 snap and don’t want to then have a fault and not have a trainer for weeks.
My Kickr core had this issue and there was no mention of a kit - they sent me a full replacement (was shipped to me the day after I dropped my old one off at fedex - so definitely not the same trainer with a fix applied). I’d be dubious of the kit - based on where the noise is coming from I think you’d be disassembling it a bit to even get to the parts making the loud noises
You’re going from a Snap to a Kickr18? Fantastic! Obviously that’s exactly what I am considering. I will wait with breath that is baited for your detailed comparison
I have a Trek Emonda and installed the duotrap speed/cadence sensor, and when mounting the bike on the Neo the speed/cadence sensor rubs against the Neo’s housing to the point I had to remove the sensor from the chainstay. I actually don’t need that sensor anyway, so I just re-installed the stock cover, which solves the problem. My Emonda is a 2016 SLR rim brake version, so other years or a disc brake version may not have that clearance problem.
I really like having the motion platform. It makes the feel much more realistic, especially for standing efforts (which are very tricky on fixed rollers).
It “allows” for a more sloppy pedal stroke than fixed rollers. Fixed ones penalize you for sloppy stroke, and that’s one reason people used them in the past. It leads to learning a smoother stroke, which is a good idea.
But adding the motion makes the overall feel that is the closest to outside riding that I have ever experienced. They are really fun, IMHO.
I think the Nashbar are more than good for most people. Maybe some people who use them a bunch can benefit from the higher cost units, but I think it won’t matter for most.
Couple of considerations.
The new Elite Quick Motion rollers offer a bunch of great features for the money. It may well be better to get those vs cheapies (like Nashbar) and making all the DIY stuff. I would have considered them closely if they were an option at the time.
Other rollers (TruTrainer) have some special inertia rollers that give more inertia. The relatively low inertia of my Nashbar rollers is about the only negative thing I can say about them. There is not much coast-down time on them when compared to a good trainer (and possibly rollers with special drums).
Besides those above, I don’t see the benefit to really expensive units like the Kreitlers. In this day and age, rollers need to have lots of features to be worth having them.
Thanks again. I envisioned using them mostly for mid-week endurance rides as a means to get some extra skill work in during these easy workouts, so I would like to avoid spending a bunch of money on them unless absolutely necessary.
I received this from Wahoo wanting me to do it , i said no and asked my money back ! Wahoo tips.pdf (1.3 MB)
I also read on a forum that the belt is too tight on some which damages the bearings with permanent damage !!! So not sure this will permanently fix the issue
It’s funny that I opened a thread in regards to my 2018 kickr that died, in fact, gone through two of them. The last one I returned, the guys at the bike shop took it apart and found a washer mangled, which caused play and I’m guess took out the bearings. It’s funny that this kit replaces a washer that could have been my issue on the two I returned. I’m going to send that document to the guys at the bike shop, see if that is the washer. But my first serial number that died was 01181900198, not sure if that was a washer and not sure what the serial number was on the second unit.
