WAHOO KICKR CORE
£699.99 Keeping it quiet
WEIGHT 18kg FLYWHEEL 5.4kg CASSETTE INCLUDED No NOISE 70dB
Wahoo’s mid-price Core features many of the key functions you find on its top-end Kickr. It works directly with quickrelease axles but also comes with adaptors for 12x142mm and 12x148mm thru-axles in the box. However, there’s no cassette or wheel block. You will also need a cadence sensor because the unit doesn’t transmit this information.
The base legs need to be bolted on before use but this is a very simple task, and these fold for storage. Ride set up is simple and only takes a few minutes. Everything connects quickly and easily via ANT+ and Bluetooth, and pairs seamlessly with third-party software.
Once the bike is fitted, the ride feel is good. The Core uses much of the same technology as
the Kickr but has a lighter 5.4kg flywheel. In use it’s hard to notice any big difference when it comes to ride feel.
What is instantly noticeable is how quiet the Core is. This is thanks to the neat belt drive, which offers almost silent pedalling. The bike transmission makes more noise. It’s also a stable setup even when you’re out of the saddle working hard. The combination of ride feel and stability is impressive.
The Core offers 1800 watts of resistance and up to 16 per cent gradients. Changes in power are smooth and we were impressed with the accuracy being within a couple of per cent of our power meter. The Core is a highquality trainer, and the price and quietness is a big pull.