If you’re a road cyclist who wants a bike to ride indoors sometimes, be it because of the weather, time of day, or convenience, then the Wahoo KICKR Bike is the one for you. We’re glad to see a unique bike enter the somewhat over-saturated indoor exercise bike market.
Is it the drop handles, gearing system, adjustability, or inclining and declining frame that makes this the most realistic indoor bike? It’s all of it. From the saddle down to the “Y” shaped floor frame, the KICKR is in its own class.
While it’s for avid cyclists and not for spin-class junkies, what about folks in between? Will someone who is new to cycling and doesn’t want to follow along with an instructor enjoy the Wahoo KICKR?
Wahoo KICKR Bike Review: Bottom Line
Wahoo KICKR Bike vs. Similar Exercise Bikes
Here is how the Wahoo compares to other exercise bikes on the market.
 Wahoo KICKR Bike |  NordicTrack S22i |  Peloton Bike+ |  Keiser M3i |  Bowflex VeloCore | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The adjustability, gear system, and incline and decline make this bike feel like you’re riding outside. | FIT and the inclining and declining frame make this an extremely interactive and fun exercise bike. | The Peloton Bike+ builds upon the Peloton heritage with improved tech features and automatic resistance adjustments while keeping the much-loved trainer-led content. | The Keiser M3i is a commercial bike you’ll want to bring home. Its simple v-shape design accommodates riders of all body shapes and is a great smooth spin bike. | The Bowflex VeloCore is a unique spin on exercise bikes with a unique leaning design. Along with streaming content, this is a fantastic bike. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Wahoo KICKR Bike | NordicTrack S22i | Peloton Bike+ | Keiser M3i | Bowflex VeloCore |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Specs / Features | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Overall Score | 86 | 90 | 85 | 84 | 85 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | $44/month | N/A | JRNY – $19.99/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, NBA | Easily connect to third party apps | Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Max 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen |
| Display | N/A | 22” rotating HD touchscreen | 24” touchscreen | M Connect Display | 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 45” L x 30” W | 61” L x 22” W x 58” H | 59” x 22” x 59” | 49” H x 26” W x 51” D | 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H |
| Pedal Type | Flat, plastic (can be swapped) | Hybrid | Delta | Hybrid - Flat & SPD | Flat or SPD Clips |
| # of Adjustment Points | 4+ | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Bike Weight | 93 lbs | 205 lbs (in box) | 140 lbs | 92 lbs | 158 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 350 lbs | 297 lbs | 350 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 13 lbs | 32 lbs | 30 lbs | 8 lbs | 33 lbs |
| Max Resistance | Based on weight, FTP, and gearing setup | 24 levels | 100 resistance levels | Infinite incremental resistance changes | 98 levels |
| Resistance Type | Electromagnetic and enhanced motor | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Warranty | 2-year frame, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame, 12-month parts and labor | 3-year all-inclusive, 90-day wearable parts | 10 years frame, 1 year labor, 3 years parts |
| Additional Features | 20% incline and -15% decline, Headwind, Bluetooth enabled | 20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lb weights included, storage tray | Automatic resistance adjustments, live and on-demand classes, leaderboard | Rear flywheel design, quiet and easy to ride, supports users up to 7 feet tall | Side-to-side leaning feature, 3 lb weights included, easy to lift and move |
Dimensions/Storability
The Wahoo KICKR is pretty sleek and lighter than many exercise bikes, especially ones with touchscreens. It only weighs 93 lbs. It can be moved around when needed. There are two transport wheels at the back, so when you lift the front, you can roll the bike around.
The floor stabilizer takes up a decent amount of floor space at the rear with its “Y” shape. It is 48” long and 30” wide.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The KICKR doesn’t have a touchscreen, but the bike can work with different apps. Here’s what you can expect.
Wahoo SYSTM App
The SYSTM app is an updated version of the ever-popular Sufferfest app, which was purchased by Wahoo in 2019. I completed several rides on the SYSTM. The videos are actual riders in outdoor venues with good cues and some intermingled humor.
While there are occasional cues to outride a competitor, it doesn’t have the same competitive spirit of Zwift – but it feels less like a video game and more like you are actually outdoors. I particularly like the metric display at the bottom of the screen to indicate upcoming hills, how far you are through the ride, and your current (and average) wattage.
The SYSTM offers programming that features daily training options and progressive overload. As you get stronger, more programs open up, allowing riders to progress. The SYSTM has various training plans that are appropriate for beginners and advanced riders.
The ‘4 Dimensional Power’ test consists of various tests including a five second, one minute, five minute and 20 minute effort. These determine your Neuromuscular Power, Anaerobic Capacity, Maximal Aerobic Power and Functional Threshold Power all of which allow for specifically targeted training intervals.
Console
No screen or tablet is attached to the KICKR. Riders will need to set the bike in front of a cabinet or table if they want to use a computer, as there’s no attachment or shelf available. Setting the KICKR in front of a smart TV seems the most reasonable option. Wahoo offers a “Headwind” fan that can be placed on the floor in front of you.
This innovative fan blows air in response to your speed, hence the “headwind.” The faster you ride, the more headwind is generated. This means if you want a nice breeze, you’d better pedal hard!
There are compatible lightweight tables to hold a computer while you ride. The bike itself is extremely innovative and features some impressive tech. We were surprised that there isn’t a spot on the bike itself to place your phone. Certainly, you can buy a post-market phone holder that attaches to your handlebars – but it would be useful to have an included option.
The water bottle holder on the Wahoo KICKR holds one bottle and is conveniently placed.
There’s only one water bottle holder on the downtube. It’s fine. Not large, not small, but lightweight and easy to use. Since this is an indoor bike, for longer rides, cyclists can simply have other water bottles on hand if needed.
Build Quality
The innovative features pair well with the unique and functional design. It has a 250-lb weight limit, so it isn’t best for larger users, but it will support people up to this size.
Frame Design
Unlike other indoor cycling bikes, the KICKR doesn’t specifically resemble a bike. It has a light, open feeling with the flywheel placed under the saddle, which allows the front of the bike to tilt up and down. You wouldn’t anticipate that this non-bike-looking bike would be the most realistic indoor cycling option. We’ve seen some pretty impressive KICKR setups.
The Wahoo KICKR bike has a unique frame design that is optimized for cyclists.
Since you don’t have to haul your bike in and back outside, you can tuck the KICKR into a small corner, surround yourself with reachable water bottles, and park yourself right in front of a SMART TV or counter. Add a Headwind fan (or two), and log in to Zwift, and your family won’t see you for hours!
Frame Dimensions
- Wahoo KICKR Frame: 48” long x 30” wide
- Standover Height: 37” to 47”
- User Heights: Fits individuals from 5’ tall to 6’4” tall
- Bike Weight: 93 lbs
- User Weight: Up to 250 lbs
Incline/Decline
The Wahoo KICKR inclines to 20% and declines to -15%. While the incline and decline features don’t specifically affect your resistance (gearing), you can adjust the gearing to match how you would normally ride up or downhill. This makes riding the Wahoo KICKR bike feel more like you are actually riding outdoors. The overall experience is enhanced by the adjustable incline and decline.
You have the option on the bike to either “lock” the settings to override the automated feature (where the incline and decline match the displayed terrain) or “unlock” the settings so the bike will automatically incline or decline as you ride.
Pedals
The KICKR comes with flat plastic pedals that are intended to be replaced with the cycling pedals of your choice. Most high-end road bikes have similar pedals for test riding the bike but are not intended to be the permanent pedals used. We recommend replacing the stock pedals with a cycling pedal.
The pedals on the KICKR Bike are adjustable and can easily be swapped for other pedals.
Wahoo Bike Fit
Using the Wahoo app, you can customize the KICKR bike to match the geometry of your outdoor road bike. “Bike Fit” refers to the various measurements that will enable you to ride comfortably on the Wahoo KICKR. The Wahoo app offers several different methods to ensure you have the right fit on the bike.
The Wahoo is extremely adjustable, making it a great fit for a larger number of people.
Those who have had a professional bike fit can input their metrics and the app will display where to set the Wahoo KICKR frame to match the same parameters. You can also take a picture of your outdoor bike, and the app will approximate the same fit metrics. The least accurate but easiest method is to input your height, certain body measurements, and ride preferences into the app.
Here’s a quick overview of what each of these metrics is measuring:
- Standover height is the height of the top tube from the floor. It can be adjusted from position A (lowest) all the way to F (highest).
- Stack is the rise of the handlebars above the top tube. The higher the stack, the more upright your torso will be when riding.
- Reach is the distance from the handlebars to the nose of the saddle. You adjust this by increasing or decreasing the distance between the handlebar stem and the seat tube.
- Setback is the distance of the seat in relation to the pedals. Increasing setback distance also increases the reach, but the setback metric adjusts how your legs are positioned over the pedals. If the setback is too short, you’ll feel like you are riding a unicycle with the pedals directly under the seat. If the setback is too far, you’ll feel like you are back behind the pedals. Aim for a 25-35 degree bend in the knee at full leg extension.
- Crank length is also adjustable, meaning you can attach the pedals in any of five different holes ranging from 165mm to 175mm. A standard road bike is typically 170mm, so that’s a good option to start with if you aren’t sure.
Other adjustments with quick-release levers:
- Handlebar height
- Handlebar position
- Seat height
- Seat position
The Wahoo KICKR has abundant adjustment features that road cyclists will love but may seem overwhelming to someone who just wants to jump on and ride. Regardless of your cycling experience, the Wahoo KICKR offers some of the most customizable ride options, so use them all!
Gearing Setup
Once you’ve determined the right bike fit, the KICKR allows you to further customize ride settings by adjusting the gearing range, chainring size, and cassette size. If you don’t know this information, you can also select default settings that will be similar to a standard outdoor bike (Shimano mechanical brakes, 50/34 chainring, 11-28T cassette).
The Wahoo KICKR Bike has a unique handlebar setup that is typically found on traditional road bikes.
For those unfamiliar with gearing differences, the default setting will provide a standard ride. However, if you really want to get the most out of the KICKR, we recommend playing around a little with the different settings. You can change the gearing ratio to facilitate different ride scenarios.
A higher number (of teeth) on the rear cassette allows for a lower bottom gear, which makes riding uphill easier. The front chainring is the opposite, with a lower number of teeth enabling a lower gear. If you are doing a challenging hill climb, maybe opt for a smaller chainring and larger front cassette. When racing in Zwift, the opposite setup of a larger front chainring could add speed and power to sprints and breakaways.
Preloaded cassette options range from 9 to 12 cogs with 10-26T to 11-32T, or you can input custom settings. Front chainring configurations include a single, double, or triple chainring setup. Since there’s no weight issue on an indoor bike, you can opt for any configuration. However, if you are training for an outdoor event, we recommend settings closest to your road bike configuration.
Wahoo allows gearing to be adapted for a Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo groupset. The left shifter adjusts the position of the chain on the front chainring(s), and the right shifter adjusts the rear gearing through the different cassettes. I use Shimano Di2, so the gearing was very intuitive.
Resistance Adjustment
Resistance is calibrated based on your weight, 4 Dimension tests (or FTP), and gearing setup. Certain gear configurations (as outlined above) will allow for lower gear options and therefore easier riding while others will be more challenging but offer more power and speed.
Resistance is also digitally adjusted based on the gear you choose to ride in and the nature of the ride. If you are using a compatible app, the KICKR will respond to terrain and incline adjustments by adding more resistance. You can then downshift to adjust your power output. The combination of automated resistance and manual gears makes the KICKR feel like an outdoor bike.
FTP Wattage
FTP or functional threshold power (in watts) reflects the wattage produced at your aerobic threshold – or about 75% of your max power. If you don’t want to complete all four tests before your first ride, you can estimate or determine your FTP using a power meter for simpler but still beneficial training intervals.
For stronger, more experienced riders and a high FTP, the KICKR will generate greater resistance within the lower gears, so you still have a full range of gear options. For newer riders with less leg power and a lower FTP, the bike will adjust accordingly. This makes the Wahoo extremely adaptable for different riders.
Since the flywheel is not weighted like traditional indoor bikes, the digital resistance accommodates various FTP and wattage outputs. Make sure to put in your correct body weight, as this affects the resistance as well. The total wattage output on the Wahoo KICKR is 2200 watts.
Warranty
Wahoo includes a 2-year frame and parts warranty and a 1-year labor warranty with the KICKR Bike.
Should You Buy The Wahoo KICKR Bike?
In all, I am impressed with the Wahoo KICKR. It’s certainly an engineering feat with abundant adjustment options and precision resistance settings. The gearing, braking, and fit settings enable nearly any rider to find the right fit on the KICKR. The new SYSTM app offers targeted daily training with video rides and guided instruction.
The KICKR will also sync with various external apps as well as the ELEMNT GPS bike computer, Headwind fan, and LED lights. It is not compatible, however, with third-party power meters. The Wahoo app is free and easy to use on your phone – you can even make adjustments while riding.
This is a lot of bike – so if you find yourself swimming in details you don’t care about, it may not be the best option. If all of this makes perfect sense – and you still have a few questions – you are the target demographic. For riders looking for the ultimate indoor trainer bike – the Wahoo KICKR is likely the best place to start.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Q&A / FAQ
Do you need a mat under the Wahoo KICKR?
It is a good idea to place a mat under most fitness equipment. This helps prevent floor damage and keeps your machine planted to the floor and can help prevent slipping on hard floors. Wahoo sells a mat that fits under the Wahoo KICKR Bike.
Is the Wahoo KICKR Bike Bluetooth-enabled?
Yes, the bike connects to apps like Zwift and the Wahoo SYSTM app.
Is this a paid review?
We were not paid to write this review of the Wahoo KICKR Bike. Wahoo sent us the bike, but this review has our unbiased thoughts and detailed firsthand experience testing the bike. We have affiliate links where we make a commission. This allows us to review fitness equipment and recommend the best on the market.
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