WAHOO recently announced updates to their awesome KICKR trainer.
Dealing with issues that a lot of trainer brands are going to have to face as bicycle “standards” get increasingly splintered, WAHOO has added compatibility with 12×142 and 12×148 thru axles as well as improved clearance for frames with disc brakes.
Personally, I did not have issues with the brakes on my Giant TCX when I had it on the previous generation KICKR, but I figure that enough compatibility complaints were made to make them look at making changes. My issue with the KICKR came down to chainline issues with my old cross frame, which ultimately led to me switching to another trainer, but that’s a story for another day…
Most exciting about WAHOO’s announcement, however is compatibility with what they are calling the KICKR CLIMB. The KICKR CLIMB is designed to take KICKR indoor training to the next level by adding physical grade changes to your ride. Yes, that’s right – connect your front wheel to the KICKR CLIMB and when you use compatible training apps, your front wheel will raise or lower to approximate the grade that you are riding in the app. The CLIMB is compatible with the new generation of the KICKR and with WAHOO’s SNAP.
Sure, there have been climbing blocks for trainers before, but nothing like this that can help you engage your climbing muscles in real time. Very cool.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
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