Just launched at Eurobike, Wahoo’s new Kickr Bike is an automated trainer that tilts and bobs to replicate climbing and descending. Keen to annex a good chunk of your floor space, it’s composed of a full-size and ultra-adjustable bike mounted to an actuator that raises or lowers the whole assemblage to simulate slopes of up to 20%.
Based around the same kind of smart resistance unit found on the brand’s more traditional trainers, this can produce over 2,200 watts to push against, while also measuring your power output with lab-quality accuracy.
On top of this, it’s smart shifting system can even replicate the exact ratios from most existing groupsets.
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Also physically adjustable to match the specs of your existing bike, the product is being launched during an indoor cycling boom.
'Over the past five years, we’ve seen an incredible increase in indoor cycling and the sales of Kickr indoor smart trainers,' explained Mike Saturnia, CEO of Wahoo Fitness.
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Announced the same day Stages also unveiled its StagesBike home trainer, these join similar products from Bkool, Tacx and Wattbike.
Also driven by subscription service Peloton, which will hire you a spin bike to take home with you, it seems staying in is the new going out.
Bundled with Wahoo’s own software, most riders will be likely to instead instantly load up virtual training space Zwift before taking to the simulated hills.
With UK pricing yet to be confirmed, the Kickr Bike is available on the brand’s website now for US$3,500.
