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As before, the new Wahoo Kickr V5 has a neatly crafted steel frame, is adaptable to many wheel sizes and has an external, belt-driven flywheel (seven-kilo electromagnetically braked flywheel). Details have been improved: the integrated power measurement is now continuously self-calibrating and is said to be accurate to around one per cent. The Axis feet have been revised and allow the device a little more freedom of movement to the side. The Wahoo Kickr smart trainer is up and running just 15 minutes after opening the box thanks to the pre-installed eleven-speed sprocket set and the uncomplicated, free app with good ergometer function.
The Wahoo Kickr V5 in the TOUR lab
Compared to our reference power meter, the Kickr displays a handful of watts less, which fits in with the promise of accuracy, as the chain delivers the power to the roller trainer with slight losses. The Wahoo Kickr is very quiet; you can almost only hear the drive of the bike. On Zwift, the device regulates the resistance with changing loads precisely, strongly, quietly, quickly and smoothly, the simulation shows no weaknesses. For future wired communication, the device has a socket for integration into networks - still without functionality. However, the wireless connection via Bluetooth gave no cause for criticism. Power, cadence and speed were transmitted cleanly. The price of the Wahoo Kickr remains at 1,199 euros. The surcharge compared to the functionally almost equal model Kickr Core with a slightly smaller flywheel mass and rigid feet is 400 euros.
If you place the mid-range Kickr Core roller trainer on a soft mat, you can achieve a similar effect to the new Axis feet on the Wahoo Kickr V5 top model (which can be retrofitted to older devices). In practice, it will probably be more important to see whether Wahoo can improve its quality assurance, which has fluctuated recently, and whether all Smarttrainers come out of the box as tiptop as our test model.
Test summary of the Wahoo Kickr Smarttrainer
The fifth version of the Wahoo Kickr is very good, but the gentle model update is no reason to retire an older Kickr roller trainer.
- Price (RRP): 1,199 euros >> e.g. available here
- Weight: 21.82 kilogrammes
- Floor space: W x L 74 x 52 cm
- Stowage dimension: W x L x H 23 x 52 x 49 cm
- maximum performance: 2200 Watt
- Volume at 27/40/66 km/h: 31, 40, 54 dBA
- average deviation: 3,4 Watt
Important note: Before buying, you should check whether the roller trainer is compatible with the bike you want to mount on the trainer. For example, there are problems when combining a Wahoo roller trainer with Canyon Ultimate rim brake models.
The Wahoo Kickr V5 (with adapters) is compatible with these rear wheel hubs
- Quick release 130 and 135 mm
- Thru axle 12 x 142 and 12 x 148 mm
