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The Wahoo Kickr Core 2 is the entry into the world of Kickr trainers, whose common features are the external flywheel and the solid steel frame. The flywheel mass of the Core 2 is slightly smaller than that of the more expensive devices, but you don't notice much of this. The trainer reproduces the terrain of the virtual worlds effectively and smoothly. The braking power is by far sufficient to pull the plug on even very strong riders. The fast-rotating flywheel mass shows no resonance in the test, but the chain drive can be heard above all. At high power levels in ergometer mode, the Core 2 regulates more slowly than the top devices, the power also overshoots a little more; however, according to our measurements, the accuracy falls within the specified range of plus/minus two per cent. The device calibrates itself; spin-downs are no longer necessary.
Special features: Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Zwift-Cog
As standard, the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 is supplied with the Zwift cog, a single sprocket that is compatible with most derailleur gears. Gear changes in Zwift (and Rouvy) are made via additional controllers on the handlebars. 24 virtual gears cover a very wide range. The advantage is the fine gradation and compatibility with different bikes. The Zwift cog can be easily adjusted by hand in the chain line. In addition to ANT+ and Bluetooth, the Core 2 also offers an Ethernet connection for racing and WLAN. The Core 2 is completely sufficient for most scenarios; compared to the best trainers, it is slightly less accurate, but otherwise there is nothing to complain about. However, it is a shame that there is still no handle on board.
Wahoo Kickr Core 2: Facts, figures & data
- Price: 550 Euro including Zwift sprocket >> available here
- Maximum braking power: 1800 watts
- Simulatable gradient: 16 per cent
- Accuracy class (manufacturer's specification): plus/minus 2 per cent
- measured accuracy: < plus/minus 2 per cent
- Weight: 14.2 kg
- Floor space: 51 x 60 cm
- Volume (27/40/66 km/h): 58/65/70 dBA
Advantages and disadvantages of the Smarttrainer
Advantages
- light
- Quiet
- exactly
- favourable
Disadvantages
- No carrying handle
