In a market that gets more and more competitive what can you add in the current world of indoor trainers? High accuracy, fast adaptation of power increase and low latency, fans, desks, climbing simulators, smart connectivity features, digital training software like Wahoo SYSTM and RGT, we got it all!
Smart trainer companies come up with new models, but no real innovation has been made since. So why would users upgrade and what's the next real step for indoor training? Well, obviously gamification (look at the "game controllers" coming up), more real feeling in form of movement and feedback and of course comfort.
Wahoo KICKR MOVE
Today Wahoo released a new version of their market leading smart trainer. The KICKR MOVE in a bet of delivering the closest real world, smart trainer ride-feel.
This new addition to the Wahoo range, has the addition of 8 inches (20cm) of fore aft movement added to the trainer body. This claims to deliver an entirely new dimension of ride-feel, the built-in dual-axis movement mimics that of cycling outdoors. The result is a more engaging, more comfortable and more realistic riding experience.
How does the KICKR MOVE work?
The KICKR MOVE sits on wheels that are within a fixed, curved track. As the rider increases or decreases power output, or gets in or out of the saddle, or simply readjusts their riding position - the trainer moves forwards and backwards with them. The track is curved to allow gravity to control the amount of movement. Small adjustments in the saddle will result in little movement, whereas getting out of the saddle for a sprint will create much more movement. The KICKR MOVE also features a lockout switch to disengage the movement, making it easier to mount bikes, move the trainer around, as well as tailoring to rider preference.
Is KICKR CLIMB still compatible?
In tandem with the KICKR MOVE launch, Wahoo has created an easy to use hardware add-on to make it compatible with existing models of their indoor climbing simulator KICKR CLIMB. Fixed to the base of the KICKR CLIMB, the KICKR CLIMB Base Adaptor follows the exact same arc as the KICKR MOVE, so the pair move together in perfect unison.
The KICKR SHIFT BIKE
As part of this joint launch, Wahoo is also releasing a brand new indoor smart bike; the KICKR BIKE SHIFT. Looking to create an indoor smart bike with a lower price point, KICKR BIKE SHIFT offers the comfort and similar setup of KICKR BIKE and retains key features such as Reality Shift, True Fit, Real Ride Feel and, of course, Wi-FI. Wahoo has helped open up the smart bike category to even more people by refining features, including the introduction of a new brake and belt drivetrain system to deliver lightning fast resistance response to grade and power changes - plus an even quieter ride. The KICKR BIKE SHIFT will be offered to users alongside Wahoo’s current KICKR BIKE.
Wahoo was founded on the principle of building the better athletes in all of us. With innovation at the heart of everything we do, we couldn’t be prouder to once again be pushing indoor cycling ahead to a new reality
Chip Hawkins, Founder of Wahoo
A new unboxing experience
To make the transition from delivery to riding as quick and easy as possible, Wahoo is introducing a brand new unboxing experience, which will be rolled out across their indoor training range. An easy slide mechanism has been included in the KICKR MOVE box, saving users from needing to lift a heavy trainer out of the packaging. Packaging is also more sustainable with a 90% reduction in non-recyclable foam. Then a QR code will take riders to a quick and easy digital guide, delivered through videos. For the KICKR BIKE and KICKR BIKE SHIFT this will be a detailed set up and fit.
What is the pricing?
KICKR MOVE US $1,599.99, Europe €1,599.99 and UK £1,399.99
KICKR BIKE SHIFT US$2,999.99, Europe €2,999.99 and UK £2,699.99
We leave the comments on that for you. But yeah definitely in the premium segment. ;)
Good new products with innovation or just the next marketing gag to get us buy new models? What do you think?