Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One Review: Best of Both Worlds?

Here's everything you need to know about the Wahoo KICKR CORE Cog, aka Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One, or basically, the Wahoo KICKR CORE with the Zwift Cog & Zwift Click system. I know, the name is confusing. Look, I didn’t choose it, I just review it. A more explainable name would be the Wahoo KICKR CORE Cog, which is what this is: The Wahoo KICKR CORE, with the Zwift Cog attached instead of a regular cassette. It’s really as simple as that. For those not familiar with the Zwift Cog, it eliminates the need for your physical bike shifters, and instead you shift with a little remote button (included). Zwift introduced it a mere four months ago on the Zwift Hub One, a product that, as of today, is now officially discontinued. First, just a quick run through the top-line specs, which are identical to the KICKR CORE because it’s the same trainer. Nonetheless, here’s the current KICKR CORE Zwift One specs: – Direct drive trainer: This means you remove your rear wheel – Flywheel: It has a flywheel weight of 5.4kg – Cassette: Zwift Cog virtual cassette, compatible with 8-12 speed bikes, though practically compatible with any bike/chain that you can physically mount on the trainer (axle-wise). – Sound: Essentially silent. Only the sound of your drivetrain is heard – Handle: This unit lacks a handle, which continues to make it slightly awkward to move around – Protocol Compatibility: ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth Smart Trainer Control, Bluetooth Smart Power (everything you need). However, note that while fully compatible with other apps, you can *ONLY SHIFT* with Zwift. So, this will work perfectly fine in ERG mode on TrainerRoad, but you’ll be going nowhere fast on Rouvy or IndieVelo without shifting. More on that later. – Unique Party Trick: Compatible with the KICKR CLIMB gradient simulator accessory (previous Zwift Hub wasn’t compatible) – App Compatibility: From a protocol standpoint, anything, but from a practical standpoint, just Zwift for simulation mode due to the aforementioned shifting limitation. – Skewer Compatibility: All the skewers and adapters you could ask for: Road 130mm, 135mm, 142x12mm, 148x12mm – Max Incline: 16% simulated grade – Max Wattage: 1,800 watts resistance – Stated Accuracy: +/-2.0% – Power Cable Required: Yes, power block compatible with 100-240v – Pricing and Availability: $599USD, €599, and £549 – Including 1-year of Zwift subscription Additionally, Zwift/Wahoo will be selling it in Canada and Australia from late March, via WahooFitness.com. Otherwise the trainer is available from both Wahoo and Zwift’s sites only. #WahooKICKRCORE #ZwiftTrainer #Zwift