Wahoo Kickr Snap vs. Kickr Core vs. Kickr Power

The indoor season is almost upon us dear cyclists. Wahoo offers a range of different bike trainers, but which one is right for you? Wahoo does not make it too difficult and has three bike trainers on the market, the KICKR Snap, the KICKR Core and the KICKR Power. All three differ in appearance, specs and price. In this blog you will discover the differences between these cycle trainers and which one suits you best.

The Wahoo KICKR Snap 

Let's kick it off with the Wahoo KICKR Snap, a fantastic bike trainer for a cheap price. The KICKR Snap is a wheel-on trainer, which means that you click your rear wheel into the KICKR Snap and it will roll against your rear wheel. The KICKR Snap is a solid and very robust device made of stainless steel. The KICKR Snap has both Bluetooth and ANT+ pairing options to transfer all data to your phone or bike computer, you can also use third-party apps such as Trainerroad, Zwift, Bkool and Kinomap. Furthermore, the Wahoo KICKR Snap connects perfectly with almost all cadence, speed and heart rate monitors.

A big advantage of the KICKR Snap is that it is very easy to use. If you are a real dry weather rider, you can easily replace your outdoor ride with an indoor one using the KICKR Snap. There is no need to remove the entire rear wheel in order to attach it to neither the KICKR Core nor the KICKR Power. In addition, the KICKR Snap is designed to fit virtually any bicycle. When the KICKR Snap is unfolded, the legs are 74 cm apart, which provides great stability. When you are finished with your indoor ride, the KICKR Snap is convenient and compact to store. 

The Wahoo KICKR Snap is slightly less accurate than other Wahoo trainers in recording power, namely +/- 3% in relation to reality. The Wahoo KICKR Snap can also be combined with the KICKR Climb and the KICKR Headwind to make your bike ride as realistic as possible!

The Wahoo KICKR Core

The Wahoo KICKR Core is the bike trainer that positions itself between the KICKR Snap and the KICKR Power. The KICKR Core, like the KICKR Power, is a direct drive trainer. This means that you remove the rear wheel of your bicycle and attach it to the bike trainer. The Core communicates via Bluetooth Smart and ANT+. This allows you to connect it to heart rate monitors, your phone, bike computers, sports watches and software. The body of the trainer is compatible with 8, 9, 10 and 11-speed Shimano and SRAM cassettes.

A major advantage of the KICKR Core is that almost all bikes fit. It does not matter whether it is a mountain bike, racing bike or time trial bike, all wheel sizes from 24 to 29 inches fit the Core. The size of your axle does not matter much either. The Core is suitable for 130 and 135 mm quickrelease and 142×12 and 148×12 thru-axles.

The KICKR Core can simulate a power output of 1800 Watts and a maximum incline of 16%. 

Please note! The KICKR Core does not come with a cassette. In order to use the KICKR Core, you will need to purchase a cassette and a dongle separately. A small device necessary to transfer the signal from the trainer to your computer. You can buy this dongle at SB Supply!

The KICKR Core offers a wide range of training options thanks to its built-in power meter. In addition, the KICKR Core can be easily connected to the KICKR Climb and the KICKR Headwind!

Wahoo KICKR Power

For cyclists who want to go all out for the yellow jersey, even in winter, there is only one bike trainer for you. The Wahoo KICKR Power V5, the new version of the KICKR Power. This full-featured cycletrainer will only make you better. 

One major advantage of the KICKR Power is that you will never have to calibrate it. The cycletrainer can do this all by itself. When you are training, the KICKR Power will regularly calibrate the power meter to maintain an accuracy of 1%. 

The flywheel is larger than the core, 5.4 kg versus 7.25 kg. A larger flywheel allows for greater maximum wattage. The KICKR V5 can deliver 2,200 watts of resistance with 1% accuracy, and is designed to withstand the intense forces of the most powerful cyclists in the world, such as pro team partners, Team Sky. That means if you're going for a sprint, whether on Zwift or TrainerRoad, the device won't be the limiting factor - it'll be your legs!

Unlike the Wahoo KICKR Core, the KICKR Power does come with a cassette. An 11-speed Shimano cassette (11-26) to be precise. 

The KICKR Power comes with so-called AXIS feet. You will receive three sets of feet. Which foot you use depends on your body weight. The smallest set is used for up to 63 kg, the middle set for up to 81 kg and the largest set for anyone over 81 kg. Pay attention to which foot you mount, if you mount the wrong one it can result in damage to your bike or to the trainer, but of course also in injuries. 

These feet ensure that your trainer and your bike move with you during your training. This creates an even more realistic road feeling. The movement the feet achieve is only 5%, but that is just enough to give you the feeling when you are really standing on the pedals. It also makes you more flexible on the bike and less tired afterwards. 

Overzicht

In the following overview, we list the three models for you: 

Extra Accessories

To get the most out of your workout, it is sometimes wise to purchase additional accessories. Wahoo has created various accessories made specifically for the KICKR series. 

KICKR Climb

With the KICKR Climb, it is as if you were actually climbing a mountain. Replace your front wheel with the KICKR Climb and get up to 20% incline or a 10% descent. Please note which bike trainer you have. A KICKR Snap can reach a gradient of 12%, the KICKR Core 16%, and the KICKR Power lets you climb up to 20%.

If you feel like imitating an ascent of the Alpe d'Huez, you can do so on all devices, but the mountains of the Giro d'Italia, the Monte Zoncolan and the Passo di Mortirolo are definitely for KICKR POWER users only.

KICKR Headwind

Do you want to feel the outdoors and the wind in your hair? Then the KICKR Headwind is for you. This fan provides a gradual air flow to ensure that you experience the best possible indoor feeling. The KICKR Headwind can generate wind speeds of over 48 km/h. In addition, the KICKR Headwind can be adjusted manually or via sensors according to speed or heart rate! The KICKR Headwind can also be used with other cycle trainers!

KICKR Desk

Do you like to watch TV while cycling or use the Zwift cycling programme on your laptop? Then the KICKR Desk is ideal for not being too far from the screen. Place the KICKR Desk in front of your bike and you'll be in the action. 

KICKR Mat 

When you're going flat out and sweating yourself to death, it's nice that all the sweat doesn't fall onto the floor. The KICKR Mat is placed under your bike trainer and catches all your sweat. The non-slip coating prevents the mat from sliding and provides extra stability for your KICKR.

KICKR Dongle

Do you want to use third-party apps? Then it's a good idea to buy a KICKR Dongle, because it is not included. This way you always have the best connection and can train carefree!

Conclusion

Wahoo has three very comprehensive bike trainers on the market. But which one suits you best will of course differ from person to person. If you like to continue training outside even in the cold and you sometimes still go out for a round in the winter, the KICKR Snap may be the most suitable for you. You can easily click your bike in the Snap and take it out again if you decide to take a lap outside. 

If you really want to keep training fanatically during the winter months, the KICKR Core or the KICKR Power are better options for you. If you really can't do without the feeling of cycling on the road, then you should definitely go for the KICKR Power. This cycletrainer makes you feel like you're cycling outdoors thanks to the AXIS supports.

If you really want to bring the outdoors inside, the KICKR Climb and KICKR Headwind are a must. We bet you won't even want to go outside to train anymore!