Autumn’s arrival means one thing: Wahoo launches its winter season of indoor trainers. And so it was in September, with two new models: the Kickr Move smart turbo and the Kickr Bike Shift.
We got our hands, legs and buttocks on the Bike Shift, its primary sell being ‘a lower price point’ and similar features to last year’s Kickr Bike 2, which retailed for £3,499.99.
But the Shift still comes at a hearty £2,699.99. So, what’s been lost and gained from that £800 reduction?
What's new?
The major change is its lack of real-time gradient shifts, the previous bike ascending or descending depending on what’s happening ahead on the virtual software like Zwift.
We tested one and it was a nifty feature, but after a short while it felt a little Emperor’s New Clothes. So, no huge loss.
Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift weight and set-up
Out the box it’s a heavy beast, weighing 36kg. It lacks wheels so when you set up, do so where your trainer will live.
Talking set-up, it’s a seamless and intuitive process via a set-up app. Not only are you guided through constructing the bike, but you’re also given the detail to match your outdoor geometry indoors.
That’s down to its impressive adjustability. You can change top-tube length, both at the saddle and cockpit ends, as well as raising or lowering the entire unit.
Crank length ranges in 2.5mm increments from 165mm to 175mm, and you can even customise the Shift to match your bike’s shifters.
Noise and power
The flywheel’s different to the last model but it’s just as impressive, ensuring a quiet drivetrain that’s appreciated by all.
Its power output maxes out at 2,200 watts, which is sufficient even for the Chris Hoys out there.
As for the precision of its power measurement, Wahoo claims the Shift’s within 1% accurate.
Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift connectivity
Connectivity is impressive, as it taps into WiFi rather than relying on Bluetooth.
The aim is to bolster the data reliability between app and trainer, and so it proved in practice despite the training taking place in the garage beneath our abode, with not one dropout during the testing.
We trained using a mix of Zwift and Wahoo X, neither of which is included at this price point, with Wahoo X costing you £135 for the year (which you can pay monthly).
While it’s an impressive app, you’d think as you’ve just dished out over two-and-a-half grand on a Shift bike, it’d be gratis for at least a year.
Final thoughts
You’d also expect a smartphone mount for this money. Still, they’re the only gripes, as this is one superb trainer.
It is, of course, still a hearty outlay, but if you have deep pockets and really want an indoor bike, we’d go for this over the Kickr 2 and save yourself £800.
Verdict: Clearly expensive, but if you have the money it's one helluva trainer.
Score: 85%
Stationary bike not for you? Take a look at our lists of the best triathlon bikes and the best turbo trainers.
