Set up your KICKR Smart Trainer

Setting up your KICKR Smart Trainer is an easy process that involves unboxing your new unit and integrating the Wahoo App. This will keep your trainer up to date with the latest firmware, allowing it to interact with other applications, and ensure your bicycle, drivetrain and connection is ready for use.

Download the Wahoo app

The Wahoo app keeps your trainer up to date and leverages your smartphone to record basic workout information, delivering data-driven power that fuels your training and fitness goals. Get the app now to register your KICKR. Wahoo app for iOS Wahoo app for Android

Quick Start Guides

Download the Wahoo KICKR v6 (2022) Quick Start Guide as a PDF for instructions in English and other languages. Find previous versions below:

• KICKR v5 (2020) Quick Start Guide
• KICKR v4 (2018) Quick Start Guide
• KICKR v3 (2017) Quick Start Guide
• KICKR v2 (2016) Quick Start Guide
• KICKR v1 (2012) Quick Start Guide

Set up your KICKR

1. The KICKR comes with legs folded to minimize transportation and storage size. Select a stable, level surface with sufficient room for trainer and bike. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
2. Open the legs by (1) pressing down on the blue leg-lock tabs and (2) pivoting the legs outward until they snap in place. (NOTE: Ensure the leg-lock tabs have popped back up and secured the legs in an open position.)
   
3. Use the included AC power adapter (3) to connect the trainer to a standard 120v wall outlet. Caution: use of unofficial power adapters may cause permanent damage to KICKR
   
4. To stabilize the trainer, adjust the two leveling feet (4) by twisting them left or right until the trainer is level and (5) lock them into place by tightening the blue locknuts against the KICKR leg frame.
   
5. Adjust the height of the trainer to fit your specific wheel size by relocating the height adjustment knob (6) on the center leg to the appropriate setting. If uncertain, remember your wheel size is indicated on the sidewall of your tire.
   

Selecting your adapter(s)

To decipher what adapter(s) you'll need for your bike, please reference our article on bicycle frame compatibility. 

For 130mm and 135mm quick release adapters:

• Adapters A and B come preinstalled on KICKR and ready to accommodate bikes with 130mm spacing. Most road bikes use 130mm spacing, while cyclocross and mountain bikes with quick release skewers and disc brakes typically use 135mm spacing.

• If you have a bicycle with 130mm spacing proceed to “Attaching your Bicycle”.
• For 135mm spacing, remove quick release skewer, reverse Adapter B and reinstall quick release skewer.

For 142mm and 148mm Thru Axle Bikes:

•  Adapters  C and D (12x142mm) or E (12x148mm) needed. All KICKR units should ship with the most recent adapter set for updated frame dropout geometry.  For more information, see Updated KICKR/CORE thru axle adapter installation.

  

  Attach your bike to the KICKR Smart Trainer

• Shift your bicycle chain into the smallest sprocket in the front and rear, then remove your rear wheel. Install your bicycle on the KICKR by aligning the chain with the smallest sprocket on the KICKR and pressing down to fully seat the dropouts on the KICKR axle.
• For bicycles with quick release skewers - Secure your bicycle by tightening the quick release acorn nut and clamping the quick release lever shut. The quick release lever is “open” when it curves away from the bicycle frame (1); the lever is “closed” when it curves towards the bicycle frame (2). The handle of the quick release skewer is always on the non-drive (non cassette) side of the KICKR. Only use the provided quick release skewer while using the KICKR.

• For bicycles with a rear thru axle - Secure your bicycle by reinstalling your bicycle’s thru axle (3) and tightening to manufacturer specifications (4).

  
  

  Adjust the KICKR axis feet

KICKR’s integrated AXIS feet let cyclists of all types customize ride feel to match their unique riding style, enhance feedback and offer a more realistic training experience!

1. Step 1: Unthread left and right "outrigger" feet
2. Step 2: Remove top cap (part between blue lock ring and base of the foot)
3. Step 3: Install desired top cap

You're now ready to ride! Next steps will involve pairing a KICKR smart trainer with the Wahoo app. 

Care and Maintenance

The Wahoo KICKR requires minimal cleaning and maintenance if dirt or grime collects. If cleaning is needed, clear any debris and use a moist, soft cloth to wipe surfaces, avoiding dripping moisture into any part of the KICKR itself. Also avoid using strong cleaning agents as these may damage or reduce the lifespan of your KICKR.