KICKR CORE Smart Trainer Information and Setup

KICKR CORE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:

• Part Number: WFBKTR4
• Dimensions (legs open): 20"L x 23"W x 19"H (51 cm x 59 cm x 49 cm)
• Dimensions (legs closed): 9"L x 23"W x 21"H (22 cm x 59 cm x 54 cm)
• Weight (Unboxed): 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
• Rear Wheel Size: 24" RD / 24" MTB / 650c RD / 26" MTB / 700c RD / 650b MTB / 29" MTB
• Hub Types: 130/135mm QR, 12x142/148 Thru Axle - Adapters Included
• Drivetrain: Various - without cassette, with 8-12 speed Shimano-compatible cassette, or Zwift Cog + Click
• KICKR CLIMB Compatible: Yes
• KICKR HEADWIND Compatible: Yes
• Front Wheel Block: Sold Separately
• Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
• Accuracy: + / - 2%
• Connectivity: Bluetooth*^®, ANT+, ANT+ FE-C
  *Zwift Click requires Bluetooth connection.
• Wireless Software Updates: Yes
• 3rd Party Power Meter Support: Yes
• Devices: iOS, Android, PC (Mac and Windows)
• Max User Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
• Power Source Requirements: 100-240V~1.5A 50-60 Hz
• Flywheel Weight: 12 lbs (5.5kg)
• Maximum Simulated Grade: 16%
• Maximum Power Output: 1800 Watts

Because of the wide variety of bicycle makes and models, it is not possible for Wahoo to guarantee the KICKR’s compatibility with all bicycles matching these parameters. To fully ensure compatibility, we recommend visiting a local Wahoo retailer to test your bicycle’s fit before purchasing.  While Wahoo has conducted tests on Wahoo trainer safety and compatibility with certain bikes, the trainer end user is ultimately responsible for ensuring that their bike frame is compatible with the Wahoo trainers such that damage to the bike frame does not result from using the trainer.

We strongly discourages altering trainers to fit bikes deviating from the following specifications including (but not limited to) grinding-down components, adding washers, or improperly reversing spacers as these may void your warranty and increase inherent risk. Wahoo Fitness is not liable for any damage or injury related to improper installation, modification, or misuse of hardware.

1. Supported Wheel Sizes 

The CORE is optimized for 700c bikes. 700c, 29 inch, and some 27.5 inch bikes will fit on the CORE and sit level without any further accessories. Some 27.5 inch and all bikes with smaller wheel sizes will require a wheel block or some other front wheel support to make the bike level when on the trainer. There is no 'standard size' wheel block for this application. We do not suggest mounting 24 inch or smaller bicycles on the CORE.

2. Supported Rear Hub Standards

The CORE does not support bolt-on hubs, Trek Thru-skew hubs, quick releases axles narrower or wider than 130 or 135mm, or thru axle hubs larger in diameter than 12mm, narrower or wider in width than 142 or 148mm. For this reason, the following bicycles are not compatible

4. Known Bike Incompatibilities

The following bikes are not compatible with any KICKR or CORE.

• Canyon Ultimate with rim brakes [The disc brake version is compatible.
• 2023+ Trek FX Sport hybrids [or any bike using the Trek Thru-skew standard]
• 2023+ Trek Marlins [or any bike using the Trek Thru-skew standard]
  
  

5. Conditional compatibilities

Electric Bikes (eBikes are compatible only when the following conditions are met:

• The motor is off and not providing any assistance
• The combined weight of rider, bike, and battery is below the stated limit of 250lbs / 113 kg
• The manufacturer has confirmed no concerns regarding the bike’s integrity when used on a stationary trainer  

The following bikes are compatible when used with updated (2020) thru axle adapters.

• All Cervelo Disc frame
• Lauf True Grit and Seigl
• 2021+ Giant  Propel & TCR Disc frame
• 2020+ Trek Domane & Madon
• 2021+ Trek Emonda, Checkpoint Carbon, and Top Fuel&nbsp
• 2021+ Rondo Ruut AL

The updated adapters are available for purchase on our website.

In order to identify which adapter set you have, look for a taper or chamfer in the drive-side spin cap (parts # 3 [original] and 7 [updated]).

The new adapters require installation of a new drive-side freehub lock nut (included in the kit), for both Shimano HG/SRAM/Campagnolo and SRAM XDR freehubs.  Installation instructions can be found here. For any further questions, please reach out to our customer support team.

Compatibility Principles

Drivetrain compatibility with a CORE requires that a cassette to be installed on the trainer is compatible with:

• your bicycle's drivetrain in:
  1. cassette cog count (how many cogs/gears are on the cassette),
  2. cassette min/max tooth count (how many teeth on the smallest and largest cogs), and
  3. in some cases, your drivetrain's brand (as some brand chains/derailleurs will only interface properly within that brand's system).  
• a freehub body (the component of the trainer, or a wheel, onto which the cassette is mounted).

Using a cassette incompatible with your bicycle’s drivetrain can result in damage to the cassette or other parts of your drivetrain. 

Most current and recent bicycles have a cassette with between 7 and 13 cogs.  Due to the similarity in cassette cog spacing within 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed drivetrains across brand (brand A 9 speed with brand B 9 speed, NOT 9 speed with 11 speed), many riders have found that many drivetrains can be used with a different brand cassette with the same number of cogs (brand A 11 speed drivetrain with brand B 11 speed cassette) such that many 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed bikes can be used with the stock cassette provided with some COREs.  For the most precise shifting, please refer to your drivetrain manufacturer's documentation for acceptable compatibility.

Supported Drivetrain Systems

To support the broadest range of modern drivetrain standards, Wahoo offers 3 freehub bodies. These are:

• The stock Shimano HyperGlide 11 (HG 11) compatible freehub body is compatible with Shimano HG, SRAM PowerGlide (PG), and other drivetrain cassettes with 7-12 cogs. This is included with KICKRs and CORE.
• A SRAM XDR compatible freehub body, sold separately, for SRAM XG and XS cassettes for Eagle, Eagle AXS, Eagle Transmission, AXS, and AXS XPLR drivetrains with 11-12 cogs.
• A Campagnolo compatible freehub body, sold separately, for most Campagnolo cassettes with 10-12 cogs. See below.
  
  
  

Known CORE Trainer Incompatibilities

The following drivetrains are NOT COMPATIBLE with CORE:

• Shimano 

  • Micro Spline 12 speed mountain or gravel (requires an unavailable freehub body)
    • Workaround for 12 speed Shimano mountain drivetrains -- Many users have found they can be used with:
      • the stock Shimano HG 11 compatible freehub body and
      • a SRAM PG-1210 or 1230 12-50t cassette purchased from a third party OR
      • the SRAM XDR freehub body, sold separately, and
      • the 1.8mm cassette low spacer included with the KICKR or CORE
    • Workaround for new GRX 12 speed drivetrains, use with:
      • the stock Shimano HG 11 compatible freehub body and 
      • if the cage will support 50 tooth low cog, use the SRAM PG-1210 or 1230 cassette.
      • if it will not, use the 105 12 speed 11-34 (CS-R7101-12) or 11-36  (CS-HG710-12) cassette
    • Workaround with Zwift Cog.

• Campagnolo

  • 7-9 speed drivetrains (legacy design not supported by current Campagnolo freehub body design)
    • Workaround with Zwift Cog for 8-9 speed.
  • 10 speed drivetrains with older 8-arm style cassettes
    • Workaround with Zwift Cog.
  • 12 speed Super Record Wireless drivetrains (requires unavailable N3W freehub body)
    • Workaround with Zwift Cog.
  • 13 speed Ekar drivetrains (requires unavailable N3W freehub body)

• Rotor

  • 13 speed drivetrains
    
    
    

CORE Trainer Compatibilities

The following drivetrains are COMPATIBLE with the CORE trainer when the conditions noted below are met.

CORE Zwift One [Zwift Cog] Compatibilities

The Zwift Cog is compatible with the great majority of 8-12 speed drivetrains.  It is not compatible with belt-driven bikes or internal gear hubs such as Shimano Alfine or Nexus. Bikes equipped with SRAM Flattop chains [used with Red, Force, Rival, or Apex AXS or Eagle Transmission drivetrains] may experience slightly accelerated wear than when used with their outdoor wheel.

CORE Pre-installed Cassette Compatibilities

The 8 to 12 speed cassettes pre-installed on COREs sold at WahooFitness.com and Zwift.com use third party cassettes built to Shimano cog spacing standards for their respective cog counts.  8-11 speed cassettes have an 11-28 tooth count range and the 12 speed cassette has an 11-30 tooth count range.

Before purchasing, please confirm -- 

• that your drivetrain is compatible with Shimano-standard cassettes
  • For 8-10 speed, this means Shimano, SRAM, and Microshift drivetrains
  • For 11 speed, this means Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, and Microshift drivetrains
  • For 12 speed, this means Shimano, and some SRAM drivetrains
• that your current cassette's lowest/largest cog's tooth count is equal to or larger than the 28 or 30 teeth of the cassette installed on the trainer.  If the tooth count of the largest cog on the trainer is larger than the one on your bicycle, you can damage your drivetrain.

These cassettes are optimized for modern road bikes, which often use a larger cassette than bicycles produced prior to the late 2010s.  They can be used with mountain bikes, but you will not experience the full gear range available with your outside wheel. If you wish to use a cassette (with a larger low cog) that more closely matches your bicycle's current cassette, it will need to be purchased separately from a third party retailer.

If you have a SRAM 12 speed drivetrain, are uncertain about your drivetrain, or have other questions about compatibility, please contact our support team with the make and model of your rear derailleur, cog count, and high/low tooth count of your cassette, and an image of both and we are happy to help.

Bluetooth® and ANT+

iOS 16+

Wahoo smart trainers are designed to connect via Bluetooth® with the Wahoo Fitness iOS app which supports devices running iOS 16 and newer. To check the iOS version of your Apple device, please see Apple's support article Find the software version on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. 

A variety of other fitness apps are also compatible.

Android 10+

Wahoo smart trainers are designed to connect via Bluetooth® with the Wahoo Fitness Android app which supports most Bluetooth compliant Android devices running Android version 10 or newer. Please note, this is limited to Android operating systems, rather than Android-based or skinned operating systems like Oxygen or Harmony.  Note: Because Android devices vary widely, compatibility cannot be assured for all devices. Please download and install the Wahoo Fitness Android app from the Google Play Store before purchasing a Wahoo Fitness product to ensure compatibility.

A variety of other fitness apps are also compatible.

Windows / Mac

Wahoo smart trainers support various Windows and Mac applications with Bluetooth and/or ANT+ capabilities.

Note: Windows PCs and older Mac computers require an ANT+ adapter for connectivity with KICKR and KICKR CORE. Software updates and full setup also require the Wahoo Fitness app, available only on iOS and Android devices.

3rd Party Applications

Wahoo smart trainers are compatible with many third party iOS, Android, Windows and Mac apps. For a list of confirmed compatible 3rd party apps, please see this chart.

Zwift virtual shifting with Zwift Click (CORE Zwift One) or Play controllers require that both the trainer and controller(s) are connected via Bluetooth. The Zwift Companion App may be used as a bridge.

KICKR CORE 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 trainer itself. Also avoid using strong cleaning agents as these may damage or reduce the lifespan of your trainer.

Download the full Wahoo KICKR CORE Quick Start Guide as a PDF for instructions in English and other languages.

The video references a KICKR CORE Zwift One. Setup for CORE with cassette is the same, except that when placing the bike on the trainer, drape the chain over the smallest/highest rear cog (so that it aligns with the shifter position from when you removed the rear wheel from your bike. For a detailed presentation on cassette installation, please see below.

Quick Release

Thru Axle

1. Fully extend the arm of the KICKR CORE unit forward.
2. Fully insert the bolts upward into the square holes of the legs and through the base of the arms. Secure the front leg (longer) and rear leg (shorter) to the KICKR CORE by threading the nuts onto the bolt ends and tightening with the hex tool. Once both legs are attached, place the KICKR CORE on a stable, level surface.

Required Tools:

• Cassette lock ring tool (Park Tool FR-5.2 or similar)
• Adjustable wrench or socket for 1 inch (to accommodate the cassette lock ring tool)

Installation

1. 11 speed cassettes and 12 speed road cassettes do not require a spacer. 
   
   7-10 speed cassettes require additional spacers. 
   • 8, 9, and 10 speed cassettes will require a 1.8mm spacer (included with new trainers).
   • 7 speed cassettes will require the 1.8mm spacer AND a 4.5mm spacer (to be purchased separately from your preferred local or online retailer). 
     
     
2. If your new cassette includes an additional spacer (ex. 1mm spacers with Shimano 10 speed road cassettes), install this before installing the cassette. Otherwise, install the new cassette. directly.
   
   
3. Examine the freehub body and note the location of the one spline that is narrower than the others. This keyed pattern exists on the inside edge of the cassette cogs and ensures that the cassette can only be installed one way. Rotate the narrow spline to the top and then install cogs and spacers as a group or one by one, ensuring that the cogs are installed large to small. 
   
4. If you drop any cogs or spacers, know that
   • Cogs can only be installed one way.
   • Some of the rearmost cogs may be pinned together or mounted on a carrier as a group.
   • All spacers are identical, interchangeable, and reversible.
   • Generally, there should be a spacer between each cog, except for the last few, where each has a built-in spacer. You will see that they have a thicker profile.
     
     
5. Ensure that the last cog is installed in the correct orientation relative to the key spline, and remains there as you install the lock ring.  It can sometimes be difficult to keep it in place during installation.  This cog moving during lock ring installation is often the cause of drivetrain noise or cassette instability as it is compressed into the freehub without properly compressing the cogs behind it.
   
   
   
6. Thread the cassette lock ring by hand.  Be careful not to crossthread the lock ring. One good way is to rotate the lock ring counter-clockwise until you feel a notching sensation as the first threads fall past one another. Then start rotating clockwise.
   
   
   
7. Use cassette tool to snug the lockring, bracing the large pulley wheel with your hand.  Once snug, tighten further another 6 - 10 clicks (roughly 1/4 turn).

For 130 or 135mm Quick Release (QR)

• Adapters A + B are required.
• Note the asymmetry of adapter B. When used with a 130mm bike, the longer side of the adapter should be inserted into the trainer. When used with a 135mm bike, the shorter side should be inserted into the trainer.
• Insert the skewer into the wide end of one spring, then into Adapter B, then into the trainer from the non-drive (left) side.
• Slide the longer end of Adapter A around the skewer and into the trainer from the drive side.
• Slide the narrow end of the remaining spring over the skewer, then thread the wider end of the acorn nut onto the skewer.

For 12 x 142 or 148mm Thru Axle (TA)

• Adapters C + D or C + E are required.
• Note the 142 and 148 labels and directional arrows etched on Adapters D and E. When installing a 12x142mm bike, insert Adapter D into the non-drive (left) side of the trainer, with the arrow facing toward the trainer. When installing a 12x148mm bike, insert Adapter E into the non-drive (left) side of the trainer, with the arrow facing toward the trainer.

For CORE with a cassette

1. Shift into the small front chainring and the smallest/highest cog of the cassette to reduce tension on the chain.
2. Open and loosen the quick release skewer or remove the bike's thru axle.
3. Gently pull the bike up and off of the wheel.
4. Gently pull the body of the rear derailleur backwards and lower the chain onto the smallest/high cog of the cassette on the trainer and the bike's frame onto the trainer's frame adapters.
5. If using a Quick Release:
   

   Secure your bicycle by tightening the quick release nut and then closing the quick release lever, clamping the frame. The quick release lever is “open” when it curves away from the bicycle frame. The lever is “closed” when it curves towards the bicycle frame. The handle of the quick release skewer should always be installed on the non-drive (left) side of the KICKR CORE.
   Failure to properly tighten the quick release skewer may result in property damage or personal injury. If you are unsure of the proper tension, please consult your local bike shop or reach out to our customer support team for guideance. Do NOT ride the CORE until the quick release skewer is tightened.

6. If using a Thru Axle:
   

   Secure your bicycle by reinstalling your bicycle's thru axle to the bicycle manufacturer's specifications.
   Failure to properly tighten the thru axle may result in property damage or personal injury. If you are unsure of the proper tension, please consult your local bike shop or the bicycle manufacturer for guideance. Do NOT ride the CORE until the thru axle is tightened.

For CORE with a Zwift Cog (CORE Zwift One)

1. Shift into the small front chainring and a cog in the middle of the cassette to reduce tension on the chain.
2. Open and loosen the quick release skewer or remove the bike's thru axle.
3. Gently pull the bike up and off of the wheel.
4. Gently pull the body of the rear derailleur backwards and lower the chain onto the Zwift Cog on the trainer and the bike's frame onto the trainer's frame adapters.
5. If using a Quick Release:
   

   Secure your bicycle by tightening the quick release nut and then closing the quick release lever, clamping the frame. The quick release lever is “open” when it curves away from the bicycle frame. The lever is “closed” when it curves towards the bicycle frame. The handle of the quick release skewer should always be installed on the non-drive (left) side of the trainer.
   Failure to properly tighten the quick release skewer may result in property damage or personal injury. If you are unsure of the proper tension, please consult your local bike shop or reach out to our customer support team for guideance. Do NOT ride the CORE until the quick release skewer is tightened.

6. If using a Thru Axle:
   

   Secure your bicycle by reinstalling your bicycle's thru axle to the bicycle manufacturer's specifications.
   Failure to properly tighten the thru axle may result in property damage or personal injury. If you are unsure of the proper tension, please consult your local bike shop or the bicycle manufacturer for guideance. Do NOT ride the CORE until the thru axle is tightened.

Use the included AC power adapter to connect the trainer to a standard wall outlet. The trainer requires power to provide any resistance beyond flywheel inertia.

1. Open the Wahoo app.

2. Open the My Sensors drawer at the bottom of the Home tab.

3. Select Pair sensor (or the + sign if another sensor is paired).

4. Select the desired sensor.

5. The sensor is paired.

Requirements

• A Bluetooth^® enabled phone or tablet on iOS 16 or Android 10 or newer
• Your device actively connected to the internet over Wi-Fi
• The Wahoo app for iOS or Android
• A trainer that is not connected to any additional apps or devices (ensure previously connected devices are off/disabled and no other apps are running in the background)

Update Steps

1. Ensure
   • Bluetooth is enabled in your phone or tablet's device settings
   • no other devices are paired to your phone or tablet's Bluetooth, including smart watches and headphones
   • your trainer is plugged in and powered on
   • your device is within 5 feet of the trainer
2. Open the Wahoo app.
   
   
3. Open the My Sensors drawer at the bottom of the Home tab.
   
   
   
4. Select your trainer or add it if you have yet to pair your trainer.  Upon establishing a connection with your KICKR, the Wahoo  app will determine if your trainer's firmware is out of date. If an update is available, the app will display a notice - Update Available.
   
   
   
5. Select Update firmware. 
   
   
   
6. The app will list the firmware version update available. Select Install update and leave your device near the KICKR until the update is complete.
   
   
   
7. Once the update is finished, complete the following:
   1. Reset your trainer by unplugging it for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
   2. Turn Bluetooth off and back on in phone/tablet system settings to reset the connection.

Your Wahoo smart trainer is now on the latest firmware and ready to ride!

Conditions

To calibrate your CORE for the most accurate readings, we suggest doing a manual spindown calibration initially, or after physically transporting your CORE to a different location. Auto spindown calibrations will take care of incremental wear on the trainer. Spindown calibrations should be completed after the trainer has warmed up, at a minimum of 10 minutes of use, or ideally after your workout.

Using the Wahoo app

1. Download the Wahoo app for iOS or Android. If it's already downloaded, check for updates in the app store.
   
   
2. Open the Wahoo Fitness app. If your trainer is not paired already, follow these steps to pair it. Once paired, select your Wahoo trainer in the sensor drawer.
   
   
   
3. After selecting your Wahoo trainer, the sensor details page is displayed. Wait a moment for your trainer to fully connect, then scroll to the bottom of the page and select the Perform Spindown button.
   
   Note: a Bluetooth connection is required
   
   
4. Follow the instructions provided in the app. For maximum accuracy, do not pedal once the target speed displayed is reached.
   
   
   
5. The spindown will complete once the flywheel slows down on on its own. Unless a failure has been indicated, the calibration has been successful. If a failure is indicated, please ensure that all other devices are off and apps are closed and closely follow directions on screen again.
   

Zwift Support Resources for setting up and using the Click with Zwift

Using virtual shifting with the Click requires that both the Click controller and the CORE are connected to Zwift via Bluetooth.

• Downloading and Launching Zwift
• Launching Zwift for the First Time
• Pairing your CORE to Zwift
• Connecting your Zwift Click to Zwift
• Zwift Click: Getting Started
• Virtual Shifting FAQ
• Zwift Cycling Resources