Bicycle Frame Compatibility [CORE]

This article addresses Bicycle Frame Compatibility for KICKR CORE smart bike trainers. Please also review the article on Drivetrain Compatibility for KICKR, CORE, and MOVE trainers.

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 discourage 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

The following bikes are compatible only when the following conditions are met:

• Electric Bikes (eBikes) can be used on a KICKR or CORE when:
  • 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. 

• All Cervelo Disc frames
• Lauf True Grit and Seigla
• 2021+ Giant  Propel & TCR Disc frames
• 2020+ Trek Domane & Madone
• 2021+ Trek Emonda, Checkpoint Carbon, and Top Fuel
• 2021+ Rondo Ruut AL2
• Ventum thru axle frames

• Can be used on a CORE when used with updated thru axle adapters. 
• The bikes listed above have frame interfacing issues with the original stock thru axle adapters shipped with some CORE units produced prior to 2021.  
• The updated adapters were produced to resolve compatibility issues for these frames.  They 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.