Bicycle Frame Compatibility for CORE

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

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.

Please take note of the Known Bike Incompatibilities listed below.  While Wahoo has conducted tests on KICKR safety and compatibility with certain bikes, the KICKR end user is ultimately responsible for ensuring that their bike frame is compatible with the KICKR trainers such that damage to the bike frame does not result from using the KICKR trainer.

Wahoo Fitness 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 

Because the CORE is a fixed height, other smaller wheel sizes: 24 inch, 26 inch, 650C, 650B/27.5 inch will require a wheel block or other wheel prop to raise the front end to the correct height.

2. Supported Rear Hub Standards

If not found in the list above, your bike is not compatible. Specifically the following hub standards and bike types are incompatible:

3. Unsupported Rear Hub Standards/Bike Concepts

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.]

The following bikes are not compatible with any KICKR before version 4 (2018):

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

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 frame is compatible with our supported axle standards (see guide below)
  • The combined weight of rider, bike, and battery is below the stated limit of 250lbs/ 113 kg.
  • Additionally, Wahoo recommends reaching out to the E-bike manufacturer if there are any concerns regarding the bike’s integrity when used on a stationary trainer. 

• All Cervelo Disc frames
• Lauf True Grit and Seigla
• 2021+ Giant TCR Disc Models
• 2020+ Trek Domane & Madone
• 2021+ Trek Emonda, Checkpoint Carbon, and Top Fuel 
• 2021+ Rondo Ruut AL2
  • Can be used on a KICKR or 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 new units of KICKR v5 (2020), all new units of KICKR v4, and KICKR CORE. Certified reconditioned units of KICKR v4, v5, and CORE units may also have these original adapters.
  • The updated adapters were produced to resolve compatibility issues for these frames with KICKR v4 (2018) and later, and all models of KICKR CORE.  They are available for purchase on our website. 
  • KICKR v6 (2022) units are shipped with the updated adapters.  Certified reconditioned units of KICKR v4, v5, and CORE also may ship with the updated adapters.
  • In order to identify which adapter set you have, look for a taper or bevel 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.
    
    

5. Step-by-step Compatibility Check