The original Wahoo KICKR CORE quietly revolutionised indoor training when it launched in 2018. For the first time, cyclists could access the same direct-drive technology that the pros were using, without emptying their bank accounts. It made structured training accessible to anyone serious about improving their fitness. Now, seven years later, Wahoo has given their bestselling bicycle trainer a thoughtful refresh that addresses the real frustrations riders face when bringing their outdoor bikes inside.

Why the KICKR CORE Became a Household Name

Before we dive into what’s new, it’s worth understanding why the original KICKR CORE became such a phenomenon. When it first hit the market, wheel-off smart trainers were expensive pieces of kit for serious racers. The CORE shifted the market dynamics completely. Wheel-off trainers had been plagued by instability issues, excessive noise, and poor road feel. The CORE solved all three problems with its overbuilt steel construction and refined resistance unit, delivering pro-level performance at a price that made sense for regular riders.

The steel construction meant it could handle everything from gentle recovery spins to full-gas sprint intervals without flexing or creaking. The two-legged design saved space while maintaining rock-solid stability. And perhaps most importantly, it just worked. No complicated calibrations, no compatibility nightmares, no constant troubleshooting. You could pull it out of the box, set it up in minutes, and be riding on Zwift before your coffee got cold.

Enter the KICKR CORE 2: An Evolution, Not Revolution

So what do you improve on something that already works so well? Wahoo took the smart approach, they didn’t reinvent the wheel (or in this case, the trainer). Instead, they listened to what riders actually wanted and made targeted improvements that solve real problems.

The foundation remains unchanged because it didn’t need changing. That bombproof steel construction is still there, along with the space-saving two-legged design. The power meter still delivers that crucial ±2% accuracy that serious riders demand, and still handles up to 1800 watts, more than enough for even the most powerful of sprinters. 

However there are some key upgrades to this trainer that builds on the KICKR CORE’s excellent price point and easy-to-use credentials. The latest model features colour-coded feet and improved assembly instructions, including an axle measuring card for those with disc brakes, helping to make getting set up a breeze.

Additionally, the KICKR CORE 2 adds WiFi connectivity for more stable connection – something only just starting to appear on smart trainers. This also means that you’ll be able to update the firmware through the Zwift Companion App – again making life easier for Zwifters.

The trainer will now also feature what Wahoo calls ‘race mode’ – essentially 10hz connection, which means your avatar will respond faster to any accelerations or decelerations you make – great for racing.

Lastly, the trainer now provides the ability to bridge your heart rate monitor. This is really useful for AppleTV users who are restricted on the number of Bluetooth connections they can have. Pairing HR via the trainer means AppleTV only needs one connection for multiple devices. This leaves the others free for the trainer and controllers, like Zwift Click or Zwift Ride.

The Game-Changer: Virtual Shifting Through Zwift Cog and Click

Here’s where things get interesting. The biggest upgrade to the KICKR CORE 2 is that it features the latest Zwift Cog and Click as standard. If you’ve ever fought with a finicky derailleur during an indoor session, dealt with chain drops mid-interval, or wondered why your pristine indoor setup makes a racket, this is the solution you didn’t know you needed.

Zwift Cog replaces your entire cassette with a single sprocket. But before you panic about spinning out or grinding to a halt, here’s the clever bit: the resistance unit in the trainer now handles all your “shifting” electronically, simulating 24 different gear ratios without your chain ever moving position.

That means no more clunky gear shifts (every shift is perfectly executed every time). No need to worry about shifting under load. No more wearing out expensive cassettes. No need for specialist tools. No more compatibility headaches when switching between bikes. Your mountain bike, road bike, and gravel bike all work with the same simple setup. It’s brilliant in its simplicity.

Zwift Click: Shifting and Interactive Zwifting at Your Fingertips

Zwift Click is a full Zwift command center that mounts to any handlebar in seconds. Beyond shifting through those 24 virtual gears with satisfying tactile feedback, you can steer your avatar through Zwift’s virtual worlds, navigate menus without reaching for your phone, dish out “Ride Ons” to fellow riders, and activate power-ups at crucial moments.

The physical feedback deserves special mention. Unlike touchscreen controls or keyboard shortcuts, Zwift Click gives you actual buttons to press. The shifts happen instantly, with none of the lag or missed shifts that can plague mechanical systems under heavy load.

Real-World Benefits You’ll Actually Notice

Let’s talk about what this means during your actual rides. First, the noise reduction is dramatic. Without mechanical shifting, the dominant sound becomes your breathing and the whir of your chain, which is exactly how it should be. Your family members or neighbours will thank you, especially during those early morning or late evening sessions.

The automatic resistance adjustments have been refined too. If you reach a 15% gradient in the hills of Watopia, the bike trainer will respond immediately. But it’s the subtle changes that really make the ride feel realistic, the way resistance backs off slightly when you crest a hill, or how it varies naturally when you’re drafting in a group ride. The new 20% maximum gradient simulation (up from 16%) means even the toughest virtual climbs feel authentic.

Setup: Surprisingly Painless

One of the most intimidating aspects of high-end indoor smart trainers has always been setup. The KICKR CORE 2 addresses this head-on. Zwift Cog comes with 10 levels of adjustment, ensuring perfect chain alignment without the need to adjust the gearing on your bike. No more ordering different cassettes or hunting for obscure spacers. The included adapters handle everything from quick-release to thru-axle setups, covering road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids.

The connectivity setup has been streamlined too. The integrated WiFi means firmware updates happen automatically in the background, no more remembering to check the app for updates or dealing with connection dropouts mid-ride. Bluetooth and ANT+ connections remain rock solid, pairing instantly with heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and any other toys in your pain cave arsenal.

Who Should Consider the KICKR CORE 2?

If you’ve just started riding indoors or you’re currently suffering through sessions on a basic home trainer, the KICKR CORE 2 is a big leap forward. The combination of realistic ride feel, virtual shifting, and seamless app integration transforms indoor training from a necessary evil into something you might actually look forward to. The price point remains accessible, significantly less than flagship models while delivering a lot of the same experience.

For those running older wheel-on trainers or dealing with compatibility issues on their current setup, the KICKR CORE 2 makes a compelling case. The elimination of tire wear, the consistency of power measurement, and the simplicity of the single-speed setup remove most of the friction points that make indoor training a chore.

If you’re considering a smart bike to train indoors or upgrade your setup, then Zwift Ride includes the new KICKR CORE so you can get the latest kit in one indoor training package.

The Competition

The indoor trainer market has exploded since the original CORE launched, with options from Elite, Tacx, JetBlack, Decathlon and others vying for your attention. With plenty of options for around the $/£/€500 mark too, that all come with Zwift Cog and Click pre-installed, what keeps the KICKR CORE 2 competitive is the combination of Wahoo’s proven reliability and the Zwift integration. 

Living with the KICKR CORE 2

After the honeymoon period fades, the KICKR CORE 2 proves its worth in daily use. The trainer folds relatively flat for storage, though it is quite heavy so it’s not something you’ll want to move around too much each day. The carry handle helps, but this is really designed to live in a dedicated space.

Maintenance is refreshingly minimal. An occasional wipe down, keeping the resistance unit free of debris, and remembering to back off the resistance knob when not in use is about it.  The steel construction means it’ll likely outlast several bikes, making it a genuine long-term investment in your fitness.

The Verdict: A Classic Refined

The Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 doesn’t revolutionise indoor training; it refines it. By addressing the actual pain points riders experience and featuring the new Zwift Cog and Click to eliminate the complexity of mechanical shifting, Wahoo has created something special. This isn’t just a trainer anymore; it’s a complete indoor cycling system that happens to be simpler than what came before.

Whether you’re chasing virtual jerseys on Zwift, following structured training plans, or just trying to maintain fitness through winter, the KICKR CORE 2 delivers an experience that gets out of your way and lets you focus on the ride. And in the end, isn’t that exactly what good equipment should do?

The Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 is available now at Zwift.com as a standalone smart trainer or with Zwift Ride. You can also buy the Zwift Cog and Click separately to upgrade your current setup.