Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer V6 2023

What's new with the Kickr V6

The Wahoo Kickr has been playing in the first league of indoor training for years. With the brand new 2023 version 6 of the Kickr Wahoo has once again stepped up a notch. The most important innovation compared to the predecessor is the WiFi interface. This means that you can now easily integrate your Kickr V6 into your home network without annoying cables and connect it to applications such as Zwift or TrainerRoad. Also firmware updates are now automatically loaded and installed via WLAN. Another new feature is an odometer, which - similar to the odometer in a car - counts the kilometers/miles ridden.

Compatible bikes

You can use most racing and triathlon bikes, gravel bikes and MTBs with the Kickr V6.
Generally not compatible, however, are single speed bikes, track bikes and recumbents.
The Canyon Ultimate with rim brakes is also not compatible.

Compatible cassettes

The cassette issue can be really confusing.... There are different freehubs (HG, XD, XDR, MircoSpline), number of sprockets (7-speed to 12-speed) and sprocket gradations. If in doubt: Just ask us! We are happy to help.

7- and 8-speed cassettes: There are too many variants here. In general, it works but we recommend that you let the right cassette be installed in the workshop of your choice.

9- and 10-speed cassettes: Works without any problems. First comes the supplied 1.8mm spacer on the freehub of the Kickr, so that the cassette can be mounted without any play.

11-speed cassettes: The Kickr comes with an economy 11-speed cassette in the graduation of 11-28. In theory, the is compatible with all 11-speed groups - in addition to Shimano and Sram road groups also with 11-speed MTB and Campagnolo groups. We will gladly mount a higher quality 11-speed cassette that fits your group.

Shimano 12-speed Road: The 12-speed cassettes of the road bike groups (105, Ultegra 8100, Dura Ace 9200) also fit onto the freewheel of the Kickr without any problems.

Shimano 12-speed MTB (MicroSpline): MicroSpline cassettes do not fit onto the Kickrs freehub. There is also no adapter for it. The following series use the MicroSpline technology: SLX M7100, XT M8100, XTR M9100.
Nevertheless, MTBs with Shimanos 12-speed groups can be used with the Kickr. The workaround is the Sram NX Eagle PG1230 12-speed cassette. It fits onto the freehub body of the Kickr.

SRAM 12-speed Road (XDR): Wahoo offers a custom XD/XDR freehub body to mount the cassettes on the Kickr V6.

SRAM 11- and 12-speed MTB (XD):Wahoo offers a custom XD/XDR freehub body to mount the cassettes on the Kickr V6.

Campagnolo cassettes: Wahoo offers a custon Campagnolo freehub body, with which most Campagnolo 10-, 11- and 12-speed cassettes can be mounted.

Cassette installation service

We will gladly mount the right cassette on the Wahoo Kickr V6 for you, so that you can start training right after unpacking! Simply select the right cassette for your bike in the options. The number of sprockets is more important than the manufacturer and the series. For example, the Shimano HG50 9-speed cassette is compatible with all 9-speed groups from the Shimano (Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace) and also with the 9-speed groups from Sram and Campagnolo. If in doubt: Just ask us! We will be happy to help you.

We offer the installation of the following cassettes:

Shimano HG50 9-speed: all 9-speed groups (Shimano, Sram, Campagnolo)
Shimano 105 5700 10-speed : all 10-speed groups but Campagnolo (Shimano, Sram)
Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed: all 11-speed Schaltungen (Shimano, Sram, Campagnolo)
Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-speed: all 11-speed Schaltungen (Shimano, Sram, Campagnolo)
Shimano Ultegra R8100 12-speed: Shimano 12-speed Road (R8100, R9200)
Sram NX Eagle PG1230 12-speed: Sram and Shimano 12-speed MTB
Sram Force XG1270 12-speed: Sram 12-speed XDR Road (Rival, Force, Red)
Sram Eagle XG1275 12-speed: Sram 12-speed XD MTB

Construction and design

The frame of the Wahoo Kickr V6 is made of sturdy steel. This ensures that your Kickr does not move even at high wattages and withstands years of use. The Kick's AXIS feet nevertheless allow for lateral movement to the left and right of up to 5°. This makes the Kickr very stable on one hand and comfortable on the other, even during long workouts. The 7kg flywheel contributes significantly to the realistic riding experience, as it maintains the momentum when you stop pedaling. Energy is also required to accelerate the flywheel - just as if you were riding outdoors. These ingredients make the Kickr a realistic and professional indoor training experience.

Connectivity

With a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection, up to 3 Bluetooth connections, a Direct Connect port and ANT+, the Kickr V6 pairs with most devices and apps. Zwift, TrainerRoad, and other apps easily recognize the Kickr V6 on WiFi. In our test, the Wi-Fi connection was absolutely stable and there were no dropouts or disconnections at any time.

Compatible bike computers, smartphones and apps

The Kickr V6 is compatible with many devices. Thanks to ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, you can use all common bike computers or smartphones, as well as all common trainer apps. An overview of the compatible apps can be found here.

Kickr Workout Modes

In the Wahoo Fitness app, you have the following workout modes to choose from for the Kickr V6:

Level: Similar to a classic trainer, the faster you go, the more strenuous it becomes.
Resistance: You can set the braking resistance between 0 and 100%.
ERG: You can set the power. The Kickr will adjust the resistance accordingly to keep the power constant regardless of speed and cadance.
SIM: Based on your weight, bike type, riding position, wind, and incline/decline, Kickr adjusts the resistance as if you were riding outdoors.

Brake unit

With over 2,200 watts and ± 1% accuracy, the Kickr brings even the strongest cycling pros to their knees. The Kickr V6 now calibrates itself automatically during the ride. So you no longer have to worry about that and can fully concentrate on your training.

Noise level

Classic trainers used to be noisy and were responsible for many a neighborhood dispute. The Kickr V6, on the other hand, is virtually silent. You hear mainly how the chain whizzes over the chainring and sprocket. This makes the Kickr suitable even for light-hearted apartments and houses. And it makes your own workout much more pleasant.

AXIS feet

The AXIS feet of the Kick allow a lateral movement to the left and right of up to 5°. This makes the Kickr on the one hand very stable and on the other hand comfortable even during long training sessions. Included in the pack are 3 different inserts for the AXIS feet suitable for both skinny hill climbers and bulky spinters.

ERG Easy Ramp

You have to - for whatever reason - stop during an interval. Then starting again can be very challenging exhausting. The ERG Easy Ramp function brings you gradually back to your target power over a period of 10s. So you can be sure to train according to plan.

Wahoo Accessories

Matching the Wahoo Kickr V6 there are some accessories from the Wahoo universe to make the riding experience even more realistic. With the Kickr Climb, slopes can be simulated realistically. The Kickr Headwind provides a cooling breeze. With the height-adjustable Kickr Desk, you have the screen at an optimal distance.

Durability

The market launch of the Kickr V6 was in September 2022, so there is no long-term experience yet and we cannot say anything about durability. However, the V6 is not a completely new development, but builds strongly on the predecessor models. Overall, the Kickr has now been around for 10 years. During this time, we have had good experiences with the predecessor models. Occasionally, there were grinding noises of the brake unit in the 2018 model. The devices were replaced by Wahoo under warranty without any problems. From our point of view, there was no common problem with the direct predecessor of the V6. The complaint rate was very low overall and we are confident that the new Kickr V6 will deliver in the same manner.

Warranty and Support

The Wahoo Kickr V6 comes with a 2 year warranty. Wahoo actually is based in the US, the Kickr V6 is manufactured in Vietnam. Wahoo also has a base in Germany, which is responsible for sales and support. The support is very good and extremely customer-oriented. If there is ever a problem, we have a direct line to Wahoo and can help you quickly.