The Zwift Ride and Kickr Core 2 smart trainer combination is a powerful indoor bike training solution for anyone wanting accurate resistance control when riding within the immersive virtual Zwift universe. However, it’s not for the casual rider and requires both a commitment from the user and an ongoing paid subscription to get the best out of the package.
Price: $2299 (default configuration), plus Zwift subscription: $30 month or $300 year.
The Zwift Ride bike frame with Kickr Core 2 smart trainer is an all-in-one, ready-to-ride indoor smart bike system. Born from a partnership between two indoor cycling technology companies, Zwift and Wahoo Fitness, the system attempts to replicate the feeling you would get when working through different terrains on the road.
It combines Zwift’s virtual fitness platform and bike frame with integrated controls with the Wahoo Kickr Core 2, a direct-drive smart trainer you attach to the rear of the bike frame, taking the place of a rear wheel.
Zwift’s subscription-based platform costs $30 per month, or $300 when you pay for the entire year upfront.
The Zwift platform can be used for structured workouts, social rides with friends and even large international events. This provides a range of good, and even competitive, options for those who need that extra motivation to train even when they don’t have the time or ability to get out on the road.
While the Kickr Core 2 is designed to fit onto functional road bikes (converting them to an indoor system), the integration with a static indoor-only bike frame here is very effective as a permanent solution. You don’t need to worry about removing the Kickr Core 2 every time you want to take your bike outside or the wear and tear that can come from using your road bike as an indoor trainer.
Working together, the Zwift app, bike and Kickr Core 2 deliver good power accuracy, ergometer (ERG) control and wide compatibility with a range of fitness apps.
There are a plethora of training programs available in the Zwift app that cater for everything from absolute beginners to hard-core seasoned road warriors. The workout feels quite intense at first, while smart functions add a competitive element to improve motivation.
Typically, on a road ride, you can free-wheel and get low-intensity rest. On the Zwift Ride, there are very few rest periods, so one hour on the trainer feels roughly equivalent to 1.5 hours on the road.
The bike is quite compact but heavy at 35kg.
Plus, the presence of virtual riders passing by can tap into the competitive urge that many riders feel, compelling you to work harder.
You might jump on thinking “I’m just going to do an easy 20-minute spin”, only to end up completing a high-intensity session that leaves you in a puddle on the floor.
If you have used other smart bikes, you may be surprised at the feedback on your intensity levels as the Wahoo Kickr is known for being extremely accurate (±1–2%). This may force you to reassess your existing Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for example, which becomes a baseline for all subsequent workouts.
The specific cycling results are accurate. Your style should start to improve in just a few weeks with one hour of training on the Zwift system per week.
The absence of music-powered workouts feels like an oversight
However, stability can be a bit of an issue depending on how you prefer to ride. Cyclists that like to climb out of the saddle may not feel as stable as they do on the road and you may have to resort to a seated climbing position by default, for example.
Also, the absence of music-powered workouts feels like an oversight if you’re used to training sessions that integrate music, like a spin class. It would be great if Zwift incorporated great music-driven workouts in the future.
While you can select from a bunch of social networked training options, workouts and competitions, there are also larger tours scheduled throughout the year such as “Tour de Zwift”, where riders compete against other real-world Zwift users (or “Zwifters” in a virtual environment).
It also adds a gamified element to competitive racing, with badges and virtual gear available to unlock. Social features are a big aspect too, as you have the option to communicate with your fellow cyclists.
The Zwift app pits you against other real-world racers in scheduled events.
These events are structured like real-world races. They often replicate live broadcasts, such as the Tour de France, which follows the exact same route and terrain as the actual race progresses.
Long, standard and short distances are available for each of the six stages for Zwifters to ride or race. Each stage lasts a week, with a make-up week running from 16–22 February. For runners, shorter events of roughly 5km are available through the week and a long run of 10km is available on the weekend.
The system is quite compact, compared to mounting the Kickr Core 2 onto an existing road bike. As long as you have a clear space of around 140cm x 60cm, you can carry out your workout. But a larger area would be ideal to remove any feeling of a hemmed-in training environment.
Although it’s compact, this set-up is heavy (35kg) and not easy to manoeuvre. It’s not the sort of thing that you would store in a cupboard and pull out when it’s time to exercise, so you’ll need to make sure you have space for it to remain set up.
Although it’s compact, this set-up is heavy (35kg) and not easy to manoeuvre
Assembly is straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions. You can quickly set up the frame for multiple users with various macro and micro adjustments available, but the seat’s fore and aft adjustments (forward and back tilting) range is limited.
Even so, the bike should still be suitable for all but the shortest and tallest riders. There are enough options to ensure that multiple users can adjust the bike to their needs without affecting other riders. You won’t need to buy multiple bikes for one house.
By far one of the most attractive things about the Zwift Kickr set-up is the convenience of being able to just jump on and go. No traffic, no poor weather and no red lights to worry about.
Cyclists get out on the road early for a reason; the traffic is lighter and it’s a much better time to ride. If you sleep in and are still keen to get some miles in, taking on “day traffic” can be challenging. Jumping on the trainer is an easy fix, and you can even ride with your mates in the Zwift virtual world.
What’s in the box
Wahoo Kickr Core 2
Handlebar with controllers
Thru axle
Allen key
Phone tray mat
Zwift Ride Smart Frame (35.4kg)
Frame key
Left and right pedals
Charging cable for controllers
Cable tidies
Reviewed with assistance from Alani (Storm) Mala B.P.E, Exercise Physiology.
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
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