Fifth-generation Kickr gets lateral movement, increased accuracy and automatic calibration
(Image credit: Wahoo)
Wahoo has today announced the launch of its all-new Kickr, a direct-drive smart turbo trainer to replace the popular Kickr18. The new model is more a case of evolution rather than revolution, but with it comes a selection of interesting improvements over the 2018 model it replaces, as Wahoo looks to edge itself back to the front of the best turbo trainers race.
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The Wahoo Kickr: New for 2020(Image credit: Wahoo)
Introducing Kickr AXIS, the new cushioned feet that allow lateral movement(Image credit: Wahoo)
Besides the feet, the new Kickr is visually identical to the old(Image credit: Wahoo)
However inside, power accuracy is improved to just one per cent(Image credit: Wahoo)
And calibration is now automatic. Say goodbye to the pre-ride spin down(Image credit: Wahoo)
What's new?
The most noticeable change for the Kickr20 is the five degrees of side-to-side movement it has been given, courtesy of its new cushioned feet known as AXIS, which are added as Wahoo looks to further mimic the outdoor riding experience. The maximum resistance remains at 2,200 watts, but Wahoo claims the measurement of this power sees an improvement, now accurate to within just one per cent, down from the two per cent offered on the previous model. And thirdly, perhaps the thing that owners will come to appreciate the most is the introduction of automatic calibration, meaning owners can finally say goodbye to the pre-ride spin down.
The outgoing Kickr18 is a popular choice among indoor cycling enthusiasts and received a score of 4.5/5 stars in our recent Wahoo Kickr review. With its latest improvements, it seems safe to assume the Kickr20 will be a shoo-in to our guide to the best turbo trainers. With this tried, tested, and clearly successful construction, much of the rest of the Kickr20 remains unchanged from its predecessor. Foregoing the new magnetic resistance unit introduced with the Kickr bike, the Kickr20 uses the same 16lb flywheel as the outgoing model, along with the same maximum resistance of 2,200 watts. Additionally, Wahoo claims the 'virtually silent' operation is also unchanged - as measured at approximately 60dB in our recent Wahoo Kickr review.
New product, same price
Another thing that remains unchanged is the price, which will be music to the ears of Wahooligans the world over. The Kickr has never been a cheap option, and until the introduction of the Kickr Bike, it sat atop Wahoo's turbo trainer range, but thankfully the update doesn't come with a price hike.
The aesthetic of the new model also remains largely identical to the outgoing model, mainly because they share the same fold out legs, carry handle and black-and-blue colourway. In fact, the only visible difference between the two is the updated AXIS feet. According to Wahoo, these are customizable cushioned feet that respond to movements from changes in tempo and body position. They are claimed to mimic the side to side movement experienced when riding outdoors. For owners of any of the four previous-generation Kickr models, the Kickr AXIS feet are backwards compatible and sold separately.
Wahoo Kickr20: Pricing
USD $1,199.99
GBP £999.99
EURO €1,199.99
CAD $1,799.99
AUD $1,799.95
JPN ¥152,550.00
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Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
