This page applies to the newest KICKR released in
2018
featuring KICKR CLIMB
support
and improved thru axle compatibility
Please contact support for questions on older versions.
The Wahoo Fitness app is designed to keep your trainer up to date and leverage your smartphone during running, cycling, or other workouts, delivering data-driven power that fuels your training and fitness goals. Get the app now to register your KICKR and get cranking.
While the below video describes compatibility with the 2017 Edition KICKR, compatibility is identical with the 2018 Edition KICKR, save for the additional clearance around the drivetrain for even greater compatibility with select thru axle bikes.
The Wahoo KICKR is compatible or adaptable with most bike styles and types; however, exclusions may include various single speed, track, recumbent, and some thru axle bikes.
Hub Types: 130 / 135mm Quick Release, 12x142 / 12x148mm Thru Axle
Rear Wheel Size:
Road: 650c, 700c
Mountain: 24", 26", 27.5" / 650b, 29"
Drivetrain (Out of Box):
Standard 11 Speed Spacing (11-26)
Drivetrain (With Additional Purchase):
SRAM/Shimano 9/10 Speed1
SRAM/Shimano 7/8 Speed2
1 Requires new cassette (sold separately) and included spacer (see instructions)
2 Requires new cassette and spacer (both sold separately) (see instructions and check with your local mechanic for additional help)
Still unsure or have a Campagnolo drivetrain? Contact support to further check compatibility and adapters for your bike.
The Wahoo KICKR is designed to work with the Wahoo Fitness app which supports devices running iOS 9.0 and newer.
The Wahoo KICKR is designed to work with the Wahoo Fitness app which supports most Bluetooth® compliant Android devices running Android version 4.4 KitKat or newer.
Note: Since Android devices vary widely, compatibility cannot be assured for all devices. Please download and install the Wahoo Fitness Android app from the Google Play Store before purchasing a Wahoo Fitness product to ensure compatibility.
The Wahoo KICKR supports various Windows and Mac applications with Bluetooth and/or ANT+ capabilities.
Note: the Wahoo Fitness app (required for important firmware updates) is only available on iOS and Android mobile devices.
The Wahoo KICKR is compatible with many 3rd party iOS, Android, Windows and Mac apps. For a list of confirmed compatible 3rd party apps, see the chart at the end of this guide.
Part Number: WFBKTR118
KICKR Version: 4
Dimensions (legs open): 20" x 28" x 17" (51 cm x 71 cm x 43 cm)
Dimensions (legs closed): 20" x 9" (51 cm x 23 cm x 43 cm)
Weight: 47 lbs (21.3 kg) (Unboxed)
Drivetrain:
Out of Box: 11 Speed Cassette
With Purchase and Installation of New Cassette: 8/9/10 Speed SRAM/Shimano
KICKR CLIMB Compatible: Yes
KICKR HEADWIND Compatible: Yes
Cadence: RPM Cadence Sensor included
Front Wheel Block: Not needed
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: + / - 2%
Connectivity: Bluetooth®, ANT+, ANT+ FEC
Wireless Software Updates: Yes
3rd Party Power Meter Support: Yes
Devices: iOS, Android, PC (Mac and Windows)
Max User Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
Power Requirements: 100-240V~1.5A 50-60 Hz
Flywheel Weight: 16 lbs (5.5kg)
Maximum Simulated Grade: 20%
Maximum Power Output: 2200 Watts
*Caution: use of third party power adapters not supplied by Wahoo Fitness may cause permanent damage to your KICKR
The Wahoo KICKR requires minimal cleaning and maintenance if dirt or grime collects. If cleaning is needed, clear any debris and use a moist, soft cloth to wipe surfaces, avoiding dripping moisture into any part of the KICKR itself. Also avoid using strong cleaning agents as these may damage or reduce the lifespan of your KICKR.
Download the Full Wahoo KICKR Quick Start Guide as a PDF for instructions in English and other languages.
The KICKR comes with legs folded to minimise transportation and storage size. Select a stable, level surface with sufficient room for trainer and bike. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
Open the legs by pressing down on the blue leg-lock tabs and pivoting the legs outward until they snap into place. Failure to secure legs may result in bodily harm or damage.
Once opened, adjust the two leveling feet under the legs, turning until the trainer is level. Lock them into place by tightening the blue locknuts against the leg frame. Warning: always check trainer stability before riding and re-adjust leveling feet as needed.
Use the adjustment knob on the center leg to select your specific wheel size. If uncertain, your wheel size is indicated on the sidewall of your tire.
Use the included AC power adapter to connect the trainer to a standard 120v wall outlet. Caution: use of unofficial power adapters may cause permanent damage to your KICKR
Note: the reversible axle spacer pre-installed on KICKR Smart Trainers is set to accommodate 130mm spacing. Most road bikes use 130mm spacing, while cyclocross and mountain bikes with quick release skewers and disc brakes use 135mm spacing. Please reverse the spacer before mounting a bicycle with 135mm spacing or use the appropriate adapter for wider hub spacing and thru-axle bikes.
Remove your rear wheel, beginning by shifting into the smallest rear cog and smallest front chainring. Release your rear brake before opening the quick release lever (or removing the thru axle, if applicable), then lift the frame while lightly pushing down on the rear wheel to remove it.
Align the dropouts over the trainer’s quick release skewer and gently extend the derailleur to the rear, pulling the chain taut. For thru axle bikes, center the bike’s rear axle with the matching axle hole in the KICKR drivetrain.
Lower the frame over trainer axle, ensuring the chain falls onto the smallest cog. The axle should slide easily into place. For thru axle bikes, reinsert the thru axle after mounting the chain on the KICKR, screwing it securely to the frame through the KICKR drivetrain
Rock the frame back and forth to ensure the dropouts are fully seated on the skewer. Firmly tighten the quick release - you should feel resistance when half closed; fully closing should leave an imprint on your hand.
Warning: the quick release skewer must be completely tightened before riding, requiring significant effort and leaving a defined imprint on the hand. Failure to properly tighten the quick release may result in damage or personal injury. If unsure of proper tension, consult your local bike shop or contact support for assistance. Do not ride the KICKR if the quick release skewer is not properly installed. Check skewer tightness and secure mounting before every ride to avoid injury or damage.
Plug in your KICKR Power Trainer if you haven't already
Ensure Bluetooth® is turned on and open the Wahoo Fitness iOS App
Select “Sensors" in the bottom left, then “Add New Sensor”
Choose your KICKR from the available sensors
If this is your first time pairing, take a moment to register your KICKR. For the smoothest ride, be sure to update your firmware if prompted as well. Lastly, you'll need to perform a spindown (as outlined in the section below) to calibrate your KICKR on first use and every 2 weeks after.
When complete, select “Save Sensor,” then choose the workout profiles you would like the KICKR active for (ex. Indoor Bike Trainer)
Select “Done” to complete the pairing & workout selection process
Your KICKR is now paired and ready for action! To use your KICKR, start a workout in one of the profiles you marked the KICKR active for. Swipe right within a workout to access detailed KICKR controls and workout modes. For more details on workout modes see What Are the Different Modes on My Smart Trainer?
Since the Wahoo Fitness app remembers saved devices, you can skip the sensors page next time - just start a new workout to get kickin!
Lastly, connect the included RPM Cadence Sensor following these instructions.
Plug in your KICKR Power Trainer if you haven't already
Ensure Bluetooth® and location services are enabled and open the Wahoo Fitness Android App
Select “Sensors” in the top right corner (icon with two waves), then the plus (+) to add a new sensor
Choose your KICKR from the list of available sensors
If this is your first time pairing, take a moment to register your KICKR. You'll need to perform a spindown to calibrate your KICKR (as outlined in the section below) on first use and every 2 weeks after. It's important to update your KICKR as well by following these instructions.
Select “Save device” and choose the workout profiles you would like the KICKR active for (ex. Indoor Cycling)
Select “Ok” to complete the pairing and workout selection process
Your KICKR is now paired and ready for action! To use your KICKR, start a workout in one of the profiles you marked the KICKR active for. Swipe right within a workout to access detailed KICKR controls and workout modes. For more details on workout modes see What Are the Different Modes on My Smart Trainer?
Since the Wahoo Fitness app remembers saved devices, you can skip the sensors page next time - just start a new workout to get kickin!
Lastly, connect the included RPM Cadence Sensor following these instructions.
Plug in your KICKR Power Trainer if you haven't already
Ensure Bluetooth® and location services are enabled and open the Wahoo Fitness iOS App
Select “Sensors” in the bottom left corner
Select the KICKR from the list of saved sensors, then “Spindown”
Select “Perform Spindown” and follow the instructions in the app
A spindown is recommended every 2 weeks or after moving the KICKR to a new location. For more information, see Wahoo Fitness iOS App Instructions.
Note: Spindowns require a Bluetooth connection.
Plug in your KICKR Power Trainer if you haven't already.
Ensure Bluetooth® is turned on and open the Wahoo Fitness Android App.
Select the "Sensors" button from the Home Screen to find your KICKR.
Note: a Bluetooth connection is required.
If already saved, select the KICKR shown. Otherwise tap the + to search for it.
Once your KICKR is selected, find the "Spindown" button on the "Device details" page.
A spindown is recommended every 2 weeks or after moving the KICKR to a new location. For more information, see Wahoo Fitness Android App Instructions.
From virtual courses to structured wattage workouts, these KICKR apps meet even the most demanding training needs.
Have more questions? Visit support.wahoofitness.com for additional support.
