I know this has been covered before but there have been some updates to both units that have addressed some prior issues. Trying to decide which will be better for me, pricing aside (My LBS can get me the NEO for $100 more than the Kickr). Here’s my background
75kg and 310w FTP
20 weeks of TR every year
Also use the trainer for Zwift during rainy days when I can’t/refuse to go outside
Looking for something RELIABLE and refined, the 2T is basically the winner aside from some earlier reports of power accuracy issues, as well as some minor reports of slipping in the 1200w+ range. My question about those issues is how bad are they, for example if sprinting hard, will it always slip, or only if power is applied rapidly?
As far as the 2018 Kickr, same kind of concerns about earlier reports of flywheel issues, and still some reports of issues to this day. I trust Wahoo, but want to get this group’s opinion since I know a lot of you guys log way more time indoors than I do.
I just bought a Kickr Core - not very impressed with the accuracy.
I have checked its accuracy vs two separate Powertap power meters.
The Kickr is measuring consistently 7-10% higher than the Powertap meters.
Everything (Kickr and both power meters) has been properly calibrated. Only Kickr action I have not tried is a factory re-calibration which Wahoo warn can damage the unit if not performed correctly and should only be done as a last resort.
From one of my earlier posts, updated for 2T claims…
I had a KICKR. I have a Neo 2. Both are best. They differences are personal preference. Here is my decision tree.
Tacx if you do you Zwift and road surface simulation is important. KICKR if you do Zwift and climb simulation is important. Tacx if L/R pedal balance is important KICKR if you need to move it around often. (Tacx is ungainly and harder to move & setup.) Tacx if you stand & do power intervals often. (Tacx allows slight side-to-side sway which is a huge feel improvement.) KICKR (or 2T) if the virtual tire slip would drive you nuts. Tacx if working unplugged is important. KICKR if power accuracy at high flywheel speed is important. Tacx if you dig the glowing, color changing LED.
2T claims to have fixed the virtual slip. I have not seen any claims that 2T fixes the power inaccuracy over 25 MPH.
I just bought a Kickr Core - not very impressed with the accuracy.
I have checked its accuracy vs two separate Powertap power meters.
The Kickr is measuring consistently 7-10% higher than the Powertap meters.
Everything (Kickr and both power meters) has been properly calibrated. Only Kickr action I have not tried is a factory re-calibration which Wahoo warn can damage the unit if not performed correctly and should only be done as a last resort.
Anybody got any suggestions?
When you say you have calibrated the core properly, have you waited until it is fully warmed up? My experience with an original Kickr is that they are very sensitive to temperature drift. At times it has taken 40 minutes before the temperature has stabilised.
I use pedals as my power source/control so power is not important either way. I just want the more reliable unit. Why do you say the Kickr is better for zwift climbing?
So you think if I do the calibration after 40’, then the power readings will be more aligned with my other power meters? Why is that? They say you should do the calibration once per two weeks - is that correct after doing the 40’ calibration?
So you think if I do the calibration after 40’, then the power readings will be more aligned with my other power meters? Why is that? They say you should do the calibration once per two weeks - is that correct after doing the 40’ calibration?
My experience is that you need to do the calibration once the temperature of the resistance unit has stabilised. How long this takes depends on a number of factors including the ambient temperature, the effort of the ride, whether the unit is getting some air movement from the fan etc.
Sometimes 10 minutes is enough and sometimes 40 minutes isn’t enough. And you can do everything right and still get drift during the ride if the ambient temperature changes (day warms up, heater kicks in). In the end i gave up and now use a powermeter as the power source.
As I noted earlier, this is with an original Kickr so might not be causing your issue at all.
Why do you say the Kickr is better for zwift climbing?because of the KICKR CLIMB accessory.
I think they are both equally reliable. These are the two very best money can buy. KICKR had issues when the 2018 was released, but I have not read anything negative since.
From one of my earlier posts, updated for 2T claims…
Love your work mate, all on point. A few updates/notes from my experience/data/tests:
Tacx won’t ever be able to do L/R with accuracy. It’ll be a ‘almost right’ estimate. It doesn’t match my L/R pedal data.
They’ve addressed the high flywheel power accuracy issues in recent firmware. It appears to be better, not perfect though.
The biggest difference with the Kickr vs Neo is the flywheel feel. It is just a little different on the two. A lot of people prefer the Kickr at FTP or above for ERG efforts as it keeps momentum just a little better. This will also depend on how smooth people are on the pedals.
Either way, it’s splitting hairs for the most part. They’re both a world of difference from any wheel-on fluid trainer from years past.
From one of my earlier posts, updated for 2T claims…
I had a KICKR. I have a Neo 2. Both are best. They differences are personal preference. Here is my decision tree.
Tacx if you do you Zwift and road surface simulation is important. KICKR if you do Zwift and climb simulation is important. Tacx if L/R pedal balance is important KICKR if you need to move it around often. (Tacx is ungainly and harder to move & setup.) Tacx if you stand & do power intervals often. (Tacx allows slight side-to-side sway which is a huge feel improvement.) KICKR (or 2T) if the virtual tire slip would drive you nuts. Tacx if working unplugged is important. KICKR if power accuracy at high flywheel speed is important. Tacx if you dig the glowing, color changing LED.
2T claims to have fixed the virtual slip. I have not seen any claims that 2T fixes the power inaccuracy over 25 MPH.
One thing I’d add to that list of pros for the Kickr is Insideride has a Kickr E-Flex accessory that has full motion capabilities (both fore and aft movement along with tilting/rocking). At a price that is considered a steal compared to the Saris MP1 rocker plate. If I’m in the market for a new trainer I’m heavily leaning towards a Kickr and the E-Flex. I’ve built a custom rocker for my current setup but it only does tilt but do like the extra comfort it affords.
They’ve addressed the high flywheel power accuracy issues in recent firmware. It appears to be better, not perfect thoughSweet news. I never check my Tacx firmware. Was it just for the 2T or other generations also?
Oh ok yea the climb isn’t a consideration in this. I’m looking to reliably nail intervals and have something good for zwift. I’ll see how I get on with each one next week
They’ve addressed the high flywheel power accuracy issues in recent firmware. It appears to be better, not perfect thoughSweet news. I never check my Tacx firmware. Was it just for the 2T or other generations also?
I can’t recall… May have been the 2T only. I’d have to go back and look at the notes… they don’t do published changelogs, just notes on the latest releases. Argh.
Shane- Assuming you have both units set-up in your training room, which one do you gravitate towards using for your own workouts and why?
From one of my earlier posts, updated for 2T claims…
Love your work mate, all on point. A few updates/notes from my experience/data/tests:
Tacx won’t ever be able to do L/R with accuracy. It’ll be a ‘almost right’ estimate. It doesn’t match my L/R pedal data.
They’ve addressed the high flywheel power accuracy issues in recent firmware. It appears to be better, not perfect though.
The biggest difference with the Kickr vs Neo is the flywheel feel. It is just a little different on the two. A lot of people prefer the Kickr at FTP or above for ERG efforts as it keeps momentum just a little better. This will also depend on how smooth people are on the pedals.
Either way, it’s splitting hairs for the most part. They’re both a world of difference from any wheel-on fluid trainer from years past.
I’ve done wheel on (many moons ago) and have had 4 powered trainers.
First was a Kickr Snap…not good…went right back to REI
Best for road feel, the original Hammer, which took some time firmware-wise to get consistent but once dialed in was a long time good performer. A bit noisy but with fans and earphones I didn’t mind.
Went to Neo 2 for a quieter set up and no need to calibrate. This was right when they came out…Power readings all over the place, cadence drops…just wasn’t a good unit. Garmin was nice enough to replace it with a Neo 2T.
Neo 2T has been rock solid, no issues performer. Quiet, consistent power. No drops (I use Ant plugged into a Alienware pc unit) in power or cadence. Best thing is NO CALIBRATION! And the lateral wiggle is nice too. Plus i have a tight space so I have to unpack, re-fold for each session and the Neo 2T is simple to move around…though built in hand holds would be nice.
I never used a Kickr and I’m sure its great unit, but if I was to get anything but a Neo 2T (Not a 2!) I’d go for the Saris unit with a rockerplate.
Shane- Assuming you have both units set-up in your training room, which one do you gravitate towards using for your own workouts and why?
From one of my earlier posts, updated for 2T claims…
Love your work mate, all on point. A few updates/notes from my experience/data/tests:
Tacx won’t ever be able to do L/R with accuracy. It’ll be a ‘almost right’ estimate. It doesn’t match my L/R pedal data.
They’ve addressed the high flywheel power accuracy issues in recent firmware. It appears to be better, not perfect though.
The biggest difference with the Kickr vs Neo is the flywheel feel. It is just a little different on the two. A lot of people prefer the Kickr at FTP or above for ERG efforts as it keeps momentum just a little better. This will also depend on how smooth people are on the pedals.
Either way, it’s splitting hairs for the most part. They’re both a world of difference from any wheel-on fluid trainer from years past.
Quoted from gplama review
“Â I do have a (long-suffering) housemate who shares a wall with my Zwift Cave, so when not specifically testing new trainers, it will be the Tacx Neo 2T underneath the bike”