With the cold on the horizon, I’m planning for the snowy days where outdoor riding is not feasible. I have determined I am going to get a smart trainer, specifically from Wahoo. With that, I can buy a used v4 in decent condition for 600, or a brand new Kickr Core for 900. Which would you choose and why?
That Kickr is better gear for less money in your case. V4 is about two years old, I think, and is the first “silent” one. I’m not sure if the new Core adds anything other than a warranty. I’ve got a Kickr v.1 that looks like it’s going to last forever, so I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one that’s two years old.
I vote for the full KICKR too. I had one (the second generation, I think). It was fantastic. The 4th generation was a silent version (probably). The frame of the full KICKR is way better than the Core, and they all have better performance specs.
I was recently doing a similar debate and bought a V4 with less than 100 miles on it from a guy for $800 who had bought it right after COVID closures (it included a mat and wheel block). I don’t have experience with the Core, but I’m happy with the v4. I figured once you add sales tax and a cassette to the Core, it’s really going to cost you a little over $1000. I imagine there’s not much difference between the two so I’d opt to save the $400 and get a v4.