Wahoo Kickr or TacX neo

[BigDL]

I have been looking at upgrading my trainer from a cheapie to a smart trainer. I see that CRC has the TacX neo on special and I can get the Wahoo Kickr through work with a discount that brings it to a similar price.

 

The reviews are interesting but don’t give a real winner between the two. Just wondering what the thoughts of the hub are about the two?

[thisismyotherbike]

Take whichever is cheaper, both are excellent and you simply won't go wrong either way.  I'm assuming you are talking Kickr18, the older models still had an annoying whining sound while the latest one has gone quiet.

 

I've had the Neo for two years and it is still an amazing piece of kit.  Just love it.

 

The Neo has two significant features which the Kickr lacks. 

 

1.  Road surface simulation - the flywheel is electronic and they use that to simulate gravel/wood/cobbled surfaces in Zwift.

2.  It rocks from side to side a little while the Kickr is static.

 

1. is really cool in a techy/geeky kind of way and fun when riding new sections of Zwift or showing your rig off to somebody new to IDT. But is a bit gimmicky and not exactly a feature that will make you stronger.  2. is a nice feature I guess but it actually makes me nervous when doing standing efforts indoors, my mate's Kickr just feels so much more steady when standing up.  I'm 78kg for what it's worth, my wife is much lighter and she gets out of the saddle on the Neo with great confidence.  For me it feels wobbly.... not so much that it'll fall over, but enough to disrupt my peddling

 

The only significant feature the Kickr has over the Neo is compatibility with the Kickr Climb.  Looks like a cool toy but probably also a gimmick.  (but yes I want one)

 

Just get the cheapest one.  Better yet, save a bundle and get the Kickr Core.  Should be way cheaper than Kickr18 and Neo, is silent and is Kickr Climb compatible should you want to go that route later.

 

When comparing prices, remember to add the price of a cassette to the Neo and the Core.  The Kickr18 includes one.

 

Que the Cycleops crowd chiming in and telling you to get a Hammer instead...

[@ndy]

I’m currently of the cyclops crowd but I think I’m going to upgrade to a KICKR Core. The H2 just doesn’t seem to get the reviews of the KICKR or the Neo. I did see the Neo is on special at Evobikes but the Core is still cheaper.

 

Edit, corrected on line shop name.

[DieselnDust]

Neo,

 

It’s offers the closest approximation of real world road feel and the power meter is accurate and self calibrating.

[HdB]

I saw the H2 is on a 94.7 special, makes it pretty much the same price as the Core. But I've (not) heard the new Kickr, at the Amashova expo, and it really is absolutely quiet.

Would love to be able to test the H2 myself, before making a decision, because right now coming from a Vortex Smart, silence wins.

[BicyclePower]

Hey guys, the Hammer H2 is currently on special at our 947 stand - R15 495.00 incl a FREE 3-month Zwift subscription.

 

Currently the H2 is being reviewed by all major publications including DC Rainmaker, expect a full review in the next week or two. The H2 has just been launch and is only 6 weeks old. 

 

We have a demo unit set up at the CC expo for all to test and look forward to seeing you at the stand and answering any questions. 

[BigDL]

Many thanks all. So, after a huge amount Of research, I managed to get a great deal on the Kickr, and they have thrown in an extra cassette to match the one on my anthem currently.

 

So, next question, what is the best software for making indoor MTB training as fun and effective as possible?