Indoor trainer setup - Wahoo vs Garmin

[Gripen_85]

Hello Hubbers,

 

I am approaching the point where I want to develop an indoor training setup at home.

I have done some Googling, and read through some of the threads here.

 

I think I have narrowed down the hardware to the KickR Core 2 with Zwift Cog, and the Garmin Tacx Flux S.

 

I like the idea of Zwift Cog as I don't yet have a dedicated bike for the trainer, and it just seems that tiny bit easier to throw my hardtail on that and go.

But then I believe I am tied in to the Zwift platform as the Cog isn't compatible with other software?

I used to have a Wahoo Elemnt bike computer and I absolutely hated the Wahoo interface. Is their smart trainer platform better than their computers?

 

The Tacx Flux S is currently going for R10 000 on Takealot. 

I see it comes with a cassette, though it looks geared towards road cycling.

I am a casual cyclist with an MTB, and I think having a similar trainer setup to the bicycle is beneficial.

 

Can one swap out the cassette on the Tacx?

 

Are there any massive pros or cons to one or the other?

 

When it comes to the software, Zwift seems to come out on top because of the community, with Rouvy next, then Trainer Road, and as a free platform, MyWhoosh.

So I'd like the ability to try out each until I find what works.

Do any offer dual subscriptions (my partner also cycles).

Should I just get a standard KickR with cassette, and if I fall in love with the Zwift platform, get the Cog at a later stage?

 

My goal is to get more time on the bike (I work a very varied schedule, sometimes out of the door at 4am and only home after 6pm), even if it's just 20 minutes. 

I want to improve my overall bike fitness, and just become a better, stronger rider. 

 

I'm hoping to pick something up on special this November.

Your thoughts and personal experiences?

 

Thanks!

[Christian van Zyl]

Hi Gripen,

The ZWIFT COG is simply an addition to the specific model, and the KICKR CORE itself remains agnostic to any software, so you will not be tied in to ZWIFT. The Click addition you receive in the box only works with ZWIFT. But even the cog can be use in ERG mode on any software. 

Cheers! 

You local Wahoolian 

Christian 

[Paul Ruinaard]

Hell lots of analysis in there your questions. there are some sites you can read and look at to get answers. 

Have a look at DC Rainmaker and some of the bike radar reviews - they go deep down the rabbit holes as well wrt trainers, platforms etc and what each excels at, so they  have done a lot of the work for you.

WR Trainers.

TBH the kick Core+ Zwift cog is a brilliant deal especially if you add the bike to it. Simplifies a whole raft of things around connectivity and the like wrt dedicated trainers etc. the wifi connection makes a big difference. I bought the dedicated Zwift bike about 6 months before they announced it and would happily have taken this option over the Kickr bike.

WR the platforms

I haven't messed much with the other training platforms like Rouvy and Trainer Road etc so cannot add too much insight to them but I am happy with Zwift. When I started  it was streets ahead and its gamification and constant upgrades bring a whole new level to it - also the racing if you want to go deep down the hole. IMO there are more people on Zwift.

Also google Zwiftinsider and read there wrt a lot of the questions you are asking.

The Zwift ecosystem is a whole world on its own and really immersive - from a quick hour spin to a structured program for specific goals it's just getting deeper and better and its continually updated.

Edited November 4, 2025 by Paul Ruinaard

[HdB]

I think you can always change to a normal cassette from the Cog, if you find you don't use it or prefer a different platform. You can also get one without the Cog, and buy it later (although I see the kit is more expensive than a basic cassette?).

If you don't use the Cog then depending on which cassette you have on your MTB, you could just look for a HG-compatible cassette like the SRAM NX and put it on. There are SRAM XD freehub bodies available for some trainers like the Kickrs, but that adds another R1500-ish, plus the cassette.

The Zwift Click buttons don't officially work with other platforms, unofficially there are ways to make it work with others like Rouvy or TrainingPeaks Virtual, but can be buggy.

Rouvy does have the option of subscriptions for multiple people. The newer options do not work out as cheap as in the past, but still better than two separate payments.

All of the platforms have some form of free trial period. And currently TraningPeaks Virtual has a monthly "Free 4 All Tuesday" (which is today).

Maybe there are nice specials on the Kickr Core this month, since the Kickr Core 2 has been launched.

[Gripen_85]

Thanks for the replies so far!

Rouvy's duo membership does work out quite a lot cheaper than Zwift.

 

[RobertWhitehead]

Zwift is a game, I was forced to use it for a month and hated using it. I use Fulgaz and on their annual membership you can add a family member for free. 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

I have a Cash Converters R500.00 Raleigh hybrid on a Kickr and use MyWhoosh which is free, on an iPad. 

You set your FTP via the app and it defaults to ERG mode (which you can turn off if you actually want to change gears).

And off you go around all their “worlds” which include fantasy/game type stuff and more realistic stuff from different countries.

I haven’t tried to add another profile but suspect you can just create another login and use whichever one is needed at the time.

My Kickr was a very kind gift from a hubber; it has a funny resistance thing it does sometimes which irritated him, but I’ve learned that you just can’t stop pedalling which is a blessing and a curse 😂 No free miles on the trainer!

Very thankful for my setup even though I only use it a couple of times a week for 20-30 mins at a time.