Wahoo moves the indoor market up a gear

New Kickr MOVE and SHIFT models aim to upgrade indoor training

- Luke Friend

The holy grail for most smart trainers is the delivery of a ride feel that truly matches the real-world cycling experience. While the very nature of indoor training may always make this unattainable, the adding of movement to machines that were once static is a recurring theme as brands vie for the title of 'most realistic'. Wahoo is the latest to try this approach, with its aptly named Kickr MOVE smart trainer.

The Kickr MOVE's USP is the addition of eight inches of fore-aft movement to the trainer body. This built-in dual-axis movement combines with the existing flywheel technology that made the original Kickr so popular to create what the US brand says is "a sensation remarkably similar to that of cycling outdoors". By adding this degree of movement, Wahoo also says the Kickr MOVE is more comfortable for the user, which as a result reduces rider fatigue, presumably allowing for longer and harder sessions if desired.

How does it work?

The bike attaches at the rear dropout to the Kickr's flywheel that sits on wheels that run along a curved track. When the rider gets out of the saddle, increases their effort (the MOVE has a maximum of 2,200 watts), slows down or shifts their riding position, the trainer rocks forwards or backwards. As the front wheel is resting on the ground anyway, it rolls forwards and backwards too.