KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click
KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog and Click
The KICKR CORE has been the default recommendation in this price bracket for years, and the CORE 2 does not change that. What it does is remove most of the small irritations of the original. WiFi is built in, so firmware updates happen on their own and the connection to Zwift is steadier. The legs are redesigned so setup is faster and the whole thing sits more solidly on the floor. And the LED system actually tells you what is going on rather than leaving you guessing.
This version ships with the Zwift Cog pre-installed and a Zwift Click included, which matters more than it sounds. The Cog is a single-sprocket setup that works with almost any 8 to 13 speed bike, so you are not buying a cassette to match your drivetrain and you are not indexing gears. You mount the bike, clip the Click to your bars, and shift virtually. For most people that removes the fiddliest part of getting set up.
The other addition is Race Mode, which broadcasts power roughly ten times faster than the original CORE. If you race on Zwift, that is the difference between a sprint registering when you throw it and registering a beat late.
Who this suits
Almost anyone starting structured indoor training, and plenty of people who have been doing it for years. It is accurate enough for FTP work and interval sessions, quiet enough for a shared house, and priced so that the decision does not need much agonising. The Zwift Cog makes it particularly good if you have more than one bike, because you are not matching cassettes.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want to leave a bike permanently set up and never think about mounting it, a smart bike like the KICKR Bike Pro is a better use of money in the long run. If you want the front of the bike to rise on climbs, budget for a KICKR CLIMB as well — the CORE is compatible, but the movement is not built in. And if you already own a power meter you trust and only ride indoors casually, the KICKR ROLLR is quicker to get on and off.
How it compares to what else we stock
The closest competitor we sell is the Elite Rivo, which lands in similar territory with WiFi and a Zwift Cog of its own. We have written a direct CORE 2 versus Elite Rivo comparison if you are deciding between them. Above it, the Elite Justo 2 and Elite Avanti offer tighter accuracy and steeper gradient simulation for more money.
Our full KICKR CORE 2 review goes into ride feel and power accuracy in detail, and the best smart turbo trainers guide places it against the wider market.
Key specifications
- Maximum power: 1,800W
- Power accuracy: ±2%
- Flywheel: 5.4kg, among the heaviest at this price
- Maximum simulated gradient: 16%
- Built-in WiFi with automatic updates and KICKR Bridge
- Race Mode for faster power broadcast
- Zwift Cog pre-installed; compatible with almost any 8–13 speed bike
- Zwift Click included; one month free Zwift trial for new customers
Delivery, warranty and returns
Trainers ship via specialist courier with tracking and a delivery window, at £25, because of their weight. Dispatched from the UK, typically within 5–7 business days, with delivery taking 7–10 business days. Supplied brand new with the full manufacturer warranty; terms vary by brand and are set out on our warranty page. Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days — see returns.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a cassette?
No. The Zwift Cog is already fitted and works with 8 to 13 speed bikes, so there is nothing to buy and nothing to index. You shift virtually using the included Click.
Can I fit a normal cassette instead?
Yes. The freehub takes a standard Shimano/SRAM 8–11 speed cassette if you would rather shift with your own drivetrain. You would buy the cassette separately — we stock SRAM 11-speed cassettes.
Is it quiet enough for a flat?
Direct drive trainers are much quieter than wheel-on ones, and the CORE 2 is among the quieter units in its class. The noise you will hear is mostly drivetrain, not the trainer. A floormat helps with vibration through the floor, which is what neighbours below actually notice.
Will the KICKR CLIMB work with it?
Yes. Wahoo lists the KICKR CORE as CLIMB compatible. Note that the ROLLR is not.
Do I need a cadence sensor?
No, cadence is reported by the trainer. You may still want a heart rate strap for training zones.