Wahoo KICKR SNAP Bike Trainer A convenient, easy-to-set-up wheel-on smart trainer with the genuine Wahoo ride experience. It comes with SNAP's flywheel technology that generates the same resistance experienced when riding outdoors.
The rapid acceleration of technology over the last 20 years has seen enormous tech leaps that have crossed over to the sporting industry. One such area that has seen significant advancement is cycling.
Lighter, more robust frames, wheels, and components mean cyclists are riding further and faster than ever. But one of the most considerable improvements and advancements in this tech hasn’t actually been the
Whether it’s on an ocean-side road, we all love riding outside through rolling hills with magnificent wineries on each side or, if you live where I do, climbing 1500 meters above sea level. The big downside to where I live, though, is the -15c winter days for three months back to back.
This is why my Wahoo Kickr Snap is my lifesaver during those long cold, icy winters. Not only do I get to keep riding, but in actual fact, I find my
Check my KICKR Snap Set-Up!
In this article, I will provide you with a personal review of what it’s like training on the Wahoo Kickr Snap, pros, cons, features, and finally, the benefits of syncing your trainer to my favorite app, Zwift.
Let’s get started.
Wahoo Kickr Snap Bike Trainer
Set-up Guide from KICKR
The Wahoo Kickr Snap
Detailed Review Of Kickr Snap Features
Sound Or Lack There Of
Let’s face it, one of the biggest complaints most riders have regarding indoor trainers is they can be incredibly noisy.
It’s not just indoor
Here’s the good news, though, the Wahoo Kickr Snap is very, very quiet; it’s not silent, obviously, but for a wheel-on indoor trainer, it’s relatively noise-free.
The flywheel is a sturdy 5kgs heavy, and this helps keep the noise down while providing for a comfortable, smooth-riding experience. I don’t use headphones while training, and I’ve noticed when using the Kickr Snap, I don’t need to turn the volume up full bore on my Bose Speaker.
Connectivity
The Wahoo Kickr Snap has all the latest technological features in terms of connectivity. Once up and running and provided you have signed up and downloaded the appropriate apps, the Kickr Snap will automatically connect to your Smart TV, Laptop, Desktop, and Cell Phone.
This makes the Wahoo Kickr Snap very straightforward to use, even for those who don’t have a good grasp on tech. It literally takes 5 minutes, and your up and running depending on the strength of your wifi and Bluetooth connections.
It’s important to mention the Wahoo Kickr Snap will also connect to other third-party apps such as Summerfest.
Accessories
I love the Wahoo Kickr Snap because the resistance levels can adjust to simulate climbing; in fact, the Kickr Snap can simulate climbs of 12%. Once you start the climb, the Kickr automatically adjusts the flywheel’s resistance, and the torture begins.
Kickr Climb Indoor Grade Simulator
Wahoo does offer several accessories that can complement your trainer, one of them being the Kickr Climb Indoor Grade Simulator.
The simulator does precisely what its name suggests; it simulates the climb’s gradient by moving the front of your
However, they are not cheap, so that’s something to take into consideration.
Fan
Anyone who has trained indoors knows that one of the most important things to have is a fan. Staying cool keeps your body temperature down and gives your mind that little bit of relief its needs from the heat.
The Wahoo Kickr Headwind Bluetooth Fan might be seen as a gimmick; let’s be honest, a fan is a fan; however, according to Wahoo, “the fans Targeted Airflow Pattern imitates the configuration and position of a cyclist’s body while riding so you can obtain the maximum cooling effect. With speeds of over 30 mph, you’re able to keep cool during even the hardest training sessions.”
Although both of these accessories are fantastic, they only really appeal to the most dedicated rider because of the expensive price point. Personally, I would much rather spend the same amount of money on components for my
VERDICT; Is The Wahoo Kickr Snap For Me?
As I said from the very beginning of this article, the review was solely based on my experience using the Wahoo Kickr Snap pretty much day in day out for about two years now.
The joy of riding outside, in my opinion, can never be replaced; the fresh air, the calmness of listening to the noises coming from the
If you’re already lucky enough to have a road
Price Point
Its price point is middle of the road, and it makes perfect sense to purchase if you are :
- New to cycling
- Limited in terms of budget
- Recovering from injury
- Have a partner who also may want to use it
The trainer folds away easily and takes up very little space, although I’m lucky enough to have a dedicated “training cave” so my trainer stays in position all year round.
Obviously, other trainers on the market are better, but you have to remember they also cost more than double the Wahoo Kickr Snap price. Personally, they are not worth the extra money; as I said, I would rather use that money to upgrade my
Summary
Setup time is literally 10 minutes, and that includes everything from mounting the
So at the end of the day, I would strongly recommend the Wahoo Kickr Snap to riders of all abilities. If you’re not someone who stresses over every little data point being 100% spot-on, then this trainer really is value for money.
Wahoo KICKR SNAP Bike Trainer A convenient, easy-to-set-up wheel-on smart trainer with the genuine Wahoo ride experience. It comes with SNAP's flywheel technology that generates the same resistance experienced when riding outdoors.
Comparison With Kickr & Kickr Core
If you are reading this article, you are more than likely aware of the extensive range of products Wahoo produces; Everything from trainers to sensors.
Two of those trainers are the Wahoo Kickr and The Wahoo Kickr Core; Wahoo also has a Kickr
Power Output:
- The Wahoo Kickr 1800W
- The Wahoo Kickr Core 1800W
- The Kickr Snap 1500W
Amazingly some trainers have even higher power outputs, but it’s always important to remember that higher power output is not always better. Accuracy and reliability are two of the most critical data points to track when looking at smart indoor trainers. The Wattbike Atom puts out an immense 2000W.
Naturally, the Wahoo Kickr Snap puts out less than the trainers mentioned above, but at 1500W, it provides more than enough power for even the most hard-core rider; ok, maybe not Mathieu van der Poel.
Pricing
- The Wahoo Kickr $1200
- The Wahoo Kickr Core $1900
- The Wahoo Kickr Snap $600
{prices are subject to change, so please check before making your purchase for the latest up to date prices}
It’s important to mention here that even though the Kickr Core is the more expensive model, a cassette or wheel block is not included, strangely enough; however, you can purchase these accessories and more separately.
Flywheel
- The Wahoo Kickr 16lbs or 7.2kgs
- The Wahoo Kickr Core 12lbs or 5.4kgs
- The Wahoo Kickr Snap 11.7lbs or 5.3kgs
Kickr Snap & Zwift Set Up
Zwift; What Is It?
There are a few virtual cycling apps out there, but again, in my humble, none of them come even close to Zwift.
Zwift is a cycling and running app {predominatley cycling} that allows you to sync your indoor smart trainer or treadmill for the best possible workouts out there. You can connect zwift to a tv as I do, a desktop, laptop, or even a cell phone.
It’s like riding outside; the faster you pedal, the quicker you go, but in this case, the app sends an algorithm to your smart trainer converting your power and weight to speed. You can choose to ride freely or set the trainer to hold your power for the duration.
Avatar
You have your own “avatar” the is fully customizable; you can customize your
Basically, the more you pedal, the more points you earn, and upgrades become available. This makes the training experience really enjoyable and takes me back to my teenage years when I played Super Mario, except now I’m not lying on the sofa having mom scream at me.
Training Programs and Plans
There are so many training plans available on Zwift that I’ve lost count; If you can’t find a training plan on Zwift that’s perfect for you, then something is wrong. They have plans for every level of rider.
The plans range from a challenging but straightforward FTP test to a 12 week long Winter Training Program.
Riding Experience
When it comes to riding, the courses available are realistic and are the same courses used in some of the pro tour events. Everything from the gradient to the surrounding nature is simulated almost perfectly on Zwift.
The selection of rides offered is simply staggering; Want to ride in a race? Zwift, have you covered, fancy a 100km group ride? No problem, and for those who like to ride alone at their own speed, Zwift has them covered too.
Finding Your FTP
Before entering races or groups, you need to find your FTP.
FTP or Functional Threshold Power, simply translated, is the highest wattage output that you can sustain over an hour.
Once you have your FTP, you can then enter the correct category for your
Categories are:
- A: 4+ W/kg.
- B: 3.9-3.2 W/kg.
- C: 3.1-2.5 W/kg.
- D: 2.4-1 W/kg.
- E: Open W/kg.
Zwift communicates with your smart trainer to automatically change the resistance of each little gradients change that takes place, so when pedaling uphill on a 7% climb, the trainer will kick in and increase the resistance simulating the climb.
Riding downhill, the smart trainer and Zwift work exactly the same way and decrease resistance simulating the real world. But that’s not all; on Zwift, you can even draft other riders.
Who Is Zwift For?
The simple answer to this question is everyone. Although Zwift was probably targeted initially at middle-aged men, the popularity of Zwift has soared and now includes everyone from stay at home moms to professional cyclists.
Because of the enormous amount of training programs available on Zwift, literally, anyone can find a plan that works best for them.
This is also where your FTP becomes critical; working out your FTP allows you to accurately choose training plans, races, or group rides that are specifically targeted to your
It’s such a great way of staying motivated and keeping fit at the same time; Raining outside? No problem, jump on the smart trainer, fire up Zwift, and you can have one of the best rides you’ve ever had.
Zwift is also great for riders who are new to cycling and don’t have the
Zwift; What You Need To Get Started
Zwift Account
Zwift is incredibly affordable for what you get at about $15 a month, depending on which country you are in.
Zwift offers a free 7-day trial that is great for people to “dip their feet in” and see whether they would like to continue with a monthly membership.
Keep in mind you will need good wifi and Bluetooth connectivity to get the full Zwift riding experience.
Wahoo KICKR SNAP Bike Trainer A convenient, easy-to-set-up wheel-on smart trainer with the genuine Wahoo ride experience. It comes with SNAP's flywheel technology that generates the same resistance experienced when riding outdoors.
