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Awesome, thanks for the update Ray!
Two questions:
1) Have you found out whether it can be adjusted in the Wahoo app or something for different wheelbase sizes? As noted before, if it was used by a couple in my local tri club and was adjusted for guy’s (6’6″ tall guy) wheelbase but the girl (5’0″) was using it, it’d go all the way to 24% gradient, and if vice versa then it’d only go to 16% gradient. Not that I think many people would mind a 16% gradient cap, and of course it would probably be adjusted for somebody in the middle. But you know how us cyclists are about accuracy – especially the crowd willing to drop $600 on something like this.
2) I’m not sure if it was a glitch, but I actually was able to add the Climb to my cart during clevertraining’s pre-Black Friday sale week, and checked out with it. On the one hand I want to contact them to ask/make sure it went through and would ship with the first of them, but on the other I don’t want to risk losing the 20% off it gave me since I guess I wasn’t supposed to be able to add it to my cart in the first place? What would you recommend in a situation like that?
Thanks again!
Hi Ray, astounding good coverage as usual! One question, if you don’t mind: Was I wrong into thinking that the Climb would only work with the Kickr as a trainer? That’s what I understood in your preview of some weeks ago. But in the image of the Wahoo booth/flat, it seems like the foremost Climb isn’t connected to a Kickr, but to a wheel-on trainer…
The reason for this question is: would you think that it will be ( somehow, sometime, somewhere…) possible to use the Climb with a non-Wahoo trainer?? ( see, I happen to own a Drivo….)
thanks and keep up the good work!
Alberto.
Its connected to a Kickr snap – so I wouldn’t get your hopes up. My understanding is that the issue is ensuring that the rotation about the rear axis required to change the gradients (and potentially the slight differences in loading of the frame/ rear axel/ trainer) don’t cause damage to bike and/or trainer. I therefore suspect that whilst in theory it might work with other trainers it is probably “at the users peril” in the same way that Wahoo couldn’t make it work with Gen 1 or Gen 2 Kickr’s because of the additional (potential) wear/ strain on the frame that could not be circumvented on the older models but they have designed around for the latest Kickr models.
It specifically works with:
V3 KICKR
V2 (2017) KICKR SNAP
-Ed
The problem with non-compatible trainers is the rear attachment point needs to be able to freely swivel up/down. Otherwise you are going to brake your frame sooner rather than later. Pretty much every wheel-off trainer locks in to your rear dropouts pretty firmly. Many wheel on trainers have some rotation as that’s how they attach the bike, but not free movement if you have them tight enough, so would still negatively impact your frame.
It only works with the latest version of the Kickr and Kickr Snap because it communicates with the trainers as opposed to communicating with whatever gadget you are using to control the trainer. So if the app you are using tells the trainer to simulate the resistance of a 8% grade then the trainer tells the Climb to raise the front wheel to 8%.
I’m not sure how well it would work on non certified trainers. Some might flex more than others (not to mention the designed flex of the Neo), and you wouldn’t want the front able to flex more, or less that the rear.
Still, it looks like a neat idea. If Tacx developed something similar to partner with the Neo, then I guess they could include some sort of road patterns on the front wheel too. Even more immersion for Zwift goodness. :)
My understanding is that it wouldn’t work at all because it only works with proprietary electronics in Wahoo’s trainers rather than ANT+ or BLE.
Thanks for the update. Excited to see a full review.
Ray, do you think Wahoo will ever develop something like Tacx Magnum treadmill ? I am sure they would get it right (considering the Magnum’s issue with changing gears..) – I know it might not be the best place to post this question, but it would be the ultimate cycling experience (indoors, at least). Thanks for the great work.
Przemek
“…would be the ultimate cycling experience…”
I don’t know if I agree. Any “ultimate cycling device” must be able to cover the wide variety of uses seen. the Tacx Magnum has a very limited use range with it’s low top speed and general inability to handle sprinting efforts. It is an expensive novelty IMHO that lacks full function.
Smart motion rollers seem like they have the most potential for ultimate cycling experience title since you can do nearly everything on them (regular, sprints, slow work, etc.) and still have most of the freedom that comes with a treadmill design.
Not like the Magnum, no. The cost of delivery/etc I think would be challenging for Wahoo (just as I think it is for Tacx right now).
I could eventually see Wahoo getting into the smaller treadmill game, depending on how Zwift Running shapes up.
Chader,
Right – I forgot about the smart rollers ! I had one before (before they became ‘smart’) and did not like it. Maybe because I was not proficient enough in keeping a straight line. What is the latest option nowadays – can anyone recommend what to look for ?
I think the two main options for smart rollers are the:
1) Inside Ride, E-Motion Rollers with the Elite Smart Resistance unit add-on
2) Elite Arion Digital Smart B+ Rollers
Both have a lower max resistance when compared to a smart trainer, but they seem to work well based on the comments I have seen.
Perhaps someone improving those will make the “best” option?
Can’t wait for the full review. One odd question, what kind of ceiling clearance would be required for the Climb at fill climb… my pain cave is only 7′ Seems like an odd concern, but I’m concerned It won’t work without more clearance!
The DCR Cave is roughly in the same boat actually. I haven’t ridden in there, but I’d say that in general the rear of the bike doesn’t shift too much, as it’s more the front. And in that case, you’re usually lowering your body because of the handlebars.
Perhaps a Wahoo person can find some creative way of measuring it though – but I think you’d likely be fine in most cases.
Some quick math leads me to believe that the max height at the axle will be 8″-10″ higher than level.
Because that is the max on an angle the rough middle where you ride will be about half that increase.
So probably around 5″ higher at the rider position.
In the UK, Evans and SigmaSports had these available to pre-order from the beginning of Jan. Originally they were showing as available form the 10th Jan from Evans, this then slipped to the 2nd Feb, then March and now it is showing as 2nd May.
Both Sigma and Evans are still currently allowing pre-orders.
Wildfire sports still have Feb 14th as delivery in Oz.
Hey Ray,
A friend of mine allegedly said that you refused to review a smart trainer manufactured by a Chinese company brushing them off as inaacurate. Is that true?
If it is, it may affect your impartiality beacon. I mean, why not review them? ?
Nope, not true.
As far as smart trainers go I’ve reviewed (or at least previewed) everything anyone has asked me to, that companies send or have asked to send.
One Japanese trainer (Minoura Kagura) I previewed at Interbike but noted it had significant accuracy issues at the time in that post (it was beta then), and that I wasn’t going to spend time doing a review until they released firmware fixing it (which the company also agreed with). It still hasn’t been fixed…so…shrug. Which is too bad, it has a lot going for it actually.
There’s also a Chinese power meter (XCadey), I haven’t bothered reviewing, because their own website comparison data shows it as horribly inaccurate. Thus again, with so many products to review I’m not going to spend time (or money) on something that I can plainly see is crap.
Do we have any solid info on availability date? I am in the market for a new trainer and this may be reaching but on the Zwiftmas page with the kickr and climb as a prize it listed $1500 USD as the MSRP. That would put it at only an extra $300 if part of a package deal which is half the price of the Climb by itself. If that is indeed the case then I would pull the trigger and get one.
Hi Ray – The clever training coupon code on their .co.uk site does not work for wahoo products! Have wahoo products been excluded over here (or indeed everywhere)? Cheers. David
They’ve temporarily been excluded on the UK site from the discount. It’s something they’re trying to sort out. :(
Did release get pushed back yet again? I keep reading that on the bookfaces but unable to find any credible sources.
I have had one on order (and paid for) since October of last year. I was just told the “New” delivery date is sometime in June. I cancelled my order and got a full refund and have totally given up on Wahoo as a company.
Wahoo is far from the first (and most certainly won’t be the last) to fall victim to their own enthusiasm for a new product. In my limited experience, this is very much an outlier for them.
They are generally good about not announcing a product so early in development, and listing estimated delivery. I can’t help but guess that Chip’s direct involvement and influence pushed this out a too early because he was personally invested and wanted to see it get to market “first” of any motion simulator.
I’d rather they acknowledge they screwed up on the early announcement and admit they are trying to make sure the product release is a perfect as possible.
How bad would it be if they released early with a buggy, flawed or even dangerous product rather than making sure they get it right the first time?
Any updates on the Wahoo Climb release date? Is the delay going to extend longer?
Hi thanks for the great work! Always the go-to place for the latest cycling/tri tech out :)
Can you confirm that the 2016 Kickr Snap cannot connect to the Kickr Climb? And that it’s not only a case of it will damage the frame if you do?
Thanks!
Riccardo
Correct, not compatible.
The way the CLIMB system is architected, everything routes through your trainer first. Thus, apps can’t control the climb directly.
You could technically buy a CLIMB and use it in manual mode with any trainer, but that requires pressing the button every…single…time you want to go up or down.
Any word on when this will actually be available, and any reasons for the delays?
-Ed
Currently slated for mid-June.
They’ve started production and are currently stockpiling units in distribution centers.
Earlier delays were due to resolving outstanding issues (various issues along the way, a few outlined in comments here and there up above). And then now the hold-up is them wanting to have more than just a handful of units ship out.
Nothing new for actual delivery that I have seen.
A comment from another venue claimed the delay may be related to clearance issues with some front disc brake fork models.
Hey Ray,
Still know if mid-June is looking like the date? I’ve got points with Clevertraining.com I want to use.
That’s my understanding, but at present Wahoo hasn’t authorized any retailers (including themselves) to take pre-orders. There were some mistaken exceptions last fall sometime from one or two retailers, but I’m not sure what happened to those.
Ordered mine from Cleaver training back on 11/27/2017 and still says “Processing” for the status. Wondering what will happen. (Black friday sale from DCR so $60 off, well assuming I get it as they billed my card awhile ago)
Maybe I’ll be first in line?
Ok, so I’m not alone in the antsy department. I got my preordered in May during the VIP sale. It still says “processing” on mine too.
Same – order placed some time ago, and card charged immediately after, so hoping I’ll be one of the first to receive a unit.
Got it last weekend
Got mine yesterday… naturally the day I’m starting marathon training…. and the day Zwift is set to Richmond (eg the flattest course).
I used the world hack for the first time to get on Watopia and did a 10 minute ride to give it a quick test ride.
I’d be curious what folks think of it in Richmond, specifically on the cobblestone hill.
REI site is now showing ‘ships in next 30 days’… hoping to get an update on a more concrete available/release date. Despite the numerous delays I’m still eager to ride one.
When you’re tired of waiting… just build your own! link to youtu.be
Yup, and currently being refined. Schematics and .stl files to be released in a month or two (maybe August ;) )
Very cool. Nicely done.
Fe sport in Australia had a release date of 3/7. Now has changed to August :-(
Finally… received an e-mail from Wahoo which announced that you can pre-order and shipping begins mid-July.
One major flaw with the climb that I see for using it as part of using zwift as a distraction from a structured workout, you can’t have something else connect to the kickr in erg mode.
Zwift doesn’t pair to the climb directly it pairs to the trainer so you must have a smart trainer connection in zwift to the trainer in order to control the climb. That is fine for normal use but that prevents using a external app (Xert in my case) from being able to control the trainer while the climb follows the terrain that I’m biking on. I.e. the use case where I want something better then zwift to control the structured workout in erg mode while using zwift as a distraction.
A minor problem with the Climb. No disc brake caliper pad spacer with how much the climb costs and the Kickr comes with one, you’d think the climb would too. Wish these were better designed for disc brake bikes with thru axle so have a place to put the spacer when I take the bike off and a way to hold the axle adapter in the device so when I move the kickr/climb without the bike on they don’t fall out. Magnets? (though that limits to use of aluminum) Or a notched ring around the adapter with a ball on a spring that would clip into it (think the way most socket wrenches hold the socket part onto the wrench)
Yeah, doesn’t really solve for that scenario that I’m aware of. And I suspect trying to use two apps to control things at once is a pretty slim edge case.
Not two apps to control things. One app to control a structured workout (paired to trainer as a smart trainer) and the other to be a fun distraction(zwift paired to trainer as a power meter). In that case the climb falls under the fun distraction.
I’d say thats a pretty significant number of people going by the number of xert users who run zwift at the same time
Any still none in Australia