Wahoo KICKR MOVE Review

The KICKR MOVE is mounted on special rolling wheels that sit on a fixed rail that is slightly curved upwards at the front and back. This design allows the trainer to move forward and backward when the rider changes the output, adjusts the seating position, or takes different positions on the saddle. The curvature of the track uses gravity to control the movement.

Small changes in the seating position create slight movements, while intensive sprints or standing while climbing a hill lead to a greater range of motion. The KICKR MOVE also features a lock switch that deactivates the movement and stabilizes the trainer, which facilitates mounting the bike and transport.

htmlTo use the KICKR MOVE with an optional KICKR CLIMB, the so-called KICKR CLIMB Base Adapter is required for 49.99 Euros. This plastic adapter is attached to the base of the KICKR CLIMB and follows exactly the same arc shape as the KICKR MOVE. As a result, both trainer components move in sync, preventing excessive strain or even damage to the trainer and bicycle, and together with the Wahoo KICKR HEADWIND offer an unparalleled indoor cycling experience.

As usual, the KICKR MOVE offers training resistances of up to 2,200 watts and enables inclines of up to 20%. That hasn't changed in recent years and there really is no reason for it to. The two modes ERG & SIM have also remained the same, which have gained popularity especially in the virtual worlds of ZWIFT & Co.

ERG Mode: Setting of a specific power level - e.g., 200 watts. During rides or workouts, the preset training resistance is constant and even regardless of the chosen gear ratio, cadence, or virtual topography. Pedal, sweat, done.

SIM Mode: Simulation of a predetermined topography (inclines and descents) as outdoors - e.g., a 10% gradient. In this mode, it is necessary to change the gear ratio or work on the cadence according to the desired training zone, as the training resistance is not fixed but the angle of incline is. When riding virtual courses and races, shifting is constant, which is why the cassette must definitely match the derailleur.

A new addition is the complex mechanism for the forward-backward movement of the trainer's body. But even though the setup and mounting might give the impression of a very shaky affair, this feature has significantly more positive than negative effects in practice.

Thus, the trainer moves minimally forward and backward while seated and during normal pedaling, which actually comes closer to outdoor riding, as the many small movements caused by subtle shifting of body weight reduce saddle pressure and lessen fatigue during longer workouts - in combination with the slightly increased freedom of movement of the AXIS-Feet to the sides, a successful optimization. I personally got used to it after just a few minutes and wouldn't want to miss this feature at all during my ERG rides.

However, a sudden change between sitting and standing can lead to a much greater (pendulum) movement, which feels disruptive and by no means realistic. But over time, one develops a sense for it and is able to significantly minimize drastic weight shifts. Nevertheless, harder sprints feel somewhat unnatural, as the bike cannot tilt as far to the sides as it does in the real world. On the other hand, it tends to slide forward or backward.

In the end, it is difficult to give a clear recommendation for the KICKR MOVE. As with most more heavily rocking "Rocker Plates," the actual benefit lies less in wild all-out sprints than in long training rides in the saddle. In our opinion, many endurance riders will appreciate the increased comfort, while HIT athletes will deactivate the feature from time to time.

Nevertheless, even hardcore trainers can opt for the KICKR MOVE, provided they are indifferent to the higher purchase price, because once the lock is active, they have a fully-fledged, quiet, stiff KICKR V6 smart trainer with the option to enjoy the recovery ride even more after the race weekend.