The Wahoo KICKR is a smart trainer that uses both Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ to communicate with TrainerRoad for the ultimate indoor training experience.
Pairing the Wahoo KICKR (Mobile)
1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices screen.
Make sure that either Bluetooth or ANT+ is enabled and your KICKR is plugged in and awake.
2. Tap the KICKR option to initiate the pairing process.
Once paired, the KICKR will rise to the top of the list, bordered in green.
3. Tap the KICKR once more to open the Device Settings screen.
From here, you can perform a spindown calibration, rename the device, select the mode, and specify PowerMatch options.
4. Perform a Spindown Calibration.
Tap "Calibration" in the Device Settings screen.
You're now ready to ride!
Note: KICKR v5's and newer models (any model past 2018) automatically calibrate on the fly as you ride. There's no need to calibrate manually with a spindown due to this functionality. You can learn more about this self-calibrating process here.
Pairing the Wahoo KICKR (Desktop)
1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices screen. Make sure either ANT+ or Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Search for the Wahoo KICKR and click on it to pair. The device box will be highlighted green one pairing is successful.
Bluetooth: You will need a BLED112 USB dongle to pair via Bluetooth on Pre-Windows 10 computers. Most Windows 10 computers have native Bluetooth 4.0 support and you won't need an adapter to pair Bluetooth devices. Confirm your Win 10 computer has native Bluetooth using this article.
For Mac, you can pair directly using the computer's built in Bluetooth. Learn more about Bluetooth connectivity.
ANT+: You will need a ANT+ USB 2 stick in order to use TrainerRoad's automatic resistance control feature. Learn more about ANT+ connectivity.
3. Click the KICKR once more to open the Device Settings screen.
From here, you can perform a spindown calibration, rename the device, select the mode, and specify PowerMatch options.
4. Perform a Spindown Calibration. Tap "Calibration" in the Device Settings screen.
5. Now you're ready to ride!
Note: KICKR v5's and newer models (any model past 2018) automatically calibrate on the fly as you ride. There's no need to calibrate manually with a spindown due to this functionality. You can learn more about this self-calibrating process here.
Pairing the Wahoo KICKR using the TrainerRoad Legacy app.
Pairing via ANT+
1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices tab. Make sure your ANT+ USB stick is plugged into your computer.
Note that you will need a ANT+ USB 2 stick in order to use TrainerRoad's automatic resistance control feature. Learn more about ANT+ connectivity.
If you don't have an ANT+ stick plugged in, you'll see this:
2. Once your ANT+ stick is in, click "Search for ANT+ USB" and you'll see a list of devices you can pair with.
Scroll toward the bottom of this list and you'll see the option to pair your KICKR.
3. Click the Pair button next the Wahoo KICKR.
Make sure that your KICKR is plugged into a power outlet. In order for TrainerRoad to read the KICKR, you may need to get on the bike and begin pedaling to wake the KICKR up.
4. Your KICKR is now paired.
5. Click the Spindown button, and follow the instructions to perform a spindown calibration.
This will ensure your KICKR's readings are accurate.
Pairing via Bluetooth Smart (4.0)
Learn more about Bluetooth Smart connectivity.
1. Open the TrainerRoad app, and go to the Devices tab.
2. Scroll to the Bluetooth Smart Device section, and find the Wahoo KICKR.
3. Click the Pair button, and wait for the KICKR to connect with TrainerRoad.
4. Click the Spindown button, and follow the instructions to perform a spindown calibration.
This will ensure your KICKR's readings are accurate.
KICKR FAQs
How does the KICKR work with TrainerRoad during test workouts?
TrainerRoad will automatically switch the KICKR from Erg mode into Level mode during the test intervals (8 or 20 minute periods) of a test workout. We do this because we don't want the app to control your KICKR and put limitations on how hard you can ride!
TrainerRoad will control your KICKR throughout the warm up, ensuring that you're well prepared for the test(s), but will switch modes once the test starts. Level mode allows you to shift gears to find the optimal cadence for your test and will help you achieve the highest wattage average possible.
What do I do if it is very difficult to pedal in Level mode?
You'll want to be in a small gear when you start your test. If you start in your biggest gear when the KICKR switches to level it's like being in your biggest gear on a very steep hill.
Make sure that you shift down before the testing period starts.
Why am I still unable to pair my KICKR via ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0?
If you're still unable to pair after following these steps, it's likely that you will need to upgrade your KICKR's firmware. You will need an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and the Wahoo utility app to do so. If you're still experiencing issues, shoot our support team a message at support@trainerroad.com.