As the days get shorter and temperatures plummet, many cyclists are drawn from the asphalt to their living rooms. Zwift offers a whole virtual training world – provided your bike is ready for a turbo trainer. This is precisely where the Zwift Ride Smart Bike comes in: It eliminates the need for additional modifications and provides a complete package for the perfect introduction to indoor training.
Zwift Ride with Kickr Core – Details & Highlights
- Frame & Trainer: Zwift Smart Frame in combination with the Wahoo Kickr Core roller trainer
- Construction: Easy assembly, only requires the included “Frame Key”
- Shape: For riders between approximately 152 cm and 198 cm tall
- Service: Control pads directly on the handlebar, including freely assignable function keys
- Virtual circuit: Choice between Shimano, SRAM or sequential shifting logic
- Extras: Integrated bottle holder, non-slip shelf, tablet holder optionally available
Prices Zwift Ride with Kickr Core (RRP)
- Zwift Ride Smart Bike: € 799,99
- Bundle with Kickr Core: € 1.199
- Tablet holder: € 49,99
Further information and accessories on zwift.com
Zwift Ride with Kickr Core – The tool for the virtual Zwift world
The Zwift Ride Smart Frame forms together with that Kickr Core An exciting all-in-one package for anyone getting into indoor training or wanting to simplify their setup. While previously, most people used to mount their own road bike on the turbo trainer, the Smart Frame now takes over this role. This not only protects your everyday or racing bike, but also offers a fully integrated system specifically tailored to Zwift.
Particularly practical: Controls with individually assignable buttons are located directly on the handlebars. This allows you to change views, navigate routes, or activate functions without taking your hand off the handlebars.
The system is rounded off by the Zwift Cog – a smart component that can simulate different shifting logics, such as Shimano, SRAM, or sequential shifting. It is controlled via the shifters on the handlebars of the Smart Frame, providing an authentic riding feel and a realistic training experience.
The set also offers practical details such as bottle holders, non-slip shelves and an optional tablet holder that allows you to keep an eye on Zwift.
Zwift Ride with Kickr Core: The setup before the start
The sheer number of packages may seem a bit overwhelming at first—in our case, there were four, including the tablet mount—but Zwift makes getting started incredibly easy. The packaging is cleverly designed, reusable thanks to practical closures, and largely eliminates the need for adhesive tape.
When unpacking, you'll immediately find a note with a QR code that leads directly to the assembly instructions. There you'll also learn about the universal tool for the Zwift bike. Under the top tube is an Allen key that can be used to adjust all the screws on the Zwift Ride. The Zwift Cog is already pre-assembled on the included Kickr Core, so all that's left to do is attach the feet. Next comes the "marriage" between the Ride Smart frame and the Smart Trainer: Like a conventional bicycle, the Smart Trainer is simply hooked into the rear triangle and secured with a thru-axle. There's a chain tensioner on the bottom bracket. This needs to be loosened briefly to install the chain on the cog's pinion and then tightened again. The "stem" is then inserted into the head tube and secured with the Allen key.
To mount the handlebars and controls, simply remove the front plate of the "stem" and insert it into the rail system. Since we also received the tablet mount, we mounted that instead of the front plate. Few people will likely use the included platform pedals, but with your own pedals, the setup is quickly ready for use.
Now comes the fine-tuning: A card included with the bike provides recommendations on how to adjust the seat post, handlebar height, and length to your own height. Letters are used for this, which can be found as a scale on the corresponding components. The recommendation worked very well right away and required only minimal adjustments later on.
Finally, all you have to do is connect the power supply, place the tablet in the mount, launch Zwift, and connect all components. Then your first ride in the Zwift world can begin.
Zwift Ride with Kickr Core in review – quiet, stable and cleverly integrated
From the very first pedal stroke, even before you start your ride in Watopia, you'll notice how quiet the setup is compared to a traditional turbo trainer. This will especially please your roommates and neighbors – annoying wheel noise is a thing of the past. The optional Zwift mat underneath the bike effectively dampens vibrations and noise.
Controller like on the console
The controls on the handlebars enable a completely new Zwift experience: Zwift Play and the buttons on the imitation brake levers. Zwift Play works like a game console controller. This not only allows you to conveniently navigate through the menu, but also interact directly in the game: choosing turns, distributing kudos, or activating power-ups – all directly from the handlebars.
Anyone who wants to steer themselves can now do so as well. Instead of traditional brake levers, there are two shift paddles that allow you to steer left or right. This lets you determine your own line, actively take turns, or seek the best slipstream in the race. Zwift even has its own game modes that require your riding skills. The controllers' battery life is approximately 20h – If the battery runs low, they can be supplied with power while driving.
Precise gearshift and realistic driving experience
Also on the handlebar are the shift levers for the virtual gearshift in the Zwift CogHere, you can choose between various gear ratios, SRAM or Shimano shifting logic, and sequential gear shifting. Shifting is completely silent – and crossed chains with unnecessary wear are a thing of the past.
Particularly impressive: The system also works precisely in ERG mode, where the resistance is automatically adjusted to the specified wattage and cadence. This allows intervals to be ridden down to the watt and second.
Comfort & Stability
With a total weight of around 50 kg (Smart Frame + Kickr Core) the system is rock solid. Even during hard sprints or pedal strokes, nothing wobbles – the setup provides maximum stability. The frame features an easily accessible bottle cage, and the stem has a non-slip surface for snacks or the remote control.
The included saddle didn't quite impress in testing and was replaced—no problem, since Zwift deliberately opts for a simple swap system. This allows anyone to mount their favorite saddle. The chain seems extremely solid and is already oiled. This should last a long time, especially since the chain isn't exposed to dirt indoors.
Small weaknesses and clear platform commitment
Despite all the enthusiasm, there are also a few limitations:
- Handlebar width and crank length are fixed and cannot be individually adjusted – this could bother very finely tuned drivers.
- The tablet holder is not included in standard delivery included, but costs € 49,99 extra.
- The system is currently only usable with Zwift and requires a subscription (after 30 days trial period €19,99 per month).
The complete package of Zwift Ride Smart Frame, Kickr Core Trainer and Zwift Cog costs € 1.199. Considering the solid construction, clever integration, and controls directly on the handlebars, this is a very fair price.
