Disappointment to find out that the Kickr V5 won't be getting Virtual Shifting

Equipment
1

According to https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/16865097915666-Zwift-virtual-shifting-with-Wahoo-smart-trainers :

“We have reviewed the hardware and firmware capabilities of KICKR v5 (2020) and preceding KICKR versions. Unfortunately, these older models are unable to support the required protocols for Zwift Virtual Shifting and will not be receiving a future update for this functionality.”

Here’s the lesson: don’t buy their premium products, because an older and cheaper one will be more future-proof. What a slap in the face.

4 Likes
2

Absolutely this. I’m going to run my v5 into the ground then look at a competitor after that. Wahoo’s just been a long list of disappointments for me. Flaky HR straps, a flaky watch, now this :roll_eyes:

1 Like
3

Yeah, unfortunately, I feel the same way.

My Kickr still works fine and I hope it will work for many years. I’m also glad to see that older devices get updates, like the Kickr Core, but it feels like a betrayal to know that they wouldn’t put in the resources for this update on the Kickr V5.

Although many people didn’t care, I felt disappointed to see RGT go in favour of Zwift. I thought they would develop it, no matter how slow.

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@CYCLING-THERE Kickr v5 received direct connect which likely took up extra memory leaving none left for the click feature. I don’t think the Core has direct connect so there probably was memory to use for the click feature.

1 Like
5

Whatever the reason may be, when you buy their premium there is an expectation to be a frontrunner for future updates. Plus, when they announced the virtual shifting compatibility, several YouTubers mentioned that Wahoo “said” that it would come to previous versions of the Kickr, but that it would take time.

That’s why it feels such a letdown.

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Here’s something to keep in mind: I bought a Garmin 830 DATS before the 840 was released. I got a couple of updates and then crickets. There will be NO further updates. None. If it becomes vulnerable, you are told to turn it off and buy a new 840 or 1050. At least Wahoo hasn’t done this with any device that will support the requested update.

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I think the devs really thought that they could bring the feature to KICKR v5 and they really hit a wall, probably due to some design decision made years ago.
It is sad, but they did try. On the other hand, this doesn’t prevent you from using your KICKR like you have been using it until now, it still works with Zwift etc.

2 Likes
8

I have a V6 and was curious about Zwift cog 2 & click. I imagine there’s not much use outside of Zwift, aka Systm doesn’t work with it or am I wrong?

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You are not wrong.

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That’s a bummer. Hope Wahoo adds the support for the gadgets like Play, Cog and Click in Systm so users can use them in both platforms. That would be freaking awesome :slight_smile:

2 Likes
11

It may be coming. The best part is the Cog will work with ERG mode.

12

How?

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I’m speaking about Virtual Shifting in SYSTM, not on the K5. There’s a hard stop on that, unless you want to lose DirCon and Wi-Fi

14

I see.

Does the V5 have Wi-Fi?

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It has DirCon. That apparently leaves too little space for Virtual Shifting.