This is probably way off into the future as my Kickr Shift has only suffered me for about 1.500km, but one day I guess it will happen that some mechanical thing that can wear out will wear out. Say the belt breaks or something. Who can I turn to for spare parts and repair manuals? I am used to repairing almost anything on my bikes on my own. But spare parts for the Kickr Shift could become an issue, especially after the product will have been discontinued by Wahoo.
Any ideas?
Wahoo has, in my experience (as well as many others), possibly the best customer service I’ve ever had, in any industry, ever.
I know some folks can get frustrated sometimes if their responses aren’t quite as fast as they’d like especially during busier times or on the odd occasion when they can’t find some type of resolution but this is a relatively small company and each of my experiences with their CS has been stellar.
Edit: to your specific point, I have had GREAT responses and resolutions to issues on stuff that had long past the standard warranty period, so I’d expect them to provide the support you may need even if they might not make that particular product any longer.
I agree with your opinion on Wahoo customer support, they are great. But shipping a new Bolt and shipping a replacement Kickr Bike Shift are two quite different things. Well, we will have just to wait and see.
I concur with Sir @Glen.Coutts on Wahoo customer service. A high point of the business, frankly.
But to your question, @HarryHirsch, as someone who also believes strongly in repair before replace, I will say that in my experience the company is NOT repair-friendly. They default to replacement in every situation I’ve had - including a broken Climb, a grinding Kickr, a Bolt and a ROAM v1.
Since I’m all out of warranty, I will confess I was able to service my Kickr myself, sourced a replacement belt from eBay for the Climb (which eventually failed anyway, after Wahoo had already replaced the previous one), had the Bolt replaced, and - most recently - was able to open and replace the charging port on the board of my beloved Roam to restore it. (By reference, Wahoo offered me a Roam v2 for 40% off if I would “field disable” my v1, which was really decent of them. Wish I had the $$$!)
So long story short, you CAN source replacement parts and components for some stuff through second-hand suppliers (eBay, etc.) and/or going back up the supply chain to China if you know what you need, but the process isn’t guaranteed or easy.