With cycling joining the e-Sports leagues, online competitions and indoor training exploding with ever more entertaining (and effective) options for getting fast, it was likely only a matter of time before major brands started growing into entire eco-systems. Yes, BKool and Tacx have combo systems that offer training videos and loops, and KinoMap lets you virtually ride real-world Strava segments but Wahoo and The Sufferfest have become two of the powerhouse players. Now, they’re both under the same roof…in spirit, anyway. The Sufferfest will remain an independent company and continue to develop their subscription-based training system and app for all brands of smart trainer (and yes, and Android version is coming, they promise!), but we’re thinking we’ll see more and deeper integration between hardware and software from Wahoo now, too.
Our bet for first move? A free year’s subscription to The Sufferfest with purchase of a trainer… Read the full press release from The Sufferfest here.
Lowering the barrier of entry
In addition to their recent acquisition of the Sufferfest, Wahoo has reduced the price of the KICKR SNAP smart trainer from $600 down to $500. The KICKR is easy enough to use, riders simply mount their bike into the trainer, wheel on the roller, and they’re ready to sweat. This method of mounting the bike offers riders a realistic ride feel and an accurate way to measure power output. Being a smart trainer, the unit will sync with programs such as Zwift and adjust resistance based on the on-screen terrain. From all we can tell, this pricing is here to stay.
