Wahoo unveiled Kickr Run today, describing it as an intelligent treadmill. It is the latest product in the brand’s Kickr series, but it doesn’t resemble any other product bearing the Kickr name. Wahoo claims that Kickr Run will “revolutionize indoor running, just like the Kickr Smart Trainer did for cyclists”.
Since its inception in 2009, Wahoo has primarily focused on cycling. It is a brand that resonates strongly with our readers. The Elemnt Rival smartwatch had features that catered to the needs of triathletes, and the Tickr X heart rate monitor was lauded as the best for cyclists who run. However, almost every product introduced to the market by Wahoo was, at least in part, dedicated to its core audience – cyclists. Kickr Run aims to change that.
The new Kickr Run offers a hands-free running feature, allowing for seamless pace changes. With sensors that detect the runner’s position on the treadmill and a motor that reacts in milliseconds, Wahoo claims that you can simply run faster and the treadmill will automatically adjust the pace. This treadmill can also connect to apps like Zwift and Wahoo SYSTM, enabling users to follow controlled-speed workouts through the apps and freely run in virtual landscapes while experiencing changes in incline, similar to cyclists using smart trainers.
Wahoo also promises that the treadmill will be able to tilt sideways to simulate street running more accurately and allow for leveling on uneven surfaces. Kickr Run can achieve running speeds as fast as a 4-minute mile pace (2 minutes 29 seconds per kilometer) and is compatible with the Elemnt Rival watch, Tickr heart rate monitors, and the Kickr Headwind fan.
The creation of Kickr Run took seven years for Chip Hawkins, the founder of Wahoo and an avid runner. This suggests that the project started in 2017, aligning with the true surge in indoor riding’s popularity. Of course, only time will tell if Wahoo has the potential to revolutionize running in the same way. There are many differences between these two sports. The financial barrier to entry for running is lower, and the higher price of a treadmill presents a more challenging obstacle for Wahoo compared to their £1000 smart trainer.
In recent years, Wahoo has faced widely-documented challenges. The indoor cycling boom fueled by the pandemic quickly turned into a crisis, and Wahoo, like many other companies, had to make substantial job cuts and experienced credit rating downgrades. However, on a positive note, last year Hawkins led a group of four investors who practically bought back the brand from banks, paying off the debts and giving Wahoo a strong position to resume operations. Since then, Wahoo has doubled down on the indoor cycling market, focusing on both budget and premium models. They resolved a long-standing legal dispute with Zwift and formed unexpected alliances with the indoor cycling software giant, making the Kickr Core their entry-level trainer. Additionally, they introduced the premium trainer Kickr Move and the second-generation smart bike, Kickr Bike Shift.
However, the development of smart trainers has slowed down, and each new model is only a slight iteration of its predecessor. New features like WiFi and sideways movement are nice additions but often not compelling reasons for someone to spend thousands of pounds/dollars on an upgrade.
It seems that running is the next frontier for Wahoo. There’s no denying that it is a large market, but whether Kickr Run has the power to attract users away from giants like NordicTrack, Peloton, or The Great Outdoors remains to be seen. Wahoo has achieved it in the past.
Kickr Run is currently unavailable for purchase. Its release in the United States is expected in the summer, while availability in other parts of the world is unclear. The price is yet to be confirmed.
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is Wahoo Kickr Run?
Wahoo Kickr Run is an intelligent treadmill, the latest product from the Wahoo brand, presented as a revolution in indoor running.
2. What are the features of Kickr Run?
Kickr Run offers a hands-free running feature, automatic pace adjustment based on position detection on the treadmill, and the ability to connect to apps like Zwift and Wahoo SYSTM.
3. What are smart trainers?
Smart trainers are devices that allow for controlling training speed and offer various features such as terrain simulation and integration with training apps.
4. When will Kickr Run be available for purchase?
Kickr Run is set to be released in the summer in the United States, with availability dates for other parts of the world yet to be announced.
5. What is the price range for Kickr Run?
The price for Kickr Run has not been confirmed yet.
Definitions for key terms or jargon used in the article:
– Smart Trainer: A device that allows for controlling training speed and offers various features.
– Zwift: A training app that enables virtual running, cycling, etc.
– Indoor running: Refers to running on a treadmill indoors as opposed to outdoor spaces.
Suggested related links:
– Wahoo Fitness website – the official website of Wahoo Fitness.
– Zwift website – the official website of the Zwift training app.
The source of the article is from the blog oinegro.com.br