ATLANTA (BRAIN) — Wahoo's new KICKR Direct Connect accessory allows riders to create a wired connection between their modern indoor ride simulator and their home network.
The $99.99 retail device is compatible with Wahoo's SUF Training System, TrainerRoad, FullGaz, and RGT Cycling. Other platforms, including Zwift, are expected to become compatible in the coming months.
"We're extremely proud to be the only indoor riding brand to offer our customers a way to create a hard-wired connection between their KICKR and home network," said Wahoo's KICKR product manager, Tyler Harris. "While a wireless connection works very well for most riders, those who have connectivity challenges, or those who simply cannot risk a dropout during an important race or workout will be able to ride with increased confidence and reliability by using KICKR Direct Connect."
To create a wired connection, users connect an ethernet cable to either their personal computer or home network router, and plug the other end into their KICKR Direct Connect, which then plugs into a port on the newest model of KICKR. By wiring KICKR into their device or home networks, Wahoo is able to add a layer of security for riders whose riding environment is crowded with radio frequency signals, who regularly have problems with dropouts during their rides, or who require maximum confidence in their equipment for virtual rides and racing.
The newest generation of KICKR (V5) is the only Wahoo trainer compatible with KICKR Direct Connect. There are more details on VeloNews.com.
Wahoo also has announced that a Zwift update enables steering on the new KICKR BIKE.
The update allows KICKR BIKE riders to use thumb buttons located on the inside of the left and right brake lever hoods to use Zwift's Futureworks steering functionality within the game.
"When we designed KICKR BIKE, we intentionally built in features we knew wouldn't be usable at launch, but which would be huge assets to our riders once the software platforms caught up to our hardware," said Harris. "Now that Zwift is ready to roll out steering to more users, we're excited that KICKR BIKE will give our riders a seamless way to enjoy Zwifting, and to immerse themselves even more fully in virtual rides and races."
Zwift automatically detects that KICKR BIKE supports steering and introduces riders to the Futureworks steering feature.
