Why a smart indoor trainer was the most important purchase for my triathlon training.

When I started riding my bike, Sydney was in the midst of La Nina and I was struggling to get outside in the wet weather. We had relentless rainfall for weeks. Being new to it, I was still a little bit nervous on the bigger roads and navigating around on longer rides. I was working some pretty hectic hours too which also limited my windows of opportunity to get outside and avoid the traffic. Hence, the Indoor Trainer investment.

I purchased my Wahoo Kickr Core which I now use about three times a week. It has been so beneficial for many reasons, but the main one being that my coach is able to send sessions straight to Zwift. This means that the smart trainer adjusts the resistance based on the session uploaded by him. You have all your info in front of you as you ride and there's no need to change gears.

Alongside that, my Kickr Core also means that bike sessions can be done rain, hail or shine and at any hour of the day! In winter, this proves highly beneficial when the mornings are darker and colder (okay Melbournians, not THAT dark and cold). When I work a late night it means I can sleep in and ride in peak hour without having to leave my garage.

Even if you don't have a coach, with a Zwift membership you can choose a wide variety of workouts that are in there to be ridden, or you can simply choose a course and just ride. Your smart trainer will adjust the resistance like you are riding up a hill if there is a hill on the course, and vise versa for the downhills, so be sure to choose a course with the the correct elevation for what you are wanting to do.

Now, if you aren't sure about the $22/month investment into Zwift on top of the trainer and would rather save your pennies for other triathlon goodies, that is also okay! My Wahoo Kickr connects to the Wahoo Fitness App where you can ride in erg mode (you can set your resistance and ride) and complete sessions set by your coach. Having tried this for a few months, I definitely prefer the enjoyment I get out of Zwift and the feel that you are riding with a community as well as the huge option of course and locations to ride in.

What do I currently own?

Wahoo Kickr Core

How much did I pay?

$950 (second hand from Marketplace), in early 2022.

I have noticed however that there are plenty available for a lot less than that nowadays.

What other setup/costs are involved with a Kickr?

I ride in Zwift, for which I pay $22/month for.

I have a fan which I payed about $150 for (trust me, a good fan makes all the difference!)

Other than that - you just need a tablet/device to ride with (I use my laptop, some use iPads or connect Zwift to their TV).

Happy riding!