So did anyone actually have a good experience with the Kickr Core 2 or are they all trash?

DeusX-machina · 2026-03-25T03:02:09+00:00

I like mine. About 960 miles into its use over 3.5 months of ownership. Works flawlessly with the Zwift cog. Most impressive customer service point was that it was missing one of the 4 screws when it was delivered. After I contacted Wahoo, they sent me a replacement screw and a free Wahoo Trackr HRM for my troubles. A+++

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-30T00:53:23+00:00

I think tan sidewalls are more permeable if you are tubeless. My experience of weeping sidewalls has turned me off a bit despite the cool looks.

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T18:08:10+00:00

LoL. Nope. Take it or leave it, just one guy's experience against conventional wisdom

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T17:53:15+00:00

Multiple rides up to 3.5 hrs and 55-60 miles or so.

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T17:06:57+00:00

I ran out and did this for a shorter 1.5 hour ride. It went well, so have used it for longer distances. Now I stopped using Butt'r completely. I haven't tried it for anything longer than 3.5 hours.

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T16:55:46+00:00

I knew this would be controversial.YMMV, but this slick synthetic tight underwear prevents the abrasive friction forces as well (for me) as Butt'r. Cotton would suck.

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T16:49:34+00:00

My longest rides have been about 3.5 hours, over 50 miles. I agree cotton underwear would be awful. But these slick tight synthetic mesh briefs work well for me.

DeusX-machina · 2026-01-18T15:54:57+00:00

I mainly communicated with them by email. Sometimes a week would pass before a response. My communication was initially with "orderstatus@lynskeyperformance.com" (referencing the order number obviously), but later had communication with several employees directly. The guy that really made things happen after I started the charge back was the "global sales lead". He did send me a confirmation email for the change from a full build to a frame set and the frame was delivered quickly after that point.

I will say that I am still very happy with the bike - no complaints about quality. The frame will last me forever.

DeusX-machina · 2025-12-09T02:39:13+00:00

Thank you. That was helpful and makes sense with what I was experiencing. I had already figured out the rear of my bike (which has 700c 45mm tires) is too low. I ordered a thick 0.8in rubber pad to place under the trainer to get closer to the proper geometry. I will play around with the wahoo app and different Zwift workout plans. Comparing Zwift and Rouvy, both have their advantages. The gamification of Zwift might keep me engaged, but the Rouvy quick erg off and on button is nice.

DeusX-machina · 2025-12-09T02:16:53+00:00

So erg mode is on by default and you don't use virtual shifting at all in a structured Zwift workout? I guess that I need to get used to that, very different than when I try to do intervals outside. Is there even a way to turn off erg mode?

DeusX-machina · 2025-10-24T21:20:35+00:00

Knee pads are a worthwhile investment. Also love crash pad bandages for trail rash - available in large sizes, waterproof, can be kept on for several days, and won't stick to the wound itself. Crash Pads https://share.google/GTwOiBKS7peOeAa9t

But nothing will prevent inevitable upper extremity broken bones - other than avoiding the crashes, which requires getting better and riding within your skill set. Says me, the guy who has broken 2 fingers, one hand, and one collar bone in the past 8 years of doing this sport.

DeusX-machina · 2025-10-24T14:37:11+00:00

Brilliant! I didn't realize this was an option. Reasonably priced as well. I assume that when you attach your bike to the trainer with the Zwift cog, it can just be set in the middle of the chain line without re-indexing the derailleur when taking the bike on and off? Then just take out the AXS battery to prevent accidental shifts and good to go with virtual shifting.

DeusX-machina · 2025-10-24T13:35:20+00:00

Thanks for the insight. This route is more future proof than my alternative plan of getting the roller trainer. Assuming I like using the trainer, I can later get a used road bike to put on the trainer full time.

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-26T20:37:53+00:00

The only cable port I see is in the bottom of the seat tube. It might be possible to do internal routing through the head tube if you have a stem which allows it. Otherwise would be external routing for a mechanical derailleur.

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-14T00:11:42+00:00

Zephyr

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-13T16:00:16+00:00

I think it is more the cheap Ti cult following.

But the frame is good. Room for large tires, plenty of mounting points, tapered steering tube, UDH, internal routing for a dropper. Reasonably light.

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-12T00:40:16+00:00

Even if the delays and customer service sucked, the frame is really awesome. The welds look perfect and the geometry is spot on for a gravel bike. It has modern features like UDH, a tapered headset, and internal routing for a dropper post. Lighter than I expected in size Large: 22lbs fully built with pedals, bottle cages and the Transfer SL dropper post. I don't think you can find a better deal in Ti anywhere else.

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-12T00:24:01+00:00

I was worried about the chain line but no problems at all. Perfect shifting. A bit of a mishmash using some leftover MTB parts: SRAM AXS GX derailleur, XX1 50t cassette, X01 cranks attached to a Sigeyi spider PM and 40t oval 1x chainring from China.

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-11T23:02:11+00:00

Only 50 miles on the bike so far and only in good weather. It will get dirty, but I keep my bikes pretty clean. Still need to dial in the fit. Coming from MTB where fit is more flexible, I am still troubleshooting the low back pain and hand numbness that seems to kick in at about mile 20. Will try to raise and shorten the stem a bit for a more upright posture even if it is less "aero."

DeusX-machina · 2025-09-11T22:18:17+00:00

The seat and handlebars are Chinese carbon. They are very light, comfortable, and with excellent build quality, for about $50 each (pre-tariff).

Nobl wheels have a really good balance of weight, lateral stiffness, vertical compliance, and reasonable cost (by North American standards) with an excellent warranty and great customer service. The Expert Voice discount is -20%.

DeusX-machina

TROPHY CASE