Purpose: To assess the validity of power output settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer (KICKR) using a dynamic calibration rig (CALRIG) over a range of power outputs and cadences.
Methods: Using the KICKR to set power outputs, powers of 100-999 W were assessed at cadences (controlled by the CALRIG) of 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 rpm.
Results: The KICKR displayed accurate measurements of power of 250-700 W at cadences of 80-120 rpm with a bias of -1.1% (95% limits of agreement [LoA] -3.6% to 1.4%). A larger mean bias in power was observed across the full range of power tested, 100-999 W (4.2%, 95% LoA -20.1% to 28.6%), due to larger biases of 100-200 and 750-999 W (4.5%, 95% LoA -2.3% to 11.3%, and 13.0%, 95% LoA -24.4% to 50.3%), respectively.
Conclusions: Compared with a CALRIG, the KICKR has acceptable accuracy reporting a small mean bias and narrow LoA in the measurement of power output of 250-700 W at cadences of 80-120 rpm. Caution should be applied by coaches and sports scientists when using the KICKR at power outputs of <200 W and >750 W due to the greater variability in recorded power.
Keywords: calibration; cycling; ergometry; training.