Wahoo Fitness launches steering control: a new immersive feature for indoor trainers

Wahoo takes indoor training to the next level with the launch of a new immersive feature in RGT: steering control.

Wahoo Fitness, a leader in connected products for athletes, further enhances the realism of its virtual training experiences by introducing the concept of steering into WahooX – via the RGT virtual cycling platform.

Wahoo thus offers users a realistic, immersive, and engaging experience – adding more fun to every ride, race, and training session. The integration will be controllable via Wahoo software and through a new accessory: the KICKR STEER.

Previously, users’ positions on the road were automated, with cyclists using their power to overtake other cyclists. Now with RGT Steering, maneuvering around other cyclists is an integral part of the experience, adding another level of strategy to virtual rides.

As in real life, riders can find the right spot in the middle of the peloton, pick up the pace at the front, take a sharp turn to gain space, or move to attack. When combined with Race Radio, riders can communicate and interact to benefit from group dynamics.

There are three simple ways for users to control their steering during their indoor training:

With the KICKR BIKE: by directly using the buttons on the shifters to more strategically control avatar positioning.
With KICKR STEER – a new accessory powered by the RGT app and usable with your mobile device. This accessory allows cyclists to steer their virtual bike via thumb paddles that enable physical and intuitive steering control. KICKR STEER can be mounted on a standard handlebar, and comes with a dual-purpose mount (can also be used for a bike computer).
Through the RGT Remote or RGT Game mobile app, using the computer keyboard. Both will steer the rider left or right on RGT roads to position themselves in the virtual world.

Furthermore, Wahoo has also added the new “KICKR RACE” mode, which leverages the WIFI and direct capabilities of its indoor trainers to transmit power up to 10x faster than standard indoor trainers (currently 1Hz). This gives riders a competitive advantage during critical race stages. Race mode is available on new smart trainers with integrated WIFI, and very soon on the KICKR BIKE. Also available on previous versions of the KICKR with the use of the KICKR DIRECT CONNECT wifi adapter.

Mike Saturnia, CEO of Wahoo, comments: “Steering is an integral part of the real cycling experience, so it’s natural that this aspect of riding should be applied to indoor cycling. Wahoo has taken a new, innovative approach to steering in RGT.”

Prices:

Wahoo X: €14.99 per month with a 14-day trial period (€149 per year for an annual subscription), including Wahoo RGT and Wahoo SYSTM
Wahoo X and KICKR STEER Pack: €199.99
Wahoo X subscribers: the STEER accessory will be available at a preferential price for a limited time.
KICKR STEER price: €89.99

Source: CP

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