Wahoo just pushed out a firmware update that makes the KICKR ROLLR way more appealing for anyone without a power meter. With firmware 1.1.31, the ROLLR now has onboard (estimated) power and full controllable resistance. Meaning you can finally use it as a proper smart trainer in your favorite apps and workouts without needing an actual power meter.
To add virtual power, all you need to do is update the KICKR ROLLR to the latest firmware using the Wahoo mobile app. Once the update is completed, you should see an options for: Onboard vs On-Bike under power meter source. For virtual power, you want to select “Onboard”.
Now, you should be able to pair the KICKR ROLLR to your favorite app as both a power source and resistance. Before, the ROLLR needed a power meter on your bike for apps like Zwift to know how hard you were riding. Now, with the onboard power option, the ROLLR can estimate your power and control resistance without that extra and expensive hardware.
But let’s be clear… it’s still virtual power.
Virtual power is exactly what it sounds like – an estimate. It’s not as accurate as a real power meter. Things like your tire pressure, rider weight, tire type, and even temperature can throw it off. That said, if you keep things the same every ride – same bike, same gearing, same tire pressure, same rider — you should get consistent numbers. And that’s the key here. Even if the numbers aren’t spot-on, they’ll still help you follow workouts and track your progress.
Ray Maker’s testing shows under-reporting at lower wattages (on the order of ~50–70 W in his sample), with smaller offsets at higher power.
Wahoo told DC Rainmaker they’ve erred on the side of under-reporting virtual power. Practically, that avoids inflated race/event numbers and means that when a rider later upgrades to a real power meter, they’re more likely to see a “power boost” rather than a deflating drop.
Wahoo is clear this isn’t intended to replace an on-bike power meter. The goal is to get new users without power up and riding on virtual platforms with controllable resistance. If or when you add a real power meter, you can simply switch to “On-Bike” power in the Wahoo app.
