Kinetic Rock n Roll Trainer w/Road Resistance Unit

I'm a fairly recent convert to using an indoor trainer. As much as I prefer riding outdoors, I have two small children and live in Phoenix. Thus, as summer hits, it's too hot to go riding in the middle of the day, yet with the kids I can rarely get out in the mornings or evenings.I previously used a basic fluid trainer but wasn't ever really happy with it. Sure, it was under $200, but it didn't coast at all, was a little too noisy, and didn't "feel" that great. Standing up, for example, wasn't an option.The Rock and Roll has a wonderful near-road feel and the movement does make a difference. You don't feel like you're going to topple over at all but that extra up and down and side to side does help you know when your form is slipping and makes the ride a lot more comfortable. The flywheel is awesome, letting you coast but also forcing you to change resistance to keep a steady pace (and avoid knocking because you're in too high a gear).Lastly, I use this with TrainerRoad.com to measure power output and do structured workouts. Combine that with some Netflix in the background hooked up to my flat screen and it keeps my attention for at least my 60-90 minute indoor rides. I don't have a power meter, but TrainerRoad and the Kurt Kinectic are well-calibrated to get me in the ballpark and allow me to do power-based workouts for (at least) my indoor rides. Since my outdoor rides are all with a group where I don't control the pace, this really lets me tune things on the indoor days (which are 70% of my summer workouts).In summary- if you can afford it and have the space, the Rock and Roll is worth it. If you can't, at least go with Kurt since the flywheel resistance unit is the best feeling I've found.

I was looking for an indoor trainer to use during the winter season in an effort to keep up my bike training. After reading up on indoor trainers, I settled on this one in particular. First off I was looking for a fluid trainer verses a magnetic trainer. The resistance unit on the Kinetic trainers is unique because the shaft that attaches to the flywheel and roller (the part that the tire runs against) doesn't penetrate the fluid chamber. Please see Kurt Kinetic's website for a better explanation : ). Also, Kinetic has released a Bluetooth sensor that attaches to the resistance unit and when used in conjunction with their inRide app, calculates and displays watts on my smartphone.Assembly was easy and straight forward. I used a torque wrench to tighten the bolts for the "rocking" portion, mainly to ensure that I had enough tension on the rubber dampers, but a torque wrench isn't required. Just be sure that the bolts holding the rubber dampers are tight enough to keep the bike's rear tire from touching the floor but loose enough to allow the trainer to rock side-to-side when you're "out of the saddle". A suggested torque figure was supplied in the instructions along with a recommended number of turns for each bolt (it's very easy to do). The main thing to remember is, these are "suggested" initial settings. Once you start using the trainer you will need to to tweak the torque/turns of the bolts to adjust for your weight and riding style.I'm very pleased with the quality and performance of this trainer and I'm enjoying(?) the benefits of using my bike during crappy weather days!

So easy to put together and operate (female, age 39, put it together by myself in about 30 mins). I am not even coming close to touching the mat with my tire as some are experiencing. They must not have their bolts tight enough. Easy install w/ picture instructions. You only need to provide adjustable wrench. I thought I might want the pro-wheel, but it's something that I can add on later. Right now though, it's kicking my butt and I hardly have the tension tight. Whew, a work-out well needed! SO QUIET! I have it parked infront of the TV and I don't have to have it blaring to hear. I have a Felt carbon fiber frame, so I wanted a trainer that would give a little so I didn't stress out my frame. Trainer comes with a skewer, so don't bother ordering one (like I did). My trainer came with an instructional video w/ SpinerVals 27 video as well. Need to order yourself a trainer tire so you don't burn out your road tire. Also, get the turntable riser for your front tire. Couldn't be happier!

I bought this trainer for several reasons. One, it was often a part of an add for another product or article in tri and cycling mags. Two, basic research on Kinetics solution for avoiding leaks by the resistance fluid is not matched in other products. Three, the Rock and Roll feature seems to not only make sense from a balancing perspective but also from a stress minimizing on the bike frame viewpoint. Finally after extensive reviews of much more expensive trainers I came to the conclusion the the delta in cost was largely due to gadgetry rather than the training function itself.I am generally happy. It is solid, simple and fulfills its purpose especially on the cold, dark, short winter days.