Kinetic by KurtControl Power Unit

I bought this to replace the resistance unit on my old Kinetic Road Machine trainer: after 10 years of hard use each winter, that was pretty good going - but eventually it started making a "bearings-gone" noise and giving a burning smell when riding over 18 mph. I was not intending to the Smart Control use it as a smart trainer with Zwift, etc. but since signing up I think this is the best way to use it. Zwift is going to make me stronger, for sure; and I'm not sure if it can be used unplugged, to use while watching documentaries, The Expanse, etc., I will have to ask Kinetic.It's also excellent for the environment that Kurt Kinetic made a new resistance unit that easily fits right onto the old Road Machine frame: no need for a new frame, the old one is super-stable. Hats off to the firm for this!Connection tips: The trainer would not connect to the Kinetic Fit app (on Android phone) but did immediately connect to the Zwift app. I'm not sure but this might have been because I did not "wake up" the sensors by turning the wheels for 10-20 seconds. Both Zwift and Rouvy saw the trainer right away. If you experience connection issues, make sure that your phone is not connected to the trainer at the system level (i.e., connected via iOS or Android): these trainer apps have to make their own connection.

Nope. A joke in poor taste. Seldom connects. Causes so much stress in the morning wondering if it will work that it's not worth it. Zwift can kiss my trail-riding arse. It is equally finicky, expensive and highly inaccurate. This system doesn't need improvements. It needs to be scrapped and a qualified engineering team to apply themselves to designing something that works reliably and consistently.

I had hoped to upgrade the head on my Kinetic fluid trainer to work with Zwift as a smart trainer.Easy to install. Seemed to work well until I tried to update firmware as recommended. Seems like iOS 13 broke their app which is needed for updates. Although I searched the forums and customer service pages there was no mention of this issue. A couple days later, after I returned the unit, CS got back to me. ‘We posted the problem on FB’. Found it buried in their feed. Should have pinned it. Too late anyway. Already ordered another smart trainer from different company.

I purchased this to "upgrade" my Rock and Roll. Unfortunately the new "smart" power trainer has much to learn before it is smart. Connecting to either their own Fit app or Zwift is hit and miss. At a constant pedal speed power output varied widely from 75W to 275W. These problems do not occur with their original fluid resistance unit. When climbing hills I appreciated the increased effort required, but the resistance did not drop on the downhill. Perhaps after their problems are sorted they can reintroduce version 2.UPDATE: 9/26/2017Great support from Kurt's customer service team, and this unit now performs. Constant power numbers and quiet operation make this a strong competitor to the much pricer wheel-off trainers. I have now used it on several Zwift routes and understand why "smart" trainers are much preferred. I originally went with this because my older bike with 125mm rear drop outs was not compatible with any wheel-off unit. Although I have upgraded my bike, I see no need to switch to a wheel-off unit.

For what I wanted it for it's 5 stars. Already had a Kinetic fluid trainer so the fact that I could just remove that resistance unit and add this one was a no brainer with my budget. It's pretty responsive and definitely closer to road riding. It does what it says it does, no more, no less. Couple of annoying things are that calibration can be hit or miss though lately it's gotten better if I do it after a ride. If you don't move your bike during trainer season then should be fine just make sure you tire pressure is consistent from when you did the calibration. Also, very hit or miss using BLE. Works fine with ANT+ though. It's a mid range trainer and good value for the money especially if you have a Kinetic frame already.

Power unit won’t pair with the app and support is poor responding and solving this issue.

I had an existing rock-n-roll trainer that I really like but it lacks a smart flywheel. I saw all of the negative reviews but decided to give this smart flywheel a try. Amazon’s return policy allowed me to run it through the wringer for 30 days. I have not experienced any connectivity issues. The flywheel attached without issue and has been great to ride. I’m glad I went this route instead of dropping $1000 on a wahoo.

Loved my original Road Machine, bought mine a long time ago and gifted another 2017 and then bought a KK Smart trainer in 2018 and enjoyed that too until last September 2023 when I needed customer service. The power cord stopped working. The website shows the power cord as sold out. There is no customer service number on website. The phone number I did find by googling goes directly to voice mail, I left 8 voice messages over 3 weeks never got a reply. The send help request form on the website was sent 6 times with no reply. The email on the website bounced back the 4 times I sent as undeliverable. The message on the phone gives a different customer support email that has a Zendesk email address, sent 4 emails there with no reply. That’s 22 attempts toContact over 8 weeks using 4 methods and getting nothing in return. I WOULD NOT BUY FROM KINETIC.

Was having trouble with my original so bought this as a replacement. After one ride it is great and is much quieter. Hopefully I can say the same after a couple of years.

Product was damaged on delivery. I ended up paying £25 to return this Christmas present! I asked for a refund from the manufacturer but never received it.

Al principio solicité la devolución y di una mala reseña. Leí la reseña de otro usuario en cuanto a la instalación y la verdad es una maravilla!

Smart control trainer is the best upgrade to stationary bike training period... it is like the difference between a little black book and a smartphone.