Kinetic Rock n Roll Trainer w/Road Resistance Unit

by Kinetic by Kurt

• Indoor bicycle trainer that delivers natural side-to-side motion
• Engages your core muscles while you maintain your balance
• Makes any rider a faster, more powerful cyclist
• Bike attaches via clamp and quick-release lever lock
• Custom-made PVC feet; removable legs for easy storage

Product Description

"Road feel" is what just about every indoor trainer chases in some fashion. It makes sense, as most of us prefer riding outside. Most companies use a weighted flywheel along with some kind of magnetic or fluid resistance to give you that elusive feeling. A few use a computer program to create the magnetic resistance. Only Kinetic by Kurt employs a resistance unit and frame designed to mimic the natural movement of riding out on the open road. They put both parts together in the Rock and Roll Trainer.Kinetic answers the resistance issue with their Road Resistance Unit. The roller itself is the first part of the solution. It's made of stainless steel and is 2.5in (6.35cm) in diameter, which is a good bit larger than much of the competition. The larger roller means less wear on your tire and it reduces the temperature of the spinning elements. The right side has a 6.25-pound (2.84kg) flywheel, the heaviest around, which is what gives the feeling of momentum when you're spinning up to speed, holding speed, and slowing down. On the left side is a unique two-part resistance unit, which is the heart of their system.The resistance unit is unique as it's made of two parts. The first is the driver made of a small flywheel embedded with six rare-earth magnets. The other half is a completely sealed cast-aluminum fluid chamber that is bolted to the housing containing the driver. The fluid chamber contains an impeller with corresponding magnets. As you ride, the magnets in the driver spin the impeller through medical-grade silicone fluid to provide the resistance. And since there is no drive shaft entering the fluid chamber, the Kinetic design eliminates a common design weakness of most fluid-resistance units.Of course, the system builds heat; your energy has to go somewhere (in this case friction). However, the fluid acts as a coolant and the chamber has 80 cooling fins on the outside that act like radiator fins.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 22 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B005J39ZYK
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,344 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #9 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Bike Trainers & Accessories > Resistance Trainers

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive trainer July 29, 2008

By J. Snavely VINE™ VOICE

Color Name:Green|Size Name:Rock n Roll

I've been riding the Rock & Roll for several months now to supplement my road riding. I was a little hesitant about the rocking feature initially. As it turns out, the default stiffness setting doesn't move nearly as much as I was expecting. Of course, you can loosen the resistance for more motion, or really tighten it down for even less.

My main concern was longevity of my bike frame and I feel like having a little bit of give in the trainer will help prevent damage. I'm not small at 200lbs so a little give is a good thing.

The resistance unit itself is smooth and operates with a relatively little noise. Our house is very open and I ride directly below our bedroom. My wife has never been awakened by the trainer.

I chose to purchase the model with the additional flywheel. I use it when I'm doing consistent pace riding. If I want to do intervals I almost have to remove it to prevent tire slippage. Not a problem, since most people would prefer less flywheel effect for intervals anyway.

Summary:
This is a quality tool that will definitely help you pack on the training miles. The rock & roll feature is not crucial, but is a worthwhile feature if you have the extra money to spend.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very smooth September 18, 2011

By Kristin

Color Name:Green|Size Name:Rock n Roll

Length: 0:49 Mins

Ill start off by saying I am a beginner biker. I have ridden maybe 40 miles in the last two weeks and decided to get this trainer for rainy days because I can't stand the treadmill. I have tried out a standard stationary trainer at a local shop and it was very stiff but still good. I got this yesterday, set it up.. which was very easy.. and was able to ride it with no issues. I don't have any major noticeable bouncing or too much wobbling if you are riding correctly. It feels so smooth and fairly lifelike. My legs were burning pretty bad quickly riding it but I'm not sure if it was from working out or the difference from biking on the road vs a trainer. I have the stationary riser block but i think I'm going to return it and get the one that moves, i believe it will feel more natural with the light movement you get from this trainer.

the bad: We tried to put this on our carpet.. tired rubbed a black spot into it. bummer. Then i put it on the linoleum and after riding about 15 mins this morning i found another black spot, but smaller. grrr. Im kind of annoyed. I emailed kurt kinetic for suggestions. I can't imagine the mat will help because it is foam and it would only take away a couple millimeters of clearance.. plus i don't care to spend 60 on it. I might put down some contact paper with duct tape to cover the spot directly under the tire. It may have happened when i was riding standing up but still..they advertise this.

update: i got a very quick response from kurt kinetic- they suggested to tighten the rear bolt and loosen the inside one. It raised it a touch and should alleviate the problem. This company seems really great.

update 2: its still sagging a little..there are marks on the floor and ive decided I dont want it in my dining room..carpeting wont work with it and i even tried to put a big rubber mat under the backside on the carpet to raise it but it didnt help. Ive decided to return it to rei where i bought it. I LOVE this thing and it took me a while to decide but i dont feel like i should be paying so much for an item i cant use where i want. I perfer riding outside anyway

I ended up buying the road machine by this company and its great. For my personal needs of wanting my bike higher..the road machine works better for me.

Video- just to give you a real perspective. Its pretty quiet actually. I do have to turn the tv up but its way doable.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping me fit May 12, 2011

By JB

Color Name:Green| Size Name:Rock n Roll|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great indoor trainer, worth the little extra for the rock and roll feel. Plus if you have a carbon frame, it's a little less stressful on frame --IMO.

Very smooth feel when peddling.