Kinetic Road Machine Fluid Trainer

by Kinetic by Kurt

• Versatile indoor bicycle trainer with leak-proof magnetic drive system and automatic resistance changes
• 6.25-pound flywheel offers a realistic, 15-second coastdown from 20 mph
• Measurable, repeatable workload with an authentic road feel
• Extra stable platform--even for stand-up riding
• Fits 22 to 29-inch wheels; unconditional lifetime warranty; lifetime crash replacement policy

Product Description

As much as we love the idea of having a trainer that allows our bike to feel like it's moving under us, having a trainer that's compact and easy to travel with is hugely important. With the Road Machine Fluid Trainer, Kinetic by Kurt offers the same fluid resistance unit from their Rock and Roll Trainer and have it attached to a lighter, more compact frame.The Road Resistance Unit is an impressive feat of engineering. It uses a 6.25-pound (2.84kg) flywheel and a completely sealed fluid resistance unit. Together, they give you a consistent road-like feel and resistance curve. The tire roller is 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 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 driveshaft 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. It's impossible to overheat the chamber or reach a point where performance is diminished. The silicone fluid retains its physical properties, even up to the normal operating temperature of 325? F when riding 25mph.There are several benefits to this system.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 27 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B005I2LKTU
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (166 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,119 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #3 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Bike Trainers & Accessories > Resistance Trainers

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

337 of 341 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When the weather is all wrong , This Baby Is Alright! February 14, 2006

By Marco J.

Color Name:Green|Size Name:One Size

I purchased the Kurt Kenetic two months ago, and am thrilled with its performance and quality. If you are considering purchasing a trainer, fluid trainers are the way to go. Basically, there are four major types of trainers: Magnetic,Wind, Rim Driven, and Fluid. The later is the best, hands down! Fluid resistance trainers are more quiet, smoother and more realistic than any of the others mentioned. The only drawback to the fluid trainer is that over time they can leak resistance fluid. There are three companies that have solutions to this drawback. I highly recommend that you research all three and test them out where possible. A good review page is Roadbikereview.com . The CycleOps Fluid 2 is ultra smooth and quiet. They have a limmited warranty on thier products, but are known for standing behind their trainers for life, and will fix any issues probably for life! The One Up Trainer has all the advantages of a fluid trainer, but uses no fluid in its designe, it is made in America and carries a life time warranty. The Kurt Kinetic, which I decided to purchase, is IMHO, the best because it utilizes a sealed fluid unit and therefore is guranteed not to leak. These three units are roughly the same price, around $260.00. Steep? Think of it this way, This product is going to be your companion for many winters, so don't buy a loud, crappy one with crappy customer service! You'll regret later that you didn't spend the extra $75 or $80 on a quality product. I also tested the Blackburn Fluid, $100 bucks cheaper, not bad for price, but since it is new to the market I was unsure about durabillity or how well they stand behind thier trainers after warranty expiration. I have heard amazing testimonials of how Cyclops, Kurt, and One Up, have replaced parts and even whole trainers, no questions asked!... Google these three companies and see for yourself. Read more ›

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best trainer you can buy January 9, 2007

By James P. Hendrick

Color Name:Green|Size Name:One Size

I have had several other trainers of this type that were used by my son and myself for training on Road, Mountain, and Recumbent. This one is the best. From the moment you heft it out of the shipping carton until you set it up you know this is quality and not like all the others. It is BUILT strong.

I am 6'3" and 215 lbs. This trainer acts like I'm not there. The greatest feature is the quietness with which it operates. You can watch the Spinerval DVD or TV and not have to be blasted off the seat. Bike mounting on the trainer is straight and very simple while being very secure. I love it and use it regularly with great results.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Kurt Kinetic has the best fluid trainer September 11, 2006

By Shea Wilkinson

Color Name:Green|Size Name:One Size

I've had my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine since 2001 and it has never leaked. I put an average of 1200 miles per winter on it and it's always been reliable, relatively quiet, and has a better feel than any non-fluid trainer. The Road Machine Pro has an even heavier flywheel so offers an even better feel, I'd say. The best thing you could do is read the reviews on other sites. Try a couple out at a local bike shop and then buy the best. After all my initial reviews and ongoing knowledge of bike trainers, Kurt was and still is the best.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars love my sore muscles September 15, 2006

By spinnie

Color Name:Green| Size Name:One Size|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got this trainer thinking that it would be a good workout for days when I was too lazy to carry my bike downstairs or go to the gym. I've taken spinning classes for a few years, and never thought that using a trainer would produce a workout as intense as my classes. This trainer definitely does.

I've never used another one, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I LOVE this trainer. Keeping the resistance up will give you a great workout and you can use your gears modify the resistance while riding. It remains stable even when I stand up on it.

Overall, I just love it. It's quiet, easy to use, and takes up minimal space.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good choice August 29, 2008

By J. Olson

Color Name:Green|Size Name:One Size

I picked up the KK fluid atrainer after doing the requisite web research and after several weeks of use I am very pleased with my purchase. The trainer is compact, stable, easy to setup, well made, reasonably quiet, doesn't get too hot when riding at 19+mph for 60+ minutes and allows the bike to attach/detach quickly. The riser for the front wheel is useful for added stability, comfort, and reduced floor wear.

The experience is very similar to riding on the road (the trainer is way less fun of course) and gives a very good workout. I also have the Garmin Forerunner 305 with quick release mount which is works well with the optional wireless cadence/speed meter and wireless heart rate monitor. The Forerunner 305 is great on the road as well and is also useful for other activities such as running and cross country skiing.

Make sure to release the pressure on the rear wheel after each training interval to minimize taking the rear wheel out of true. Also apply only as much pressure as needed to the rear wheel to provide traction without slipping (no more than the manufacturer's recommended two complete turns on the tightening wheel).Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer with Heart Rate MonitorGarmin GSC 10 Speed Cadence Sensor for Edge and Forerunner Series (010-10644-00)

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Mostly Satisfied February 2, 2011

By S. Lary

Color Name:Green| Size Name:One Size|Amazon Verified Purchase

Product shipped on time. It was extremely easy to set up. Installing bike was a bit clumsy. The mechanism for sliding the adjuster in and out could be spring loaded so it holds it's position. Balancing bike, adjusting spacing and fighting with shifter cable that runs along my skewer posed a challenge. Don't have to take the bike out very often so not a big deal. The CycleOps has an easier entry system.

One item that did disappoint is that there is no adjustment on the legs to level the unit. I use the unit in the basement and the floor slopes to a center drain. I had to use spacers to level the unit. My daughter bought the less expensive magnetic CycleOps and it had adjusters in the legs. For the price I paid for the Kurt I expected as much.

The resistance system works just fine. I do find I have to ride in higher gears for the same output as when I ride outside but those are easy adjustments to make. I don't however feel a big difference in resistance with increase speed.

It accomplishes what I need, an indoor trainer to get through winter. If I had to do it all over again I would definitely look at the CycleOps.