I have never had a trainer before and am not really an avid cyclist. Which trainer would you recommend and why?
The Road Machine and the Cyclone best replicate the resistance of an outdoor ride. The resistance is speed sensitive and basically follows the power formula of the outdoor ride, which is when you double your speed the resistance from the wind is cubed ot 8 times as hard.
While the Cyclone Wind Trainer has the lowest cost, it will get loud at speeds above 17 MPH. If your average speed is greater than 17 I would recommend the Road Machine Fluid Trainer. It is simply the best and you will appreciate the difference every time you ride.
The best thing to do is visit a local bike shop and test ride the various units. You can also call customer service and they can provide you with additional pre sale information to assist you in your trainer selection.
Why buy a Cyclone?
The Cyclone is the perfect high-quality entry level trainer. The resistance is speed sensitive and provides a very realistic ride. The Cyclone has the same frame as our Road Machine and uses “wind” resistance created by two fans mounted on the trainer. Because this model is our lightest and most durable trainer it works well for warm ups before races. The “wind” resistance fans do become loud when speeds exceed 17 mph. If you plan on working out indoors while watching movies or listening to music you may wish to consider our Road Machine as it is quieter than the Cyclone.
Can I upgrade a Cyclones wind resistance unit to a fluid resistance unit?
Yes. All our resistance unit mounts are identical and interchangeable. You may purchase a fluid resistance unit and upgrade your Cyclone to a Road Machine Fluid Trainer. The fluid resistance unit is part # T-699C
Why buy a Road Machine?
The Kinetic Road Machine is our best selling and most widely recognized indoor trainer. With its 6.25 lb weighted flywheel, large roller and silicone filled resistance chamber this trainer is quiet, smooth and reliable. This is our “go-to” machine for a high-quality realistic indoor ride.
Can I upgrade a Road Machine to a PRO?
Yes, you will need to purchase a PRO resistance unit. The PRO resistance unit part # is T-699CD.
I teach a Spin Class and want to use Kinetic Trainers - which model is the best?
Excellent question – by far the Road Machine is used in more indoor cycling classes than any other. Reliable, quiet, smooth and dependable. It’s the machine.
Why buy a PRO? (and what is the difference from a Road to a PRO?)
The PRO series trainer from Kinetic offers the most realistic ride in a stationary bicycle trainer. The additional 12 lb flywheel bolts to the existing 6.25 lb flywheel to give you a full 18.25 lbs flywheel. This is the largest flywheel in the history of indoor trainers and allows for a 60-90 second coast down, as well as a 60-90 second acceleration time - just like outdoors, out on the road. The PRO also features our “sliding lever lock” to quickly mount and remove your bicycle from the trainer. Two great upgrades. One great machine.
Why buy the Rock N Roll?
The Rock N Roll Trainer was designed to re-create the outdoor ride indoors. The side to side lateral motion this trainer provides gives you a realistic “feel” and forces you, the rider, to use your core muscle group all indoor season long. The elastic polymers that allow for the side to side motion can be tightened or loosened depending on how much play you want to ride with. Of course if you spend too much time going side to side your ride will suffer – keep your core muscles strong by pushing yourself not to sway side to side.
What is the difference between the Road and the PRO version?
The resistance unit. The Road version has our 6.25 weighted flywheel and the PRO creates the ULTIMATE indoor riding experience with our additional 12 lb “dual” flywheel.
Will the Rock N Roll damage my carbon fiber frame?
No. when properly mounted on to our trainer, absolutely not. In fact, the Rock N Roll is much BETTER for your carbon fiber frame than a stationary trainer. Because the side to side motion allows the bicycle to flex with your trainer (in response to your body) there is less stress on the rear stays of your bicycle.
What is the weight limit on a Rock N Roll?
While we do not publish an exact limit, we encourage riders over 250 lbs to consider using a stationary trainer.
Why buy the Turntable Riser ring with the Rock N Roll?
The turntable riser ring allows the front of the bicycle to “roll” side to side just as the Rock N Roll trainer allows for motion at the rear of the bicycle. While not mandatory for operation, we highly encourage you to use the turntable riser ring with each Rock N Roll ride.
I have a 29 er bike - will it fit into a Kinetic Trainer?
Yes.
I have a recumbent, will it fit into a Kinetic Trainer?
Yes. We do recommend the Road Machine for recumbent bicycles. If your bicycle rear wheel is smaller than 26” you may require a small wheel adaptor (part # T-500) to properly fit your bicycle to a Kinetic trainer.
We ride a tandem, will it fit into a Kinetic Trainer?
Yes. We do recommend the Road Machine for tandem bicycles.
I have a tricycle, will it fit into a Kinetic Trainer?
Yes, If your tricycle configuration has two wheels up front, one in back. If your bicycle rear wheel is smaller than 26” you may require a small wheel adaptor (part # T-500) to properly fit your tricycle to a Kinetic trainer.
I have a knobby tire - will this work on a Kinetic Trainer?
Yes, but it will be noisy and there will be vibration. We recommend a “slick” tire when riding indoors. Be sure to clean your tire of road debris before mounting into a Kinetic Trainer.
Where is the serial number of my Kinetic Trainer located?
The serial number of your Kinetic Trainer is located on the “U” bend of the frame, just beneath the resistance unit.
My L-Bolt and knob are stripped - how do I get this replaced?
Simply email us with your Kinetic Trainer serial number and your mailing address and we will see that one is sent promptly.
Where do I purchase a Kinetic Trainer?
Please see our dealer listing.
Is Kinetics Power Computer compatible with any other trainers?
The Kurt Kinetic PC is not compatible with any other trainer that we know of. It is specifically calibrated to fit the Kinetic Trainer and will not display accurate readings if used in conjunction with another resistance unit. Since all other trainers that we know of do not have a repeatable and measurable force curve, our Power PC will not work with any trainer besides the Kurt Kinetic.
Can a Kinetic Trainer work on a bike with disc brakes?
All Kinetic Trainers are 100% compatible with any 2 wheel bikes equipped with disc brakes. If your bike has more than two wheels call and we can determined if the trainer is compatible.
Do I need to recalibrate my Kinetic Power Computer when using the optional 12 lb. flywheel that comes with the Pro Trainer?
No. It’s the fluid chamber alone that provides the resistance and so the resistance does not change, even with the additional 12 lb. flywheel. The extra weight of the 12 lb. flywheel is only designed to make the ride even smoother and to replicate the outdoor road ride. Because the fluid chamber alone provides the resistance, there is no need to recalibrate the Kinetic PC when using either just the 6 lb. permanent flywheel or the additional 12 lb. flywheel.
Can I upgrade my Kinetic Road Machine so I can use the optional 12 lb. flywheel that comes with the Kinetic Pro Machine?
No we are sorry but you cannot. The Pro Machine was designed specifically for use with the extra weight of the optional 12 lb. flywheel. Because of the extra weight, it requires a bigger 16mm shaft (versus the 12mm of the Road Machine) and also the Pro Machine’s 16 mm shaft is threaded to accept the attachment bolt to hold the 12 lb. flywheel in place.
Can I use my Kinetic Power Computer for outdoor riding?
Yes and no. You can use it for the basic bicycle computer functions such as speed, distance, and ride time etc. but the “Power in Watts” feature will not be accurate. The Kinetic PC is calibrated specifically to work with the resistance curve of the Kinetic Trainer and there are too many variables when riding outdoors such as wind and terrain which the Kinetic PC cannot account for and so the “Power in Watts” reading will not be accurate.
The battery died on my Kinetic PC. Is this a common battery and if so, where can I purchase a replacement?
The kinetic PC battery is a common battery used in bicycle computers, hearing aids and watches. The generic part number is CR1225 and can be purchased at most drug stores, jewelry stores or bike shops.
Is the Rock and Roll Trainer safe for carbon fiber bicycle frames?
The Rock and Roll Trainer is safe for all types of bicycle frame materials. The Rock and Roll Trainer does not put any additional stress on the frame compared to regular outdoor road riding. It also puts less stress on a frame compared to a fixed position traditional trainer.
