We’re fully aware of the fact that riding outdoors will always be better than indoor training. After all, bicycles are meant for traveling. Aside from the fixed position of indoor trainers, their usual design won’t let you ride your bike in an exciting way as well. Fortunately, models like the Kinetic Rock and Roll Control Trainer exist. This particular product promotes side-to-side motions, which will let you experience the satisfying sway of your bike while riding it indoors. And, as if that’s not enough for a fun ride, you can even connect this trainer to interactive simulation apps. It can be the best bike exercise stand you’ll ever have for it will never get you bored. Learn more about its exhilarating features below:
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Rock and Roll Frame
If you think staying in an upright position is the most comfortable way when you ride your bike indoors, wait until you learn the benefits of side-to-side motions. The swaying movements of the Rock and Roll frame feel more natural for a lot of riders. They simulate outdoor riding conditions. More importantly, they can improve your core muscles.
You can easily identify a Rock and Roll frame from an ordinary one. The traditional design has a dual-triangle form while the Rock and Roll frame has wide fixed support surrounding the spring-loaded assembly. The frame of this bike trainer can even move up and down a little bit to enhance the road-like feel.
ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Smart Protocols
Since interactive bike trainers are a trend nowadays, we must feature the compatibility of this model with ANT+ and Bluetooth connections. It promotes versatility when it comes to platforms and devices.
While other models like the Kinetic Road Machine Smart Bike Trainer and the Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 Smart Bike Trainer have fluid resistance that can’t be controlled by apps, this one completely relies on electronic resistance. That’s why it’s easier to feel resistance with it compared to fluid trainers which require more effort on the pedals first.
Now, what are the apps compatible with this bike trainer? You can enjoy popular ones like Zwift, Kinetic Fit, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, The Sufferfest, FulGaz, and Kinomap. And, that’s a guarantee whether you’re using an iOs, Android, Garmin, Mac, or Windows device. You may choose to train with a computer or a mobile phone.
So, is training with apps better than the traditional resistance unit? Fluid and magnetic trainers are still ideal in terms of the road-like feel. With an app, however, you can set the resistance according to your chosen terrain–including mountains! And, the best part? You can connect the app to your home entertainment system and enjoy the virtual routes as if you’re looking at real scenery. You may even ride with other cyclists online if you’re bored. Lastly, you can get more detailed data from apps regarding your performance. That’s the information you need in making a concrete training plan or program specifically designed for your skills.
Stainless Steel Roller + Large Flywheel
The Rock and Roll frame comes with a durable 2.5-inch roller and a big flywheel for higher inertia. Once the entire equipment is assembled, you can mount most bikes on it. And, that includes bikes with small 16-inch wheels, internally-geared hubs, or thru-axles. No matter what type of bike you have, preparing every single component of the trainer will only take a few minutes.
To be more specific, the setup starts with the mounting of the resistance unit. Then, after changing the quick-release skewer, simply place your bike on the frame. It’s that easy.
Additional Details
- 30” x 30” x 12”
- Weighs 53 pounds
- Maximum resistance of 1,800 watts (30 miles per hour)
- Maximum slope of 10%
- 3% accuracy
- Free Kinetic Fit app subscription for six months
- Better with a turntable riser ring (sold separately) for a free-moving front wheel
- Needs a Kinetic Triaxle adapter if your bike has a 12-millimeter thru-axle at the rear
The Good
Exciting Rides During Winter
Don’t let the gloomy atmosphere of winter get you. With the swaying frame and the smart features of the Kinetic Rock and Roll Control Trainer, you’ll have fun riding your bike indoors because of the realistic feel as well as the virtual routes from apps like Zwift. Even better, with a home entertainment system, using this bike trainer will feel like a serious game with healthy results.
Instant Connections
Linking this indoor bike to apps via Bluetooth is effortless. The one we’re highlighting though is its excellent compatibility with Zwift. As long as you have the Zwift Companion App, there’s a higher chance for you to successfully utilize the smart features of this trainer. You can try using the Zwift Health & Fitness App, but users recommend the Companion one.
The Bad
Technical Problems
The likelihood of power fluctuations with this model is high. Even a successful connection with an app isn’t a guarantee for an efficient training session. You may still have to deal with nonstop pauses, forcing you to switch out ports, USB extensions, or dongles to get things right.
Too Much Movement
Just because the Rock and Roll frame is stable enough for others doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work the same way when you use it. Factors like manufacturing defects, your body weight, and skill level can affect your performance. Some users can’t handle the swaying motions that they end up panicking due to their fear of falling.
Who Is It For?
The Kinetic Rock and Roll Control Trainer is designed for cyclists who love the outdoors so much. With ordinary trainers, they easily get bored because of the weak simulation. This one, however, has smart features plus a dynamic Rock and Roll frame. Cycling enthusiasts may get busy with it as they wait for the weather to cooperate with them.
Conclusion
While models like the Kinetic by Kurt T-6100 Road Machine Smart Control Bike Trainer have fixed frames for durability and stability, the Kinetic Rock and Roll Control Trainer is all about free movement for a more realistic feel. It still has a durable frame but your sense of balance will be tested because of the Rock and Roll frame.