- Super quiet ride - watch TV, videos, or play the stereo at normal levels.
- Patented, sealed (leak proof) fluid resistance unit for silky smooth ride.
- Speed sensitive resistance unit automatically adjusts the difficulty level.
- Resistance levels from 20 watts (5 MPH) to 2,500 watts (50 MPH).
- Easy bike attachment / removal with the Quick Release Level Lock.
- Trainer folds in half for easy transport and off season storage.
- Industrial quality frame with lifetime warranty.
- Precision made in the U.S.A.
- Patented Small Wheel Adapter enables use of bikes with wheels from 16" O.D..
- The first recumbent friendly fluid resistance trainer.
- The first BMX friendly fluid resistance trainer.
Submitted by
MultiRider
a Racer
from Castle Rock, CO Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rocks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
shop
Strengths:
Quality construction, quiet, rock and roll for pedaling out of the saddle
Weaknesses:
Hard to transport to the races for warmups due to rock and roll legs sticking out
Similar Products Used:
CycleOps, others
Bike Setup:
irrelevent
Bottom Line:
Fantastic product! Solid, smooth, quiet. The rock and roll feature makes a world of difference if you are actually looking for a ride that simulates outdoors. Particularly standing. Try a rock and roll and you probably won't be able to purchase any rigid trainer. The rock and roll does not help you with balance as another review expected, it simply gives you a more realistic bike motion when training. I wear size 13 / 48 shoes and don't hit the trainer like the guy with the size 14s, but my feet come really close. And, as someone else said, I had to invest in some DVDs. I have some Spinervals and some Real Ride with Robbie Ventura (Speed, Force, etc). The Real Ride videos are great -- like a video game because you're looking at the road and other riders. Much easier on the eyes than Coach Troy yelling at poor sweating riders on trainers like the Spinerval DVDs. Anyway, great trainer, particularly if you do power-based intervals. The KK power module is okay, but the display is kind of jumpy and you can't download to a PC. I use an iBike and it makes my workouts vastly better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amysue135
a Cross Country Rider
from Plains, PA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2008
I have the "Rock-n-Roll" trainer and I would highly recommend to anyone! The side to side sway gives it a real feel when pedaling, and I also bought the turntable riser for the front wheel for a little bit more of a real feel.
If you are into cycling, you will love this! Its strong, quiet and fun to ride. Plus, mine came with a free Spinervals DVD with a few different workouts on it.
After buying a kinteic trainer, you will know what quality and value really is!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed
a Cross Country Rider
from vaughan, on Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Similar Products Used:
Cyclops Fluid 2
Bike Setup:
Trek 7.1FX Hybrid
Bottom Line:
Jeez I was just scrolling this page reading & somehow unintentionally gave it the worst rating of 1... so I guess I have to write a review now. I give it a 5 of 5.
Before buying this unit I tried the Cyclops Fluid 2 & find the Road Machine does feel like you're riding on the road where as the Cyclops feels like a trainer.
I was debating between the Road Machine & the Pro for the extra coast down / endurance aspect, but after using the Road Machine I think it'd be over kill as this unit really does the job.
A nice surprise was a spinerval video in the box, but not really my thing.
I also put a Tacx Trainer tire on the rear.
The unit is not noisy but is not quiet either, initially the room was shaking but when I moved the unit to another spot the vibes were gone.
This Road Machine has exceeded my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from underhill ctr Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
gotta ride bikes
Strengths:
[this is for the kinetic pro: 2007 bright green w/6 lbs flywheel] easy set up and take down, ez-pz assembly, well built i believe right here in th good ol' US of a, relatively quiet. it works like it was advertised; get on bike, pedal, makes me sweat and breathe hard
Weaknesses:
none so far as i can tell except...i use my older mtn bike with 44/34/24 and 11-22 gearing. when i stand up the unit does not provide enough resistance. if you were to use road bike w 50+ teeth on chainring, you would get enough. anyways sitting and pushing my 44/11 @115rpm for 90 sec intervals keeps me puffing
Similar Products Used:
none, this is my first home trainer
Bike Setup:
wheels...seat...brakes...yup, its set up
Bottom Line:
life time no matter what kind of warranty even against stupid human tricks...which i've been known to do. machine is simple, few moving parts to break, it has improved my riding endurance over the last 4 months during this winter, i'm 10 lbs lighter than i was. IF you want a capable no frills machine to keep you bike fit and in shape and hit the trails/mtn/road ready to go, get it. not quite the same as on the road or trail but for $285 it will get you there
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern Utah Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy to set up. Sturdy. Fairly Quiet. Provides for a good indoor workout.
Weaknesses:
The "rock n roll" is too stiff to really help you improve balance as advertised.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche Expert.
Bottom Line:
This is another review of the "Rock n Roll" Pro unit. As far as a trainer goes I think it is an excellent machine. I can get a great workout with it. I am sweating in about 5 to 10 minutes. Plenty of resistance. Fairly quiet. Sturdy and very well built.
But as for the "rock n roll" action to help you improve balance is a bit misleading in my opinion. It does allow for some side to side motion but in my opinion it is way too tight. I personally feel as though I get no balancing training or benefit from this unit whatsoever. But that is my only complaint. Oh and I guess that I paid extra for the rock n roll motion.
This is a very good unit. I think it should be priced the same as the regular trainer though as it really does not provide any extra benefits. If I would have been able to demo units I am sure I would have purchased the Pro Trainer instead and saved approximately $150.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave zwart
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: December 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$408.00
Purchased At:
Brand's Bike Shop New York
Strengths:
This is actually a review of the Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer. The unit was surprisingly sturdy and didn't sway uncontrollably as I expected. It was quiet. Setup was easy.
Weaknesses:
My wife bought it for me for Christmas. The pins mounting for the support arms were difficult to install as the holes were drilled too small. I had to bust out the hammer to drive them in. I had to use a drift to persuade them out so it won't disassemble easily. I tried to use it and found that my heels smack the mounting system. I wear a size 14 US shoe and the "quick release" lever on the trainer was strategically placed such that I couldn't miss it. If it was flipped to the other side it might have had clearance. Granted, there probably aren't alot of people who will have this problem - but it still stinks!! We sent it back to the store for a refund. We're out shipping costs there and back.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
I tried all my bikes - I can't use it!!
Bottom Line:
I can't use it because my feet are too big. I couldn't find any shops that carry it so I had no chance to try it. If you have smaller feet, a fairly large area to use it, you'll like it. Not easy to move around due to it's size and weight. I wish it would have worked out for me. I'll rate this as "good" because it's a nice product - just not for us out of the 95 percentile in body size.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
This a great trainer for the money. Quiet, smooth, and about as good as it gets for a realistic feel with a trainer under $300. I particularly like the wide leg stance which adds stability for those intense sessions and the adjustable legs get the bike down to a more natural position without the need for a front wheel riser block. The big 2 1/8 roller wheel is easier on tires but don't be putting on your expensive skins. All trainers are hard on tires. This one is just less so than the rest and a lot less than some. Probably the biggy with this trainer is it's lifetime warranty. All sealed construction combined with a 'leak free' gaurantee was a big part of my decision to purchase this particular trainer.
Weaknesses:
I'd like to see some kind of rubberized coating on the cone cups that slip over the skewer. It'd be gentler on the skewer and where it seats up to the frame however I may be nit picking a bit here. I ended up pulling my own skewer out and replacing it with the cheapie supplied with the unit.
Similar Products Used:
Some cheap magnetic trainers which were inferior to the feel and construction of this unit. The CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer that felt great but stories of fluid leaks made me hesitant with this unit.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail
Bottom Line:
For about $300, a great trainer for the serious rider looking to maintain or improve thier fitness level in the off season. That said be ready to invest a few more dollars for some training videos if your sessions are mostly done training alone. The hard truth is trainers are the ultimate time machine. Fifteen minutes can seem like an hour and if you don't have something to motivate you the novelty will wear off and the workouts will diminish. TV or music will only help to pass the time.. not ramp up the level of your training. Training videos can maintain or even improve your fitness level. I invested in a few Spinervals DVDs and it's made all the difference. At around $30 a dvd these videos are not cheap but they DO motivate.
Bottom line.. A great trainer but be prepared to spend some more dollars on training videos to make it really worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Stock
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, AK, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Resurrection Pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
This is an incredibly smooth trainer, with minimal noise. It's stable when you stand on the pedals and the resistance does seem pretty realistically tied to the increase in speed. The warranty is as good as it gets, although I hope I never have to take advantage of it. I think I saw a posted review on this or some other site that said the resistance unit had only a five-year warranty, but I verified with the company that currently (October 2006) every part of the trainer is covered for the original buyer's lifetime. That'd be pretty amazing, if the company is still around when I'm 70. I'm counting on the "no leak" guarantee to be reliable, because I've got the bike set up in my spare bedroom and I really don't want to have to try to get fluid stains out of the carpet... It feels like everything in this trainer is made of durable materials. It really is simple to set up and adjust, and it comes with a pretty straightforward set of instructions.
Weaknesses:
I really don't see any weeknesses with it, although it would be great if there was such a thing as a truly silent trainer. I suppose if I wanted absolutely maximum quiet I'd just buy a high-end dedicated exercise bike like they have at good gyms, but then I'd have to find someplace to store it in the spring and summer. The price on this product - as well as most of the decent trainers - seems a little high, but when I looked at some of the ones selling for $100 less I realized that maybe there's a jump in quality with the increase in price.
Similar Products Used:
I tried out one of the Minoura magnetic trainers as well as a CycleOps Fluid 2 at a bike store. The magnetic trainer seemed to have a strange feel to it, and I wasn't really crazy about the variable resistance attachment. The CycleOps felt great, but I've read enough reviews to think that I'd rather not risk the fluid leaks. I really would have loved to try a 1upUSA trainer, but they don't sell in retail stores and they also don't offer free shipping to Alaska (we get that from every store in the lower 48 - no free shipping to AK or Hawaii). The stores here in town are all staffed by biking enthusiasts who have tried a number of brands of trainers, and the Kinetic was the one that was recommended by a staff person in each of the three stores where I shopped. (One person told me that if money was no object he'd go to the high end CycleOps model, but below $300 the consensus was that the Kurt Kinetic was the choice.)
Bike Setup:
A kind of cheap Specialized lightweight frame with street tires and virtually nothing aftermarket.
Bottom Line:
We get a lot of ice that sticks around for the entire winter on the roads and sidewalks, and I just don't trust studded bike tires enough to ride outdoors between November and April. A lot of people who are fair weather cyclists tend to just put the bike in the garage and call it a year when the first frost hits in September. In other winters I've gone to the gym and used the exercise bikes, but this winter I didn't feel like spending the time it takes to drive to the gym, wait for a bike during peak times, etc. I've started using the Kinetic about 3 nights a week, since we still have dry pavement (no snow yet). Once the snow comes, though, I'll probably be training on it four or five times a week, because I'm trying to increase my cardio and leg strength for some long distance backcountry snowshoeing this winter. Although the trainer makes a little bit of rumble/hum when I really get going, my upstairs neighbor in the condo where I live hasn't mentioned the sound transmitting into her unit. I listen to music with headphones, but I think I'd be able to listen to music or watch TV at normal volume without them. All in all, I'm really happy I bought this trainer. Maybe there are others out there that are as good as this - or better - at the same price, but I don't care too much about that since this one does everything I could ask of it, seems to be made as solid as a tank, and has a great warranty behind it. I should probably mention that I bought it at REI instead of a local bike shop for one reason: even if the manufacturer doesn't want to back the warranty up, REI has a no-questions-asked return policy, even 2 or 3 years after you buy something. As I said, I hope I never have to find out how good the warranty is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony O'Neill
a
from Indianapolis, IN Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nebo Ridge, Story IN/Black Mountain NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Circle City Cyling
Strengths:
Road Machine is Sturdy, solid and wellbuild
Weaknesses:
it is not single track
Similar Products Used:
Cyclops and Minoura
Bike Setup:
Blur XC/Fisher Hardtail
Bottom Line:
Midwest anti-depressant! Easy set up and ready to get going. Put a slick on your rear and you will keep your hearing.
The ride is amazingly similiar to you true gear ratios eliminating the need for a remote control of the tension. It is like SPV technology it senses and reacts to the the cadence and gear ratios.
If you are like me and hate losing 4 months of consistent riding this is your answer too. I am already feeling better and have only ridden a handful of times!
Good job Kurt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cristof
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angles Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
From Website
Strengths:
-Well built...an understatement. -ordered the road machine, bigger flywheel -very comparable to riding on the road.
Weaknesses:
-did not come with front wheel riser, but easily remedied by buying one for $15, easier on arms. -noisier than I thought, but still can watch TV, no problem
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
This trainer has been fantastic--no regrets. Highly recommend it for someone trying to fill in the gaps between actual outings. Resistance prgressive using your own bike gears. Using it with my old road bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Melrose, MA, USA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Analytic Cycling
Strengths:
- Easy to Setup - Stable - Solid road feel - No issues riding out of the saddle
Weaknesses:
- It is possible to strip the tightening-knob threads when adjusting the tension against the rear wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Cycle Ops Fluid 2 (hers)
Bike Setup:
mine - Bianchi mtn hers - REI hybrid
Bottom Line:
We were looking for a way to train / ride consistently during the winter, in an attempt to be ready to hit the ground running come spring. Bought the KK Road Trainer after reading about it on many web sites including this one and the KK web site. I am delighted by the machine and it's ease-of-use. My fiancée saw it and decided that she needed one as well but she wanted something a little different so that we could both train indoors this winter. Hence the COF2. I managed to strip the threads on the tightening knob on my KK road trainer after about 2 weeks of use. Called Kurt Kinetic and they shipped a replacement part, no questions asked. We have been training 4-5 days per week now and I have lost 10 lbs of my winter insulation. Excellent side effect. The customer service reps at Kurt Kinetic are very pleasant to deal with. The road trainer is the best trainer that I have ever used. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about their indoor riding. I'm convinced that you get your money's worth with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Alberta Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Powderface trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
Very Stable, great roadlike feel, consistent tension
Weaknesses:
Not as quiet as the Fluid2, tension knob not as positive as Fluid2, Canadian distributor plays dirty pool
Similar Products Used:
1upUSA, Cyclops Fluid2, Tacx Flow
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Rail
Bottom Line:
I have posted earlier with my 1upUSA experience--they do have great customer service and did fully refund purchase price and freight.
I have been through two Fluid2 units: both of then got harder to pedal after 20 minutes of hard use. I have heard for other bike shops that is a common fault with them.
The Kurt road machine has been great so far. It makes more noise than the Fluid2, but has no issues with tension increase when it heats up. It is the most stable of the four units I have used.
I read some reports that this unit included a training video\DVD--mine did not.
I was about to buy this unit from www.lifestylesport.com and asked our Canadian distributor Vellend Tech why lifstylesport sold the same unit for $190 less. Their response was to get Kurt to stop lifestylesport from shipping to Canada.
I give a 1 for the value for the extra $190 I had to pay because I couldn't buy it from the US.
A great product for those who can pay fair market price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Maine Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
technical singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Industrial grade construction
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Exercycle at Gold's
Bike Setup:
Spinner is an old Diamondback Topanga, playbikes are: 03 Heckler, Turner Burner, and new Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
This is the first home use trainer I've tried/owned. IMHO they aren't built any better than this. Easily locks the bike in with enormous threaded rods on both sides for centering. Quick release of bike for those who use bike for actual riding too. Smooth and quiet. Resistance is "acceptable". That is, I don't ride enuff asphalt to know what a trainer should feel like, hey, this really ain't about realism, it's about pain.
I did a trememdous amount of research and almost bought cheaper, but you truly get what you pay for and I'd rather be happy with my $300 purchase than doubtful of my $200 purchase. In simple terms, this is the heaviest home trainer made, that says something about the content. If you value quality merchandise, you will be happy with the Kurt. Buy one and be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Shawnee, KS, US Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
- Smooth. - Realistic road feel in term of resistance. - Bigger roller: no squeaking tire. - Centering the wheel can be done from either side. - So far no leak (better coupling mechanism) - Stable and sturdy for interval work-out - Quiter relative to magnetic or wind unit - Came with Spinerval video of your choice (highly recommend this video, btw).
Weaknesses:
- This is a heavy unit (mine is Road Kinetic model with bigger fly-wheel); transporting it to races can be a hassle. - Mounting and dismounting the bike is ever so slightly more involved than say Cyclops trainer. - More expensive relative to other brands with similar features - Plastic bolt came loose after several use; but red loc-tite easily solved that.
Similar Products Used:
I used to ride a mag trainer that I bought 8 years ago. The movement is very choppy but the trainer uses old magnetic technology and the roller diameter is small so the tire squeeks a lot. I heard today's mag trainer is much smoother, but I don't have any experience with the latest model yet.
I also have a roller (Kreitler poly-lytes) that I like very much for recovery or spinning high rpm work-out, but can't use it for interval training.
Here's my experience on some of the other trainers:
1) Cylops Wind Trainer: Rode it for 30 min and it's very smooth and has realistic resistance, but very noisy even when I tried it outside. The least expensive trainer, however.
2) Cyclops Fluid 2: rode it for 45 min every Saturday for about a month. Like it very much. Smooth movement, no squeeking tire. Easy quick release action making mounting and dismounting quick. Centering the wheel can be done from one side only (I don't think this is a big deal at all). However, I can see where one can overtighten the clamp just because it's more of a hassle to loosen the screw from the other side. The resistance ramps up more quickly compared to a wind trainer or Kurt Kinetics.
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
Before buying the unit the folks at Kurt Kinetics answered anything I wanted to know about their trainer. When I finally bought it the unit did have one glitch regarding plastic knob on the axle retainer that came loose after several use. The people at Kurt Kinetic quickly resolved the issue by sending me a replacement bolts and knob even after I told them I had fixed the problem with red loc-tite.
After using it for almost a year, the trainer is still going strong. More importantly the fluid resistance never leaked!!
Kurt Kinetic is a very responsive, pleasant and honest company to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Raymond, MN, USA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Kurt factory
Strengths:
Very smooth and quiet. Built like a tank. Solid.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
This was my first and only trainer I foresee myself purchasing.
Bike Setup:
Cervelo P2K triathlon bike
Bottom Line:
This trainer and company are wonderful. Customer service is unsurpassed. Beth was one of the best customer service people I've ever worked with, and was extremely helpful. I was able to take a tour of the manufacturing facility and was impressed. I had a few questions after setup of the unit, and they were answered very promptly. Overall, I have been extremely satisified with the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and every bit as satisified with Kurt Kinetic as a company. They treat their customers right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pieter Thole
a Racer
from Amsterdam Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Marmotte
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
Kurt
Strengths:
30 km/hr on the trainer is same resistance as 30km/hr on the road, as is for 35, 40 etc. Frame is more stable than Elite and Tacx. Fluid is best and this is best fluid concept I have seen so far.
Weaknesses:
Frame looks a bit bulky.
Similar Products Used:
Elite Volare Fluid, Tacx Swing, Minoura ??
Bike Setup:
Santos 02, Ultegra, Ritchey WCS.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to buy the best and had to go to the States to get it after having bought an Elite Fluid and a Tacx Swing and having tested some other trainers. It looks at first that resistance is not that much in the beginning but as soon as you get going you will find out it is enough. Look at the power tap output on the website.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Racer
from Bolingbrook Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any smooth road less traveled
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Kurt Kinetic Website
Strengths:
Sturdy construction. Durability, smoothness, and quietness.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Mag Trainer
Bike Setup:
Cervelo TT Bike w/Ultegra 42/53 rings
Bottom Line:
As a follow up to last year's posting, I've come full circle. I repeat that this trainer is the best on the market hands down. I logged about 1100 miles last winter and hit spring with a bang! The fluid chamber provides tar road smoothness along with enough resistance to challange all riders...err...except for LANCE. Drop the bucks on this trainer and suprise your buddies in the spring!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cole
a Racer
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Looks to be built like a tank.
Weaknesses:
No ability to adjust level of resistance. I'm an amatuer racer with very strong legs, and didn't find this trainer to offer enough resistance, even when the bike was shifted to the most difficult gear setting.
Bike Setup:
Lemond Chambery 2001
Bottom Line:
Looks to be a solidly built trainer, but I didn't find this trainer to offer anywhere near the level of resistance that a good professional racing trainer would offer. I tried and bought a Tacx CycleForce Swing trainer instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City, Iowa, USA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
RAGBRAI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
http://www.kurtkinetic.com/
Strengths:
I've found this to be a quiet, solid, and stable trainer. I opted for the heavy duty flywheel and am quite pleased with the resistance levels and smoothness.
Similar Products Used:
I tried a friend's CycleOps Fluid2 Trainer, but it has a history of fluid leaks and doesn't feel as smooth.
Bike Setup:
Trek 2000
Bottom Line:
I ride this trainer every early morning and love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Fox River Grove, IL Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$315.00
Purchased At:
AnalyticCycle.com
Strengths:
Solidly built, very quiet, easy to set up, shipped directly from Kurk and arrived within 2 1/2 days.
Weaknesses:
Color is grey - bike is blue. Well you can't have everything. Others say cost, I'd say that I got what I paid for....quality!
Similar Products Used:
Tested Cycleops mag and fluid trainers both of which were available locally. I purchased the Road Machine largely because of the great reviews on this site.
Bike Setup:
Trek 300
Bottom Line:
I purchased this online through Analytic Cycle.com. Customer service was great and the price was right. Go ahead and get a front wheel riser. It's more comfortable. I got the Cycleops for 19.99. It's better than a couple blocks of wood under the tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt Lloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
mostly street at home--anything in Tahoe when I visit my folks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
don't know--gift from my wife
Strengths:
perfectly convenient for my schedule, strong, solid, easy, durable--but again CONVENIENT for my nuts schedule...
Weaknesses:
no product weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
the road machine is my first and most likely last
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M4/Time Attack
Bottom Line:
I'm a respiratory therapist that works in the er and icu from 7p-7a three random days per week. I'm an avid skiier, bodybuilder and sprint tri athlete and keep this schedule even on my off days to maintain consistency in sleep habbits, training and energy levels. I have designed/built a home gym which includes this piece of equipment. It is absolutely perfect for me. Athletes that are serious only buy products that are made like this. This thing likes to be used and so far doesn't show any signs of quiting in the least. Nothing beats riding outside when you can, but this machine is ideal for keeping in top shape when you can't. I highly recommend the road machine to anyone serious into their own physical fitness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JHunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002
This is a followup to my previous review on a leaking Kurt Kinetic standard-model trainer. I called Kurt Kinetic's customer service line and even though I had bought the unit (nib) from a third-party, the very friendly customer service agent shipped out a replacement resistance unit the next day. They even paid for the return shipment of the leaking unit. KK did not have to do any of this, as the warranty is non-tranferrable, but clearly they stand behind their products and their customers. You can't ask for any better service than this.
The new unit works perfectly, quiet and smooth with much more than enough available resistance to beat me into the ground. Highly recommended, although you might also want to consider Kurt Kinetic's top-of-the-line Road Machine for even more realistic road feel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JHunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stable base, quiet operation, easy setup
Weaknesses:
Leaked after first use!
Bike Setup:
Bianchi
Bottom Line:
After reading the on-again, off-again problems with CycleOps fluid trainers, I decided to spring the extra money for the reliability of the Kurt Kinetic trainer. This unit is very solid and apparently well-engineered. Putting it together was a snap as is installing the bike. In use, it's quiet enough that I can ride it and watch the tube down the hall from my sleeping family without waking anyone. The resistance range will be more than I'll ever need.
Another success story, right? Wrong, at least for now. While putting the trainer away after my first ride, I noticed a very small bit of fluid at the bottom of the resistance unit. Thought (well, hoped, actually) that it might just be some leftover oil from machining the parts, or something other than the dreaded leak. I put some paper underneath and checked it before my next ride and, sure enough, a very small amount of leakage. Still, I hoped that maybe, just maybe, this happens the first time you use the trainer and gave it another go. This time there was no question - clearly the resistance unit is leaking.
I'm sure that Kurt will fix it, and will report back on their customer service, but until then it's 1 Flamin' Chili time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hollywood, CA USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chilao
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$349.00
Purchased At:
Their website
Strengths:
Quiet, STRONG, just like ridding uphill.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 400
Bottom Line:
Rocks. It's amazingly sturdy and stable. I splurged for the mroe expensive one with the larger wheel too. Why not? Who's going to travel with their bike AND a stand? I made this purchase because I was interested in burning calories in a pre-breakfast workout on nonriding days. WELL that didn't work, because I'm having a huge feud w/my neighbors below, and can't risk them complaining about the noise at 6am (these hollywood types don't get out of bed until the drugs wear off) and it's not as quiet as I hoped, but I don't think it's possible to make one as quiet as I would need in this building at that hour, what with shifting gears and a spinning tire. But I come home for lunch, pop in one of the Spinnervals tapes (Suffer-0Rama and No SSlackers Allowed) and kick butt. And what I've found is that my REAL riding has improved. Something I never would have expected. Great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stock Camper
a Cross Country Rider
from West Coast Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Kinetic
Strengths:
Quiet. Rock solid. Gentle on tires.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of one.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale R800. Trek Y.
Bottom Line:
Serious quality. I use this pig with Netathlon software (never heard of it -- check out www.netathlon.com -- the only way to spend a winter) and it truly rocks. Serious construction. Built like a rock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Magnatta
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Shore, NY, USA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any w/o frickin' horses
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Kurt Online
Strengths:
Design, contruction, performance, adjustability, comprehensive manual, great customer service, everything!!!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none.
Similar Products Used:
Cyclops II.
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700, Can Creak post, Easton Flatboys/Time ATAC.
Bottom Line:
This trainer is awesome. Way, way overbuilt, perfect design execution, someone actually thought about what qualities should go into a fluid trainer AND the followed through.
At first, I was put off by the price, but after five minutes on it I was convinced that it's worth every dollar (maybe more).
I purchased a Cyclops II unit prior to this purchase, it arrived with the frame separated in two as a result of crappy welds. BIG mistake.
Oh yeah, anyone who says this is a carbon copy of the Cyclops unit lives out there where the trollies don't stop. Everything is different between the two units; the Kurt unit has a real flywheel, adjustable legs, humongous cooling fins, quality finish, etc... Get one before the winter sets in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Racer
from Bolingbrook, IL, USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Open Country Roads
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturers Website
Strengths:
Smooth road-like feel and extended coast-down. Very durable and stable.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Mag Trainer
Bike Setup:
Cervelo TT geometry
Bottom Line:
As a competitive triathlete and family man, most of my workouts must be finished by 7:00 am. Thus, cooler temps and later sunrises require me to use a trainer from mid September to mid March. This is the best trainer on the market hands down. The broad based construction remains stable even when hammering 53x12 gear. Spend the xtra $ for the larger flywheel. It more closely mimics that "road feel". The fluid resistance is extremly smooth and highly highly challenging. Interestingly, I found that I need to use a smaller gear with this trainer than with my Mag trainer due to the increased resistance.
I honestly don't recommend this trainer for beginners. You need more biking experience to appreciate the $340 price tag. The seasoned biker, however, will thoroughly enjoy this product for many years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Does everything advertised. Built to oulive me. I tried the Fluid 2 but thought that the Kinetic was more stable + the quick release was a nice feature. I opted for the heavy duty fly-wheel. Definitly the way to go. If you get the Spinervals version you get a video thrown in & the price is the same.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any.
Similar Products Used:
Tried the CycleOps Fluid 2.
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek 2200 with Rolf wheels & skewers. It would work with these skewers but rather than chance chewing them up I just slip in a cheap skewer (that the bike shop also threw in just to ease my mind). Take's less than 30 seconds to set up even with changing skewers.
Bottom Line:
This trainer is built to last. I expect to ride it till I'm eighty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Popp
a Cross Country Rider
from Dayton OH, USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Outdoors someplace, obviously :)
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
KurtKinetic.com
Strengths:
About the same as everyone else says.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't fit my bike! I ride a softride roading with Ultegra throughout and the standard cone doesn't fit my skewer, not even close. I called and talked to Kurt, send them a digital picture of my skewer, as well as the link to Shimano's website outlining the specs on the skewers, and they proceeded to send me the exact same cone that is already on the unit.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2000 Softride Roadwing, Ultegra Components throughout (triple)
Bottom Line:
Sure would be nice if it fit my bike. Kurt says they sent me the only one they have. I find this hard to beleive that they are the 'Official trainer of USA Cycling' and it can't fit a darn Shimano skewer. The 105/Ultegra/Dura-Ace have the larger rear Skewer. Maybe this trainer would work if I rode a $200 walmart bike. Kurt supposedly has to 'engineer' a cone to fit my skewer, which I think is rediculous.
Anyone else have Shimano components (2000 model year or newer) and this work for them?
Gets 2 stars. I would give it a 0 but my fiance` likes the feel of it since it fits her bike, which is a Giant OCR-3.
I will re-review it if they can make it fit my bike and I ride it for a few hundred miles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockford, Illinois Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
analyticcycling.com
Strengths:
Very durable. I got the unit with the big wheel. It is VERY smooth like the road. Built like a tank.
This is a dynamite trainer. I jumped up from years on a Blackburn mag trainer. This is superior in ride to the Fluid 2 and with the big wheel option, it is easier on the joints and CycleOps' history of leaks scared me away from considering to buy them. I ride the fluid trainer for 1st half of my workout, shift to Krietler rollers for 2nd half to perfect balance and spin. These 2 devices together are fabulous off-season training tools that complement each other.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
Everything in claims. Smooth and quiet operation.
Weaknesses:
Price, but I think I got what I paid for.
Similar Products Used:
Tested a variety in stores.
Bike Setup:
Klein FS mountain, BikeE RX
Bottom Line:
This one cost a litte more since I bought the adapter to work with the rear 20" wheel on the BikeE. If you use a mountain bike you need to put a slick on the back as it is a little too noisy otherwise.
Very easy to get the bike in and out. The legs adjust which prevents having to use something to raise the front wheel. However, requires a wrench to take the legs off and change their setting. It would be nice if that adjustment was easier, probably a liability issue if it was too easy.
Resistance changes with a change of the gears and feels very much like the road.
I bought this unit because of what I read here without testing and am very glad I did.
Opted for the road version which has a heavier flywheel and gives a longer spin down time. Didn't try the other.
My impression is that it will outlast me but we shall see who wins.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Smyrna, GA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Silver comet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Calhoun cycles
Strengths:
Well built, excellent quick release for ease of set up, virtually duplicates road effort, more resistance than anyone but Lance can handle. Recumbent friendly.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
None. Research done on the internet, MTB review, and actual users makes this THE fluid trainer to own.
Bike Setup:
RANS V2
Bottom Line:
A great product, well designed and manufactured. The ability to use your bike's gears to simulate road use, and to vary the resistence is a great feature. Just put on your HRM, and you will be able to get a focused training session. Bring on the bad weather!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felipe Bastos
a Racer
from Gainesville, Fla, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Kurt Kinetic is percet for the kind of sport Triathlon has become (draft legal). The kind of anaerobic training we have to do, the CIT - Crossed Interval Trainings - sessions are much better done on a Kurt Kinetic. But if you are a weekend athlete, it's also perfect for you, since it's durable, and simulates an outside ride as close as it can be to actually been out there.
Weaknesses:
Too heavy to take on a trip to another continent.
Bike Setup:
Triathlon draft legal
Bottom Line:
The Kurt Kinetic is the best trainer your money can buy. It's the best trainer I've ever used by far. Sometimes I want it to rain so i can stay inside and ride it instead of going outside with the guys to the roads here in sunny Florida.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Alembik
a Weekend Warrior
from Decatur, GA USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
a park somewhere in Athens GA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Online from Mfg.
Strengths:
Built like a tank, but refined engineering.
Weaknesses:
Heavy to lug around, but that's the price for durability, I guess. Does not fit old Campy skewers or lug nuts (ie. track bike).
Similar Products Used:
Original Racer-Mate; traditional rollers.
Bike Setup:
OLD Pinarello rustbucket customized for indoor training.
Bottom Line:
A great product. It is not ideal for lugging around if you want to travel with it or take it to races. Just from eyeballing cycle-ops units and seeing them in action, I don't see there being a real comparison from a durability standpoint. The heavy version of this product provides more resistance than I need (and I do generate some wattage). If my fitness level improves it should be able to keep pace. I think that the sales people should inform their customers that the device will NOT work with track bikes. You have to have a quick release skewer with a small bolt for it to fit properly. No old Campy skewers. This web site was what prompted me to buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Maryland Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pavement (outside)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Solid, quiet, stable, etc. Does not eat tires.
Weaknesses:
Expensive and heavy (if you have to haul it around to races, etc.) Doesn't work with all skewers well (old shimano type work well)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Old Trek 1200, living room.
Bottom Line:
Good trainer and worth the money. Once you get it torqued in there you are good to go. A little traumic watching your bike/the stand spring back when releasing the bike. I used old tire expecting wear, but all winter with 100's of miles put in-there is only a metallic sheen on the tire-no apparent wear. Resistance is more than enough-rarely rode at more than 24mph for long-very tough. Get some good videos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, NY Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.CycleFX.com
Strengths:
Well built, sturdy, very easy to set-up, very stable.
Weaknesses:
Lock tite on tighten Screw was loose, used a little of my own lock tight to fixed the problem ;-)
Similar Products Used:
Air and Mag trainers
Bike Setup:
Specialized 2000 M4 S-Works Road, CycleFX computer monitor system
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a well made machine, the resistance unit seems very sturdy and the unit is quiet and easy to adjust. I opted for their road model with a fly wheel that weights in at over 6 pounds (the regular is still over 3 pounds)! Very realistic and smooooooth. Although I bought it from CycleFX, it was actually drop-shipped right from the factory. The tighening knob could have used a lock nut or screw (are ya hearing me KURT?), but this is very minor, basicly the knob would just spin off the shaft when you tried to release the bike from trainer, a couple drops of lock tite fixed this very minor oversight. I think this is the best Fluid trainer on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Island, NE Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything with hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Strengths:
Excellent road feel, very smooth acceleration and deceleration.
Weaknesses:
A bit wobbly unless you really tighten the back up and flex the frame a little. The unit gets hot, hot, hot.
Similar Products Used:
Cycleops fluid2
Bike Setup:
Lemond Ultegra with Spox wheels
Bottom Line:
The best trainer I have ridden for smoothness and real road feel. Used to ride rollers with a magnet, but this blows them away. The cycleops is good too, but is harder on the muscles and joints due to it's jerkiness when starting-slowing. Expensive, but worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Wauwatosa, WI Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Strengths:
Like the rubber feet, quiet.
Weaknesses:
Frame is a complete copy of Cycleops down to the punched brackets. The resistance stated is no where near realistic (2500 watts at 50+ mph). Wasn't very smooth to ride. I sold it on e-bay and bought a Cycleops Fluid2.
Similar Products Used:
Cycleops Fluid 2
Bike Setup:
Trek Road, Kein Pulse Pro Mtn.
Bottom Line:
Buy the Cycleops Fluid 2, it's the real deal not a average copy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Suwanee, GA, USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer - online
Strengths:
This trainer is well-engineered. Rock-solid, quiet, and smooth. Assembly is simple and bike set-up is intuitive. Made in the USA.
As a practicing mechanical engineer I really appreciate the construction of this trainer. It is designed and built to function as promised and last for years. The progressive resistance of the fluid unit more closely approximates road resistance than magnetic systems and it is pretty quiet.
I'd opt for the Road Machine with the heavier flywheel if I were to purchase this unit again, though.
Also, I had to fit a new rear skewer to the Fuji so the clamping device would fit. It's obviously designed to fit newer bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRIAN ARCHER
a Racer
from JOHNSON CITY Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Piney Flats Bicycles
Strengths:
Quiet,Stable,Good workmanship.
Weaknesses:
None that I can find
Similar Products Used:
Performance mag trainer, Tacx rollers.
Bike Setup:
Beater bike for trainer use only
Bottom Line:
This is one kick a$$ trainer. Sure the price hurts a little, but it hurts less than getting out of shape and getting dropped in the spring. I would recommend getting one or more of the Spinervals (shameless product endorsement) videos, they really make it easier on us who are "motivationally challenged". This trainer is the best on the market IMHO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cush
a Racer
from Loudonville, NY, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Specialized road bike only used on trainer. Computer for cadence, speed and distance. HRM. Big fan.
Bottom Line:
I bought the Cycle-Ops Fluid a couple years ago and it leaked. For $40 they upgraded me to the Fluid2 resistance unit. I tried it and then tried the Kinetic to see which one I would take to use every day and which one my wife would get for every-other day use. My bike is staying on the Kinetic.
I bought the Road Machine with the heavier wheel and love it. It is very quiet and feels very much like being on the road. It is a killer workload.
I also bought the "Spinervals 4 - Muscle Breakdown" video when I got the trainer and it is exhausting. A much better video than the old Cycle-robx. I will be buying more from the set of 7.
Buy the Kurt Kinetic, you will not be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Meyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Edgewater,NJ Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
south mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
realistic resistance, well made.
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
rollers, cyclops, cateye, something else i can't remember.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Mt. Tam, Klein Quantum Pro
Bottom Line:
Very realistic and overall a good trainer compared most of the others, but I should've gotten the rollers. None of the trainers are quite as smooth and give the workout that the rollers did. I got the trainer only because I've been riding alot more mountain lately, and I didn't want to change 2 tires. I guess that's my problem. Like I said, this is one of the best I've tried, but next time I'll spend less on a trainer for the mtn. bike and get a good set of rollers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from Apple Valley, MN Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
MN River or Dynamite, Scottsdale, AZ
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$335.00
Purchased At:
Kurt Manufacturing - factory
Strengths:
Smooth, quiet, stable, solid, reliable, great resistance, doesn't leak; in short, does what they claim!
Weaknesses:
None that I've seen. Some people say price - I say a quality product is worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
Minoura, CycleOps
Bike Setup:
Sugar 2 with a slick rear tire.
Bottom Line:
I am not someone who is easily impressed, and I do my homework. It is unbelievable that the CycleOps fluid trainer is rated higher than the Kurt Kinetic trainer ... almost everyone who reviewed the CycleOps trainer has had an issue with it, mostly leakage problems. Perhaps the change in ownership has fixed these issues, but I bought a Kurt so that I can RIDE the thing consistently, not send it back to be replaced. I studied the design of the 2 products, and I found the Kurt to be superior.
I even went to the factory to check it out in Jordan, MN. I got a personal tour by Carl, and I saw every step of the process and am convinced that they are the real deal. I read the review below by "Chris" and asked Carl about it. I can't believe that someone who sounded so negative wouldn't even try to return the product if he's so unhappy with it. I don't know about you, but if I spent $300 on something and wasn't happy I'd do something to fix it, not just sit around and moan about it. I think that review is suspect (to say the least) and most likely BS.
Now, about the trainer - I've had the trainer for about a month - I wanted to wait to review it until I really felt I wrung it out. I've put about 400 miles on the thing so far (here in MN it's not exactly pleasant to be outside in January) - and I'm so happy to feel that familiar burn in the quads that I'm on it every day. It's solid, stable, and everything I mentioned as strengths above, and it provides a heck of a lot more resistance than I can explore fully.
I tried out both resistance units extensively because I didn't know which was better. I read the opinions of those below who liked the heavier flywheel, but I figured I better try them both out myself. Turns out I like the "Road Machine" with the 6.25 lb flywheel like most reviewers - just feels more realistic to me. Worth the extra cost.
Every question I've had about the Kurt trainer, both before AND after I bought it, have been answered in detail by Carl. He has been very helpful for any questions I've had. Service and support mean a lot, and this has been great.
I bought the packaged CycleFX software along with it, by the way, which is a good deal and helps the motivation too, but that's another review.
It's easily worth the money to stay in shape over the winter, and this trainer is the best. Go buy this trainer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Coleman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stanley, ID to Lower-Stanley above the Salmon River
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Kurt
Strengths:
Adjustable legs for road and mt. & bmx, that is you don't have to look for mags to place under the front tire. The design of the PVC feet lowers noise when you working in a retail store. Even at home it is very quiet and smooth, the folks downstairs down mind any more!!! The quick-release really saves time and keeps you from scraping the paint on bikes. Also the fact that you can adjust the from both sides. A very large and balanced flywheel (6.25lb)for a very smooth ride. Even if your using mt. bike tires. A very solid frame, we have to level the bike w/ our laser line system and get the seattube angle while in the trainer. Wobble-naught fit is tight to 1mm. We can't afford to have a trainer break down.
Weaknesses:
The color is not the same as my company colors.
Similar Products Used:
I have many used almost everthing made, and I have had to use what that retail stores uses. Alot of them are broke, but I don't want to blast anyone.
Bike Setup:
We fit all type of bikes, mt. road, tt, tri. It's our job!!!
Bottom Line:
I own a company called Wobble-naught Precision Fitting Systems www.wobblenaught. We are a on-line service for retail stores and they use our system to find the fit solution for customers on their bikes. One store in Boise did 65 fits per month and a total of 700 fits in 1 year. They broke alot of different trainers!!! The industry is not the same as having one at home. The shop person doesn't always treat the trainer like they own it!!! So they break them.
To do our fits you really have to have a trainer that won't break. I have used almost every trainer out on the market. I have had trainers to break while I was fitting someone, and one broke while I was at Interbike 2000 while fitting Roberto Gaggioli in front of a crowd who has 198 pro wins and rides for Team Defeet/Colnago. Biggest show of the year and the so called best trainer breaks on me in the middle of a bike fit demo?
The Bottom line!!! I have learned the hard way,
If you use a trainer all day, you will find out which one is the best!!! Of course you don't have to learn like I did. I could have got a Kurt Trainer the first time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daryll Kuhn
a Cross Country Rider
from Falling Waters, WV, USA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Logsled Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Spinervals
Strengths:
I love the quiet smooth ride it provides. Very realistic comparison to road resistance. Resistance unit doesnt get too hot. Great Warranty as well!
Weaknesses:
None so far. I had a squeaking sound but found out that it was cone cups against my skewer but took care of it.
Similar Products Used:
Cycleops Mag Trainer
Bike Setup:
Greg LeMond Buenos aires...Shimano 105...getting a new saddle - Max Flite Trans Am
Bottom Line:
Although I believe fluid trainers in general are too pricey...it was a good investment for me. Like most of us, if we train inside we want the experience (resistance wise) to be as close to the "real deal" as possible and that is this trainer does! It is convenient to have resistance follow along with speed like the "real world". I was debating between the Kinetic trainer and cycleops fluid 2. I already have the orginal cyclerobx video....so I wanted a trainer that mimics road riding and a new video. This trainer is for anyone who wants a serious, well built fluid trainer! Thanks guys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashburn, Virginia Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$335.00
Purchased At:
Online - Manufacturer Direct
Strengths:
Realistic road-like feel (especially with the large flywheel), quiet, sturdy/stable frame.
This trainer is the best I have tried thus far. In fact, it is everything the manufacturer claims. Exceptionally sturdy and stable frame, easy to mount/dismount the bike due to the quick release mechanism, and by far the quietest trainer I've tried. The fluid unit provides the most realistic "road feel" I've found. The price may be a little high, but I think it is comparable to other high end trainers out there. In my opinion the best trainer presently available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Gulbonson
a Racer
from Edina, MN 55436 Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Munger Trail, Hinkley, MN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Factory
Strengths:
Kinetic is the Official Trainer of USA Cycling. Power-Tap calibrated to replicate power requirements of an outdoor ride for a 165 pound person with 23 pound bike at sea level, using .7 frontal area, .006 rolling resistance and .01% average grade. Like an outdoor ride, the resistance changes automatically. When you double your speed, the resistance is cubed. Minimal resistance, 20 watts at 5 MPH. Maximum resistance, 2,696 watts at 50 MPH. Successfully ridden 30,750+ miles with no mechanical failure or leaking. Kinetic Trainer will fit almost any road, mountain, BMX, folding or recumbent bike made with wheels from 16"-29" outside diameter. Adjustable legs place wheel closer to floor increasing stability and minimizing the need for a riser block.
Weaknesses:
Because it is precision built in the USA, it is more expensive than other trainers. You will appreciate the quality of its design and construction every time you use it.
Similar Products Used:
Brands: Cycle-Ops, Elite / Performance, Blackburn Resistance types: Wind--effective, but painfully noisy. Magnetic--pulsation in resistance and force curve is reversed. Fluid--smooth, quiet, prone to leaking and operates at extremely high temperatures.
Bike Setup:
The Kinetic has a quick release to speed bike attachment and removal. Both sides of trainer are adjustable to ensure tire is centered on roller. Standard cone cup accept almost every skewer made. Custom cone cup kits are available for bike with axle nuts, track bikes, custom frames and Sram 3X7 hubs. 2 1/8 roller is largest in the industry prolongs tire life. Trapezoidal footprint makes it one of the most stable trainers on the market.
Bottom Line:
I work for Kurt Manufacturing. They make the Kinetic Trainer. My many attempts to contact "Chris" a racer from NY to resolve his issue with the "friends trainer" have been unsuccessful. If anyone knows Chris, his friend or anyone else who is unhappy with their Kinetic Trainer, please have them contact me at 800-328-4014. We will resolve their problem or return their money. Chris’ “1 flamin’ chillis” has an extremely negative impact on our overall rating. This may seem trivial, except the Graber Corporation, maker of the Cycle-Ops trainer uses the “MTBReviews” and “MTB Overall Rating” in their advertising. In addition, Chris' review is also posted on RoadBike Review. After reading the review guidelines, I posted this information to level the playing field.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B
a Racer
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$335.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer Direct - Online
Strengths:
Realistic road-like feel, large flywheel, quiet, sturdy frame.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Cycle-Ops Fluid, Performance Fluid
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD3, Dura-Ace, Rolf Vector Pros
Bottom Line:
This trainer is everything the manufacturer claims. It has a very sturdy and stable frame, it is easy to mount/dismount the bike due to the quick release mechanism, it is the quietest trainer I've tried, and the fluid unit provides the most realistic "road feel" I've found. I didn't try the smaller flywheel, but based on the way it rides, it's definitely worth it to invest the extra money for the larger flywheel. The price may be a little high, but I think is comparable to other high end trainers out there. The bottom line is this is the best trainer going.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
factory online
Strengths:
1. The Kurt Kinetic does everything they claim - it's built like a Sherman Tank but not too heavy (32#)with a 6# flywheel.
2. It folds to store easily
3. It provides more resistance than I can use. Resistance is just like road riding - increasing with the square of speed.
4. It's really quiet - can watch videos, radio etc. at normal volumes.
5. Chart supplied (and on web site)so you can read watts direct from speed.
6. great warranty.
Weaknesses:
NONE. As trainers go, this is the best. Recommend you use a cheap skewer - my Campy skewer with little handle doesn't fit well.
Similar Products Used:
old Minoura mag unit which was noisy and resistance inconsistent.
Bike Setup:
road bike with computer hooked to back wheel. I swapped out the Record skewer for a cheap one - all trainers are hard on skewers.
Bottom Line:
I read every review about every trainer and rollers, tried as many as I could; this one is sturdy and quiet - I watch old Tour de France videos I recorded to ease the boredom. If you shift up and stand, increased speed really brings up the resistance; downshift and I can spin easily. This has the smoothest resistance curve of any trainer I've tried - and with their chart you can read watts directly based on speed, so you know your power output.
I hooked a computer (Performance Axiom with long wire) to the BACK wheel so I can see speed and cadence as closely as possible to a real ride. It's not a real ride, but it's cold and dark outside when I get home from work.
The heavy flywheel option is good - it keeps on rolling after I stop pedalling, just like real life coasting (what me, coast?).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Reiter
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Factory
Strengths:
The resistance is excellent; it feels just like road riding but without the hills. If anything it has just a touch more resistance than the road. If you have a smooth tire on your bike the trainer is super quiet.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Wind trainers.
Bike Setup:
Home built, racing frame with Campi super record components.
Bottom Line:
Its not often that a product comes along that is built this well and works this good. I am totally happy with the trainer and would recommend it to anyone. I would also recommend the heavy-duty inertia wheel, it makes the ride more realistic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from New York,NY Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
A friend asked me to try his unit because he was having trouble. He has alot of vibration coming from it, which wasn't there when he first got it about 2 months ago. I tried my bike and the problem is the same. It is probably the axle/roller. He's going to try to send it back. My Cyclops Fluid 2 which I bought about the same time is still giong strong. For this amount of money I would expect much better!!!! He says that my Fluid 2 is much smoother than his trainer ever was. I can't give it a good rating, because it just wouldn't work. Simply unrideable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, Ohio Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$335.00
Strengths:
Solid construction, resistance unit design
Weaknesses:
None noticed
Similar Products Used:
Cycle-ops Fluid Plus
Bike Setup:
1999 Lemond Zurich
Bottom Line:
I purchased a Kurt Kinetic unit after my Cycle-ops unit self destructed after only a year of use (oil breakdown and leakage). The Kinetic trainer is far superior in build quality, resistance level, and road feel. I agree that the heavy duty inertia wheel is worth the money. Don't waste your time with other trainers. They don't get any better than this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
kurtkinetics.com
Strengths:
Strong, quiet, great road feel
Weaknesses:
Price$$$$
Similar Products Used:
Cyclops magnetic Trainer, Cyclops fluid trainer
Bike Setup:
Cannodale Caad3 road bike with Ultegra 9
Bottom Line:
This is one great trainer. I was first skeptical about the price tag for a stationary trainer and that it was a fluid trainer on top of it. The trainer is extremely heavy duty, it has large rubber bumper feet so my woodfloor doesn't take a beating. And to be honest it is pretty quiet even at higher speeds. The resistance increase expontially when you go faster. I can honestly say this is the best stationary trainer that I have ridden. The have an article in the November bicycling magazine which gives it 4 stars.
PS they offer two different models go for the one with the heavy duty fly wheel its worth the extra $25.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel LeFave
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, MA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Wide, stable base. Smooth, progressive resistance up to 2,500 watts. Great for all bikes including recumbents and BMX. Super quiet ride.
Weaknesses:
Although the trainer folds-up nicely and is easy to transport, the rugged frame and large resistance unit make for a relatively heavy trainer.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn, Minoura Ergo
Bottom Line:
This trainer has a fantastic fluid resistance unit that gives a quiet, smooth ride and claims up to 2,500 watts of resistance. Coupled with the sturdiest, most rugged and versatile frame on the market and you have the best fluid trainer at any price. Kurt Manufacturing explains that the Kinetic trainer has a sealed, leak-proof, resistance unit capable of reaching high temperatures without leaking or fluid breakdown. They have an assuring article on their web site that helped dismiss my fears of leaking problems.
Read my full review at: http://lefave.com/cycling
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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