Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)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.

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Tested and rated the best by the Cycling press and loved by riders, it's no wonder the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine indoor trainer is the official bicycle trainer for the USA Cycling Team. It's quiet, smooth, leak-proof, and offers an ultra-accurate simulation of outdoor riding. Powertap calibrated, the fluid trainer automatically adjusts resistance as you change speed.

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CycleOps Wind Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have an older mag trainer that I used to use for indoor workouts. I pulled it out this season to use, but became disappointed with the performance since I would have to get off the bike to adjust for more resistance. I did some shopping around for a replacement, decided on this one. It's well built and gives a great workout with progressive resistance. Now I don't need to get off the bike when I want to go harder, it can be done by pedaling faster and shifting gears. The progressive resistance is closely emulating what you'd feel on the road.
It's not as noisy as one reviewer states. Yes, it's noisier then a fluid trainer, but not much noisier then my old mag trainer. There was a strange noise when I first used the trainer, but that was overcome by tightening the bolt on the resistance unit's axle. Once tightened the noise coming out of the trainer was just like a wind. The faster the wheel moves, the noise does pick up, but not to the point you can't hear a stereo or TV.
I chose this model over a fluid model for a couple of reasons. First, the axiom that simpler is better is true here. No fluid leaks (which is an issue with this company's fluid models). All parts look like I can diagnose the issue and get it fixed without having to go back to my fluid dynamics textbooks from grad school. The second reason is price. A trainer's lifespan is measured in hours of use, and may only last a season or two. I'd rather replace one of these again then to pay $350-$400 every couple years.
I didn't buy another mag trainer even though they've improved since my last one was built, with remote shifting and sturdier components. One issue with mag trainers is that at some point, you'll surpass the magnet's force and all of a sudden be coasting. Not fun if you are in the middle of a sprint. Also, there is no coasting on purpose, so you can't ease up every now and then without the wheel stopping.
I suggest you invest in the riser block for your front wheel, and well cushioned gloves when using a trainer like this one. Sitting in one position for an extended time like you do with these trainers requires some comfort measures to be in place.

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The CycleOps Wind Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer is a solid performing trainer that is easy on the pocketbook. With a simple and elegant design, the Wind Trainer's fan uses air to create a smooth, even resistance. The vortex blade design is high-powered, but produces very little noise. You'll be pleasantly surprised with this entry-level trainer's extra-wide range of progressive resistance and remarkable frame stability. The die cast zinc fan blades also double as a heavy flywheel for fluid stops and starts and a more road-like feel. The trainer includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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New 2010 Green Kurt Kinetic Road Machine with Riser Ring, Power Computer & Floor Mat Package Review

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(More customer reviews)Let's put this right up front: I don't like riding on trainers. I would rather be outside riding, but the fact is, I live in Colorado and there are a few months of the year where I have to make a decision: freeze or ride the trainer. While I don't like riding trainers, I like freezing even less.
This trainer makes it almost palatable. It is incredibly stable and smooth. The progressive resistance feels very natural, and you know you're working if you are spinning anything over about 18mph. The mat is actually fairly nice (and a real necessity if you're doing a long ride on the trainer because YOU WILL SWEAT).
They didn't really mention it in the write-up, but it has a release mechanism that makes it faster than normal to remove the bike. One of the things I hate most about a trainer is when it happens to be nice enough outside to ride, it's a pain to get the bike out easily. Cyclops has a good quick release, but I'm riding this one because I've seen too many cyclops that leak. Anyway, this release isn't as elegant as the cyclops, but you don't have to turn the bolt 100 times to release the bike.
Overall, I'm very happy with this trainer. I've got ~300 miles on it so far and I don't want to cry because it's still too cold to ride outside. One thing to note (if you're a new trainer rider), put a fan in front of you!


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FREE DVD only available with the 2010 model trainer has 3- 30 minute Spinerval workouts: Lifetime Frame Warranty and motor warranty with a crash inclusion which allows you to receive replacement parts for any reason for $25 and shipping. FEATURES: Adjustable legs to accommodate BMX, Mountain and Road Bikes. Folds in half for easy storage. Non-marring PVC feet absorbs floor irregularities Robotically welded frame for strength and powder coated painted for extreme durability. Power-tap calibrated replicates power requirements of outdoor ride. 80 cooling fins to dissipate heat! 3 ounces of themaldynamically neutral liquid silicone provides quiet road-like resistance. Sealed fluid chamber with magnetic coupler for leakfree operation. 2 1/8" roller, Largest in the industry, extends tire life! Dynamically balanced flywheel provides a smooth ride, choose standard (3lbs) or Raod Machine (6.25lbs). Patented quick-release lever lock, speeds bike attachment and removal. Cone cups accommodate 99% of OEM skewers. Speed sensitive resistance unit automatically adjusts difficulty level from 20 to 2,500 watts. fits bikes with wheels from 16" to 29" O.D. FLOOR MAT: Its simple. Its functional. And the perfect accessory for a Kinetic trainer. The Kinetic Floor Mat. Reduces vibration. And keeps floors sweat-free. * Closed cell PVC foam * Noise-dampening material * Dimensions: 79" X 36.5" COMPUTER: The fluid trainer has an amazingly accurate power curve (power v speed). Combined with this Kinetic power computer, riders get accurate estimates of power output without a special hub, excess wires, or complicated gear calibration. Three-line display Current power in watts Average power in watts Maximum power in watts Current speed Power output only accurate when riding trainer. Average Speed Maximum speed Odometer / Total distance Trip distance Ride time Total ride time Clock Auto on / Auto off Sleep mode

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CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)It's silent except for the sound of your tire rolling over it, and completely stable. There's really no need to buy the next more expensive one. I haven't felt the need for a mat. And the resistance truly is road like except without the bumps and traffic lights. It's a constant effort though, so you will get more of a work out in 45 minutes on the trainer than you would in double that time riding on the road.
You will want to accessorize however for a few reasons:
First of all, riding a trainer is the most boring thing ever. At the very least you will want to be listening to music, and ideally you will want to set up a TV to watch while you're putting in your time getting nowhere fast.
If you don't have water bottles and cages on your bike, this is the time to get them, and also a good way to practice drinking from them while riding.
You will sweat buckets, and don't want to soak your bike and the floor with it because sweat is highly corrosive in addition to being stinky, so in addition to the roughly $300 you will pay for this trainer you might as well spring for the the "Bike Thong" which Amazon also sells (with Free Super Saver Shipping) for about $22 (cheaper than CycleOps sells it for, and they don't give you free shipping). The bike thong will protect your bike from all that corrosive sweat and it comes with a handy pocket organizer to hold your TV remote control, iPod, Clif Bars or whatever you might want handy. Trust me, attempting to cover your bike with a towel wont work nearly as well either for the bike or you as you try to keep it in place.
You should also get a fan to blow air on you as you ride your trainer.
As for a climbing block to raise your front wheel for another twenty-something dollars, I've been using an old sandle and that has worked just fine. The first few times riding with the sandle under the front wheel I keep turning involuntarily, but got used to it. Honestly, I feel the climbing block is a waste of money, and that for the price of the trainer it should have been included.
This trainer does come with a DVD, but I haven't watched it yet because I don't imagine the most beneficial and boring task of riding a trainer every day is going to be made more beneficial or interesting by having someone tell me what to do. Instead, I recommend a DVD of Breaking Away or Top Gun--so you feel like you're flying.
Last point: if you're really into cycling rather than simply doing this as exercise, the bike trainer will help your technique. Any amount of wiggling around, or most any bad cycling habit, it soon eliminated after being amplified by your time on the trainer. You will also hear your bike better, and notice all those squeeks and strange clicks that you couldn't hear while riding for real (personally I feel a bike should purr).
Love it. Highly recommend it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer

The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer features a new larger flywheel with twice the inertia for an improved, road-like feel. The power-band technology offers the widest resistance range--from easy spins to lung-burning climbs--without ever touching the unit. The infinite resistance curve ensures increased wattage as you increase speed for realistic statistical analysis at the end of your ride. The Fluid 2 is surprisingly quiet, and the self-cooling mechanisms--including a patented fan design--keep the unit performing better, longer. Includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)A trainer is better if it closely replicates an actual cycling experience. Hence, the graduating complexity and cost of fan, magnetic and fluid drive trainers. The more you pay, the closer the experience is to replicating the inertia of what happens in a real ride. You want the trainer to feel as if it takes more exertion to get up to speed, but also want it to "coast", when you stop pedaling. This trainer is a mag drive, and does a good overall job, but doesn't coast well. I find myself pedaling all the time, as if I were hill climbing. That's OK for getting exercise, but not good for getting in a sustained ride. Those brief periods of coasting help the muscles recover and allow longer ride time. I could stop entirely for short periods, but that's not how I want to ride. I do use the gears to vary pedaling speed, but can't use the high gear and standing to vary the working muscles enough on the trainer; the resistance doesn't go high enough for that. I haven't tried a fluid drive, so don't know if it would be much better. I suggest trying a trainer somewhere before buying. All said and done, I would probably buy this same trainer again, as it is solidly built and with a smooth tire on the bike, quiet enough. Now, if someone put a 20 lb weight on the spinner...

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The CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer helps keep your legs in shape, even during the winter months. The indoor trainer is designed with magnet brakes and utilizes a unique, internal flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance lever has five different settings so you can vary your workout from warm-up stage to tough-terrain riding. The sturdy steel frame has leveling feet for stability, while the foldable legs allow you to easily set-up and store the bike. The indoor bicycle trainer comes with an informational DVD.

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