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Kurt Kinetic Road Machine review
- Price Paid:$299.99
-
User rating:(4.8)
- Would buy again from this company: Yes
- Used product for: 1 years 5 months
- # of logged workouts:
"If you want to buy a quality trainer that will last a lifetime and can be used for virtual power this is the trainer to get. There is now a 2.0 version of this trainer that is nearly identical except that is handles 29x2.4" tires if you need that."sbohrer
Ease of use
To use you simply swap your rear skewer with the included skewer, then turn the knob to clamp the trainer to the skewer. Once the trainer is secure on the rear skewer you turn the knob to press the drum against the wheel. I first turn it to it begins contact with the tire then give it 3 full turns.
While this is pretty simple it could be improved by having a way to make sure the tension of the drum against the wheel was repeatable. I believe some other trainers have a quick release to pull the drum away from the tire. Repeatability in the drum tension is important if you plan to use this trainer for virtual power, and since the drum is partially spring loaded even using my 3 turns method above isn't exact.
Quality of Construction
This thing is a tank, and is very stable while riding. The fluid resistance chamber is sealed and driven by magnets so it won't start leaking over time like some other trainers might. The fluid used is also stable with temperature and has a very predictable power vs speed curve. This makes it ideal for using for virtual power with something like Trainer Road or Golden Cheetah.
Fit
Should fit most 26", or 700c bikes. I believe 29er mountain bikes might need the newer 2.0 version but should also work with this trainer if you put a skinny slick tire on though I have not tried.
Comfort
From a noise perspective this trainer is actually pretty quiet. I can easily watch TV and find that the fans I use to keep myself cool make more noise than the trainer.
Adjustability
Should fit most most 26" and 700c bikes.
Durability
As I mentioned above this thing is built like a tank and the magnetic driven fluid chamber should prevent it from leaking over time. I expect this trainer will last me a lifetime.
Value
There are cheaper trainers available but I still think this trainer has great value. First the construction means it should last a lifetime. Second this is one of the best trainers to use for virtual power so if you are interested in that you'll be able to improve your training for far less money than buying a real power meter.
Appearance
It looks like a trainer, but I suppose some may not find the bright green appealing.
Customer Service
I have not had to use their customer service but everything I have read online seems to indicate that it is exceptional.
Performance
This trainer is quiet, provides a very stable resistance curve, and allows you to train with virtual power. The trainer can easily handle 500+ Watts so it should provide plenty of resistance for any cyclist. The 5lb fly wheel provides a pretty realistic road feel and allows for about a 15 second roll down.
Strengths
Quality construction, stable speed vs power curve so it can be used for virtual power.
Weakness
Drum tension could be improved to be more repeatable.
- 10 people use
- 437 workouts logged
- 12424.38 miles / 642.75 hours logged
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Ease of installation
Product comes fully assembled in box, and includes skewer.