 Sep 13th, 09. The Rock and Roll Trainer from Kurt Manufacturing takes the indoor trainer to a whole new level. Finally an indoor trainer that mimics the real world of cycling.
Ben demonstating the Rock and Roll trainer. Carl Gulbronson looks on (c) RoadCycling.co.nz
These are the issues the Kinetic trainer looks to resolve.
RoadCycling.co.nz's Ben Christian met Carl Gulbronson, US National Sales Manager Kinetic division of Kurt Manufacturing, at Ausbike last month and had an indepth look at these trainers.
While winter usually means less riding for many people, those who can withstand the boredom and pain mount their bikes on their indoor trainers and ride.
Traditionally trainers do not provide a realistic outdoor ride feeling due to the way the resistance unit is constructed. It's stiff, locked in position and interval training regularly ends up with the trainer tipping over.
With new construction and a revolutionary rocking technique, the Kinetic trainer goes a long way towards bringing the outdoor sensations indoors.
Kurt Manufacturing have a goal to recreate the outdoor experience indoors and have some innovations that define their trainer above others; the heavy flywheel, the rock and roll trainer and a lifetime guarantee.
Rocking on the trainer
The Kinetic 'Rock and Roll' trainer takes the outdoor realism to a new level with the ability to move from side to side while training.
Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer
This trainer certainly does rock. During the demo at Ausbike I was very impressed with how natural this trainer felt.
Although two minutes on the trainer wearing jeans and sneakers doesn't amount to much of a test run, I can see that out of the saddle sprints would now be possible, something that isn't possible on traditional trainers.
Sprints on the trainer
Kinetic trainers also offer the ability to add an additional flywheel giving the best of both worlds; the ability to have a realistic outdoor ride feeling, or remove to do sprint intervals.
"The bigger the flywheel the more realistic the ride," said Gulbronson. "However, if you have a big flywheel it makes it impossible to do sprint intervals as the acceleration is not possible."
Redesigning the resistance unit for a more consistent experience
Kurt Manufacturing designed a totally new resistance unit in response to an industry issue whereby traditional fluid trainers leaked over time. The new design doesn't use shafts and seals but rather a magnetic coupler enabling a totally sealed unit that will never leak.
"The big problem was that the traditional design of the resistance unit would eventually leak. As the unit got hot, the pressure inside the resistance unit would get high and eventually blow the seal," Gulbronson said.
The Kinetic display resistance unit (c) RoadCycling.co.nz
"Another benefit of the sealed resistance unit is the ability to use a higher grade of liquid silicone. Traditional trainers absorb heat into the fluid and they then get easier to pedal as they get hot. With the Kinetic trainer the fluid stays at same resistance regardless of heat," he said.
Since the development of the patented magnetic resistance unit the Kinetic trainers have become the world leader in indoor training equipment according to Gulbronson .
The Kinetic trainers are tested up to 100,000 km and offer an unconditional lifetime warranty.
"If you wear out any part or break the trainer it will be replaced. Kurt even offer a crash replacement warranty," Gulbronson explained.
Full range of bike compatibility
The Kinetic trainers accomodate bikes from 16 inch to 29 inch wheels, recumbents, track and are even approved for tandems. "The trainer is a one time investment, will fit virtually any bike, but it will make you a faster and stronger rider," said Gulbronson.
Everest Sports are the New Zealand distributor of the Kinetic trainer range, and although we are coming into summer there are still many times when the trainer is a better option that training outdoors.
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