Stationary Bike Stand Buying Tips and Reviews
The Kinetic Rock n Roll Smart Trainer – complete with a unique InRide Sensor – is an absolute triumph, updating the timeless Kinetic Rock n Roll design for the smartphone age, while preserving the smooth, fluid trainer-powered cycling experience that has made Kinetic a stalwart in a competitive industry.
Just so you know, there is an even more updated smart version, that comes complete with a plug-in smart control – well worth considering! More details HERE.
I was a little dubious myself, fearful that something that had worked so well before could be upgraded – but yes, this beast is a definite upgrade! I traded my old Rock n Roll trainer in for this smart trainer (it’s also known as version 2.0) a few months back and have never regretted it – my workouts are more realistic, fun and effective than ever before, with the additional smart technology making a world of difference.
Of course, the smart tech factor hasn’t had an impact on the price, which still hovers on the edge of pretty expensive (you can pick it up for around $550), but this trainer has to be on your shortlist if you’re looking for something that extra bit special… and especially if your cycling is on an upward curve.
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Smart technology to bring you rocking (and rolling!) into the 21st century!
Let’s start with the new stuff. The Inride Sensor is the centerpiece of the Kinetic Rock n Roll Smart Trainer’s “smart” offerings, promising precise data tracking and workout planning for the detail-oriented cyclist.
As a semi-serious cyclist with nearly two decades of experience, I simply can’t over-emphasize the importance of conscientious data-collection. The off-season, during which your competitors are piling on the pounds and losing fitness by the day, is the perfect time to get a head-start for spring races. However, careful planning is sooo important if you are to make the most of this vital period. I saw that the Inride Sensor collected mountains of data on everything from speed and heart rate to cadence, ensuring I was able to keep track of my progress as well as design training programs that pushed me hard while still allowing adequate recovery time.
If the Inride Sensor is adept at data compilation, Kinetic’s inRide app is absolutely outstanding when it comes to making good use of that data. It goes beyond mere number-crunching, but actually makes helpful and informed workout suggestions, modifying its built-in workout programs according to the data the sensor provides.
If those aren’t to your liking, the workout creation program offers a handy customization option, which even tech neophytes like me will find easy to navigate thanks to the intuitive user-interface. As the name suggests, the inRide app is even useful mid-ride, providing real-time interval graphing to monitor your performance right down to the last second, ensuring that you don’t inadvertently slack off and miss out on gains.
Finally, the new “smart” options are so easy to use, they pretty much do all the work for you. Other than connect the Kinetic Rock n Roll Smart Trainer to your mobile device (which literally just involves switching on both devices’ Bluetooth connections) the machine did all the work for me. Even updates (for paid users only) are automatic, ensuring that you can invest all your time and energy in working out instead of fiddling around on your touch screen or fussing about with knobs and dials.
Some top notch tech specs
This baby fails to disappoint – here’s a few reasons why:
- Supports wheel sizes from 700×23 up to 29 inch mountain bike tires
- Weighs 33 pounds (due to its quality build, see below)
- Lifetime warranty from Kinetic
- inRide sensor is pre-installed for wireless power-based workouts and fitness tests (there’s a free iOS app, Android is still in beta)
- App features built-in workouts; measures power, speed, cadence, distance and more
OK, but how does it handle?
If you’ve never used a Kinetic Rock n Roll indoor trainer before (such as the original classic Road Machine – which has also now been upgraded with an excellent smart version), you’re in for a real treat.
Kinetic has always justified this product’s premium price tag by reference to the Rock n Roll training experience, and it’s gratifying to see that the Rock n Roll Smart Trainer does not disappoint at all when you take it for a ride.
The sway of the trainer feels even more realistic than before, particularly when you’re pedaling against high resistance – when you stand up and pump those quads, the machine’s subtle and precise responses make it easy to pretend you’re out in the open on your favorite cycling route.
This not only makes for a more engaging training session, but also ensures your technique doesn’t take a turn for the worse in the winter months. Many cyclists who use substandard indoor trainers in the off-season come back as fit as ever, but find that their cycling technique, particularly on steep slopes, has regressed. Not so with Kinetic Rock n Roll users!
One quality-packed trainer…
Cyclists used to cheaper trainers are often shocked by the weight of Kinetic products, because this company does not skimp on building materials.
Every inch of these machines is crafted with welded steel or reinforced aluminium, for a robust construction that is built to last. Moreover, the pivot points (frequently the first component to give way in a vigorous workout) are made with car-grade elastomer for enhanced durability.
Another upside to the Kinetic Rock n Roll Smart Trainer’s uncompromising focus on heavy-duty building materials is increased stability. Whenever I tell laymen I’ve bought a Rock n Roll trainer, they inevitably ask whether a trainer that prides itself on its ability to rock and sway as you pedal is safe to use.
The answer, as all Kinetic fans know, is yes – so long as your trainer is built to take a beating. This smart trainer certainly is. The new ABS plastic contact points, with a thick rubber coating, provide an even firmer floor grip for superb anti-skid performance, contributing to the great overall balance of this trainer.
In summary: why you’ll want one of these Kinetic smart trainers!
As you probably can tell, I’m a huge fan of Kinetic’s long-awaited smart offerings. The Rock n Roll series has now been updated for the smartphone era, and what a gorgeous, high-tech product it is! It’s not cheap, but what smart tech enabled trainer is these days (but hey, the similarly priced Smart ErgoTrainer from Tacx is also an option to consider – see our review).
All in all, this is a quality trainer guaranteed to ramp up your training sessions. Highly recommended.
