Stationary Bike Stand Buying Tips and Reviews

If you’re looking to really take your training program to the next level, investing in the Kurt Kinetic Z Rollers trainer will undoubtedly help you get there! Seriously, these rollers are the business, and will have you looking like a cycling pro with some awesome bike handling skills! And on top of that, watch out for the improvements in your cycling form and pedaling efficiency!

Click HERE for the latest reviews & discounts for the Kinetic Z Roller!

Of course, many cyclists often dismiss the idea of roller trainers, largely because they do require some time to get to grips with, and need plenty of concentration (they are hard to master, as you can see in this video!)! For beginners, they might just be out of your range – instead, try one of these great value trainers.

But for those of you really looking to get serious about your cycling, rollers really are a superb option – and the Z roller from Kinetic (Kinetic are also responsible for the long-standing fave Road Machine and newly updated, but still very realistic, Rock n Roll trainer) is the perfect way to get rollin’ with your training sessions!

So why buy the Kinetic Z Roller Trainer?

The Kinetic Z Roller is perhaps the creme de la creme of roller trainers out there. Let’s tell you a little bit more about them to convince you that they should be fast-tracked to your bucket-list!

The Z Roller gets its name from its awesome capability to foldup – it folds easily and quickly at two points, just like the letter Z. Two hinges are attached on each side of the frame to create the twofold cut; when folded the Z Roller becomes super portable and very easy to transport around, unlike many other rollers on the market. Just so you know, when folded the Z Roller has a height of just 8.8 inches, which can easily fit under the bed or inside any closet.

The following video from the guys at Kinetic shows just how easy it is to fold up – as well as giving you a quick glimpse into the reasons Kinetic designed this roller trainer.

Setting up the roller is also dead easy, all you have to do is to flip the two ends out and make sure that the four feet along each side are flat on the floor (they help make it very stable). You can lessen the vibration caused by the roller and protect your floor if you set the roller on a training mat like the Kinetic Training Mat that is made up of closed-cell PVC foam. Reducing the vibration will prove beneficial in the long term since it minimizes wear on the rollers.

As with any roller trainer, you have to make sure that the wheels of the bike are in the middle of the rollers to get a smooth and even feel when you start pedaling. If keeping steady is difficult when you start using the roller, we’d advise you to set it up close to the doorway or to a wall, which you can use to brace yourself while finding your balance. We’ve shown you before, those rollers aren’t easy to master!

The aluminum drums and steel bearings of the Kinetic Z roller will give you a smooth and almost noiseless performance. But yes, you really need to focus on your pedaling while looking straight ahead, obviously the same as when you ride your bike outdoors; once you have gained confidence in using it and can keep a steady balance, you can move away from the wall and start working on the cadence of your pedaling. You will quickly notice that as you increase your speed, your balance improves and your ride feels more stable.

You could even go pro-like with even more practice, which the Z Roller can certainly assist you with; learning how to ride handsfree ensures that your balance is at its optimum (not at all easy by the way, especially on rollers) and hopefully within a few sessions you can even multi-task, such as taking something out of your backpack.

Some of the Z Rollers main features

• The Kinetic Z Roller comes with THREE precision-machined aluminum rollers (3.5 inches x 14.7 inches in size), and is 11.5 inches high.
• The sturdy frame includes TWO hinges on both sides; in turn, this does not affect the steady support it provides.
• The tri-fold design (hence the name Z Roller) reduces the roller to a compact 21 x 20 x 8.8 inches that makes it portable and easy to store. The two-point connection with the hinges does NOT affect the stability of the rollers.
• It can be adjusted to fit bikes with a wheelbase from 38.2 to 43.3 inches.
• Dual-grooved to enable left or right-side dismount.
• An unconditional lifetime warranty from Kinetic; with careful handling, this roller will last a long time since the repair and replacement of parts from normal wear is covered by the warranty.

So what’s NOT to like about the Kinetic Z Rollers?

The only thing we’ve seen that might be an issue for those of you who really enjoy intense training sessions is that it’s not easy to get some intense resistance. We’re talking reaching peaks of 350-400 watts for 20+ minutes, something that probably isn’t going to trouble the majority of you out there anyway (no offence meant!).

If it’s a question of building up your stamina and endurance, then this baby is for you, but if you’re after those defining peaks in resistance, we’d have to say go for something like the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer or the Rock n Roll trainer.

Bottom line: is it worth the money?

The Kinetic Z Rollers are going to make you look like a cycling pro, and, as long as you get to grips with the balance aspect, you’re going to be seeing that upgrade fairly quickly.

Rollers do take a bit of practice, without a doubt, but this awesome roller trainer from Kinetic is definitely the one that will have you rolling along with that certain air of gracefulness that some of those pros so easily show (but we’re not sure you’ll quite be ready for tricks like this!). You might not quite reach their skill level, but at least you’ll look like a pro!

Value for money? Look, they aren’t cheap little pieces of aluminum stitched together, these rollers are quality pieces of equipment. Quality work from a Kinetic, a quality brand, and almost guaranteed to get you looking like a quality cyclist! So yes, value for money, definitely!

OK, many of you out there are riding your trainer for a number of reasons: you might be trying to keep fit, lose some of that winter fat, or just love getting in the saddle. But did you know that cycling (outdoors or in) can do some wonders for your sex life?

OMG, we did it, the sex word was uttered…

You’ve probably already encountered it, but that rise in oxygen levels your blood receives after a good training session is producing a whole lot of intense feelings that mean, well, to put it bluntly, more sexual energy.

>>> 7 amazing ways your indoor trainer can enhance your life

Naturally, if you’re out on your bike (or indoors on your trainer) regularly, we’re presuming you’re in fairly decent shape, which probably does no harm whatsoever when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.

And even better for the fit and healthy (and loved); research by the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic shows that the average male who has 350 orgasms a year lives FOUR years longer than those who orgasm based on the national average, which is around a quarter of that (350/4 = 87.5)! The research also indicated that if you’re really up for it, 700 orgasms a year might mean extending your life by up to EIGHT YEARS!

>>> Need an indoor trainer to ramp up your sex life? Try one of THESE beauties!

If you were worrying about the ladies, don’t! The same research shows that those who have regular orgasms had less of a risk of getting ill, and tend to have a lot more energy, a lot more energy than those ladies who weren’t having orgasms…

It’s no real wonder that there is a marked improvement in your sex life and sexual energy when you take a look at some of the factors that come into play after a cycling session:

• Blood is pumping through your body: We know that cycling is awesome for really getting to grips with your cardiovascular!
• If you’re working on your stamina, expect enhancements to your staying power between the sheets: If you’re working on endurance training, you can expect to tire less easily, which keeps everybody happy in bed!
• Your legs & buttocks are going to be looking mighty fine: After some period in the saddle, whether indoors or out, you’re bound to notice your improved new look – and yes, so will others!
• Release those endorphins: Whenever you’ve wrapped up a training session, just know that you’ve released a whole load of endorphins, which will help have you feeling pretty darned good. Oh, and also help arousal. Oh wow.
• Enhanced confidence: After finishing another indoor training session on your bike, there’s a distinct possibility that you’ll be feeling great about you and the new enhanced you. And if you feel it, others will notice it.

Ride carefully and enjoy yourselves (indoors and out)!

SEE ALSO:
How to stay motivated for those winter training sessions
Want to stay lean and sexy? Ride in the mornings!

OK, so you’ve gone and purchased that spanking new bike trainer, well done! Now all you’ve got to do is set it up, crank up your training program and you’re away!

If you really want to upgrade your sessions, protect your bike AND be a little considerate to friends and family, then a bike trainer mat has to be on your checklist – and perhaps the ultimate bike trainer mat, the Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat, should be the one that you splash the cash on. We’re here to tell you why.

There are cheaper training mats out there, that’s perfectly clear (we featured some of them in our wrap up of the very best training mats), but the Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat is a high-quality piece of gear that will truly upgrade your indoor training.

Click HERE for the latest reviews & discounts for the Kinetic Trainer Mat!

OK, so why buy the Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat?

The Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat is a half-inch thick, heavy-duty mat that you place underneath your stationary bike stand to reduce noise and vibrations. It provides a flexible yet steady base that will keep your trainer firmly in position – no more sudden slipping! If you have a hardwood or glossy floor, the mat is perfect for preventing the trainer from sliding and marking the floor. We noticed it’s also thick enough to provide sufficient cover for rough or uneven surfaces that can cause the trainer to wobble.

The weight of your trainer might leave some indentations on the mat, but thanks to its durability, this training mat will not tear easily. Made of closed-cell PVC foam with a textured finish on the top and smooth on the bottom, the smooth underside of the mat gives great traction and stability for whatever flooring your training sessions take place on (even on carpets, although you may notice a slightly less even surface).

The Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat is also great for retaining oil and sweat that might drip onto the mat while you train, mainly because the textured surface is slightly absorbent. It’s super easy to clean: you can hose it down, use soap to remove clinging dirt and oil stains, or you can just shake off any small debris from its surface.

Kurt Kinetic Trainer Mat dimensions

When tightly rolled, the mat has a diameter of about eight inches so you can easily store it in a closet. Thanks to its durable build, it keeps its form without creasing when properly stored. Note that if you use it over your carpet, you should probably clean up oil stains before rolling it since the oil can cling to the smooth underside and stain your carpet next time you roll the mat out.

The Kinetic Kurt Trainer Mat is 79 inches long and 36.5 inches wide, making it suitable for most rollers and trainers (but probably a match made in heaven for the Kurt Kinetic Rock ‘n Roller). It covers uneven floors to give a stable and steady base for your trainer, and reduces noise and vibration that can disturb other people in the house.

No matter how hard you work out, the mat keeps your trainer firmly in place and prevents grime and debris from damaging your floor. For those of us with partners or family, this can be critical for everyone’s sanity!

If you’re aiming to stay fit over the coming months while CO-VID-19 runs rampant across the globe, you’ll probably have your stationary bike stand set up something like in the image below. Or perhaps not.

You may well be motivated for those upcoming sessions – and if you’re not, try checking out some of these videos for some inspiration – but making sure you’ve got the perfect environment is a big part in getting the most out of your training.

We’d highly recommend something like the image below if you can, but obviously, each to their own. We’d definitely add in a training tire to help reduce tire wear and tear, plus a training mat to help reduce noise and protect your floor. We’d also probably replace the phone book with a proper riser block, and the towel on the bike frame with a sweat guard, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers!

How do YOU set up to fight COVID-19?

SEE ALSO:
The 7 major ways an indoor trainer can truly change your life!
The 5 BEST bike trainers for 2020
How an indoor trainer can ramp up your SEX LIFE!

With COVID-19 running riot across the world, and with governments fast putting self-isolation policies in place, it could be time to hide away in your man cave and start pedaling your way to a super-charged immune system!

OK, you don’t necessarily need your own dedicated space to set up a bike trainer, but if you ever needed a reason to get training – or for those of you just thinking about purchasing a trainer – COVID-19 has surely done enough damage worldwide to get even the laziest of you out there back in the saddle. Of course, with gyms already shutting up shop worldwide, hopping on to your indoor bike stand really could be the ideal solution for keeping fit during this period!

You might be aware of what the Coronavirus can do to your body – unless you’ve been hiding away in that man cave for some time already – but getting that immune system back into shape is definitely a good thing, especially if you’re from one of the demographics at risk. As we’re certainly not medical professionals, head to the official CDC site for more precise info.

Stressing about COVID-19 isn’t going to help you either – stress can weaken our immune system, with higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline known to have a terrible impact on our immune system. So instead of stressing, one of the very best ways to banish all that pent up tension is to exercise. And, of course, we can’t think of a better way of exercising than getting on your stationary bike stand!

To get you up and running cycling, we’ve collected a number of posts below for you to enjoy. Some of them will give you some great training tips, while others will provide the inspiration for splashing out on an indoor bike stand if you haven’t already…

• 8 ways to really get the BEST out of your training sessions
• Not only will it boost your immune system, your indoor trainer will also help you burn off that winter belly!
• NEVER do this before a training session!
• How your indoor trainer can ramp up your SEX LIFE!
• Use your indoor trainer to fight COVID-19 AND cancer!
• The 5 BEST stationary bike stands to buy this year!
• Beginner’s guide to which indoor bike stand to choose
• THREE things to consider when buying a trainer

After you’ve gone and splashed the cash on your ideal stationary bike stand, it’s time to start training – and that means putting in some serious effort and sweating like a true pro!

And yep, based on our own personal experience, we can guarantee that sweat will be dripping from almost every part of your body if you put in any kind of sustained effort on your trainer!

Of course, if the sweat is pouring off, your fitness program is well on course and you’ll be feeling the benefits of all that perspiration – BUT, in case you haven’t already twigged, all that sweat isn’t ideal for your bike…

And if you’re feeling extremely on the ball, you might be aware that all that sweat is going to contain a helluva lot of salt. That’s very corrosive salt, salt that is going to do some nasty things to your bike over time.

But never fear, we’ve got you (OK, to be more precise, your bike!) covered with the CycleOps Bike Thong Sweat Catcher!

There are a ton of cycling accessories out there of course, but the CycleOps Sweat Catcher is a superb addition to your training arsenal. Made of impressively strong terry cloth that absorbs the sweat dripping off of your body when on your bike trainer, this sweat catcher stops those beads of salty perspiration reaching the parts of your bike that might be susceptible to corrosion.

>>> 7 awesome ways cycling can truly change your life
>>> 5 amazing bike stands to ramp up your training in 2020

Of course, that salty sweat you’ve been puffing and panting to create really doesn’t want to get in contact with your gears, your bike’s paint job, and other metal parts that can slowly rust and corrode thanks to the prolonged effects of salt. It doesn’t matter how well you clean your bike after each ride, salty sweat that comes in contact with the metal parts of your bike will cause some corrosion that will only get worse over time.

There are cheap and cheerful options, such as a towel, but this sweat catcher from CycleOps does it more efficiently. One of the big advantages with this sweat catcher is that you won’t need to wring out the moisture as you do with towels since the terry cloth material has the capacity to absorb and retain large amounts of moisture. And no matter how careful you are in fitting a towel to your seat, it can unravel while you are putting in some serious pedaling, and have the potential to cause you some serious problems.

The CycleOps Sweat Catcher comes with a velcro fastener that attaches firmly around the contours of your seat and handlebars. And for those of you who love your gadgets and accessories, the fitted pouch (which can be removed) enables you to store a variety of items, such as the TV remote when you are training indoors, your mobile phone, or a bottle of water.

For around only $20 this is a great little add-on to your training sessions that helps prevent that salty corrosive sweat reaching the parts of your bike you really don’t want it to reach…

When the cold weather (or a pandemic like COVID-19) hits, many of the serious cyclists of you out there decide that it’s just too cold and icy (and even illegal(!)) to risk your early morning rides. So, yes, the cycling gear invariably goes into hibernation for a while; this can obviously be a big blow in maintaining your fitness goals if you’re just even a wee bit serious about fitness and cycling.

But the weather (or COVID-19) really doesn’t have to have that much of an impact on your training; the quick and easy solution is to invest in an indoor bike stand – and we’re pretty sure one of the best magnetic resistance trainers out there – the CycleOps Magneto Trainer – really does answer all your indoor training needs, whether you’re a beginner or wannabe pro.

Click HERE for the latest discounts & reviews on the CycleOps Magneto Trainer

If you’re seriously considering adding an awesome piece of equipment to your training arsenal (or looking for the ultimate toy in your man cave!), the CycleOps Magneto trainer is quite the piece! It’s not overly expensive like the newer smart versions of the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine or Rock’n Roll trainer – you can find it online for around $250 (almost HALF the price of the Kinetic trainers!) – but perhaps more importantly, it’s very easy to set up AND it comes with some very decent features, as we reveal below…

One of the key features of this CycleOps gem – its durability!

We’re big fans of the CycleOps brand (which has actually been merged into the Saris group these days, but you can still find many CycleOps products online), with the terrific Fluid 2 amongst our stable of well-ridden trainers.

And perhaps the overriding feature for many CycleOps products is their absolute durability. The CycleOps Magneto trainer is, of course, no exception to that rule, with a quality aluminum body and a frame that features the familiar CycleOps two-inch 16-gauge steel tubing that all of the CycleOps trainers sit on.

Without a doubt, as we’ve seen with the Fluid 2 over some heavy usage over the last 3-4 years, you’re almost guaranteed a bike stand that will see you through years of training. Seriously, this baby will love you back for a long, long time. Plus, if you ever do need it, the Magneto trainer comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. It doesn’t get much more durable than that.

And of course – the world’s first Progressive Resistance trainer!

The magnetic resistance that comes with the CycleOps Magneto trainer is darned impressive. Actually the world’s first trainer to feature progressive resistance – meaning that the resistance increases when you pedal faster – this trainer really does give you a decent workout!

With 5 different resistance settings, you can vary your sessions to get the optimal efficiency and effectiveness for your own personal level. These resistance settings are also easy to implement – you just set the trainer’s resistance lever to the required level and the trainer will supply the resistance.

Tell me more about Progressive Resistance

Some might argue that the progressive resistance feature is the clincher for buying the CycleOps Magneto trainer, since it really was the first trainer on the market to use it. And since that was some 5 years ago or so, you can see the resilience and success behind the Magneto, as it is still one of the leading magnetic trainers available.

The progressive resistance in this CycleOps gem basically means that the faster you ride, the more the resistance increases. This is all down to CycleOps impressive resistance technology (read more here); increased cycling momentum causes the magnets to spin further away from the flywheel, therefore increasing the resistance.

But why do I need progressive resistance?

Progressive resistance can be especially useful when you want to launch a fast-paced training session. Thanks to the amazing technology in this Magneto trainer, resistance actually increases exponentially and smoothly as you increase your pace – just like you’d experience out on the road as you ride into a headwind.

Click HERE for the latest discounts & reviews on the CycleOps Magneto Trainer

How realistic a ride is the CycleOps Magneto trainer?

One of the major – and absolutely legitimate – questions you’ll have when purchasing a new bike stand is just how realistic will the ride be?

Of course, nothing beats the outdoor ride, as you ride into headwinds, push yourselves into a long climb, or accelerate out of a bend…the sweat and effort you put in to overcome your body’s inertia is what riding is all about!

You’ll be pleased to know that the guys and girls over at CycleOps have taken all the joys of outdoor riding into account and created a unique internal flywheel, which the CycleOps Magneto includes.

This internal flywheel really does an impressive job by providing the inertia that needs to be overcome whenever you pedal faster (CycleOps were possibly the first to realize that the huge, heavy flywheels of the past weren’t the answer to supplying the necessary inertia). Paired with the progressive resistance unit, the flywheel gives you the perfect ride and comes pretty darned close to the ride you’d get outdoors!

Things we liked (and didn’t like) about the CycleOps Magneto trainer

The things we loved…

• Durable and sturdy construction
• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Unique internal flywheel that gives a realistic ride
• Folds up easily for easy storage
• Decently quiet during rides (CycleOps say that the noise level at 20 mph is a quiet 66-68 decibels)
• Easy to set-up and use
• Progressive resistance unit
• Comes with adjustable footpads to ensure stable rides even when riding on an uneven surface
• Suitable for common road and mountain bike frames (650b, 700c, 26″, 27″ and 29″ wheel sizes)
• Quick Cam Lever Resistance unit for quick and easy adjustments when tightening the roller against your tire
• Weighs a lightweight 19 pounds
• Comes with a training DVD and instruction sheet

The things we didn’t like…

• The frame could be a little sleeker and more modern (but this trainer was first developed before the arrival of smart trainers, so perhaps we’re a bit picky)…

What are buyers saying about the CycleOps Magneto trainer?

As you’d probably expect with a brand like CycleOps (Saris), this trainer comes with some strong reviews on sites like Amazon.

We’ve seen reviewers are happy with the quick and easy setup (see the video below), its ease of use, its amazing progressive resistance, and its quietness (CycleOps insist it reaches a maximum of 66-68 decibels when riding at 20mph).

Others have complained about the noise, but one thing we have to point out is that magnetic trainers are always going to be a little noisier than their more technologically supreme fluid trainers, for example, the much loved Fluid 2.

One thing that we always recommend for reducing noise (and applicable to anyone buying a trainer) – invest in a decent trainer tire (see our guide to the best trainer tires out there) and trainer mat. You might be surprised just how much they help in reducing the noise, especially if you’ve been using knobbly mountain bike tires up until now!

So, why should you buy the CycleOps Magneto trainer?

If you’re looking for an excellent value trainer, an all-round performer that will keep your training on course, you can do much worse than considering the CycleOps Magneto trainer.

Coming in at around the $250 mark, this trainer provides a ton of great features (read above), as well as the awesome technology and durability that comes hand-in-hand with any CycleOps trainer.

When you add in the fact that you can use the CycleOps Magneto for a variety of training sessions – from improving your speed, to building stamina (thank that progressive resistance technology), to warming up prior to a race – this trainer packs in a tremendous amount of value.

To sum it all up for you, the CycleOps Magneto trainer is a superb option to consider if you’re looking for an excellent magnetic trainer that has been training up many cyclists around the world for some years now. If you’re ready to splash out the extra $200-$300 (minimum) on a smart trainer, do it. Otherwise, save your money for now and add this baby to your training routine pronto!