mark07

Hey Guys,

I'm in the market to purchase a trainer and was looking at CycleOps & Kinetic & am now leaning more towards Kinetic due to the number of great reviews about the quality and customer service.

I was wondering which of the two trainers is better suited for a beginner looking to get more serious into longer distance riding as well as building up strength. I can get the Pro Trainer for $299 and the Road Machine probably for a little over $300.

Kinetic Road Machine

Kinetic Pro Trainer

Thanks,
Mark

rogerstg

The difference is the 12# additional weight that can be added to the flywheel. It gives a slightly better road type feel when accelerating - through coasting. But, I find it's better to remove it when doing intervals.

If they're the same price. or close, get the Pro. IMO, it's not worth too much more than the regular trainer. BTW, either will be fine for your purposes.

Buegie

I don't know where you're seeing the Pro for $299, they're usually $399. And the road machine can be had for about $320. The Pro just has a larger flywheel that allows for more coasting. I have the road machine and it's great, the larger flywheel might feel slightly better but I can't imagine it being a huge improvement.

But it's summer (assuming you're in the N. hemisphere), you shouldn't be spending your time inside on the trainer anyway.

fordmanvt

I have the small flywheel Rock and Roll Trainer and while I got an awesome deal on it brand new, I wouldn't spend the extra money at retail price.

Looks like they got smart and are selling just the add-on flywheel for $90. So unlike when I bought my trainer, you can buy the base unit now and add-on the larger flywheel later. Before, the small and large flywheel models had different drive shaft diameters. Not sure if they upgraded to the bigger shaft or decided the smaller was sufficient.

JMallez

I had the Kinetic Pro, but like most in home exercise equipment it sat around and gathered dust so i gave it to my sister. I do highly recommend it though, very rugged and sturdy. However, i only recommend trainers if you can't go out and cycle, i love cycling outdoors seeing the scenery and feeling the hills & breeze so it just didn't work for me, riding inside got too hot and boring. But my sister rides it a lot because her work schedule and she's generally afraid to cycle on roads, and with the trainer she can cycle more than me during winter months.

So before you buy really consider if you will use it. If not the money could be better spent elsewhere.