Need clarification on Kinetic trainer
08-12-08, 03:51 PM
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Need clarification on Kinetic trainer
I have been shopping for trainers today. I have it narrowed down to the Kurt Kinetic. I am overwhelmed with so much info. Can somone explain coast down? I noticed that the better ones have a longer coast down period. Also, is a remote not needed on a fluid trainer to increase or decrease resistance? What does tempature have to do with resistance? Finally, do I change gears on my bike while using the trainer? Help, I'm lost!! Thanks
08-12-08, 04:45 PM
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Coast down is momentum or spin afteryou stop pedaling. I have a kurt kinetic and love it. also an old cycle ops which does not compare. Get the rock and roll, makes riding trainers much better. you shift for resistance, 20 miles on the trainer takes me the same time as on the road, give or take a minute.
08-12-08, 06:46 PM
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I do not have the Kurt Kinetic, but I can tell you to stay away from the Blackburn Trakstand (especially the Fluid model).
It's the cheapest fluid trainer you'll find, but you'll also find that you will simply NOT be able to hold a steady resistance level with it, which can really dampen a good workout. In addition, the coast down period is very short, almost too harsh. It doesn't simulate anything, nor does it enhance any part of your workout.
I wish I could return it, but the LBS I bought it from had a strict NO-RETURN policy, and I haven't been able to sell it yet.
It's the cheapest fluid trainer you'll find, but you'll also find that you will simply NOT be able to hold a steady resistance level with it, which can really dampen a good workout. In addition, the coast down period is very short, almost too harsh. It doesn't simulate anything, nor does it enhance any part of your workout.
I wish I could return it, but the LBS I bought it from had a strict NO-RETURN policy, and I haven't been able to sell it yet.
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08-13-08, 06:13 AM
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I own a KK. It is a wonderful trainer.
Coast down is a function of the flywheel. The larger the flywheel the longer the coast down. That determines the trainers ability to maintain a constant speed as you pedal and translates to you as a natural "feel". Upon start up, the inertia of the flywheel makes it hard to start pedaling. IOW, it feels like you are on road.
A remote is not needed. Resistance comes from the gears. On the KK, you bring the roller up to the tire then turn the crank two complete turns to avoid tire slipping. There is no advantage to turning it more than two turns.
Temperature will change the viscosity of the fluid and thus the perceived resistance. The temperature of the fluid can get pretty hot due to friction, so a huge heat sink is attached to keep this under control.
Basically, what all this means is that you want the trainer to feel as natural as the road. Something that the KK does extremely well. BTW, the rock and roll version make the trainer feel even more natural. They sell a kit that allows the standard trainer to be retrofitted to the rock and roll.
You can't go wrong with a KK. I've owned mine for three years and use it in the winter just about every day. I love it. There is an extremely good book called "Workouts in a binder" by Dirk Friel that keeps things interesting. You will find that trainers can be extremely boring and this book has helped keep memotivated throughout the winter.
Coast down is a function of the flywheel. The larger the flywheel the longer the coast down. That determines the trainers ability to maintain a constant speed as you pedal and translates to you as a natural "feel". Upon start up, the inertia of the flywheel makes it hard to start pedaling. IOW, it feels like you are on road.
A remote is not needed. Resistance comes from the gears. On the KK, you bring the roller up to the tire then turn the crank two complete turns to avoid tire slipping. There is no advantage to turning it more than two turns.
Temperature will change the viscosity of the fluid and thus the perceived resistance. The temperature of the fluid can get pretty hot due to friction, so a huge heat sink is attached to keep this under control.
Basically, what all this means is that you want the trainer to feel as natural as the road. Something that the KK does extremely well. BTW, the rock and roll version make the trainer feel even more natural. They sell a kit that allows the standard trainer to be retrofitted to the rock and roll.
You can't go wrong with a KK. I've owned mine for three years and use it in the winter just about every day. I love it. There is an extremely good book called "Workouts in a binder" by Dirk Friel that keeps things interesting. You will find that trainers can be extremely boring and this book has helped keep memotivated throughout the winter.
