Kurt Kinetic with power question
 

Have been using the Cyclops Fluid trainer for the past year and really like it. I was thinking about switching to the Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll so I can do some stand up drills presumably more stably than I can with the Cyclops. If I decide to go that route, I'd want to go ahead and spring for KK power meter than can be had with it. Question: do I need to have a smart phone with some kind of app to use the power meter ( I don't have one and don't plan on getting one) ? I'd be interested to hear others experiences with the KK power meter. Thanks

I have a Rock n Roll with the KK power meter. Check the KK website, but I'm pretty sure you'll need an iPhone 4s or later, or iPad 3 or later. They have the Bluetooth that works with the power meter. Earlier Bluetooth won't work.

The power meter is fairly accurate for average power. I also have a Powertap wheel that I've used along with the KK PM. The averages are very close. Peak power measurements can't be done well with the KK PM because there is some time lag for the drum to speed up. For example, you can be doing 300W, then stand up to sprint at 1,000W. The KK PM won't measure the immediate spike of power from your sprint like a Powertap or crank based PM will. But it's good for more steady state efforts. And it's good for power measurements if you have nothing else already. Fairly cheap.

A downside is having to calibrate frequently. Variances in tire pressure and the pressure on the drum will cause measurements to vary. When the PM was first released, the calibration sucked. But the app has been updated and works much better. At first, I could hardly get it calibrated. Now, it seldom is a problem. And calibration is easy.

The R n R is very stable for standing up to ride or sprint. I have the first model, and it's pretty big. About 48" at the widest point. And heavy. Get something else if you're also wanting to carry it to races to warm up. Definitely not the machine for race day.

Feel free to ask other questions.

OK, thanks for the reply. Again, I don't have a Iphone or Ipad. Presumably, the app downloads to a computer much like a garmin would to show averages etc for the entire workout? Would I be able to see current power without the phone i.e. while I am on the trainer? I.e, is is even worth it to get the KK power meter without the phone? Thanks again!

If you are going to use trainerroad, I see no real need for the KK power add on. Trainer Road power calculation will work.

I have the newest version of the rock and roll and it is very stable. I like it a lot. I had a cheapo trainer and did not like the feel at all. Also I would never standup and use it. With the Rock and Roll I can standup and pretty much ride it like normal. To me not being fixed is more real. I am not sure this is a fair comparison because your cyclops fluid is a great deal better than my cheap trainer. That being said I do not regret getting the Rock and Roll at all.

I am not savvy with all of the new technology but my limited understanding is that Trainer Road is a computer based software program? I do not have a computer to put in front of my trainer (which is in the garage).

Yes it is a computer based program. It provides workouts and training plans. It guides you through each sessions with power targets at specific times during the workout. It also integrates with sufferfest videos. It is $10/month and seems to be very popular here.

I was just letting you know that if you are going to use trainer road then a Kurt Kinetic is really not necessary because the Trainer Road provides relatively good virtual power. That being said the KK power has reviewed well. It is fairly accurate when calibrated. I encourage you to read DC Rainmaker's Kinetic In ride Review. It provides a detailed reviewed of the KK powers. I talso gives an overview of Trainer Road.

You might be interested in this:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps9ba3f0c3.jpg

This is what I've been using this season. It's pretty decent.

Here's a good review:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/12/k...th-review.html

Id give it 4 stars because it's relatively inexpensive and has allowed me to do some power training.

The trainerroad profile for KK is not accurate and depends heavily on tire pressure, how many turns you cranked the knob in the back etc.
It's really about time for trainerroad to deploy their long promised calibration feature.

I don't believe that's a correct presumption.

Seems the Rock and Roll would be more grounded to allow more for a violent out of the saddle sprint than the Cyclops would. Perhaps not?

I have the KK road machine and know many people with cycleOps fluid trainers, and I've not had or heard one complaint, relating to stability, when sprinting and\or standing.

You're welcome. All the KK PM does is transfer info by Bluetooth to an iOS device. The KK PM is useless without a display (i.e., the iOS device).

After further thought. You have a very good trainer with the Cyclops fluid. Even though I own and am VERY happy with my Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll, I am not sure I would recommend an upgrade from what you have. If your primary reason is to get the In Ride it may be justified. That being said you are going to spend approximately $700 on an In Ride and a Rock and Roll trainer. For that money I would seriously consider getting a Stages PowerMeter at $699. You could use that inside with your perfectly good Cyclops trainer.


This assumes you have a bike computer that can display power. Even said those can be had relatively cheap for about $200 on from merlin cycles. This also includes cadence and HRM. There may be other better GPS/computer options. I just did a quick search for the GPS I own. I think this would be a much better investment because you will have power anytime you ride (not just on the trainer). Also heart rate and cadence for about $200 more.

One last note. You could also buy the Kurt Kinetic turn table riser ($40). It may provide a better feel/confidence for when you want to stand up on the trainer. It is a cheap option to improve your current set up.

Nothing wrong with what you are looking at I just thought I would provide another option.