Best Dumb Trainer (prefer Quiet)

Equipment
22

Just to echo @julianoliver. I appreciate you don’t consider it a priority but ERG mode was a game changer for me and massively aids my ability to complete harder workouts effectively. If you can get a loan of a device to try it out I would recommend it.

2 Likes
23

I used a Kirt Kinetic Road Machine for about 10 months almost all on Zwift which comes to around 380 Hours. I used it with a Pioneer power meter and everything worked exactly as day 1 without one single issue. The noise level was around 67-70 db as Chad posted earlier. With earbuds I never heard the thing. The simplicity was excellent and I found the KK to ride very smooth. the only very small issue was the tension knob did get hard to turn as EveryThirtyMins stated. I sprayed the threads with WD40 and it spins almost to easy now. I started to get the itch for a wheel off smart trainer around the time I started TR a few months ago. I came across a deal on a Kickr Core and simplicity went out the window with this thing.

Things I LIKE and miss about the KK:

  1. Simple =just jump on and nail the workouts
  2. Almost Indestructible
  3. Very Smooth “fluid” ride =fluid does feel a little better than magnets IMO
  4. Affordable

KK downsides:

  1. Smaller flywheel just doesn’t have the same inertia (could be an advantage making you work harder?)
  2. Almost impossible to use front large ring unless doing out of saddle low cadence intervals (at least for me). So I rode in the same couple gears almost 99% of the time.
  3. It does seem to “Square” the rear tire just a bit, but I used the same tire indoor and outdoor and do not believe it wore any faster. Just not as ideal as wheel off trainers.

Things I LIKE about Kickr Core:

  1. #1 for me is the added inertia and fact that I can use any gear I want and still hit target watts and cadence. Makes for some good balance in my training since that’s how I ride outside.
  2. Erg is nice during sweet spot when working. I’ve been doing almost 100% sweet spot and endurance since I got it. I am concerned it won’t work as well during V02, Over Unders etc… we will see.
  3. Wheel off is very nice, no more turning the tension knob and checking air pressure before every ride.

Things that drive me nuts with the Kickr:

  1. Trying to match my Pioneer PM with Kickr’s PM and getting a nice consistent quality workout.
  2. Adding more tech = adding more potential issues. Simplicity out the window…

I’m considering using my Kickr in standard mode once I get into the higher intensities. If I do that really makes you question if it’s worth buying a pricey smart trainer. I thought about adding the larger flywheel to the KK but the reviews on Amazon all said it creates a wobble or vibration.

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24

Kurk Kinetic. Don’t even bother with anything else.

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25

I don’t find the noise high at all. Easy to watch television while riding. Rock and roll is great. I also use InRide and am happy with it. I find the standard setup fine for inertia and optional flywheel not necessary.

26

Hi Supermurph19

I do NOT have a power meter.

My rationalization is; I pump tire up each time (have gauge), I then calibrate after 10min during my TR workout, (i just stop / save workout … then calibrate … then resume workout … takes maybe 3 min really more like 1 min.) and then the power numbers are consistent each time. No need for $1000.00 meter on an old '67 body …

My ftp is calibrated to this set-up and the numbers TR for my workouts feel very effective … not sure how they know how to figure that out but the workouts seem to push me exactly to my limits … TR is like a puppet master …

3 Likes
27

Update for everyone!

After much deliberation I got a good deal on a Kickr Core. Shocked at how quiet it is compared to my last trainer. Neighbours didn’t even know I was using it.

@julianoliver ERG mode turns out to have a key benefit that I never heard mentioned before. I’ve got a bit of an imbalance due to weak left hip. To get ERG to stay consistent it’s forcing me to concentrate on engaging both sides equally, which is definitely a huge help. I’m sold!

3 Likes
28

I’ve had the Kickr Core since October and I have been really pleased. I enjoy indoor workouts so much more compared to my Tacx Vortex.
Good luck with your purchase…some people have had issues but I’ve had zero and hopefully yours is similar.

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