Wondering if anyone has experience with this machine. I am thinking about getting one but my concern is the “progressive resistance.” Is this like a wind trainer- will the resistance increase based on cadence? Is that a weird feeling? I am riding an old and cheap cyclops dumb trainer with my Stages Power Meter. My wife’s fly wheel is out of balance and I want to pick up this machine. Any advice , reviews etc., would be appreciated.
Its the same as the original Road Machine…its actually one of the most realistic fluid trainers around…as you go faster the fluid viscosity makes it feel harder to pedal.
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The Kinetic Road Machine was and still is one of the best trainers in the world, bar none.
- It has the best fluid based resistance unit (via the separated, but magnetically linked chambers) so it is almost never going to leak (I heard of just a few compared to many more for other companies fluid units).
- It will likely last a lifetime of use for you and the person who gets it after you
- Seriously, I have a used gray unit (15-20 years old?) and it still runs like a champ.
- The resistance power curve vs the driving wheel speed is carefully calibrated to be similar to real road riding.
- The flywheel weight is generous and gives a very road-like feel compared to many other “dumb” trainers (and even against some smart trainers).
It really is great and you should have no reservations about the unit, IMHO.
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I have a grey one too…I think I got it in 2003. I did have one resistance unit blow up and leak fluid and a couple more develop strange noises but Kinetic always sends me another unit under warranty.
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Cool. My research indicates same- but you never know if the reviewer’s is actually a paid advertiser. Thank you very much. Picking up one today!
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Enjoy it!
I’ve only used KK trainers the past 15+ years. Love em’!
The resistance bolt would strip out on my older model and KK would send me new ones no question’s asked.
I bought the kk smart trainer last year and it’s been fantastic.
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I love my KK road machine. It is as straight forward and reliable as you can get. Consistent air pressure and consistent tension on the roller is easy to achieve.
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Chiming in as someone else with an old grey unit(I think I am the third owner) and think it’s fantastic.
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Have done all my training on an old one like yours, Chad. Things amazingly reliable.
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I’ve been using the KK Road Machine for four seasons now with the Inride sensor, but managed to pick up a set of Assioma power pedals over Christmas. Is the 10 minute warm up still necessary? I use to always spin for 10 minutes before even starting Trainerroad.
No, the warmup is unneeded for the power meter. Just make sure to follow the proper Zero Offset procedure for the pedals prior to starting your workout.
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Like Chad says above.
One minor thing to note, as the fluid warms up the power will drop slightly for a given cadence.
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