The training experts at Kinetic recommend that riders use a trainer to determine their Functional Threshold Power (FTP) early in the season. Knowing FTP enables a rider to customize his or her training intensity to train smarter, prevent injury, and avoid burnout. It was once difficult for the amateur athlete to determine FTP, but Kinetic aims to make it easy with its inRide app and a fluid trainer, such as the Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer. Instructions for using Kinetic inRide to determine FTP are provided on the Kinetic blog.
Next, Kinetic asks how to determine if one’s training plan is succeeding? A rider can find out in less than an hour and a half by using a trainer and inRide to re-check FTP, which, according to Kinetic, is much more telling than subjective assessments. The training experts at Kinetic recommend that riders perform periodic retests throughout the season in order to assess improvements to fitness level, set new training zones, and continually customize workout intensity.
At the races, where traffic, nerves, and distractions abound, Kinetic adds that the most effective way to warm up is on a trainer or rollers, such as the Kinetic Road Machine or the Kinetic Z-Rollers. Coupled with Kinetic inRide and its preprogrammed workouts, trainers ensure predictable, safe, and proper warm ups – and they are travel-friendly, especially when using accessories such as the Kinetic Trainer Bag.
Finally, as a few late-season snowstorms have demonstrated, springtime is no guarantee of good riding weather, and the onset of Daylight Saving Time usually adds more activities to the calendar. Trainers circumvent both of these challenges. Keeping an indoor trainer handy means that snow, rain, or extreme heat will not hinder training plans. Parents who find their training time suffering due to busy family schedules can conveniently complete an evening interval session at home after the kids go to bed.
Kinetic inRide Watt Meter
The Kinetic inRide stationary trainer-based watt meter system consists of a heart rate monitor and power sensor pod, mounted to any Kinetic fluid trainer, linked together with Bluetooth Smart communication protocol found in iPhones and iPads. Proprietary firmware in the inRide Sensor Pod measures speed and cadence at the tyre and translates that into wattage.
Wattage and heart rate data is displayed wirelessly to handlebar mounted compatible iOS devices. Post-workout training data can be uploaded to favourite websites or emailed to friends and coaches. The Kinetic inRide App features include: time in-zone for both heart rate and watts, programmable rider data for training zones and calorie burn, TSS, nPower, iFactor and Mean Maximal Power in 5 increments. Kit MSRP: US$130.00 (Strap and pod also sold separately.)
Kinetic Rock and Roll
The Kinetic Rock and Roll, the company’s flagship fluid trainer, aims to offer realistic indoor training side-to-side motion. A wide base and four polymer bushings located underneath the fluid trainer and flywheel provide a stable lateral motion.
While training indoors, cyclists can perform out-of-the-saddle hill climb intervals, engaging core muscles while simultaneously working on both technique and power. Other features include a wattage calibrated, sealed fluid chamber with magnetically coupled driveshaft for leak-proof performance, 6.25 lb. (2.8 kg) flywheel for realistic coast-down, and removable legs for easy storage. Unconditional lifetime warranty. MSRP: US$579.00
Kinetic Road Machine
The Road Machine is Kinetic’s most popular stationary trainer with a leak-proof, wattage calibrated, sealed fluid chamber driven by a magnetically coupled driveshaft and 6.25 pound flywheel. Resistance automatically adjusts as riding speeds change and the flywheel helps to provide realistic feedback during pedaling and coast-down. The fluid chamber is filled with thermodynamically neutral silicone fluid for consistent resistance at varying temperatures. MSRP: US$369.00
Kinetic Z-Rollers
Z-Rollers, named for its tri-folding design, boasts a lightweight aluminum frame and precision-machined 90mm aluminum roller drums. It offers portability and ease of use, making it perfect for race day warm-ups or indoor training sessions. When folded, Z-Rollers are the size of a large briefcase, measuring a compact 21″ x 20″ x 8.8″. It can be stored almost anywhere when not in use. MSRP: US$309.00
Kinetic is a division of Kurt Manufacturing, a leading manufacturing company providing high quality precision engineered parts to the zero tolerance industries of aviation and automotive among others.
Kinetic designs, manufactures and distributes the ‘world’s only leak-proof cycling trainers’ that provide a realistic ride experience. Designed by people who know about precision and sold through a large network of independent bike stores, Kinetic is a brand for ‘people who demand precision and quality’.
