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The direct drive, Rock and Roll-style R1 Smart trainer from Kinetic is ready to carry you to a truly unique indoor training experience. The smooth, natural side-to-side action of the R1 improves on the 2nd generation Rock and Roll design, adds the wheel-off capability that is so desirable, and delivers the smart power trainer capacity that is the hallmark of today's best indoor trainers. The Kinetic R1 carries the full complement of communication technology. The 3rd app-controlled, interactive resistance pairs to your favorites such as Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Kinomap,The Sufferfest, FulGaz and Kinetic Fit via ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, and Bluetooth FTMS on connected smart phones, tablets and laptops. Kinetic has consistently delivered a realistic road feel, hence their use of a 14lb flywheel. Capable of a 2000w max output, with a max grade of 20%, the Kinetic R1 is suitable for cyclists from beginners to pro's. Accuracy has been consistent at +/-3% but there is reason to believe that this will improve with firmware updates. Remember that the R1 Smart offers something no other non-Kinetic trainer can: the Rock and Roll capability.
So what is important about the Rock and Roll adapted design? First and foremost it encourages the rider to create a natural rhythm and bike control while pedaling, allowing the finer, stabilizing core muscles to do that work that a static trainer does not allow. It can take a little getting used to but you will feel the difference quickly. You'll find that you get natural pressure changes at the saddle, reducing discomfort and chafing indoor training is infamous for. The R1 can help train you to physically relax, and potentially improve the balance in your pedal stroke. For efforts out of the saddle you get to take advantage of a little more side-to-side movement, with the accompanying pedaling rhythm and weight transfer from your hands up to the shoulders and upper back. Again, even under aggressive efforts it can teach you to be more efficient, asking you to control the side to side action and not to waste forward-driving energy. Our bi-pedal human design truly requires some side-to-side motion to create natural power, but there is a point at which too much is wasted motion. The Kinetic R1, with it's power features (whether in an app mode or in self controlled erg mode) lets you see the efficiency and make adjustments while in the safety of your indoor training environment, which will surely transfer to the road come warmer, drier weather. ... Read More
The R1 allows you adjust the resistance within the motion, so if you are uncomfortable at first, or want to adapt slowly, you can. The usable angle of pitch is approximately 15 degrees which may not seem like a lot, but is just about perfect while maintaining your safety. Like any trainer, if you lean too far over, it can tip, but it actually takes effort to create this instability. Kinetic has perfected this design over time, and with the direct drive system of the R1, the action is smoother, more linear, and there is no risk of bike frame damage. The unit has a stable footprint from 4 in-line legs, each with adjustable feet. The trainer is optimally used while level. Although this is a powered unit, the R1 can be used as an event warm-up trainer with no power via the weighted flywheel, delivering around 200 watts of max resistance, which is pretty much perfect for those who prefer a steady-state warm-up. A large carrying handle is also a welcome attribute for trainer transport.
So what about bike compatibility? The R1 is equipped for use with 130,135 mm Quick Release hubs, as well as 142, 148 mm (Boost) Thru-axles. So road, mountain, gravel, tri; all good. The end caps are clearly marked and simple to select and change. Have a long cage rear derailleur and/or disc brakes? No worries. A riser block of some kind is required to level the bike, ideally the Kinetic Turntable Riser Ring. As for noise, testing shows the R1 at about 65 decibels in most environments, which is still a conversational noise level and about 10 decibels over what the drivetrain itself will produce. Kinetic supplies the R1 with a Shimano/SRAM 11-speed freehub body that can easily spaced down for 9 or 10-speed drivetrains. Unlike several competitors Kinetic offer (separately), a Campagnolo 11-speed freehub body which can spaced down for 9 or 10, and is given that Campagnolo's 12-speed drivetrain uses the same cassette spacing as 11s, you have options.
With all of the current wireless communication technology to choose from, Kinetic also features a wired USB option, which some computer active video training programs require, and is also used by several group trainer programs for "race events". Really, by supporting the full capabilities of industry-shared ANT+ and Bluetooth trainer control, the R1 is ideally placed in the market. There are many great trainers out there, but for cyclists who have embraced the Rock and Roll system over the years, the R1 is the next logical step forward. For those looking for a trainer experience that gives you all the wondrous app controlled experiences, the R1 delivers, but also adds side to side movement that is truly unique and has very real physical benefits for your health, training, and active engagement while riding indoors.
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