2008 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Fluid Trainer and King Riser Package

Bought this for fitness versus serious bike training and to replace my old stationary bike. It does the job well and takes up a lot less space than the stationary bike. I haven't tried any other trainers out, so I can't compare, but it was noisier than expected and difficult for me to get my bike placed on the unit correctly. But as I use it more that should get easier for me. Overall, I am pleased with this unit.

I picked up the KK fluid atrainer after doing the requisite web research and after several weeks of use I am very pleased with my purchase. The trainer is compact, stable, easy to setup, well made, reasonably quiet, doesn't get too hot when riding at 19+mph for 60+ minutes and allows the bike to attach/detach quickly. The riser for the front wheel is useful for added stability, comfort, and reduced floor wear.

The experience is very similar to riding on the road (the trainer is way less fun of course) and gives a very good workout. I also have the Garmin Forerunner 305 with quick release mount which is works well with the optional wireless cadence/speed meter and wireless heart rate monitor. The Forerunner 305 is great on the road as well and is also useful for other activities such as running and cross country skiing.

Make sure to release the pressure on the rear wheel after each training interval to minimize taking the rear wheel out of true. Also apply only as much pressure as needed to the rear wheel to provide traction without slipping (no more than the manufacturer's recommended two complete turns on the tightening wheel).Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer with Heart Rate MonitorGarmin GSC 10 Speed Cadence Sensor for Edge and Forerunner Series (010-10644-00)

I've been using my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine for about a week now and have found it very helpful in maintaining and increasing my fitness during the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest. Setup was very easy and straightforward (once I was able to free up the axle nut on the left side, which seemed to be jammed at first. I just had to be persistent in twisting hard until it loosened up). I was up and pedaling within 10 minutes of opening the box. I don't have any experience with other trainers so I was expecting a greater degree of "progressive resistance" in the fluid trainer than I am experiencing, but I have no basis for comparison since I have never used any other kind of trainer. The unit is realtively quiet and very smooth. I also appreciated the "Spinervals" DVD that came with it. Very helpful. I would definitely recommend this product.