Kurt Kinetic Trainer - Need Some Guidance
So this weekend I purchased a Kurt Kinetic Rock & Roll Trainer off of CraigsList. It came with the Pro Flywheel which I've already put on. I'm excited about this purchase because is scratches two itches: (1) I do almost all of my workouts in the early morning - way before the sunrise. The KK will allows me to get some of my workouts done inside so I'm not out at 5 a.m. in the pitch blackness. (2) It gives my wife some additional freedom on weekends because I can be at the house with our kiddos and she can get out to do her stuff. So..win/win.
I went for my first two hour ride yesterday during the Cowboy game (and they won! Coincidence??) and had a really solid workout - was able to do a much better job of staying in the appropriate zones. What I did not like was the lack of feedback (other than my HR monitor) about the workout (speed, distance, etc....).
As for my questions - first, a couple of things to note about my set up:
- I don't have a powermeter on my bike so I train by HR (not ideal, but it's where we are right now financially).
- I use a Polar HRM which is not ANT+ compatible - so I currently don't have an ANT device.
So...here's my question (& please use small words in your response as this a largely new territory for me!!). Based on all that info what is the best, most cost effective way to get the most out of this trainer. I read some stuff on Slowtwitch.com about using TrainerRoad with a speed sensor?? I see that KK has their own computer. I'd like for whatever I get to be useable, if possible, when I'm not on the trainer.
Appreciate the feedback!
Comments
I think there are a couple options with my setup to get power to work (without a power meter)
1) TrainerRoad (10$) a month
2) Golden Cheetah (Open source and difficult to get to work)
3) PerfPro Studio (100$ one time fee), and with PerfPro studio I think you can hook 2 ANT+ sensors up to it and it will broadcast power information so that I could capture it with my watch.
I am leaning toward PerfPro studio myself.
Because you don't have any Ant+ stuff this might not make as much sense for you. Also, KK sells InRide, which is a bluetooth package that includes everything needed for measuring power on the iPhone.
Before I got my power meter I used my KK with Trainer Road and loved it. I got consistent power numbers, and it made using my KK a breeze. The only problem is that once you get used to using the power numbers it is very hard to then go out on the road and not have the power numbers with you. TR also integrates with Sufferfest videos which is great fun and helps me push myself.
--Larry