Kurt Kinetic vs. Cycle Ops Fluid Trainers- which is better?

seancbegley

Does anybody have experienc with using both trainers...  input on the two w/ regards to the feel, durability, etc...

I've been using a Blackburn magnetic trainer for a few years and it's been good, but a few things quirky with it.  I've read good things about both the KK and the CycleOps and think this is the year I may upgrade, especially since I will be back in the pain cave soon enough and also have my power tap wheel to train with for the second year now.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

gmc219

My bike team uses both trainers. While both are very nice trainers my preference is the Cycleops 2. I like the Kurt for warm ups before a race but I prefer the Cycleops 2 for training in the pain cave. I have more gear options for FTP type of training. It is not so good if you do workouts that require low rpms and high watts . Whereas with the Kurt you will only have a few gears you can get over 90 rpm and stay in your training zones.
As far as quality they are both good. I would try them out at your LBS and feel which one you like better.

Nemo Brauch

You'll find love here for both.  Check out this thread:

http://endurancenation.us.dnnmax.co...aspx#16916

 

Chris G

Had a cycleops and now 2 kk's. Did not notice much of an difference in feel or noise. Benefit to the kk is it can't leak as it has a magnetic coupling. My cycleops leaked after a couple of years. They will fix/replace them but that is a hassle.

Swoodowrth

I have both and like them both. I like the way the skewer holder thingy works better on the Kurt Kinetic, but having said that I don't hate the way the cyclops works. I think I have to work harder on the Kinetic so I use it.

dan_forbes

 emotion rollers.  Enough said!  insideride.com 

William Jenks

My understanding is that the recent Cycleops (Fluid2 and later) don't have the leaking problem earlier models did... but that's pretty much a "through the grapevine" thing. They did change the hardware on the resistance unit quite obviously at that time. I've never had an issue, but that hardly tells you anything.

Spokane_Al

While I have no knowledge of the Kinetic models, I have been riding a CycleOps fluid trainer for several years now without any problems. It seems to just keep going, which is more than can be said about me.

seancbegley

Thanks so much everybody...so much great info...i appreciate the link to the other forum as well...i did a quick search but could not find anything, probably b/c my initial search was not broad enough...

this is a tough decision between the CycleOps and KK...I'll see if the LBS has both that I can test...

A comptrainer is out of the question right now for $$ reasons.

Thanks again all!

chuckg

I am not too sure about the KK but the CycleOps come with a full lifetime warranty. I have a CycleOps fluid that is probably pushing 10 yrs old. I have had warranty issues twice with the legs and feet of my trainer. Its been moved around a lot. Sarris asked no questions and fixed it right up for me. Easy to get fixed and easty to work with. Shout out to Sarris Cycling!!

Dana Burns

Hey everyone,

I am hoping to start this conversation again regarding CycleOps vs. Kinetic Road. REI is having a sale on CycleOps and I happen to need a new trainer:-) I've read both these trainers are decent, however, CycleOps is easier to mount and can be slightly wobbly whereas Kinetic costs more, involves a bit of time to mount your bike, yet more sturdy. If CycleOps cost less, is on sale and just as good as Kinetic, I'd rather save the money. However, if Kinetic is better I will spend the extra money.

Thanks for your input!

Dana

Woody Freese

Unless you are buying the KK rock 'n roll trainer, there are few differences between the trainers. Both are well-built nd both have great warranties and customer service.

The KK rock 'n roll trainer is more expensive - and by all accounts, affords a more realistic road ride feel. I own one and I happen to like the ride.

I have owned a handful of trainers - and if you are looking at fluid trainers (Cyclops, KK, Blackburn, etc...) and you are comparing similar features (translation: not comparing a KK fluid against a Cyclops mag trainer), I am inclined to think that if you spray painted both matte black, 95% would not be able to tell the difference in the ride.

That said, it is kinda like espresso GU: some swear buy it and others swear at it :-)

Now I will sit bck and let others recommend a Computrainer :-)

kimmydct

Some more input on the KK Rock n Roll trainer.... I had one and liked it for the more realistic feel because I was a newbie at the time and felt it would be a benefit to my cycling. BUT after a few years, I tried out a CycleOps to buy one for my wife (which is pretty much unused GGRRRR) and I liked it so much that I sold my KK RNR and bought myself a CycleOps, primarily because it did NOT have the motion that I originally wanted so that I could hammer the watts more during those intervals, without being "wobbly".

Tom Glynn

I've had a bunch of trainers. My CycleOps was my first and it lasted a very long time. I bought a KK because it was on sale and still have it 5 or 6 years later. Both are great trainers and I don't think you can go wrong with either. Just solid, well built machines. I've also got a Computrainer and a Kickr, and if you can afford to go up in price, the Kickr is a great deal IMO. (Bluetooth, ANT+, works with TrainerRoad etc.)

Dana Burns

Great advice as always :-). I'm going for the CycleOps because the Rock n Roll is more than I want to spend right now and just heard both the CycleOps and Kinetic are made in the same factory in Taiwan anyways :-)

Thanks Woody and Kim!

scott dinhofer

since we are on this discussion - i have a cyclops 2, actually have 2 of them...
wondering why/benefit of something like the Computrainer / Tacx / Kickr... I feel that i do perfectly well with my Cycleops2 & Trainer road, but then again, I don't know what I am missing, if anything..

Woody Freese

Following... It seems to me that Trainer Road, a power tap wheel and a hearty trainer will serve the same purpose.
Am I missing something?

Peter Noyes

The advantage of the Computrainer, Kickr, etc.. is that the software can control the power so all you do is pedal. There are no cadence gaps. It will change the intensity for you at whatever cadence you like based upon the workout you have selected. With the PowerTap + fluid trainer it is up to you to shift gears to adjust the resistance and there will be cadence gaps. I have the PowerTap + Fluid Trainer and I am considering the Kickr because I am sick of cadence gaps.

Nate Parady

I've only had one trainer, a KK, and it has worked flawlessly for 5 years. No complaints.

Dana Burns

I am on a budget at the moment so if I can get away with a basic CycleOps or KK and Trainer Road, that's good for now. I did purchase a Stages PM last year (against Coach Rich's recommendation), and feel it's not reliable....as I was told the technology is too new. I bought it anyway :-#.

I'll just have to work with what I have for now.

D.

scott dinhofer

any more comments on mine & woody's question on the various electronic trainers that are tied into software?
tacx, kickr, computrainer, etc?
if one were to look at these, what are the differences?

Phil Mills

I have used both the Cycle Ops and KK Road trainer and I still own the KK. The only real difference I noted was that the Cycle Ops retails for $50 more. I actually bought my KK used on e-bay and have had no issues. They are selling for $200 or less.

I also bought a Kickr this spring and am getting used to that. Peter pretty much summed up how it works. You set your wattage or let TR control the trainer. It holds that resistance regardless of your cadence. It is relentless, punishing and keeps your effort honest. Also, none of that annoying tire slippage as it is a direct drive trainer.