Thanks for the review dc! Really enjoying this rocker.

This is an excellent review. I have been using the RPV2 since June and found it took 5-6 rides to get used to the motion. The straps that came with the unit are too short to fit the legs of my Elite Direto but I have found that the trainer has not shifted at any point so the straps are for reassurance, I guess. The trickiest part is getting off of the bike after the ride! I found standing on the rocker plate a bit too wiggly for mounting/dismounting so have a small stepstool but it still requires some care not to fall off. But that's all my niggles: the unit is quite well-made and delivers what is intended. My power output seems unaffected but my core muscles certainly are getting an unaccustomed workout!

Very cool DCR! Definitely on my bucket list.

Great review Ray. Perfect length. Thanks!

Another fantastic review, with great focus on the many angles of rockers. This captures some really nice detail on the individual aspects and the greater experience. I also agree with the emphasis that "comfort" and general "ride quality" are the real advantages to adding any motion to a trainer setup. My testing and many comments from our FB groups shows that even modest motion improves the experience a ton for many riders. Thanks again for the vide and coverage :D

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chad - appreciate it!

Honestly if you ride a Kickr, the EFlex unit from Inside Ride is the way to go. Not very stable, but smaller, cheaper, and has a very natural feel when pedaling.

I sit my Kickr Core on top of a Yoga mat, with a 3mm ply sheet inbetween. The ply was scrap and the rubberised mat was a gift. It's good for a 3+hr ride, sprinting I tend to go long rather then for peak (thx Lama :) ), which is lucky as I only ever seem to top out at 75% of my outdoor sprint and I don't sprint much in general as I'd rather go long, which my setup supports nicely.

@mattkavanaugh5623

3 жыл бұрын

I have a rocker under my KICKR that cost about $50: 1/2" plywood with small (cart wheel) innertubes (6) underneath. Gives me at least as much side to side as the KOM rocker, and it does give a bit of front to back as well. I think the premade versions by KOM and Saris are way overpriced.

@Mustis1524

3 жыл бұрын

So you have the yoga mat at the bottom, then a plywood sheet and then the trainer on top?

@patty109109

8 ай бұрын

I’m experimenting with a DIY rocker now. I can’t believe the price of this-it’s just three painted pieces of plywood and a few bits of hardware.

When I moved from the tacx Neo to the Wahoo kickr i really missed the small side to side movement of the Neo. After I purchased the 2 panel version of this rocker the small side to side oscillations brought the comfort level back and then some. highly recommend a rocker for indoor training simply for the small side to side oscillations which accounts for 99% of your typical indoor session.

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's pretty funny how some people seem to experience some comfort increase once they ride a rocker. But stepping back to fully rigid again can be a real eye opener if you have spent enough time on a rocker. That locked position just feels so wrong to me whenever I get on a fixed setup again. It's one of those things you don't necessarily realize how good it is until it's taken away :P

@chrismccannIRL

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah the kickr feet that are supposed to give you side by side are useless. I think the forward and backward is pointless but the side to side is great

The review is great, but the important question is: what is that square wall build off? It looks amazing.

Worth a mention is the shipping rate to Europe. I’m in the uk and looked at it but shipping was at least an additional $283. That completely changes the cost benefit you mention.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, my understanding is they're working to get the distribution all setup here very shortly for 'normal' shipping prices.

Thank you!

Nice review and pretty cool tool, but they are asking $275 for shipping. Any idea where to get it in Europe? Your Amazon link doesn't work anymore...

I just received the RPV1 along with their upgrade kit to turn it into an RPV2, but unfortunately there are no instructions telling me what to do to connect the two together to make the conversion, lol. I keep seeing mention of a "copyright infringement" if hey provide instructions. So with no instructions supplied, what is the purchaser who has never used a rocker plate of any kind supposed to do?

Does anyone know where you can buy it within Europe? (without having to pay an extra 500$ for shipping and customs)

Their 13* angle rating is the TOTAL lean (full left to right), which is 6.5* lean per side (from level to one side only).

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Huh, that's a wonky way of writing it. Good to know!

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Yeah, I they inherited that rating from the RideNow version since this is essentially the same rocker as theirs. RideNow was the first that I saw claim the "full lean angle" rating. It's confusing and may have been intentional since everyone else was talking about single direction lean angles. Maybe they figured "more is better" and just played it that way for a marketing spin :P Either way, it's essentially the same side and full range as most other rockers out.

I assemble and disassemble my pain cave in the living room. Is installing the trainer on the rocker plate very involved, or is it just another quick addition? I can see this (or any rocker plate) as having maximum benefit on any ride over an hour. Too bad the Climb is an awkward fit, I really like mine.

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

Depends on the specific rocker, but many use some form of Velcro or nylon strap to hold the trainer to the deck. It is relatively easy and fast to install. I would recommend marking the precise location for easy and consistent placement, since that has an impact on leveling and ride feel. If you need to break down and setup routinely, I recommend a rear-only design, that is smaller and easier to move around. That plus and appropriate front wheel riser are what I see as best for use in a space not dedicated all the time.

I've seen a really cool DIY way of doing this with tennis balls

What happened to this product? I can't find it anywhere. There's a hybrid between the old version and this with just two boards and the balls incorporated, but this one seems to be gone.

Do you think that it would be just as good without the angularity? Maybe this could be a cost reduction? Any word on more units coming on market at more reasonable prices? Even at $800 this seems really costly. Any idea what is driving that cost? Would be really interesting to try and break down the components and price them out commercially. See how much is parts and how much is labor. In any case, another great video! Thanks!

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

To my knowledge, the only single motion versions are lean action. I have not seen a pure fore-aft option for rockers. However, it is pretty easy to do a DIY fore-aft setup in the same way I did for my rollers. To your question, some people do feel that the fore-aft motion is what gives more comfort compared to the lean. That's not my experience, but I can see why it would be for some riders. kzread.info/dash/bejne/h6ekqqOimtO0eLQ.html There are numerous sellers available in a range of regions. Check out my list for a full list of known sellers. There are many that offer pure lean or lean and fore-aft that are around this price or even less. docs.google.com/document/d/1k34t_WIy4W6oNtsO0vN_uDx3TRHmY49jk7SJ_14u1Ww/edit#heading=h.aeejt335d0ec I also have a summary of the major reviews for a range of units. docs.google.com/document/d/1k34t_WIy4W6oNtsO0vN_uDx3TRHmY49jk7SJ_14u1Ww/edit#heading=h.xkvnjonpzia7 Cost, as with anything, is a result of materials, labor, overhead and the magic of capitalism (prices driven by the market). Right now, rocker plates are still "new" and mainly made and sold by smaller companies to single people out of of their garage. As such, the scale is rather small and relative costs a bit high. If and when this market grows to take advantage of common ways to reduce costs, we will see reduction in the prices of units across the range. If you dive into my FB group, you can find a lot of DIY designs with full parts lists and costing. Remember that part cost is only one piece of the pricing model. The other items I mentioned above all must be added, unless someone is selling at a loss for charity or they are just bad at business ;) facebook.com/groups/415329188897706/

Any idea of what happened to this product? It disappeared even from KOM's website.

I remain a bit baffled by these especially at that price. In a sprint I’ve come close to toppling my Saris M2. Adding extra rocking just seems to increase the chance of that happening.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, they're definitely pretty expensive. The standard tilt left/right rockers are about half the price from a variety of manufs. The Saris MP2 is a bit of a more tipsy trainer, due to the relatively small base unfortunately.

@kidsafe

2 жыл бұрын

The opposite. Not only do these rocker plates create a large stable base, but they damp the violent side-to-side rocking that would lift your M2 off the ground.

Can you use these with carbon frames?

I'm all about investing in my indoor riding but I don't know if my wife would allow this up in the guest bedroom. That kickr climb really looks precarious on there. Great video as always Ray

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's not a super perfect option with it atop, but it does work for those that want it.

@christophezwecker1831

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker you mentioned the climb, your ambivalent about it in general or in combination with the rocker ? Just ordered kickr, headwind and climb and not sure if ill need the later. Totally new to indoor riding. But im looking for s good experience in comparison to outdoor riding so very interested in this rocker too

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

@@christophezwecker1831 In this case, I'm referring to the combo of CLIMB+Rocker Plate. I don't mind it, but it's not make or break for me. In terms of the CLIMB+KICKR in general, I like it. But it's also something that a week after I've stopped riding with the combo, I kinda forget about it. When I have it, I really like it. Hopefully that makes sense.

@christophezwecker1831

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker yeah it does. The fact that you do ride without it kinda tells me its really not that important to you. Ill try it out. thanks

Big Mac of rockers... with a bun (deck) in the middle :P

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!!!

You have a much younger back than mine carrying the bike and kickr like that lol

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha...this is more of a lazy back than a younger back...

You're a general middle guy... Great video .... again.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if a 'general middle guy' is a good thing, but I'll take it!!! 😂

Ah, I wondered why the first advert was for McDonald’s! NLP FTW.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha...thats awesome!

I think this might improve the reliability and durability of the trainer, and perhaps even the bike frame, because it reduces the angular (bending) forces at the dropouts.

Weird that the company thinks you wouldn't have a pump in your house as a cyclist.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

To be fair, as a cyclist I have exactly no idea where I put the little needles for the pump. :) I have 3-4 pumps at the DCR Cave, and I've long lost all the pump needles. 😂

@basengelblik5199

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Ok fair enough I lost many Pump needles as well. But for the cost of that pump they could have provided a lifetime supply of pump needles :-)

@pauldamian2988

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think my LEZYNE Alloy Floor Drive Pump would accept the needles.... That's the only hand pump I have.

Think I will go with the Saris. Worth the extra cost given the construction differences.

Would you say that this would reduce the stress on the bike greatly. For those that are concerned with putting Carbon bikes onto a trainer?

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Probably a bit, but honestly, there's no basis in the myth that trainers are going to break bikes.

I'd love to have one of these, but two things for me. Firstly the cost is a bit rich, if it was say £200 I'd be very interested. Secondly, I require my zwift setup to be as compact and mobile as possible so I'm kind of excluded from having one. This rocker plate does look like the best one I have seen however 👌

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, there are quite a few DIY and even some for sale that are more "simple" and "rear-only" designs that keep cost lower and are easier to move around for people who don't have a dedicated space. There are couple of UK sellers (guessing from your currency mention above) that have gear you can consider. Bespoke Rocker Plate, CEL UK, OmniRocker, Turbo Rocks are worth a look for some of their smaller options.

Like button whacked.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nathan!

Can you link the bicycle gear 🙏

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, which specific gear? The bike itself, or?

@daverombedza3023

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker the bike it self as well as all the gear that does not come with the plate.

Apparently V2 is no longer made because of “legal threats”. Have you heard about this?

Has KOM stopped making these? I tried to support this outstanding channel by clicking on the Amazon link, but it no longer works as there no longer appears to be a product? If not KOM, is there any one else who does a rocker plate that goes side to side and also fore and aft (beside Saris, because I am not a millionaire).

Is it compatible with Kickr Climb?

@brian_simmons_

3 жыл бұрын

Did you watch the video?

So is this a better feel than the Saris rocker?

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

I talk about it towards the end of the video. But in short, the MP1 is a better feel in sprints primarily.

@Marchiller

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker I missed that part of the video. Just watched it. I agree that you can do a lot with 400. To go ahead and spend money on one rocker plate you’d probably want to have the right one for you. It goes from the inexpensive just put it on some foam balls to the saris and everything in between. I’ve been on the fence to get a rocker plate for the last year and have been questioning the 200 and above price increase for the for aft movement and if it’s worth it.

Looks really nice but is it really necessary? will it improve your skills or just make indoor cycling more enjoyable 🤔? Anyways, thx for the review mate 👍!

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

Comfort for rides, especially if you spend more than an hour on the trainer is the biggest benefit to rocker plates like this. As such, I wouldn't call them necessary, but quite nice. I have ridden them since late 2015 and will not train without one unless I am traveling. I really like the comfort while seated, and freedom to stand that feels better than rigid. For skills, I don't think they "improve" anything, but I do think the requirement to keep a more engaged upper body and trunk/core is far better than rigid setups. People tend to get lazy and adopt poor habits when on a rigid trainer, and that can make transition back outside a bit less than ideal. Riding with motion trainers helps keep the body "tuned up" in terms of body and bike support. It's not massive, but I like the feel and knowing I am a step closer to what outside is. There is nothing particularly special or "right" about rigid trainers. They just started out fixed and stayed that way for decades because it was easy. Kinetic and InsideRide opened the door with their motion trainers and rollers, and showed the potential gains in comfort and use. Rocker plates like this just open that further to accommodate all rigid trainers too.

@abedfo88

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah to be honest I've never felt like wow I need a rocker plate.

@EstefanGerheim

3 жыл бұрын

@@Chader9 Thx for your comment. Yes I'm sure that using it fells much more comfortable. I'm used to do my long indoor training session "4hrs+" and don’t have a problem since I'm using the right saddle "to me" and my bike is correctly fitted. I’m sure it’s a fun experience and I'm also sure that people who usually only ride indoors can have a great time using it. Yeah that’s also what i thought regarding "Improvement"! Thx for the words! Appreciate 👍

@EstefanGerheim

3 жыл бұрын

@@abedfo88 yeah me too!

or you could jus put a blanket folded up or a few pillows under it and get slight movement for about 900$ less.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

There's no rebound of blankets/pillows, so that doesn't really work. You can use tennis balls though.

What are the shoes?

Knowing my luck, my ddog will think it's her ball and try to pull it out and end up popping the ball.

Looks cool but way too expensive.

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

There are a variety of other options out there. It varies by region, so you need to check what is within reach for you. (I shared a link to my doc with a full list, but apparently it got blocked/removed or something). Anyway, it's already in another reply below if you want to see the doc.

I bought the *EXPENSIVE* Saris rocker plate and I've regretted it ever since. I HATE that plate. Now I can't get rid of it. No one wants it. Never again will I ever buy anything like this without trying it out first.

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

That's too bad. If I may ask, what is it that you don't like about the MP1? I am always interested to learn what I can with an aim to address issues and maybe make rockers better. Thanks for any info you can provide, and I hope you can find someone that does want the rocker :D

@TheCatAteMyShoe

3 жыл бұрын

@@Chader9 It's the rocking part. It doesn't feel natural at all as when you stand up to push hard, it springs you back as you pull up, something not there in real riding. I've been thinking of instead of a spring or cushion, maybe an arc roller system. I know it's hard to explain. If I had the resources, I would love to design one. I have the basic design in my head.

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCatAteMyShoe thanks so much for the info and I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. Your comments make perfect sense to me. Personally, I feel that the Saris MP1 has the leveling spring force way too strong. Based on all my testing and similar comments from many other riders, stiff leveling springs lead to odd feeling when standing. It is also the leading cause to the "backwards timing" issue where the bike leans the wrong direction with respect to the down pedal. That high force, and the fact that Saris decided to NOT make it user adjustable are the reasons I would never own an MP1. I understand why they did it, because many new rocker plate users are looking for more "support" from the springs, since they are so used to rigid trainers inside. But it leads to less than ideal experience for some users, like I think you had. At that price, not having some level adjustment for user preference is just plain crazy to me. Also, with respect to the "roll axis" that these plates pivot on, there is a fair bit of discussion and experimentation happening. Interestingly, we had Rockr Indoor Training debut their new "Axis" rocker a bit ago. It uses a design that elevates the roll axis to about the bottom bracket height. Claims to be a more "realistic" rocking experience when standing, since the rotation point is closer to what we feel outside. I am hoping to get on one to test at some point and see how it feels. Hopefully designs like this and future evolution of rockers can give a better result than the poor one you got from the MP1. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eXaBtNqcidSvZqQ.html

@TheCatAteMyShoe

3 жыл бұрын

@@Chader9 You nailed it, actually. I'm glad you understood my nonsensical explanation. I'm going to check out that video. If you EVER need someone to test out your designs, I'd be more than willing to oblige!!!

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCatAteMyShoe Good deal to confirm my guesses. I am not making more than personal prototypes at this time, but if I get anything extra special, I could share it with you whenever that would be :D

First. Ever. Do I win something?

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

I shall award you a heart!

@trbeyond

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker I'll take what I can get ;)

just put some foam under the trainer

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, for which part?

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker He is probably suggesting that a simple cushioned mat is all you need, not a full rocker plate. Seen this type of comment from people who think rockers are overkill and unnecessary. It's true for some, with cushioned mats working to add just enough motion to fell better. But as you know, a full rocker plate is on a different level of motion and comfort.

Looks to jerky

@Chader9

3 жыл бұрын

It seems that way when off the bike, but it really disappears under you and feels quite "normal" after a short period of use.

Three layers is terrible design IMO. Skateboard trucks with wheels for example would go side to side and forward and back.