I used a Kirt Kinetic Road Machine for about 10 months almost all on Zwift which comes to around 380 Hours. I used it with a Pioneer power meter and everything worked exactly as day 1 without one single issue. The noise level was around 67-70 db as Chad posted earlier. With earbuds I never heard the thing. The simplicity was excellent and I found the KK to ride very smooth. the only very small issue was the tension knob did get hard to turn as EveryThirtyMins stated. I sprayed the threads with WD40 and it spins almost to easy now. I started to get the itch for a wheel off smart trainer around the time I started TR a few months ago. I came across a deal on a Kickr Core and simplicity went out the window with this thing.
Things I LIKE and miss about the KK:
- Simple =just jump on and nail the workouts
- Almost Indestructible
- Very Smooth “fluid” ride =fluid does feel a little better than magnets IMO
- Affordable
KK downsides:
- Smaller flywheel just doesn’t have the same inertia (could be an advantage making you work harder?)
- Almost impossible to use front large ring unless doing out of saddle low cadence intervals (at least for me). So I rode in the same couple gears almost 99% of the time.
- It does seem to “Square” the rear tire just a bit, but I used the same tire indoor and outdoor and do not believe it wore any faster. Just not as ideal as wheel off trainers.
Things I LIKE about Kickr Core:
- #1 for me is the added inertia and fact that I can use any gear I want and still hit target watts and cadence. Makes for some good balance in my training since that’s how I ride outside.
- Erg is nice during sweet spot when working. I’ve been doing almost 100% sweet spot and endurance since I got it. I am concerned it won’t work as well during V02, Over Unders etc… we will see.
- Wheel off is very nice, no more turning the tension knob and checking air pressure before every ride.
Things that drive me nuts with the Kickr:
- Trying to match my Pioneer PM with Kickr’s PM and getting a nice consistent quality workout.
- Adding more tech = adding more potential issues. Simplicity out the window…
I’m considering using my Kickr in standard mode once I get into the higher intensities. If I do that really makes you question if it’s worth buying a pricey smart trainer. I thought about adding the larger flywheel to the KK but the reviews on Amazon all said it creates a wobble or vibration.