AFAIK, they still only sell in the US, not internationally. I know someone elsewhere mentioned considering discussion with IR about importing to the UK IIRC, but I have no real info there other than my poor memory.
As mentioned above, I will shoot some video to show the real differences in leaning & steering motion between the two designs. For anyone willing to read a lot, here are my reviews of the new and original units. I go into great detail on what I disliked about the leaning & steering action in the 1.0 Orig review. These critiques were effectively addressed and resolved with the new E-Flex Plus front end.
In short, I am still experimenting with my own variation of the E-Flex front end, but I would be quite happy to stick with the E-Flex Plus front end, as I have been doing for the months of testing before now.
It is quite good and hits on all the basic goals I have for a trainer motion system.
I highly recommend it for consideration by anyone looking to add motion to a Wahoo Kickr or Core trainer.
If they add support for the Zwift Hub & JetBlack Volt (like Larry said he is considering), it will be open to even more current and future trainer users.
ETA: I think IR plans to offer the just the E-Flex Plus front end as a separate purchase for those that already have the original unit and just want the new front section. But I donât see that as an option on the site yet.
Sounds pretty great. Can you get that correct âbike leans left when pushing with the right footâ action while standing/sprinting? This is what I was looking for when I preordered the Rockr Axis, but as of last month it hadnât shipped and I canceled it, figuring Iâd order it later if I still want motion.
Yes, but this is maybe a loaded question that you didnât mean to be loaded
TL;DR: The new E-Flex Plus allows for proper lean-pedal timing⌠when setup & ridden properly.
When it comes to lean-pedal timing, it is a result of 2 key aspects:
Rocker Plate / Trainer Motion System with sufficiently light / soft leveling spring forces.
The original E-Flex has somewhat medium level force, but it is possible to âride it rightâ with proper lean-pedal timing. Noting that, it is also possible to ride it wrong as demonstrated by many rider use videos (see #2 below).
The new E-Flex Plus allows adjustment of the leveling spring force from very firm to very soft. I use the full soft setting and it is nearly identical to the super light leveling force I have used for years. The adjustment range is sufficient to offer great support for new riders, and loose for crazies like me.
Generally speaking, the proper lean-pedal timing is easier and more natural to apply when the leveling spring force is very light. This is covered well by Zwift Insider.
Assuming proper rocker setup per #1 above, the super important (and too often overlooked aspect) is the rider.
It is possible to ride even a well adjusted rocker plate the wrong way, if the rider is âlazyâ and not actively controlling the system. By lazy, I mean someone that is relying on the system to âdo the workâ vs them having to operate it.
When we see the wrong lean-pedal timing, it is because the rider is applying a large downward force on the pedals on the way to the bottom of the stroke, while keeping to light and passive hold of the handlebars. If you did this while riding outside, youâd fall over to the side with the downward pedal.
But outside we naturally compensate with an opposing force at the handlebars that counteracts the pedal force. It is the simple act of âleverageâ where the wheels are essentially the fulcrum with the foot and hands as the inputs on the lever.
In order to reduce that negative lean-pedal timing and get the positive lean-pedal timing, the rider MUST apply the proper force and direction to the handlebars in time with the pedaling. Sounds simple, but countless videos show people are just not applying it inside. They get away with it because the system doesnât fall over, but I assure you that you would crash quickly if we used this approach outside.
Summary: Set your leveling spring force relatively light and actually RIDE the trainer motion system with control.
I do think InsideRide should look into upgrading the rear to make it easier to setup the Kickr so it is perfectly vertically. When I had my E-Flex, getting the Kickr vertical took more effort than it should have.
Agreed. It is initially set with the primary adjustment of the leaf spring by the orientation using the slotted end mounted or the opposite end. But you can also fine tune with the fore-aft location within the pipe clamps on the center foot.
Not many people realize this and I donât think IR has covered it outside of their initial setup distance recommendation. Ideally, one location should work for everyone, but there are many reasons it needs some adjustment.
I considered making a threaded section for adjusting the final resting angle of the leaf spring vs just having it based upon the flat of the supporting cross-tube. But I got close enough with the f-a placement that I avoided the extra steps. I do think either better coverage of the placement is useful or adding a real-deal connection that makes fine tuning easier would be great.
The front section defaults to the O.L.D. 100mm quick release standard, so that is good. I donât remember for certain if the E-Flex includes the skewer though. I think it did not and I had to use an extra one I had.
I just stumbled on an answer to the question of whether InsideRide plans to offer then new front section as a solo purchase. Turns out they do not plan to offer that at this time, unfortunately.
ETA: Not sure why, but InsideRide has apparently hidden/removed the video they shared when I posted this comment and link. I will update this post if/when they repost it or whatever the pending outcome will be.
InsideRide posted a video this morning.
I am hoping to start shooting my video after work this afternoon.
I am happy to see InsideRide change their mind such that they do plan to offer the front section only in the future. My guess is that they are placing a priority on sales of complete Plus systems but good to see them open for the front-only option.
ETA: I tried sharing a FB screenshot, but apparently adding pics is busted right now. Here is the text pulled from there:
Also: We do plan to offer the front end of E-FLEX Plus as a standalone item, for current E-FLEX riders who wish to upgrade to the Plus version, without purchasing the whole unit. This option should be available towards the beginning of winter.
This is good news as back in May I purchased the E-Flex system. I donât know if it was mentioned up thread or if even IR is considering making just a quick kit to upgrade the front base using the existing base, if possible, instead of buying the whole base, maybe saving money in production costs.
I am not expecting a smaller conversion kit vs a complete front section based on what Iâve heard from them, but I could be wrong.
Everything from the center cross tube on the base to the top is totally new and difficult between the units. The common parts are just the outer C-base tubes, internal slide rollers and fore-aft centering springs.
Anything is possible though and maybe they will offer that down the line.
@mcneese.chad would you say upgrading from the normal E-Flex front end to the Plus is worth it once they release it?
I havenât made many tweaks to mine over the years with the exception of removing the elastics from the front for more fore/aft movement. Iâm still quite thoroughly enjoying having the E-Flex, but have found the movement to be quite minimal these days as my pedal stroke and body position has gotten used to the E-Flex and Iâm looking for some further improvements.
That is a tough question, and part of what I am trying to address in my pending video. Based on your comments, I do think you might find the Plus to be an improvement in lean control. My video shows side-by-side action with both setups, and there is what I see as more âactivityâ in the Plus vs the original.
I admit that I was never a big fan of the original design and how the bars moved in relation to the leaning action. Much is likely due to my long history of use with pure leverage (more up/down movement at the bars for leaning) vs the more steering input on the original (flat turning of the bars left/right). This is clearly visible in my video, especially when standing.
Not meaning to tease this video as I wish I already had it posted. But I have struggled getting back to my editing software after too many years away I need to shot a short intro and then I will be into the on screen text and final edits. We came up with a basic âProâsâ list for each unit and I hope the video demo will add to that info. Worst case, we have bad weather set for Sunday and I will finish it then, if not before.
In short, I think many people will be fine with the original if seated comfort is the primary goal. But I find that the standing experience is vastly different and more preferred for me in the new Plus model. This is seconded by my close friend who has been testing these units with me the last several months.
For any FB users, InsideRide posted a different video there just a bit ago. I will add a link to any YouTube video if/when they add it, for non-FB users.
