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FYI, I have to double check the hex size… but they use SAE fasteners, not a metric. It’s part of the reason I think they include a hex with the unit, since it is out of character for the rest of the bike industry.
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At a guess, it’s the 1/8" hex, which is 3.175mm nominally. That difference from a pure metric will make a 3mm key looser than ideal. It will be more likely to strip especially with the tight torque they seem to use most of the time.
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I mentioned this issue to IR in my original review, and again in my PLUS version. I get why they use SAE (as we do in my day job of US mfg), but it is a potential issue when looking at this in the lens of regular bike industry fasteners.
Hex is 1/8.
Oh shit! Guess I should have read the instructions more closely. Thanks ![]()
Also I don’t get that decision AT ALL! It’s a bike product hex head, it should be metric.
Yup, I agree. But as I mention, there are many US mfgrs that stick with SAE even in areas where metric is the norm. Leads to issues and confusion like this, and even when replacing a lost or worn fastener. It’s a level of risk and not one I like.
Tooling and history such are the potential considerations from their side. I imagine they have used SAE since their beginning with the rollers, and switching a product like this over time can bring it’s own issues. But it is still wrong IMO and it would be best to swap to metric.
I don’t think they mention the actual sizing in the instructions, but the included hex key is noted at some point IIRC.
IR was kind to respond that they will send me a new upright assembly. We’ll go from there…
Excellent. Probably stating the obvious now, but I’d do a full torque check on all your existing screws and when you get the new upright. And since you are installing a new upright to the existing lower tube, get some thread locker for when you mount the replacement one.
When I had my Kickr / E-Flex setup, I had this problem initially. To resolve it, I had to spend time making sure that my Kickr was perfectly vertical. When I first set it up, the Kickr (and therefore my bike) was leaning ever so slightly to the left which got worse once I got on the bike. I used a level to make sure the Kickr + bike without me was perfectly vertical. Once I did this, the weird leaning to the left went away.
I’ve leveled the Kickr with a spirit level, but still a bit suspicious.
Just curious, where was your reference point for spirit level placement on the Kickr ?
I used the sides of the flywheel to vertically level the Kickr. At least for me, if I did that then my bike was vertically level testing both sides of the seat tube - it was a Ti bike with round tubes, so I could use the sides of the tubes to check vertical level
Me too, and that definitely helped
I checked level on the sides of the flywheel and it was a slight leaning to the left, so I adjusted that.
In IR response, they suggested the following while I wait for the replacement:
"Typically we’d advise not using it until the new one arrives, but in practical terms you may be able to use it if you apply threadlocker to the screws and allow it to dry. Even if one thread is compromised, it should hold. Ride for a few minutes then check. If they have started to come out, it’s not going to hold. If they hold, go ahead but keep an eye on them. "
I managed to get blue threadlocker, but not loctite brand as that was sold out at all the local hardware stores, but bought Harbor Freight’s version.
Secured the bolts that were coming out, or so I thought.
Went on a Pace partner ride and mid way through the bolts came out. Definitely stripped.
I still have the old front end, so I put that on so I could participate in an event on Zwift I signed up on.
In any case, the replacement should come next week, and we’ll go from there.
Did vertically leveling the kickr flywheel fix the left lean?
I had a V1 and upgraded to the V2 E-flex and really enjoying the new system. Part of that enjoyment was my old V1 had gotten kinda clunky on the fore/aft sliding… this new one is smooth again
That’s great to hear you like the new system. ![]()
As for as the motion, I’ve done a round or two of cleaning in the tubes. Seems there can be dirt built-up on the rollers and the tube surfaces inside.
I pop off the tubing end plugs and use rags with window cleaner and wood dowel to scrub it all smooth again. Just a bit of maintenance I’d and when the action degrades.
I believe it did. There wasn’t much adjustment needed
Replacement front unit was received. I got a few rides in and all is good. The bolts are tight and I didn’t want to break them from the threadlocker that IR used.
So far so good.
Right on! Glad you are up and riding again. ![]()
Let us know if your thoughts on the function evolve or any other feedback you may have. I’m always curious to understand how other people experience these.
Okay, just got one of these, my first foray into indoor motion. Did an hour of Z2. Initially a big fan, but overall not so sure. I got quite motion sick by the end, and I’m not someone who experiences motion sickness. Has anyone else felt this? Had it go away? Also felt a twinge across my left knee.
RPE feels a tick higher. Also seems much more difficult to stand for extended durations.
I can’t speak to the motion sickness as I don’t experience anything like that but as far as the RPE is concerned, I would caulk that up directly to the increase in motion and now the fact that the core is doing quite a bit more work to help maintain balance vs being on a rigid trainer where your entire body may not be as actively involved. That was certainly my experience when I first started with motion.
I’d say stick with it… both feelings may pass.
It happened to me for the first time yesterday, but it was toward the end of a 5.5hr ride and I think my blood sugar was low. I ate and focused my vision ahead of me instead of at Zwift and that helped. It went away by the end of the ride.
I can certainly see it happening especially in conjunction with Zwift, which occasionally makes me motion sick on fast downhills for example. The bike motion can’t match what you’re seeing on the screen and the brain doesn’t like that.