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We see lots of Direto models on rockers. I shared the specific on above as a “simple” example. If you join the FB Rocker Group, there are plenty of examples of the Direto on a “normal” rockers. I will add a few below if you don’t use FB.
As far as issues, there are not problems with adding a Direto to a rocker. Just use some form of strap or clamp to attach it firmly to the top deck and you are set.
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Tennis balls or thick and squishy mats are a fine starting point. Some people even choose them for long term solutions. I say give it a shot so you can get a taste of motion vs rigid.
My main dislike is a “floating” trainer with pure “spring” support. The trainer will bounce along like a poorly designed full suspension bike. It does waste energy with each bounce vs a “proper” rocker plate with a controlled fulcrum pivot.
But you can even hack a tennis ball version with a more rigid center pivot on the Direto to get one step better than pure spring support. I’d say either of those are worth a test and just do whichever is easier for you to try.
Just keep in mind that the simple solution is not necessarily representative of a full fledged rocker, but it’s a great starting point.
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Some inspiration for a simple, but well done rocker that would be easy for most people to make.
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- Not safe to say, IMO.
The biggest reason right now is that Kinetic still has an active patent on trainers with motion. It may well be limiting what can be made and sold by other trainer makers until that patent expires (a couple of years or so from now IIRC).
There are likely ways to work around that patent, as we have seen with Saris and their MP1 (with it’s own patent claims in process) and the Kickr V5 with the Axis feet. These are “different” solutions towards the goal of getting the bike to move when used with or on a trainer.
Another reason is that trainer motion is still in it’s infancy. The Kinetic Rock and Roll has been around for quite some time, but it was not widely adopted or even really recognized for the actual benefits it offered. The Inside Ride Emotion rollers have been around long as well, and offered some real advantages in their new surge motion (fore-aft) that were previously unseen in rollers.
The large growth and influx of new riders to indoor training and cycling was something missing in the “old days” pre 2015. Most people riding inside were doing shorter and more directed workouts vs what we see with the explosion of Zwift.
The push for rocker plates and the relative fast growth through the DIY options helped bring trainer motion into wider visibility. I tried to make them more widely known and used, which has lead to trainer makers at least evaluating it. It think we will see more motion included in the future, but the patents are one hurdle, and customer knowledge and expectations is another. We are making huge gains in the user side and just have to see what the companies are willing and able to do.
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If you’re in the Portland Oregon area, and are interested in a used SBR Rocker PRO. DM me. Cheers.
I might even try that. The rocker bit at least.
How do you think the tennis balls were fixed? A screw down through the wood and into the top of the ball?
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I’ve seen them glued with silicone or a hot glue gun, others have used screws through the balls.
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Just saw on InsideRide’s Instagram that they will be producing the E-Flex for Kickr Core this fall. Would buy.
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Yeah, I’m excited to see more options for the great trainer motion option.
Love this idea! Thanks!
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Hi Chad,
Have you tried or know of ppl experimenting with this gel saddle pads?
Apologize if this topic doesn’t belong here. Thanks
Fine to include it here. I think I’ve heard one or two people add them with minor success. Easy enough to try if you already have one or get one for a cheap price.
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I put a gel pad from REI on my indoor trainer after failing to find a more comfortable saddle. It shifts around a lot and I adjust its position at the beginning of each ride. It is lot better than my bare saddle, but I’ve wondered if a saddle fitting would give better results.
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Well it looks great on the vídeo. Will that kind of movement be compatible with the climb? And what trainers are compatible? 
I’m almost ready to get my wallet out for a Lifeline rocker plate. I found a few reviews on Wiggle/Chain Reaction, but couldn’t find any very detailed reviews. Any rocker plate aficionados tried one who can give a more in depth opinion? Or even some insight from the limited info available…
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Is there consensus on the simplest design that will provide side to side motion. My interest is only in reducing saddle pressure so I have no need for the front/back movement. The Kickr design from Dan McGuire seems to be a what I am looking for, can others confirm this is the way to go?