Very cool!
I’m shortly going to be switching from a Kickr on an InsideRide E-Flex to a Stages SB20 bike (so my wife has something to use as well). Anyone have ideas for adding a little bit of motion to the SB20 / any rocker plates that are compatible with the SB20?
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Yes, a LB typically allows:
- Rotation around the shaft (radial, angular rotation)
- Translation along the shaft (axial displacement)
Linear are all you need. The collar bearings serve no real purpose in a rocker design.
Make sure to get a high quality shaft and bearing (also properly sized, like 20mmm shaft). Too cheap or soft on either will result in premature shaft and bearing wear that kills the function.
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Mine too. Leveling it takes time and patience. And about standing up… Quite and adventure now!
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just ordered a LEEZE BOOM BOARD , excited to get it set-up 
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For me, it’s not a problem at all (to leveling it). I used language strips and now it’s just perfect 
I forgot, I didn’t put the balls into the wholes. I moved them a little bit outside and I pumped them using floor pump. Thanks to that operation I could just setup the trainer in the best possible position on the plate.
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I was about to ask about how people have their pressures set given the unequal distribution of weight on the trainer. I’m going to order a counterweight and give the counter weight / equal spring pressure configuration a test. It seems like a simple idea, but didn’t occur to me in the 6 months I’ve had my SBR.
Thanks @mcneese.chad!
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I rode for years without one. Someone tried it on the group, claimed a difference, so I tested with my non-counterweight setup. Sure enough, unequal force to lean left or right when measured. It’s not huge, and I clearly got along without it, but once you get a really well balanced rocker and the right leveling spring setup, it feels REALLY good.
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Cool, you are one of the first I’ve seen grab a Boom Board. 
I will let you know how I get on . Not easy to get the springs installed on your own 
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First ride on the boom board rocker and I really liked it , no experience with other rockers but this feels really good . No low back pain which is a big plus . Now see how it goes when I do some sweet spot and treshold
Oh an out of the saddle this is really much better than a fixed trainer !!!
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Right on!
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Some Hyper Engineering going on here. I can appreciate that.
I just upgraded from a board the trainer (Wahoo Kickr) sat on with a couple of pieces of carpet pad underneath.
New version is called the Flexboard 2020. Basically two 3/4" MDFshelves cut to length and screwed to 2x4’s on each end. Added a 3/4" riser to the front wheel. So basically it bounces, we will see how long the MDF stays flexy before it just sags. It does have some lateral movement, but the bounce seems to help the most.
The Flexboard 2020:
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Hi, all. Awesome thread, really useful information here!
After reading this thread and some posts in the FB group, I’m decided to get a rocker plate. My DIY abilities are limited, so I’ve been researching the options available for purchase. My first options are the Turborocks Realplate React and the Omnirocker. Not sure if Omnirocker will ship to Spain, where I live, I have just wrote them asking.
The main reason I’m interested in a rocker plate is to increase comfort in long (3 hours +) trainer sessions. I’d like to ride in the trainer long sessions more often, but hip and butt discomfort are limiting factors for me. From what I’m read, there is ageneral consensus that a rocker plate would help with this.
I have a couple of doubts , and would greatly appreciate any help:
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Has fore-aft motion any effect in increasing comfort? Rocker plates with this type of motion are more expensive, but I’m ready to pay the price if this helps, even a bit.
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Have rocker plates (and specifically fore-aft movement) any effect in the quality of theshold and VO2max interval workouts? This is my main use of the trainer, and I’m concerned about a possible detrimental impact. I intend to have the rocker plate always assembled
Thanks in advance
It seems that most people claim a real benefit to comfort from the addition of fore-aft motion. Some even think it is more important that rocking motion for comfort.
As to use at higher power, that is a bit of an unknown. Much depends on the precise motion control. Some are more aggressive on the centering forces while others are more loose. Some people really like the motion, but we have also seen some complain about the feel and potential impact on power production. Plenty relies on the rider and their pedal stroke too.
Unfortunate, its hard to make any specific suggestions or claims in this area.
I have the Turborocks Realplate - but just the side-to-side version, the fore/aft was released a couple of months after my purchase irritatingly…! Anyway, I can definitely recommend it - I think for the cost compared to something like the Saris it’s a bargain if, like me, you don’t have the skills/resources/time to go down the DIY route. Surprised it doesn’t get more coverage here in the UK really.
My longer rides are typically two hours so for 3+ I don’t know, but it does make a noticeable difference in terms of comfort. Doesn’t alleviate things completely, but certainly makes it bearable rather than simply intolerable. Standing to relieve tension feels much better as you get the movement that goes with it. My biggest observation was that after a hard session at threshold you feel the muscle stress all over your legs, and not just concentrated in the quads as I would do when fixed - which implies things are more realistic.
VO2 max efforts? Hard to say. My pain levels are usually too intense to figure out what the real source is 
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Where are you located? There are some rocker makers that have done tests with the Wahoo, Tacx and Wattbike models. I’ve not seen a Stages on a rocker, but should work in general, depending on the rocker.
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I think a rib-style rocker like the Traxxion Dynamics Axxion Plate could be a good option. Super strong support, no balls to inflate or maintain, and should handle the bike well.
It’s also possible to try a hack by elevating the bike on a rigid center support, like steel pipe clamped to the bike feet, and then add “springs” to the outer feet. Essentially elevate the whole bike on a fulcrum and add foam or inflatable springs at the foot locations. I can try to come up with more specific suggestions depending on what you want to try.
I’m in San Francisco.
Yes, I’ve seen that the Rockr Pro now has options for the Kickr bike, Tacx bike, and Peloton. But not the Stages bike. But the Stages bike is pretty close to the Peloton bike in size / weight, so theoretically the Rockr Pro should also be able to handle the Stages bike.
Once I get the Stages bike - supposed to be this Wednesday - I’m going to give it some time, and see how much I miss the rocking motion. Plus since my wife will also be using it, adding a rocker plate will be a negotiation.
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