Kurt Kinetic trainer/power meter

I've used the kurt kinetic road machine for about 4 years and the road machine and a powertap for about 2.5 years. I thought it was a great combination.

Recently, I got a used velodyne and I'm getting used to its slightly different feel. One advantage of the velodyne is that it offers more power/speed combinations than the kinetic which has basically one power/speed curve. Still, after all that time on the kinetic, I sort of miss it.

I do a tremendous amount of training (early, early morning) on the kurt kinetic...

I 'm very interested to know if you found that the kurt kinetic's claimed power curve was in-line with that of what you were reading on the powertap? (higher, lower, +/- 5% ??). Any comments on how tire pressure or tire to trainer pressure (via the trainer knob) affected power?

dave linenberg
[email hidden]

[quote="cclarke"]I've used the kurt kinetic road machine for about 4 years and the road machine and a powertap for about 2.5 years. I thought it was a great combination.

[quote="dlinenbe"]I do a tremendous amount of training (early, early morning) on the kurt kinetic...

I 'm very interested to know if you found that the kurt kinetic's claimed power curve was in-line with that of what you were reading on the powertap? (higher, lower, +/- 5% ??). Any comments on how tire pressure or tire to trainer pressure (via the trainer knob) affected power?

dave linenberg
[email hidden]

cclarke said:

I've used the kurt kinetic road machine for about 4 years and the road machine and a powertap for about 2.5 years. I thought it was a great combination.

[quote="dlinenbe"]
I 'm very interested to know if you found that the kurt kinetic's claimed power curve was in-line with that of what you were reading on the powertap? (higher, lower, +/- 5% ??). Any comments on how tire pressure or tire to trainer pressure (via the trainer knob) affected power?


Although I didn't monitor it closely, as I recall, the kinetic's claimed power curve was generally very close (+/- about 3%) to the powertap readings. I remember when I first saw a graph of the kinetic's power curve that it matched my powertap data very well. If I have time tonight I'll go back and confirm my recollection by looking at some old trainer rides.

I tried to minimize tire slippage by using dry 25 mm wide tires, 100-110 psi tire pressure, and the recommended number of turns to tighten the knob.
Also, I cleaned the roller with rubbing alcohol every six months or so and that also seemed to help with tire slippage. The only problem I had with the unit was stripping the tightening knob twice in four years by chronically turning it tighter than recommended. Customer service sent me replacements at no charge until I learned to follow directions.

I also noticed a slight reduction in resistence as the unit warmed up but it was pretty mild.