The Minneapolis-based Kurt Kinetic has launched a new range of smart trainers, which offer more interactive features and updated hardware and technology, including dual ANT+ and Bluetooth wireless communication protocols.
The new range comprises the Rock and Roll Control, Road Machine Control, and the Kinetic Control Power Unit, a stand-alone resistance unit upgrade available for most current and older Kinetic trainer frames.
The updated Control interactive-trainer range now features a dual-band chip with ANT+ and Bluetooth protocols, allowing the trainers to pair with training platforms via smart phones and tablets, cycling computers and software run on either a PC or a Mac computer. In addition, the new models are designed to accommodate virtually any style of bike, including those with thru-axles, internally-geared hubs and wheels as small as 16 inches with an adapter kit.
“Customers expect flexibility and device compatibility,” said Kinetic’s sales manager, Jason Overman. “A customer might use a computer or smartphone with a popular app and simultaneously collect data with a Garmin cycling computer. The new Control trainers are totally standards compliant which means you download your favorite app and your trainer works.”
The new trainers, also feature a lighter flywheel, which the company claims provides better responsiveness in training apps and minimizes tire slip. Other internal updates include improved power-curve accuracy and a retooled speed sensor for greater accuracy.
“With more cyclists opting to ride virtual races in apps like Zwift, we found that a lighter flywheel made our trainers more responsive to accelerations and decelerations in the game,” said Kinetic’s marketing manager, David Simpson. “Zwift racing is quite similar to outdoor group riding in that small speed adjustments help riders maintain pack position. Nobody likes getting dropped, virtually or otherwise, and the flywheel change helps with game control.”
Additionally, Kurt Kinetic provides new owners with a free 6-month Smart subscription for its Kinetic Fit power-training app with any Control Power Unit or Control trainer purchase, along with a lifetime frame warranty and a two-year warranty on electronics.
Kinetic is also working out details on a new Smart Control upgrade program that will be available in November. The upgrade program will allow owners of older interactive Smart Control trainer models to upgrade their resistance units to the new Control trainer dual chip design and smaller flywheel.
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