So I’m looking for a trainer- finally- and have narrowed it down between those two. What are your experiences regarding feel, sound, durability, customer service, ease of setup etc. etc. Would love to hear some first-hand experiences. One thing I did notice was that the Cycleops came with a custom skewer- does the KK as well? Thanks for your input!
Yes, KK Road Machine comes with a skewer.
i have the cycle ops 2…used it very regularly for over 4 yrs…no problems with it except it is a bit noisy, not crazy loud, but i have to turn the tv up when im on it
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I have both trainers. My KK gets lots of use and the Fluid 2 gathers dust until my girlfriend or some other guest comes by for an indoor spin session.
Reasons I prefer the KK:
-Heavier flywheel even in the Road Machine, but I have the add on flywheel for 18.5 pounds of rotating weight
-KK has a more stable resistance profile. The Fluid 2’s resistance actually increases as the fluid warms. I thought that this was my imagination until I got a PM and saw watts go up at a constant speed over time
-KK has a wider base and magnetic seal for the fluid compartment. It just feels sturdier
-I haven’t ridden the Fluid 2 for a while, but IIRC, it has a steeper resistance curve than the KK. Either can provide more resistance than you need
It’s a horse apiece between the two trainers.
However, I have nothing but good things to say about KK’s customer service.
I had an issue last year, contacted KK customer service informing them about the issue. Three days later I had parts on my doorstep. Problem solved.
I had this same (whatever the opposite of a dilemma is) two weeks ago.
I ended up buying a Fluid 2 because I found it for a better price.
I’ve also owned both and will say that the one reason I prefer the cycleops is for easier mounting/dismounting. If you are constantly switching between indoor/outdoor riding on the same bike, go with teh cycleops. If you mount your bike on the trainer and it stays there from October to March (like me), go KK.
I had a Fluid 2 from several years back so quite likely they’ve changed the mounting interface since then (mine didn’t come with its own skewer, for one), but when I replaced it w/ the KK the mounting is definitely more secure. That, and I also noticed what seemed like a pronounced “step” in resistance as the CycleOps warmed up, kinda like the previous poster mentioned. Don’t have a PM so I can’t verify it quantitatively, but I don’t notice it with my KK now.
It’s not like the Fluid 2 is lousy, as they’re at least 90-95% similar, just that the KK is clearly better on that last 5-10% in my exp. Since I live in a climate where winter riding sucks, and it’s not a wear Item or something I’ll outgrow, I figured the extra investment was worth it when considered over several years; I sold the Fluid 2 to help offset the upgrade cost.
I had an issue last year, contacted KK customer service informing them about the issue. Three days later I had parts on my doorstep. Problem solved.
I had an issue with mine a few weeks ago (stripped the tension bolt) and had the parts in my hand within 3 days…and I’m in Australia!
Cant recommend the KK enough
I’ve got one of each. The KK stays at the bike shop through the winter for spinning 2x/week & the Cycleops is at home for a couple more days of spinning. I like both. As others have said, the KK has a more stable feel. I think that the resistance curve on the KK is different than the Cycleops; with the KK it feels tighter at first and settles in as you spin to speed. The Cycleops feels more smooth and is a little quieter. I like the locking mechanism of the Cycleops better as well, but like how heavy the KK is and how the bike feels totally planted for sprint intervals, climbing intervals, etc.
It’s really a toss up. If I were buying brand new I’d probably buy based on the price and the customer service if the price is similar or equal. I bought my KK brand new at a substantial discount and got a steal of a deal on the Cycleops on Craigslist.
I’ve had the Fluid 2…thing has to be getting close to 10 years old now. Only problem I’ve ever had was stripping the tension bolt. Done this twice now. Both time called CS and no questions, just sent me parts…usually arrived in 2-3 days. Last time I asked for an extra one to have around so I’d have no down time if it happens again. I have no idea the cost difference between the two but I’m 100% satisfied with the Fluid 2, the product and customer service.
Michael
kk is more heavy duty. They are both noisy. But if you want silence you are going to have to spend some coin on one of the high end saris beam models.
I have had both: KK hands down!
I’ve had a cycleops fluid2 for a while. 6 years maybe. No complaints with the noise or set up. I stripped the tension mechanism and they replaced it for free. 2 years later it leaked. Called, sent the unit to them and they sent me a brand new fluid 2 within a week. Customer service is great. Haven’t had the KK, but would definitely get a cycleops again.
I’ve also owned both and will say that the one reason I prefer the cycleops is for easier mounting/dismounting. If you are constantly switching between indoor/outdoor riding on the same bike, go with teh cycleops. If you mount your bike on the trainer and it stays there from October to March (like me), go KK.
Not trying to be an ass, but with all due respect, how hard is it to change a rear wheel skewer?
Another big KK fan here. Solid. Simple. Basic. It’s all you need.
As a number of others, I have both (one is used by my wife) and I prefer the KK. Both are fine trainers and I would be happy to use either in the end… However, the KK is quieter and does have a slightly better feel. I also find that it is easier to get the bike a lined up and locked into the trainer, but maybe because I just don’t have a lot of experience using the fluid2.
I have the Cycleops. My first one leaked after about 11 months. They replaced it. This one seems to be golden. I agree that the resistance increases a little after warm-up, but that’s not an issue for me. I like it a lot, and their customer service was good. Getting the bike into and out of the trainer takes about 10 seconds.
I’ve had the Fluid 2 for several years. My resistance unit recently failed, I sent it in and 3 days later they sent me a knew one. The customer service at Saris was great.
Dang…Why don’t you do a search before putting a posting like that…just trying to be helpful.
I can burn up any cycleops in 2 weeks and have.
KK will last indefinitely unless you are putting an hour daily on it at sustained wattage above 400.
KK ,computrainer, and possibly the revolution are the only viable trainers.
Was looking for some more up to date opinions, so don’t let it bother you, it’s ok. Thanks for that last bit though.
To the rest, thanks for your responses! Leaning towards the KK now. Appreciate it!