MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Kinetic has announced a new line of Kinetic Control interactive smart trainers with hardware and technology updates, including dual ANT+ and Bluetooth wireless communication protocols.
The lineup includes 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 lineup features a dual-band chip with ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing it to pair with training software on phones and tablets, cycling computer head units, and software run on a PC or a Mac.
"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."
Control trainers, formerly called "Smart Control," also offer a lighter flywheel, which the company said 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."
Kinetic provides a free 6-month Smart subscription for the Kinetic Fit power-training app with any Control Power Unit or Control trainer purchase. Each new model also works with virtually any bike, including those with thru-axles, internally-geared hubs and wheels as small as 16 inches with an adapter kit. Kinetic Control models include a lifetime frame warranty and a two-year warranty on electronics.
Kinetic is also working out details on a Smart Control upgrade program that will roll out next month. 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.
The new Control trainers are available now through Kinetic retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
