Gravi-Trainer Rocker Board Review: Rock your indoor training
As a cyclist with some mild aspirations of performing well in early season races, I find myself engaging in the annual tradition of indoor training each winter and early spring. I can’t say I’ve ever truly hated riding my bike indoors; in fact, with the proper entertainment and game plan, it can be effective and downright tolerable. Love, however, is not a word I would ever attach to this activity. Pedaling may be pedaling, but when you take away every other aspect of the way a bike moves, you end up with an activity to endure rather than enjoy.
Indoor training has undergone quite the renaissance over the past several years with the introduction of Internet based platforms (hello Zwift) and advanced trainers (Do you Wahoooo?) to help cyclists get the most out of the “off-season.” Over the past decade-plus, I’ve worked my way through 3 dumb trainers, 2 sets of rollers, and am currently on my second smart trainer. While a smart trainer was probably the best change I’ve made in recent years, I found myself wanting more heading into this winter. What if I had a smart trainer that moved?
Research gave me several options for rocker boards I could use with my trainer, from LOL expensive to moderately less expensive to full DIY. Thrifty me said “no way” to most of the advertised options, and tinkerer me said, “Let’s go to Home Depot and see what happens.” Then, I found the Gravi-Trainer website and quickly purchased a rocker board to test.
Gravi-Trainer Rocker Board Review: THE GOOD
The price. With a starting price of just $139, this is on a different planet price wise from something like the Saris MP1.
The effect. The side-to-side motion allowed by the board helps pedaling on the trainer feel more natural and alleviates some of the strains on body and bike associated with indoor training. Most of this is unnoticeable in general, seated pedaling, but post-ride sensations are not that dissimilar from what I’d expect from riding outside.
Variety. Gravi-Trainer lists a range of available options including full bike support and custom sizing. They will even put your own logos on the board if you want. The basic model was the right size for my Kickr Core trainer and is a great size for sticking against a wall or under a couch in a NYC apartment.
Finishing Touches. Though simple, the finished product separates itself from DIY options through a few refinements. The corners are rounded to prevent some possible snags and splinters. The top also features a textured surface to keep your trainer from sliding around under use.
Durability. In part due to their simplicity, the Gravi-Trainer Rocker Plate should survive the rigors of heavy use. I have detected no groans or creaks in a winter of use, aside from those coming from these old bones.
The rocker boards are made America by a company based in Colorado and California.
Gravi-Trainer Rocker Board Review: THE BAD
Simplicity. While simplicity is generally a good thing, this rocker board notably lacks the “rebound” mechanisms featured in more expensive options. I can’t say that I notice that shortcoming most of the time (and such an element would certainly increase the price), but adding that feature might make for an unquantifiable improvement in ride feel. I’ve thought about doing it myself by gluing some halved tennis balls to the bottom.
Raises the trainer surface. A Kickr (and most smart trainers) are sized to replace a standard 700c wheel, allowing you to use the trainer without a wheel block. As this rocker raises the trainer by ~4.5cm, you will need to prop up your front wheel on something like a wheel block or copy of Atlas Shrugged. This does not apply if you buy the full-length rocker board.
Lack of fore/aft motion. Inside ride rollers (the fancy ones on the moving platform) had this, but no resistance. The same company is launching a rocker platform for some Kickr trainers, but otherwise, options are limited if you have a smart trainer and are seeking the realest ride experience.
Difficult to clean. The same textured surface that keeps your trainer from sliding around and means that you will catch hell trying to clean it if you need to. Mine already has a couple of grease stains that are never coming out.
Similar to DIY options. I’m fairly confident that a decent set of power tools and a trip to Home Depot could net a similar board. However, this is not the easiest option for a NYC resident and the price is small relative to the convenience and decent features offered.
Gravi-Trainer Rocker Board Review: ADD2CART?
While it’s safe to say that someone with ample time and access to a decent table saw could make a similar item, the price point and convenience offered by ordering a rocker board from Gravi-Trainer cannot be ignored. Fancier options abound if you have the coin and space, but, for the money, the Gravi-Trainer rocker board provides enough motion to make indoor riding infinitely more tolerable while being size for a New York City apartment. All you have to consider is your answer to the age old question: Do you wanna rock? add2cart endorsed.
About Gravi-Trainer
According to their website, Gravi-Trainer was born several years back when the founders realized the shortcomings of indoor cycling:
Ever found yourself riding a trainer, watching TV, wishing your bike wasn’t so stuck to the floor? We did too! We used to watch Tour De France videos while training. When the riders stood up, we stood up. When they sprinted, we sprinted. Good workout, but it never felt like riding.
Eventually we started building rockers to let the bike move a little, then a bit more. There were a lot of wrong turns in the learning process, but it’s led to a great feeling ride. The Gravi-Trainer rocker plate is shaped to give you a safe indoor riding experience that replicates the freedom of motion of road riding. We hope it makes your training sessions great!
Disclosure: this Gravi-Trainer was purchased at retail via the company’s website.
I am a New York City based cyclist who hasn’t found a way to quit the sport in the 10+ years since I moved to the East Coast from the Midwest. Former, and occasional, runner, full-time high school teacher, bourbon and cat aficionado.
Instagram (especially if you love cats): @myvelolife
