Trainer Riser Block ... CycleOps vs Kinetic vs other?

[bwwROADBIKE]

My wife is "surprising" me w/ a KK Road Machine trainer. Any suggetion on best riser block out there? Is one needed?

Thanks,

[den bakker]

the yellow pages work well.

[triumph.1]

The kinetic riser works well enough and looks nicer than the yellow pages.

[BostonG]

I used to use a couple of text books but felt pretty ghetto doing that. I finally broke down and spent the twelve fiddy for a Nashbar riser block. It looks better, works better, and I don't feel old by staring at my old grad school text books that remind me how long ago I graduated.

Yes, you will feel better with something that lifts the front tire. THe bike will feel wakward without it.

Incidentally - Poast # 1k for me! Turn on teh music, bring out the girls, drop the balloons and throw the confetti.

[AlanE]

I use my old Organic Chemistry text book. Just right at about 4 inches thick. Improves the intensity of my workout since it serves as a constant reminder of how much I hated that course.

[JCavilia]

Use two telephone books, and you'll get a better workout, because you'll be going uphill all the time.

Hunka wood from the shop scraps.

[MerlinAma]

.....
Hunka wood from the shop scraps.

Yep. Did that and added a piece of carpet on top to help eliminate front wheel slide.

My theory is a 40" wheelbase bike needs a 4" riser to simulate a 10% grade.

Final answer?

[den bakker]

The kinetic riser works well enough and looks nicer than the yellow pages.

chances are the yellow pages are readily available though.
and free

[Caadmandu]

yup gotta go with da phone book... In this case does looks matter? If it does make a cool one out of wood, sand it stain or paint it have notches to raise or lower to any height....hummmm see books work just fine.

[rgordin]

I had an older Blackburn wind-trainer with a Blackburn device for raising the front wheel. I just got a KK trainer but bought the CycleOps block. I thought it looked like (don't know whether it actually did) it gave better support to the front wheel than the KK raiser.

I actually like the security and firmness of the front wheel fit, and the ability to change angles, better than the Blackburn wheel raiser. So, if you have a few extra bucks, I think it is better than a book. I got mine at Performance for $20, during a 20% sale.

[RJP Diver]

My wife is "surprising" me w/ a KK Road Machine trainer. Any suggetion on best riser block out there? Is one needed?

Thanks,

I like the CycleOps, which happens to be on sale for $19.99 at EMS, with free shipping. Today only:

CYCLE-OPS Climbing Riser Block - Eastern Mountain Sports

[Golfguy]

I'd still be using the phone book if a riser hadn't come with my CycleOps Fluid Trainer. Works the same. Not really worth buying one as far as I can tell. But congrats on the KK trainer.

[SolidSnake03]

Using the cycleops block feels a heck of a lot safer/sturdier for climbing out of the saddle than an old book....

[den bakker]

Using the cycleops block feels a heck of a lot safer/sturdier for climbing out of the saddle than an old book....

you are not climbing anywhere

[phoehn9111]

What I would like to know is there any difference on the trainer using a block
that allows your front wheel to turn vs rigidly held?

[heathb]

I use the KK block that swivels. I much prefer that to a fixed position block.

Being able to turn the handle bars just slightly feels more natural to me.

I got mine new on Ebay $25

[bwwROADBIKE]

thanks for all the responses. seems about 50/50 yellow pages (or equiv) vs block. For $20, it's a low investment.

i didn't realize kk made a swivel riser. although, i do have a pizza server that I could put a phone book on.

now, the million $ question is will i actually use the trainer this winter.

[smoothie7]

Granted the phone books would be the cheapest but its kinda silly to say you have an expensive bike and an expensive trainer but couldn't afford the riser block. ha ha

[AndrwSwitch]

I like the Cycle Ops block. I wouldn't (and haven't) buy one though. Yellow pages are free, whether I want them or not.

[den bakker]

Granted the phone books would be the cheapest but its kinda silly to say you have an expensive bike and an expensive trainer but couldn't afford the riser block. ha ha

who said anything about affordability?

[SolidSnake03]

you are not climbing anywhere

lalalalla *fingers in ears* I can't hear you lalalalalal I'm really racing outside somewhere lalalalalal

[Caadmandu]

well when I'm trying to impress people and not look cheap I put a riser under the tire so when they come over they say WOW look at that fancy riser with that fancy bike and trainer !!! But when they leave I throw a phone book under the tire so I don't wear out my expensive fancy riser.... lol just having some fun with you all. BUT seriously are we even having this convo ?? IT DOES NOT MATTER !!!! Use what you want.

[nonsleepingjon]

Several pieces of scrap wood nailed together work great for me.

[saf-t]

I use my old Organic Chemistry text book. Just right at about 4 inches thick. Improves the intensity of my workout since it serves as a constant reminder of how much I hated that course.

Huh. I really liked organic. Oh well.....

Anyway, I have a piece of 2 x 4 with 1 x2s nailed to the sides to keep the wheel from slipping off. Esthetically lacking, but I already owned the wood.

[den bakker]

Esthetically lacking, but I already owned the wood.

and off to the lounge we go......