Rocker plate or no - on smart bike

[kanzkardiotone]

Does anyone have experience with this on a smartbike, not a turbo trainer.

I'm about to bite the bullet and buy a tacx neo smart bike. My partners has a stages sb20 which I really like but it come with no screen whatsoever and it's no longer being made. I don't like the Kickr or the Atom. plus I'm plugged into the Garmin ecosystem so this works best for me.
I currently have a spin bike and I won't bore you with why I am upgrading but the interest in the rocker plate is driven by my desire to have more realistic authentic rides indoors. There are loads of reasons why outdoor cycling isn't always possible for me.

 

[HLaB]

My old flat never had space and whilst this house has a bit more space I still don't think I have enough space, but a lot of folk swear by the benefits of them. When I was enquiring about them someone added me to a Facebook group called "Rocker Plates", you'll find lots of answers there.

 

[kanzkardiotone]

Hmm. Slight problem with this wonderful suggestion. I don't have a Facebook account. Oh well.....

 

[bridgy]

I've got a Neo Smart Bike and personally don't feel the need for a rocker plate (I actually quite like the solid static feel of it!), but I have seen quite a neat solution made specifically for the Neo bike called a Veloplate https://veloplate.com/product/veloplate-rockerplate-4d-for-tacx-bike-smart/

There's also a "Tacx Neo Smart Bike" Facebook group and if you join that and search "rocker" you'll see some people have done cheaper DIY solutions using things like yoga balls on each corner

 

[kanzkardiotone]

I've got a Neo Smart Bike and personally don't feel the need for a rocker plate (I actually quite like the solid static feel of it!), but I have seen quite a neat solution made specifically for the Neo bike called a Veloplate https://veloplate.com/product/veloplate-rockerplate-4d-for-tacx-bike-smart/

There's also a "Tacx Neo Smart Bike" Facebook group and if you join that and search "rocker" you'll see some people have done cheaper DIY solutions using things like yoga balls on each corner

Thanks. I'll check out the veloplate. After being stalked I deleted my Facebook account so going back isn't an option for me. I suck at DIY so any alternatives that require tools etc won't work for me. Plus I want someone to blame if it all goes peear shaped with the contraption!!! What I've seen so far are not cheap but.....
Thank again!!

 

[Venod]

I had a Tacx Neo that I made a rocker plate for, I now have a SB20 that I have adapted the old rocker plate to fit under each foot (front and rear) it works well, it may not have a screen but you can fit a tablet on the holder, I use mine with a 40" TV screen, if using zwift I have the Companion app running on a tablet on the holder.
The SB20 is a solid usable bike without rocking, but I feel a bit of movement side to side improves comfort, I did build fore and aft into the Neo rocker plate but it seemed pointless.

 

[Aleman]

I have a Neo trainer, that I built a plate for. It does make a significant improvement to comfort. Enough that if I ever change to a static trainer I'll build some sort of Rocker for it ... Unlike @Venod I would be adding Fore-Aft movement to it in addition to the current side to side movement.

 

[CXRAndy]

Does anyone have experience with this on a smartbike, not a turbo trainer.

I'm about to bite the bullet and buy a tacx neo smart bike. My partners has a stages sb20 which I really like but it come with no screen whatsoever and it's no longer being made. I don't like the Kickr or the Atom. plus I'm plugged into the Garmin ecosystem so this works best for me.
I currently have a spin bike and I won't bore you with why I am upgrading but the interest in the rocker plate is driven by my desire to have more realistic authentic rides indoors. There are loads of reasons why outdoor cycling isn't always possible for me.

I have a home made full rocker with my Tacx Neo2 turbo.

There is no reason not to use a rocker with a trainer bike. Its just a case of securing the bike so it cannot slide off or move.

 

[kanzkardiotone]

I had a Tacx Neo that I made a rocker plate for, I now have a SB20 that I have adapted the old rocker plate to fit under each foot (front and rear) it works well, it may not have a screen but you can fit a tablet on the holder, I use mine with a 40" TV screen, if using zwift I have the Companion app running on a tablet on the holder.
The SB20 is a solid usable bike without rocking, but I feel a bit of movement side to side improves comfort, I did build fore and aft into the Neo rocker plate but it seemed pointless.

My partner has the sb20 and it's very nice BUT I want some kind of readout which it lacks. I also like the fact the tacx bike can be used without power. Plus I'm a Garmin babe so getting the tacx immersed me fully into the ecosystem
I've looked at the Veloplate and there a UK based company called turborocks who do 2 rocker plates that the wonder claims work with the tacx bike. With oictire/video evidence on the website.

 

[kanzkardiotone]

I have a home made full rocker with my Tacx Neo2 turbo.

There is no reason not to use a rocker with a trainer bike. Its just a case of securing the bike so it cannot slide off or move.

View attachment 787744

Im buying the smart bike, so not the turbo trainer. The lack of that bike movement is one of the reasons I'm selling my spin bike. I do want the full complement of both the body and bike movement.

 

[CXRAndy]

Having a rocker, will certainly help for extended multi hour training sessions.

I would say it probably mimics 90% of the outdoor riding feel.

 

[kanzkardiotone]

So I've taken delivery of my tacx neo smartbike. Bought from a lovely member of this forum. It was relatively easy to set up. I'm waiting on a saddle and then I'll need to decide on the rocker plate. There are a few one sale on Ebay BUT due to size restrictions its pick up and that's not an option due to distance. I think it will have to be a new one purchased from turborocks.

 

[CXRAndy]

Turbo rocks make a very nice rocker, it will transform indoor riding

To give you context to cost. I made mine probably 6-7 years ago, with weather proof grippy trailer board. Costs came in around £250 for all materials.

So TurboRocks are very reasonably priced for what you get

 

[kanzkardiotone]

Turbo rocks make a very nice rocker, it will transform indoor riding

To give you context to cost. I made mine probably 6-7 years ago, with weather proof grippy trailer board. Costs came in around £250 for all materials.

So TurboRocks are very reasonably priced for what you get

Thanks for thr perspective. I am looking at the turborocks and I am salivating!! I did find a 2 year old Omnirocker Wahoo Kickr Bike Rocker Plate on Ebay for £370 but my worry is that I get it and it doesn't fit with my tacx bike. I've emailed the company 3 times to ask and no-one has bothered responding unlike Turborocks that have been very responsive . I'll be SOL with no recourse. So, turborocks seems to be the one!!!!

 

[bobinski]

Kan,
I had the NEO Bike on a turborock ! Works great and does make a huge difference.