Review on 🚴 ZenRoad Stationary Bike Trainer Stand: Magnetic Roller for Road and Mountain Bikes - 6-Speed Adjustment - Quiet Indoor Exercise by Chris Hunt

Signed up in June 2020 to race 300 miles in September 2020 to raise money for children with cancer. At the time I was 63 years old and an office worker, so I knew I had better ride my bike to be in shape to complete the challenge. I bought an exercise bike to improve my workout on days when I couldn't go outside due to the weather or work hours. I now have 3 trainers and have ridden them about 4000 miles. I gladly accepted the invitation to familiarize myself with the Zen Road Magnetic Trainer. Here's what I found out about this particular machine: To test the Zen Road machine I hooked up the same bike I've used on other machines for fair comparison and analysis - a Motobecane SuperMirage bought in 1977, old but Well. Advantages of the Zen Road machine: • Lightweight yet durable - this machine is smaller than my other machines and much lighter. It folds easily and stores under the bed. I'm not sure I will. Although the machine can be stored, my bike is still on the ground. When this trainer is attached to my bike, it doesn't take up any extra space and keeps the bike upright and ready to ride. An advantage of the light and compact size is the portability of the machine. My need to control my weight doesn't require a vacation while traveling, so being able to take my machine with me is a big plus. • Attaching a bike to a machine is easier than to other machines. It uses a smart linkage mechanism that helps lock the rear axle in place. Adjust one side of the clamp by screwing it in to center the tire on the flywheel, then use the clamp on the other side to secure the bike. Much easier than the double bolted grips on other shoes. • A tensioner on the handlebars makes pedaling more or less difficult. I'm not going to win the next big bike race. I'm more interested in erasing the beer years. I would probably find a tension and gear setting to induce sweat and get my heart rate down to a comfortable level so I could get the exercise I wanted and not have to readjust. The tension regulator is useful if the exercise bike is used by several people with different strengths. • Zen Road is quiet for a magnetic trainer. Magnetic trainers are notoriously louder than other types of trainers. Since I listen to podcasts while trading, a loud coach will be a distraction. I wasn't bothered by the noise of the Zen Road machine, although it was a bit louder than my other machines. • Interchangeable spindle included. It is important. The bicycle cannot be attached to the trainer without a suitable spindle. Other manufacturers charge extra. For the uninitiated that I was originally, I wouldn't have known I needed a replacement spindle, tried to attach my bike to a trainer, possibly damaged my bike, and been frustrated at not being told upfront I had one need new spindle .• Front wheel stand – Another necessary device to stabilize the front wheel. I wouldn't even consider buying it if it wasn't provided. Cons: • The Zen Road has a narrower fit than my other shoes. This narrow rack is nice because it takes up less space, but I was a bit worried when I got on the bike when it started to tip over a bit. When I got on the bike I was comfortable, I didn't tip over, but it wobbled when getting on and off. A wider array of supports would help solve this problem. • The front riser block is similar to what other manufacturers offer, but I don't find them useful. I prefer the larger type shown in my picture. They offer much better stability and plenty of height adjustment. When the trainer lifts the rear wheel off the ground, the smaller free end prevents me from leveling the bike. The large boner shown in the photo allows me to do this. • The user manual could be expanded a bit. This is a double-sided sheet of paper that helps attach the bike to the trainer, but does not describe how to set the initial tension on the trainer. The adjustment knob on the back should be tight enough to put pressure on the tire, but not too tight. Too much pressure makes turning difficult, and too little causes the tire to slip. Best guidance is welcome. • No criticism of the path of the Zen trainer, but advice. In one of the pictures, notice the block of wood next to the pedal. Since the trainer lifts the bike off the ground you will need something to set up the bike which is now higher than usual. I had a leftover 4x6 piece of lumber from a project that works great. Not the prettiest solution, but one that helps keep you from tipping over when getting on and off. • Last tip. Buy a watch that measures your heart rate. I use Xiaomi Mi Band 5 which has a free app to track my progress and indoor cycling mode. Makes it easier to monitor all these things. Overall, the Zen Road Magnetic Trainer is a good deal. This is a great system for beginners that is well priced, has solid construction, and has the extra gear you need to get started. The linkage for attaching the bike to the machine makes it easy to remove the bike for outdoor riding or remount the bike for indoor training. enjoy the trip