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Do you spend a lot of time training with Zwift, ROUVY, TrainerRoad, or similar apps? Then you will surely appreciate this selection of the best cycling rocker plates. They will reduce saddle discomfort, make riding more realistic, and force you to engage core muscles. I talked with RP builders and bike fitters, tried some solutions, and read reviews and discussions to save you time when looking for a new one. Then, I scored them according to this rocker plate scoring system.
The Realplate React Rocker Plate from Turborocks is the best rocker plate overall. It’s compatible with most bike trainers and will provide a 14.4° side-to-side and 15.75 in fore-and-aft movement. It won’t ruin your budget, and they ship it worldwide!
Continue reading to learn more about how rocker plates work, their benefits, and how to choose one.
What Are the Best Cycling Rocker Plates?
The best cycling rocker plates are universal to fit various indoor trainers. They should also provide a side-to-side tilt of at least 12° (6° on each side) and be durable enough to support even heavier riders.
Rocker plates with fore-and-aft movement add another dimension, making riding out of the saddle more realistic. However, this love-hate feature may not suit everybody (more about it here).
Are you new to rocker plates? Read my other articles on what a rocker plate is and why you should use it.
Turborocks Realplate React (The Best Rocker Plate Overall)
Motion 5/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Compatibility 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.5/5
Main Features
- A universal plate that fits most trainers on the market (including Wahoo KICKR Bike)
- Compatible with Elite Rizer
- In-built level for easier leveling
- Anti-slip surface
- Side-to-side + fore and aft movement
- Spare ball, needle, and pump included
- International shipping
Technical Specification
- Motion range: 14.4° (7.2° on each side)
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: Yes (15.75 in | 40 cm)
- Dimensions: 62.6×35×3.39 inches | 159×89×8.6 cm
- Weight: 24.5 kg (54 lb)
The Realplate React is Turbo Rocks’ most advanced rocker plate. To improve your ride experience, they added 15.75 inches (40 cm) of fore/aft movement. Additionally, you can adjust the 14.4° side-to-side tilt by inflating the balls. Thanks to the in-built spirit level, making the plate level is super easy.
Although this rocker plate will fit the best bike trainers on the market, Turbo Rocks recommends contacting them if your trainer is not listed. Spoiler alert: It’s suitable for Wahoo KICKR trainers, including Wahoo KICKR Bike.
TIP: If you want an RP for the Tacx NEO Bike, check out the Realplate Spin.
Realpalte React Rocker Plate owners also praise the built quality, ease of setup, and helpful customer support. They ship from the UK to Europe, the US, or Australia for an additional fee.
Based on the above, this rocker plate is clearly among the best choices for Zwift, ROUVY, and other indoor training apps. By the way, the “non-React” version is more affordable but has no fore-and-aft movement.
KOM Rocker Plate (Best Budget Rocker Plate)
Motion 2/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Compatibility 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.5/5
Main Features
- A universal plate that fits most trainers on the market
- Anti-slip surface
- Great price-value ratio
Technical Specification
- Motion range: 13° (6.5° on each side)
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: No
- Dimensions: 64×34.5×3.75 inches | 164×88×9.5 cm
- Weight: 42 lb | 19 kg
KOM Cycling Rocker Plate is similar to the ZYING and Lifeline rocker plates. Lifeline was sold by Wiggle, which filed for bankruptcy, and the ZYING plate was discontinued on Amazon. According to Chad McNeese, a rocker plates expert, they are all copies of the RideNow rocker plate from Chinese online marketplaces.
They probably came from the same factory except for a few differences, such as the color, brand, and price. All these plates shared the same 13° side-to-side tilt (6.5° on each side), which can be adjusted by inflating the balls at lower or higher pressure. The adjustable side-to-side movement is a big advantage because it will improve your riding experience.
Unfortunately, the KOM plate doesn’t have the fore-and-aft movement like other, more sophisticated plates, but they are a perfect entry-level to the rocker plate world.
Hedgehog Balance Pods Rocker (A Sub $50 Hack Worth Trying)
Motion 2/5 | Adjustability 3/5 | Compatibility 3/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Build Quality 2/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.0/5
Main Features
- Super cheap solution
- Side-to-side + fore and aft movement
- Ideal for long and steady rides
- Not too suitable for racing or sprints
Technical Specification
- Motion range: Variable
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: Yes (~1 in | 25 mm)
- Dimensions: 6.25×3.5 inches | 16×9 cm
- Weight/piece: 0.68 lb | 261g
I tried this hack I found on social media, and I can confirm it works without breaking the bank! It’s about making your indoor cycling more comfortable and engaging. It’s a great solution for longer or easier rides. I don’t experience as much saddle discomfort because the pods allow the trainer and the bike to move more naturally.
You can buy four Hedgehog Balance Pods and place them under your trainer. They allow your trainer to move, improving your riding comfort and making your core muscles work a bit more.
For the best results:
- Experiment with the pressure (I recommend higher pressure for heavy riders and less for lighter riders).
- To level your bike, use a front-wheel riser or stack some books.
However, I don’t recommend this solution for racing because there’s a risk of the trainer slipping off the pods, especially during sprints, which could throw off your balance. For racing, it is safest to have the trainer placed on the floor or mounted on a rocker plate.
I use the small pods, but depending on your smart trainer (or smart bike), you may also consider the large pads. For more info, read my Hedgehog balance pod rocker plate article.
Rockr Pro Rocker Plate
Motion 3/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Compatibility 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.9/5
Main Features
- A universal plate that fits most trainers on the market
- Anti-slip surface
- Side-to-side + fore and aft movement
- Spare ball and suspension needle included
Technical Specification
- Motion range: 18° (9° on each side)
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: Yes (0.59 in | 15 mm)
- Dimensions: 59×34×4 inches | 150×86×10 cm
- Weight: 33 lb | 15 kg
Rockr Pro Rocker Plate provides an excellent price-value ratio. Owners also praise its high-built quality. It’s also a rocker plate with the biggest side-to-side motion range of 18° (9° on each side). Thanks to inflatable balls, it is also easily adjustable to fit your preferences.
Besides the side-to-side motion, Rocker Pro also features 0.59 in (15 mm) fore and aft travel, further improving the ride feel and comfort. However, it’s important to note that this is much less than other rocker plates.
Thanks to 12 attachment slots, this rocker plate is compatible with most trainers ranging from smart trainers to smart bikes. You can choose the attachments when ordering the rocker plates.
The Rockr Pro comes fully assembled, so you only need to inflate the balls. The packing includes one extra spare ball. It’s shipped internationally for an additional fee.
OmniRocker Turbo Rocker Plate
Motion 4/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Compatibility 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5
Main Features
- Available in the UK only
- A universal plate that fits most trainers on the market
- Anti-slip surface
- Side-to-side + fore and aft movement
- In-built circular spirit level
- Handles for easier moving
- Easy to clean
Technical Specification
- Motion range: 14° (7° on each side)
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: Yes (5.51 in | 14 cm)
- Dimensions: 63×35.4×5.1 inches | 160×90×13 cm
- Weight: n/a
The UK-made OmniRocker Plate belongs to one of the most popular rocker plates. It is well-built, provides two-dimensional movement, and is relatively affordable. You can adjust the side-to-side movement by inflating the balls to higher or lower pressure, depending on your preference for motion.
The fore/aft movement of 5.51 inches (14 cm) is enough to improve your riding comfort and add another dimension. Setting up should be easier thanks to the built-in circular spirit level, but frankly, a longer spirit level works better.
I like the strategically placed handles, which make manipulation easier. You will appreciate that, especially if you don’t have a permanent training space. The OmniRocker Plate comes fully assembled. You just need to mount your trainer and start riding. Unfortunately, it is only sold in the UK. International shipping is unavailable.
Tacx NEO Motion Plates (Best ‘Rocker Plate’ for the Tacx NEO Trainers)
Motion 1/5 | Adjustability 1/5 | Compatibility 1/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.2/5
Main Features
- Sleek integration
- Only compatible with Tacx NEO Trainers
- Easy to setup
- Storable
- Pricey
Technical Specification
- Motion range: n/a
- Side-to-side movement: No
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: n/a
- Fore and aft movement: Yes (1.97 inches | 5 cm)
- Dimensions: 22.9×4.8×4.0 inches | 58.2×12.2×10.2 cm
- Weight: 3.41 lb | 1.55 kg
The Tacx NEO Motion Plates add the fore and aft movement to Tacx NEO trainers. With the slight side-to-side tilt of NEOs, you get almost a full range of motion like a rocker plate.
I appreciate their low weight, easy installation, and storability. They are super easy to mount to the trainer. Unfortunately, they are incompatible with 3rd party trainers or a Tacx NEO Bike.
Additionally, they don’t provide a riding experience as great as other rocker plates. They are also relatively pricey, but the added comfort is worth it. For more information, read my Tacx NEO Motion Plates review.
Also available at performancebike.com
Gymrail Momentum X1 (The Most Sophisticated Rocker Plate)
Motion 5/5 | Adjustability 5/5 | Compatibility 5/5 | Ease of Setup 2/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Price 1/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.3/5
Main Features
- The most sophisticated rocker plate on the market (4-dimensional movement)
- Excellent build quality
- Compatible with most bike trainers
- Good tension adjustability (multiple spring tensions available)
Technical Specification
- Motion range: 15° (7.5° on each side)
- Side-to-side movement: Yes
- Side-to-side movement adjustability: Yes
- Fore and aft movement: Yes
- Dimensions:
- Front: 46×58×45–50 cm
- Rear: 70×76×10 cm
- Weight: 63.9 lb | 29 kg
UPDATE: Unfortunately, it seems that Gymrail went out of business, and their website is unavailable.
Gymrail Momentum X1 is the most sophisticated rocker plate on the market because it offers 4-dimensional movement. It includes side-to-side tilt, side-to-side sway, fore-and-aft movement, and twisting motion.
I’ve been testing it for over a month and appreciate how much closer it brings indoor cycling to outdoor riding. The MX1 is also well made and made with quality materials. I recommend experimenting with adjusting the firmness of the suspension elements for optimal ride characteristics.
The downsides of this system are its higher price compared to 2-axis rocker plates, more complicated installation, and the need to find the right combination of hardnesses. To learn more details, read my Gymrail Momentum X1 review.
| Rocker Plates | Motion Range | Fore and aft | Dimensions L×W×H | Weight | Buy | Motion | Adjustability | Compatibility | Ease of Setup | Build Quality | Price | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Realplate React Rocker Plate | 14.4° (7.2° on each side) | 15.75 in (40 cm) | 62.6×35×3.39 inches 159×89×8.6 cm | 54 lb 24.5 kg | Check Price | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4.5 |
| KOM Cycling Rocker Plate | 13° (6.5° on each side) | n/a | 64×34.5×3.75 inches 164×88×9.5 cm | 42 lb 19 kg | Check Price | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Rockr Pro Rocker Plate | 18° (9° on each side) | 0.59 in (1.5 cm) | 59×34×4 inches 150×86×10 cm | 33 lb 15 kg | Check Price | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3.9 |
| OmniRocker Turbo Rocker Plate | 14° (7° on each side) | 5.51 in (14 cm) | 63×35.4×5.1 inches 160×90×13 cm | n/a | Check Price | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Tacx NEO Motion Plates | n/a | 5.51 in (14 cm) | 22.9×4.8×4.0 inches 58.2×12.2×10.2 cm | 3.41 lb 1.55 kg | Check Price | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2.2 |
| Gymrail Momentum X1 | 15° (7.5° on each side) | 4.5 in (12 cm) | Front: 46×58×45–50 cm Rear: 70×76×10 cm | 63.9 lb 29 kg | n/a | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4.3 |
My Verdict
The Realplate React is the best rocker plate because of its excellent price-value ratio. Thanks to its 14.4° adjustable side-to-side tilt and up to 15.75″ fore and aft movement, you will also experience a new level of comfort and engagement.
The ride out of the saddle will also feel more natural. However, due to the nature of rocker plates, they are not comparable to riding outdoors. So, don’t expect an outside-like riding experience.
To learn more about choosing a rocker plate, read my guide below.
4 Reasons to Use a Cycling Rocker Plate
Below, I explain why you should use a rocker plate and why they are a worthy bike training accessory.
1. You Will Enjoy Better Riding Comfort
One of the most annoying things about indoor cycling is the discomfort (saddle pain, numbness, etc.). Due to the fixed position of the bike on a trainer, there is almost no side-to-side tilt (swing).
Your pelvis starts to roll side-to-side on your saddle, which causes pressure on your soft tissue and perineum.
All rocker plates on the market (or DIY-made) feature a side-to-side tilt that eliminates this issue. Adding the swing will make your indoor training sessions on a rocker plate more comfortable.
2. You Experience More Realistic and Engaging Rides
Pedaling on a bicycle outside causes side-to-side movement. As a result, you have to engage other muscles in your body to keep your balance and not fall. When you fix your bike into a bike trainer, you don’t have to keep the balance, and the ride loses its realism.
A bike rocker plate will take your indoor training to a new level. Due to the side-to-side movement, your bike will behave almost like when riding outside, eventually fore-and-aft travel.
NOTE: Sprints on a rocker plate are not like sprints outside. You don’t need to pull as much on a rocker plate with your arms as you do outside. It takes some practice to get used to it. Learn more below.
3. You Better Engage Your Core Muscles
When your bike is fixed in a bike trainer, you can rely on its stability. This means you don’t need to engage core muscles as much. The swing motion of rocker plates will force you to engage your core muscles to keep your balance.
According to Cycling Tips, more research is required to confirm whether core training has performance benefits. However, strengthened core muscles can help prevent injuries.
4. You Reduce Bike Frame Stress
As Chad McNeese, an administrator of the Rocker Plate group on Facebook, explains in his guide, rocker plates also reduce bike frame stress. It is logical. A rocker’s swing gives your bike more freedom of movement, reducing side forces and stress.
However, you should also know that some bike brands’ warranties also apply to using their bikes in a trainer. You can learn more about this in my article “Is a bike trainer bad for your bike?“
One Big Disadvantage of Rocker Plates
One of the biggest disadvantages of rocker plates is that riding out of the saddle takes practice and is not as realistic as outside. When riding out of the saddle, we use our arms to pull our bikes (handlebars) up and down. This synchronized movement feels different on a rocker plate. When you try the same technique on a rocker plate, the physics doesn’t work. It then looks like this:
Getting used to riding out of the saddle on a rocker plate takes practice. They might even encourage riding in a poor form. If you want to know more about this issue, I recommend reading this article on Zwift Insider.
How to Choose a Cycling Rocker Plate?
Below is the summarized buyer’s guide from my How to Choose a Rocker Plate article.
Side-to-side Movement
All rocker plates I came across feature a side-to-side movement. This movement is given in degrees (°) and varies around 12 degrees (6° on each side).
Keep in mind that more degrees ≠ better riding experience. You may roll over during sprints or climbs if the rocker plate is poorly designed.
Side-to-Side Movement Adjustability
The ability to adjust the side-to-side movement of a rocker plate greatly affects the ride feel. According to Zwift Insider, beginners may benefit from tighter springs* because the plate feels more stable. Their disadvantage is they require more focus on timing when riding out of the saddle.
*Springs or any other suspension mechanism like inflatable balls.
On the other hand, looser springs increase the range of motion and make your ride more realistic. Their disadvantage is they are less stable.
You can adjust the rocking motion on rocker plates that use inflatable balls as suspension mechanisms. Simply inflate the ball to lower or higher pressure.
Fore and Aft Movement
What some rocker plates set apart from each other is the fore and aft movement. It adds another dimension (axis) that makes the ride closer to reality.
Rocker plates with fore and aft movement tend to be more expensive due to the complicated mechanism. But it doesn’t mean they are better. One group of riders loves it because it makes their ride more realistic and comfortable. The other group hates it because the fore and aft travel may affect (e.g., decrease) their power output.
Universality
Before ordering a rocker plate, ensure it is compatible with your bike trainer. Luckily, rocker plates are often compatible with most indoor bike trainers. They come with Velcro straps (or other attachment mechanisms) and holes in different positions that allow you to attach your bike trainer.
Price
The price of cycling rocker plates varies a lot. There are rocker plates for lower hundreds of dollars or rocker plates that exceed the $1000 price tag. During my market research, I noticed that some rocker plates are the same (except for the color or brand), but their price differs by hundreds of dollars.
So, before ordering a rocker plate, I recommend checking for cheaper alternatives. Rocker plates with fore and aft movement are more expensive because their mechanism is more complicated.
Cycling Rocker Plates FAQ
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“Keep in mind that the LifeLine Rocker Plate is only available in the UK.” – not true! I just received one in the USA.
Oh really? Let me update the info. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
– Petr
Hi.
Did you actually test all these for the review or is this just click bait with the top rocker being the one offering you an incentive and discount code?
Its hard to make informed decisions with so many sites like this.
Hi Clive,
I wish I could compare all these RPs objectively, but buying them all is very costly. I don’t have a big media house or funding behind me. I am just on my own.
Still, I tried my best when evaluating the reviews, price/performance, etc. I highlighted the one from Turborocks as the best before negotiating the discount code for my readers. It offers fore-and-aft movement and side-to-side tilt while being cheaper than the Saris one. The KOM-like-ones are cheaper but only offer side-to-side tilt. The Omnirocker one is only shipped within the UK, and the Rockr within the US. Given the nature of my website (mainly focused on the US and English-speaking markets), Turborocks plate is still the most relevant for most readers.
I tested the Tacx NEO Plates, but those are usable only if you have a Tacx NEO trainer, so they are very niche.
Hopefully, this clarifies some of your concerns.
– Petr
Have you tried the Gymrail Momentum X1?
Funny you ask! I’m testing it right now. Expect a review soon.
– Petr
Have you tried InsideRide E-Flex Plus?