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Rocker plates are a nice-to-have accessory for indoor cycling enthusiasts. In this article, I explain how to choose a rocker plate so you spend your money wisely.
I reviewed RPs available on the market to summarize what they offer and what to expect from them.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When buying a rocker plate, you will encounter single-motion only (side-to-side or fore-and-aft) or full-motion (both movements) rocker plates. The latter are more realistic but also more expensive. Ensure the RP is compatible with your trainer (most rocker plates are compatible with most popular bike trainers). And finally, consider its type, motion range, and build quality.
Continue reading for more info.
Abbreviations used: RP – rocker plate, RPs – rocker plates
Types of Rocker Plates
I won’t bother you with technical details on rocker plates’ suspension mechanisms. Instead, I want to introduce you to the two basic rocker plate types/designs.
1. Rear-Wheel Only Rocker Plates
The rear-wheel-only rocker plates have only enough space for the trainer and the rear wheel. They come with or without another part that acts as a front-wheel riser.
They are more affordable, take up less space, and are easier to carry around, thanks to their lower weight.
On the other hand, adding a fore and aft movement is more difficult. You will need a front-wheel riser to make your bike level, and they are not very suitable for gradient simulators like Wahoo CLIMB or Elite Rizer.
2. Full-Length Rocker Plates
Full-length rocker plates offer enough space for a bike trainer, and they also support your bike’s front wheel.
These RPs are more suitable for the fore and aft movement and gradient simulators like Elite Rizer or Wahoo Climb. Depending on your bike trainer, they may not require a front-wheel riser.
The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these two rocker plate types.
| Rocker Plate Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-wheel-only | • Cheaper • Take up less space • Easier to carry around | • Not suitable for fore-and-aft movement (but it is possible) • Require rising the front wheel or a front wheel riser • Not very suitable for gradient simulators |
| Full-length rocker plates | • Suitable for fore-and-aft movement • May not require front wheel riser • More suitable for gradient simulators | • Take up more space • More expensive • More difficult to carry around |
Choose the rear-only RP if you are limited by space or budget and want to keep your indoor training set-up minimalistic.
Go for the full-length rocker plate if you are serious about using other bike trainer accessories like a gradient simulator.
Side-to-Side Movement Range
The main point of rocker plates is to provide a side-to-side movement. It eases the chafing in your intimate areas because the bike swings underneath you and is not fixed (so the saddle basically acts like sandpaper).
The fore and aft movement is given in degrees (°). You will find RPs mostly with around 12 degrees (6° on each side) movement.
The more degrees ≠ the better riding experience. 6 or 7° is a sweet spot.
Side-to-Side Movement Adjustability
Some rocker plates, depending on how they are designed and what suspension mechanism they use for swinging, allow you to adjust the side-to-side movement.
For example, if the RP uses inflatable balls, heavier riders will need to inflate them to higher pressures to compensate for their weight.
The same applies to beginners, who will likely prefer a tighter motion and, therefore, better stability.
Rocker plates with springs instead of inflatable balls are less user-friendly and require tighter/looser springs, depending on what type of motion you prefer.
The looser the suspension mechanism, the larger the motion, the more realistic the ride, and the less stability.
Fore and Aft Movement Range
More advanced rocker plates add a fore and aft motion. It makes your rides even more realistic.
These rocker plates are usually more expensive because of their more complicated suspension mechanism.
Some riders like it, some don’t. I tried both rocker plate types, and they belong to the first group.
Riders who don’t like the fore and aft movement argue that it decreases their power output. But I couldn’t find any tests proving this claim.
Bike Trainer Compatibility
One of the most important things to double-check before ordering a rocker plate is its compatibility with your bike trainer.
Luckily, rocker plates are often compatible with most indoor bike trainers on the market. Some of them are even compatible with bike simulators like Wahoo KICKR Bike.
RPs mostly have enough holes to attach your bike trainer with (Velcro) straps or clamps.
However, always double-check the compatibility with the manufacturer.
Price
Rocker plate prices mainly depend on the RP type, suspension, and manufacturer.
Rear-wheel-only rocker plates cost around $350, while full-length around $500. Rocker plates with fore and aft movement are usually even more expensive.
There are also mass-produced rocker plates from companies like KOM Cycling, Lifeline, ZYING that are more or less the same, but their price differs. So, make sure to always double-check the alternatives.
Summary
When choosing a rocker plate, consider its features like:
- the type (rear-wheel-only or full-length),
- side-to-side motion range (and its adjustability,
- presence of the fore and aft movement,
- compatibility with your bike trainer,
…depending on your budget and preference.
Feel free to contact me or leave a comment in case of any questions, or:
Rocker Plates FAQ
Preview picture source: turborocks.com
