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Rockito is a Czech-made rocker plate. I have been testing it over the last few weeks, and in this review, I will discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Rockito Rocker Plate is well-made and does what you expect from it. It provides ample fore and aft movement and adjustable side-to-side tilt, contributing to better riding comfort and core muscle engagement. Additionally, it’s well-made, and you can customize the finish color for an additional fee.
On the other hand, Rockito RP requires a lot of storage space when not in use, is more expensive than the competition, and is unavailable outside Central Europe.
Rockito Rocker Plate Summary
Here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of the Rockito Rocker Plate I found during testing.
Rockito Rocker Plate Pros
- 2-axis movement makes riding more comfortable and engaging
- Excellent build quality
- Compatible with most trainers and bikes
- Adjustable tilt firmness thanks to inflatable balls
- Anti-slip surface treatment
- Customizable color (for an additional fee)
- Forces you to use more muscle groups (stabilizers)
Rockito Rocker Plate Cons
- Requires dedicated training area
- Requires a lot of space when not in use
- Higher price than the competition
- Not available outside Central Europe
- No spirit level
My Experience with Rockito Rocker Plate
My first impression of Rockito was positive. It is made of quality wood that smells nice. I didn’t have a brand new board to test, but I borrowed one that still looks like new. I set up the trainer, secured it with the included straps, and then set up the bike. I adjusted the pressure in the balloons as they were quite soft, which led to a lot of leaning. After that, everything was ready for the first ride.
But before I describe my impressions of the ride, I’d like to explain what rocker plates are good for. Fixed trainers result in the saddle acting essentially like sandpaper that your butt is rubbing against. However, the saddle moves slightly from side to side when riding outdoors, which means less discomfort.
The added motion provided by rocker plates improves riding comfort because it reduces chafing. However, if you have a bad saddle or bike fit, a rocker plate won’t solve this. So, don’t have unrealistic expectations.
Anyway, let’s get back to my riding impressions. It’s great that this plate also offers fore-aft movement; simpler and cheaper plates only offer side-to-side tilt. Due to the reduction of the aforementioned effect, I feel more comfortable during indoor cycling on the Rockito.
When riding from the saddle, the board also starts to move front to back. Together with the side-to-side tilt, this reduces the pressure on my knees that I would otherwise feel with a fixed trainer.
I can also sprint more easily on the Rockito than on the Gymrail Momentum MX1, which provides 4 types of movement. On that one, with poor spring setup and selection, I was experiencing back wobble. I don’t notice a reduction in the peak or average watts I get on the board, but I don’t have a test to prove it. If you can think of anything, let me know in the comments.
After a few weeks of use, I have found that I prefer this rocker plate more than the MX1 for racing because the ride is more stable on the RP. The MX1 is more fun, though, especially during free rides. It also forces me to use stabilizers more than on a fixed trainer, which is a plus.
Regarding build quality, the Rockito is well-crafted and made with quality materials. So, with a little maintenance (wiping off sweat and occasionally checking the moving mechanism), it will last you hopefully beyond life. I also like the fact that you can choose what color they make it in, so it matches the colors of your furniture.
The package also includes a pump for fine-tuning the pressure in the balls and safety straps for attaching the trainer. It includes several slots to hold a variety of trainers and is large enough for most trainers on the market. They also offer a Tacx NEO Smart Bike extension. The RP also has an anti-slip treatment, which also protects the wooden plate and four handles for easier manipulation.
However, I can’t forget to mention the relatively high price of around $870 after conversion. This is about $160 more than the high-end alternative from Turbo Rocks (Realplate React Stealth). It also lacks an integrated spirit level for easier board alignment and international shipping. When not in use, Rockito RP also requires a lot of space.
Also, don’t expect the same behavior as outdoors. Rocker plates tilt in the opposite direction of riding outdoors, so it requires some practice.
My Verdict
The Rockito Rocker Plate makes indoor cycling more comfortable and engaging. It boasts excellent build quality and is compatible with most bike trainers. The up to 10° side-to-side tilt is adjustable using inflatable balls. It will probably take you a few tries to nail the right pressure.
I like the anti-slip surface treatment and build quality. I can’t forget to mention the better engagement of the stabilizers but don’t expect that you won’t have to train your core anymore.
Unfortunately, like most rocker plates, Rockito takes up a lot of space when not in use. It is also priced higher than its competitors and is only available in Central Europe.
Rockito FAQ
The product for this review was kindly provided by the manufacturer. This did not influence my overall verdict or my opinion about the product. You can learn more about how I approach reviews here.
