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This article explains why using a rocker plate is worth spending hundreds of dollars or building your own. I will help you decide if it is an accessory you should even consider. And finally, you will also learn more about the benefits & disadvantages of rocker plates.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Rocker plates will significantly improve your riding comfort by reducing chafing in your intimate areas. They will also help you engage your core muscles as you balance. And finally, they will make your indoor cycling experience more realistic and reduce the stress on your frame.
Abbreviations used: RP – rocker plate, RPs – rocker plates
When to Consider Buying a Rocker Plate?
Rocker plates are not cheap; you can spend this money on other bike trainer accessories, a power meter, etc. So, when should you consider buying it?
- You use your bike trainer often (e.g., 3 or more times per week) or ride long indoor rides (over 2 hours).
- You experience saddle discomfort during indoor training.
- You want to make your indoor training more engaging.
Benefits of Rocker Plates
Here are the three most important reasons to use a rocker plate.
1. You Will Enjoy Better Riding Comfort
When I talked with friends who cycle and asked them why they don’t want to ride indoors, they mostly mentioned two main reasons:
- It’s boring.
- It’s uncomfortable.
And I agree that if you don’t have a super comfy bike fit, you most likely experience saddle discomfort.
It is caused by the bike’s fixed position in the trainer. When you pedal, your pelvis rolls from side to side, which can cause friction and pressure on your soft tissues.
So, how does the rocker plate help?
The principle is simple. Rocker plate’s swinging (side-to-side) motion allows your bike and the saddle to move underneath your butt, reducing the pressure.
TIP: You might also be interested in these prostate-friendly saddles.
Rocker plates simulate outdoor riding conditions because, when you cycle outside, the saddle moves in a wave-like motion as you pedal.
I recommend reading my article on improving indoor cycling comfort for more actionable tips.
2. You Better Engage Your Core Muscles
The fixed bike’s position in a bike trainer brings another disadvantage. It doesn’t force you to keep your balance.
This means you don’t have to engage core muscles as much. But add a side-to-side motion, and voila! Your core muscles engage more because you will be forced to balance.
According to this study, the performance benefits of core training were not demonstrated, and further research is needed.
However, the same study suggests that strengthened core muscles can help prevent injuries.
There is something about core training among cyclists, though. For example, Peter Sagan is (except for his famous victories) known for his core training and yoga.
And Nino Schurter is another great example of a (mountain) biker who also spends a lot of time training his balance and core strength.
3. You Experience More Realistic and Engaging Rides
Riding on a bike trainer feels artificial. You mainly focus just on pedaling, not on what is happening around you, maintaining your balance, etc.
Rocker plates make indoor training more like riding outside and more engaging. Especially if the rocker plate also features fore-and-aft travel, adding another motion dimension.
But this is a love-or-hate feature that takes time to get used to (more about it below).
BONUS: Reduced Stress on Your Bike Frame
Even today, people think that using a bike trainer may damage their carbon frame. I summarized multiple sources that busted this myth in this article.
However, if you are concerned about your frame’s durability, one of the benefits of rocker plates is that they help improve it.
The RP’s side-to-side motion doesn’t just relieve the pressure on your intimate areas but also on your bike frame.
Disadvantages of Rocker Plates
Rocker plates are not just about benefits, though. Aside from their price, they are not perfect.
Rides out of the saddle don’t feel natural, and the same way as outside. Let me explain.
When riding outside (out of the saddle), we use our arms to pull the handlebars up and down. This synchronized movement feels different on a rocker plate.
The physics doesn’t work when you try the same technique on a rocker plate.
Check out this video from GPLama, where he explains it further.
The fore-and-aft movement also won’t appeal to everybody. If you have ever tried Tacx Galaxia rollers, it is pretty similar. Some riders like me like it, and some hate it. You have to try it to form your opinion.
Summary
If you do long endurance rides indoors or train often, a rocker plate is an investment that pays off with added comfort, more engaging rides, and better core muscle engagement.
Feel free to check out my selection of the best rocker plates on the market to find the one that suits your budget and preferences.
Do you find this article helpful, or do you have any questions? Please share it with your friends or leave a comment below.
