Kinetic R1 Direct Drive Trainer
As Kinetic's flagship trainer, the R1 includes some rocking capability which you won't find in other trainers. Kinetic was a bit late to the game when it comes to smart trainers, but with the R1 they seem to be back in action, at least in the mid-tier direct-drive range.
Key Specs
- MSRP: $949 USD
- Accuracy: +-3%
- Flywheel: 14lbs
- Max Wattage: 2000 W
- Max Incline: 20%
Where to Buy
This trainer is no longer in production, but you may find a good deal on used or old stock.
More Details
- Brand: Kinetic
- Year Released: 2019 (No longer in production)
- Axle Compatibility: QR and thru-axle compatible
- Requires Calibration
- Cadence: Sensor included
- Communication: ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Cassette Included: 11-speed
Support App: Kinetic Fit
Use the Kinetic Fit app to calibrate your Kinetic trainer as well as update firmware. It also includes features which let it control your Kinetic smart trainer from your mobile device for ERG workouts, and a paid option for more advanced training plans.
Overall Rating
3.3 stars
based on 6 reviews
So first off I must say this is my 2nd unit. The first unit had a resistance issue that Kinetic Customer Service cleared up in about 2 weeks from start to new unit arriving at my house. I love the fact that this trainer has the ability to move side to side. Not only is this a bit more natural and reflect road feel it is also much safer for my carbon frame. It deflects a lot of stress away from the seat stays and allows the trainer to absorb more flexing rather than the carbon. The trainer was easy to setup but you must use the Kinetic fit app. Once setup was done I began running with Zwift without issue more or less. The one reason I won't give the trainer 5 stars is that it seems to be much more finicky with its bluetooth connection and I am coming from a Kinetic Rock-N-Roll wheel on trainer. Same placement in the same setup but it's taken a little adjusting to avoid any bluetooth drops (which has only happened twice with my new unit). Overall, I would highly recommend the trainer, it folds up easy and has a nice big handle to help move it around. For the price you get all that you need and then some. 
Great trainer for the price point from mpalanza September 16, 2021Â
I don't want to be overly negative about the R1 because when it works I'm very happy with it; the problem is that when it doesn't, well, its frustrating. One of the best things about the R1 is the rocking/flexible side to side motion. When I'm riding a bike I'm not locked into a perfectly vertical orientation so I appreciate the R1 mimicking real riding. This motion was probably the single deciding factor in choosing this trainer. Now then, the issue we are having is very specific. When there is a dramatic change in resistance, for example, a high effort climb followed by a dramatic descent or a high effort sprint followed by a descent; the trainer can't manage its resistance appropriately. Basically what happens is the trainer loses all resistance and the flywheel spins at a rate inconsistent with the pedaling cadence; for example I'll be pedaling at 80rpm but the trainer will say its at 118rpm with 0 power. The only way to resolve this is to let the R1 spin down to a stop; unplug it; and then begin again. This doesn't happen every ride but when it does its very annoying! Especially during an event. We have contacted Kinetic multiple times and they are non-rsponsive, claim to be very busy, or that the issue is related to bluetooth interference - all of which is their way of not wanting to deal with the issue. I suspect this R1 is faulty and would be interested in other user's perspectives. If it weren't for this issue I'd rate it a solid 5. 
When it works… from Paul48130 February 1, 2021Â
Bought an R1. Started to fail after about 9 months. Narrowed it down to clearly an electrical issue. Customer service said they wouldn't honor my warranty because I bought through an authorized distributor (that I found through Kinetic's own website ironically). They also tried to say it was a 1 year warranty despite my manual saying it's a 2 year electrical warranty. I submitted my warranty claim within 1 year in any event. My R1 has now been a large (useless) paper weight for over a month. I'm going to buy a Wahoo Kickr and move on. Don't buy from this company.
Bad product, bad company from sean.patrick.roche November 7, 2020Â
I'm on my third unit.... and it seems to be working good now. The first unit worked out of the box, but was plagued with problems from being noisy to the belt rubbing... they finally warranted it and I got a new one. The second unit developed a clicking noise that wouldn't go away... and they warranted it too. My third unit has been good so far. I have over 5000 miles on it and it's still going strong! Finally….. working good now from Jason September 25, 2020Â
The built-in side to side motion is a real plus. It helps with longer rides a lot. The Kinetic App is necessary for setting up the trainer, but can conflict with other apps. I had trouble when I first got the unit, but the Kinetic crew was super helpful in ironing out the problem. I think their setup materials address the issue better now than when I first got my trainer. Great for the price from AlexT September 13, 2020Â
More Kinetic R1 Reviews
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So first off I must say this is my 2nd unit. The first unit had a resistance issue that Kinetic Customer Service cleared up in about 2 weeks from start to new unit arriving at my house. I love the fact that this trainer has the ability to move side to side. Not only is this a bit more natural and reflect road feel it is also much safer for my carbon frame. It deflects a lot of stress away from the seat stays and allows the trainer to absorb more flexing rather than the carbon. The trainer was easy to setup but you must use the Kinetic fit app. Once setup was done I began running with Zwift without issue more or less. The one reason I won't give the trainer 5 stars is that it seems to be much more finicky with its bluetooth connection and I am coming from a Kinetic Rock-N-Roll wheel on trainer. Same placement in the same setup but it's taken a little adjusting to avoid any bluetooth drops (which has only happened twice with my new unit). Overall, I would highly recommend the trainer, it folds up easy and has a nice big handle to help move it around. For the price you get all that you need and then some. Great trainer for the price point from mpalanza September 16, 2021Â
I don't want to be overly negative about the R1 because when it works I'm very happy with it; the problem is that when it doesn't, well, its frustrating. One of the best things about the R1 is the rocking/flexible side to side motion. When I'm riding a bike I'm not locked into a perfectly vertical orientation so I appreciate the R1 mimicking real riding. This motion was probably the single deciding factor in choosing this trainer. Now then, the issue we are having is very specific. When there is a dramatic change in resistance, for example, a high effort climb followed by a dramatic descent or a high effort sprint followed by a descent; the trainer can't manage its resistance appropriately. Basically what happens is the trainer loses all resistance and the flywheel spins at a rate inconsistent with the pedaling cadence; for example I'll be pedaling at 80rpm but the trainer will say its at 118rpm with 0 power. The only way to resolve this is to let the R1 spin down to a stop; unplug it; and then begin again. This doesn't happen every ride but when it does its very annoying! Especially during an event. We have contacted Kinetic multiple times and they are non-rsponsive, claim to be very busy, or that the issue is related to bluetooth interference - all of which is their way of not wanting to deal with the issue. I suspect this R1 is faulty and would be interested in other user's perspectives. If it weren't for this issue I'd rate it a solid 5. When it works… from Paul48130 February 1, 2021Â
Bought an R1. Started to fail after about 9 months. Narrowed it down to clearly an electrical issue. Customer service said they wouldn't honor my warranty because I bought through an authorized distributor (that I found through Kinetic's own website ironically). They also tried to say it was a 1 year warranty despite my manual saying it's a 2 year electrical warranty. I submitted my warranty claim within 1 year in any event. My R1 has now been a large (useless) paper weight for over a month. I'm going to buy a Wahoo Kickr and move on. Don't buy from this company. Bad product, bad company from sean.patrick.roche November 7, 2020Â
I'm on my third unit.... and it seems to be working good now. The first unit worked out of the box, but was plagued with problems from being noisy to the belt rubbing... they finally warranted it and I got a new one. The second unit developed a clicking noise that wouldn't go away... and they warranted it too. My third unit has been good so far. I have over 5000 miles on it and it's still going strong! Finally….. working good now from Jason September 25, 2020Â
The built-in side to side motion is a real plus. It helps with longer rides a lot. The Kinetic App is necessary for setting up the trainer, but can conflict with other apps. I had trouble when I first got the unit, but the Kinetic crew was super helpful in ironing out the problem. I think their setup materials address the issue better now than when I first got my trainer. Great for the price from AlexT September 13, 2020Â
Great to have side to side movement! Fantastic feel and smooth! 
Kinetic R1 from somogyim September 8, 2020Â