After much refining and testing, Zwifter Chad McNeese has released detailed plans and a tutorial video showing how to build a trainer rocking plate. He has dubbed his design the “Rockit Launcher.”
What is a Rocking Plate?
The vast majority of trainers on the market (with the exception of the Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll) hold your bike in a rigid upright position which is quite unnatural compared to outdoor riding. This is especially noticeable during hard seated efforts or when riding out of the saddle.
A rocking plate is a hinged platform placed beneath your trainer which allows the trainer (and by extension your bike and body) to move side to side in a natural motion. This reduces stress on your frame, reinforces proper riding technique, and makes the Zwift experience even more immersive.
Build a Rockit Launcher
Chad has furnished Zwifters with a helpful ~15 minute tutorial video, which I recommend watching first. This outlines everything you need to know to complete your own Rockit Launcher.
If you have questions on specific measurements or materials, Chad has also created a very detailed set of assembly plans:
Rockit Launcher Assembly Plan PDF
Spring Setup and Riding Tips
Chad was kind enough to put together a video tutorial showing how to set up the Rockit Launcher’s springs. He also includes information on proper riding technique (hint: it’s the same as what you would do outdoors!)
Comparison: Rockit Launcher vs CoPlate
You may recall that BikeAcces.com‘s “CoPlate” rocking plate has been on the market for a couple years now. I actually have two of them in my garage for our Zwift setup, and they work well!
CoPlate may be a bit more polished in appearance than a DIY Rockit Launcher assembly. But CoPlate is also quite expensive, especially when you factor in shipping to the US. Additionally, they have been a bit difficult to order due to a lack of automated checkout and some inventory challenges.
Chad’s DIY approach produces similar results as the CoPlate, but at a fraction of the cost (provided you are willing to put in some elbow grease.) Well done, Chad!
What about you? Do you use a rocking plate? Have you designed your own? Perhaps you’ve built one based on Chad’s design? Share below!
Yes, I have made my own Rocker plate and named it Momentum X1.
We have already sold Momentum over 16 countries and satisfaction-% is more than 99.
We have just opened shippings also to USA, Canada and Australia with DHL courier service.
(If Eric Schlange would like to test also Gymrail Momentum X1, we are ready to send one device for him).
Thanks,
Br. Harri