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    Hardware/Equipment

    Rocker Plate Review: SBR ROCKR Pro

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    October 24, 2019
    LAST UPDATED October 24, 2019
    22

    Let me begin by saying: I’m a big fan of rocker plates. At least when they’re built and set up correctly. In fact, I’m constantly surprised there aren’t many more rocker plate users on Zwift today. My assumption is the low number of rocker plate lovers results from a combination of factors:

    • High Cost: obtaining a rocker plate typically costs $400-$600US, although Saris’ MP1 runs $1200US and you can build your own for ~$100US.
    • Negative Reviews: rocker plates have received some mixed reviews, most notably from GPLama. People seem to love them or hate them.
    • Availability: until Saris announced the MP1 a couple months ago, rocker plate makers were smaller outfits with limited marketing and distribution.
    • Perceived as Unnecessary: with so many cyclists doing “just fine” without rocker plates for so many years, there is the perception that a rocker plate is an unnecessary addition to the pain cave.
    • Unable to Demo: you don’t see rocker plates in your local bike shop, so anyone ordering them is doing it without testing one first. That’s always a tougher sell.

    The American-made SBR ROCKR Pro rocker plate aims to answer the challenges to rocker plate adoption. And I’m going to do my part here by delivering a positive review on the test unit I’ve been riding for several weeks.

    My History With Rocker Plates

    I purchased my first rocker plate in August 2016. It was a CoPlate, made by a Zwifter named Co Boone in the Netherlands. As far as I know, this was the only commercially-available rocker plate on the market at the time.

    After setting up the unit beneath my new Neo trainer I become an immediate fan. I love to climb out of the saddle for short bursts, and my rare outdoor race wins have happened from standing sprints. The CoPlate allowed me to do these things in a way that felt quite natural to me. It didn’t replicate outdoor motion perfectly, but it was 90% there, and that’s a big upgrade from a rigid setup.

    In addition to letting me ride out of the saddle naturally, the rocker plate gave me a small amount of movement while riding in a seated position, which made everything more comfortable. I could also tell it was much less stressful on my bike’s frame, as the plate suspension took the load instead of my frame twisting whenever I started hammering.

    Monica (my wife) loved the CoPlate as well, and immediately noticed a reduction in back and neck pain thanks to the increased movement it allowed. Her chiropractor was impressed.

    Soon enough I purchased a KICKR and second rocker plate for myself. Our rocker plates and trainers have been next to each other in the pain cave ever since. I’ve put over 15,000 miles on mine!

    Then I got a Wahoo KICKR Climb, and realized it didn’t work well at all with a rocker plate that only rocks the rear of your bike. Everything was way too wobbly. So I began looking for a “full length” rocker plate solution, and that’s how I found the SBR ROCKR Pro.

    I tracked down Chip Self (Zwifter and SBR ROCKR creator) on Facebook, we chatted a bit, and soon enough a new SBR ROCKR had arrived from Chesterfield, MO. It was time to put it through its paces! Here’s my full review.

    Setting It Up

    My ROCKR arrived in a nicely-labeled box, neatly packaged and full assembled. I was pleasantly surprised by the weight–being a full-length unit, I assumed it would be much heavier than my CoPlate. But it only weighs 47lbs.

    After laying the unit on my pain cave floor I inserted the suspension balls (just a basic rubber kickball) into the cutouts and inflated them to what I thought was a good starting pressure. (You’ll need a pump and needle to do this.)

    Setting up my KICKR on the unit was quite easy, since the ROCKR ships with cutouts and attachment hardware for the KICKR (as well as Tacx Neo/Flux, CycleOps Hammer, Elite Drivo/Direto, and Wahoo KICKR Snap/Core). How-to videos are available online if you have any questions, but all I needed was 5 minutes and a large screwdriver to get the job done.

    • Ready to rock!

    A Note About Trainer Compatibility:

    The ROCKR should work for every trainer on the market, although it may not have labeled attachment points or included hardware to make your installation simple and easy. A drill, brackets, and some nuts and bolts should work to get just about any trainer firmly attached to the ROCKR.

    Key Features

    Many of the features designed by Chip for the ROCKR have been copied by other rocker plate makers–so you know they’re good. Here are some of the noteworthy features in the ROCKR’s construction:

    • Adjustable suspension: as you’ll see below, having the ability to easily modify how “loosely” the plate rocks side to side should be a required feature for rocker plates. Rider weights and preferences vary too much for a one-suspension-fits-all solution.
    • Pre-cut trainer mounts: a variety of mounting locations, nicely labeled, make it easy to mount most popular trainers on the plate.
    • 5 elastomers: the 5 central elostomer pivots keep the ROCKR steady as it moves side to side, while allowing for a bit of for-aft movement.
    • Rubber top and bottom coat: according to SBR, adding this coating reduces vibration sound by 5.5 decibels. It also provides for a more grippy surface, which is nice when you’re wearing cycling shoes.
    • Centerline: it’s the little things. Having your bike centered on the plate is important for a proper feel, and SBR has painted a center line to make this easy.
    • Cutouts in base plate: cyclists love a little weight savings! Large cutouts in the bottom plywood plate save significant weight without sacrificing sturdiness.
    • Cutouts on base plate for weight savings
    • 5 elastomers

    Dialing It In

    With my trainer firmly attached and the suspension inflated, I was ready to rock my first test ride (or ride my first test rock). Booted up Zwift, hopped on, and away we went down Fuego Flats.

    I immediately noticed two setup tweaks that needed to be made.

    Adjustment #1: Deflating the Suspension Balls

    Having used a rocker plate for years, I prefer a very “loose” setup. In talking to rocker plate users, I find this to be a common theme: we start off with a setup that is harder to rock, but progressively loosen it up as we get used to the feeling.

    I needed to let a LOT of air out of the suspension so my ROCKR could move side to side in a full range of motion. For me, full range of motion means my handlebars can move side to side ~10” when I’m out of the saddle putting in a decent effort.

    Once I deflated the suspension to the point where the rubber balls were quite flat, I had the freedom of movement I wanted, with the suspension still gently bringing me back to center.

    Adjustment #2: Balancing the KICKR

    The KICKR (and many other smart trainers) is not evenly weighted side to side. Its heavy 16-pound flywheel hangs off the left side, so if you center the KICKR on a rocker plate, your bike will be leaning left.

    One way to combat this is to inflate the left suspension more than the right–but I don’t like the way this feels, since your rocking movement is more restricted to the left than the right.

    The better solution, and the one I used, is to place a counterweight on the right side of the ROCKR. I started with a 15-pound kettlebell, but settled on a set of ankle weights I had laying around (why did I buy these, anyway?). They sit securely on the platform and were easily shifted around to find the optimal location for a balanced feel.

    Ride Feel

    Once I got the suspension and counterweight dialed in, my ROCKR felt great. Very similar to the CoPlate, in fact, but even more “put together” since my front wheel moves with the rest of the bike.

    The base is stable, rocking is silent and smooth, and like my CoPlate I even have a bit of for-aft movement (SBR says the ROCKR allows for 15mm of for-aft movement).

    Here’s a quick demo video I shot so you can see the ROCKR in action:

    Better still, the KICKR Climb fits on the ROCKR platform nicely. I’m still testing the Climb, so it’s not in the video, but suffice it to say it works on the ROCKR like it works on a rigid setup.

    (One thing that doesn’t fit nicely is my makeshift steering turntable. The ROCKR would need to be 12″ longer for this to fit!)

    Pricing and Availability

    The SBR ROCKR Pro costs $499US, with US shipping running $100 for web orders.

    If you don’t need a full-length rocker plate, the “trainer only” SBR ROCKR Pod Pro costs only $374.99, and web order shipping is $50.

    International shipping pricing is available on request. Call SBR at (314) 305-0078 for a shipping quote and place your order over the phone.

    At the time of this article, both SBR ROCKR designs were in stock.

    Your Feedback

    Have you tried an SBR ROCKR Pro? How was your experience? Perhaps you’re considering a rocker plate, but have questions. Share your comments and questions below!

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      Eric Schlange
      Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
      Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava

      22 COMMENTS

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      22 Comments
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      PMSAP
      PMSAP
      3 years ago

      I guess you have a picture with a neo on a rocker plate. I look at the base for it and I can see that there is not much of a gap for the neo to move which is worrysome. On a hard sprint I can really move the trainer and I’m really not that strong. If one moves it and it falls side ways that’s one very ugly accidente happening inside.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  PMSAP

      Our rocker plate has little posts in it, which fit into the Neo’s feet. So it’s very secure–never moves!

      0
      Reply
      Mark Muncy
      Mark Muncy
      3 years ago

      You also tested the MP1. It seems the big difference was fore and aft movement. Was it noticeably different than the pro? I too have a kicker climb, and was curious about your thoughts as a comparison, excluding price and seeming availability.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Mark Muncy

      I would pay less for the MP1 than the Rockr Pro, because the MP1 is overly tight and that tightness isn’t adjustable.

      If you can’t get the side to side movement right, who cares about fore and aft? That’s my feeling on the matter!

      https://zwiftinsider.com/rocker-plate-tightness/

      0
      Reply
      IAN
      IAN
      3 years ago

      Eric, I’m seriously looking at getting a rocker plate mainly because I have back and saddle sore issues and sitting on a fixed bike for 1 hour or more isn’t good for me. The SBR rocker looks like a good option, and I noticed on their website the design seems to have be updated. I have a tacx Neo2 and it appears the attachment method is solely velcro straps. I have a few of questions: 1. Do you feel the SBR rocker is a good option given my needs? 2. have you mounted a tacx neo to one and if… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Dave
      Dave
      3 years ago

      Good review. After researching, I’m very close to dialing in my decision and I have the SBR on top of my list. What about the climb? Does it wiggle and slide everywhere? Looks unstable on their website.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Dave

      The Climb wiggles and slides no matter what surface it’s on! The SBR doesn’t make it any worse (or better) in my experience.

      0
      Reply
      Jerry Sobel
      Jerry Sobel
      3 years ago

      Hi, I just got my SBR Rockr and love it but I am not sure about the weight on the right side. How do sense how much weight is needed? When I also have a Kickr 2018. When I added 15 lbs to the same location you did I felt like my plate was tilting to the right. I watched a video of you from the back I think it was on Youtube and your plate is leaned to the right while you are sitting. Was that video done with the same 15 lb weight on the right side?

      0
      Reply
      Kim S
      Kim S
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Jerry Sobel

      I bought an SBR Rockr Pro last month. I use it with a Saris H-3 and that’s also an “asymmetrical” trainer. Wound up using a 25 pound free weight I had to level the upper plate and checked it with an carpenter’s level. The placement of the weight wasn’t intuitive since it wound up on the same side of the SBR’s upper plate where I thought the bulk of the trainer’s mass was. Turned out I was wrong. BTW—after a month of riding, I really like the Rockr Pro. I’d say it’s buying me at least another 2%-30% sf pain-free… Read more »

      2
      Reply
      Carolyn Audilet
      Carolyn Audilet(@caudilet)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Kim S

      Thanks! I also have an H3. I did the Gran Fondo today without a break. I definitely feel the need.

      0
      Reply
      Macfly
      Macfly
      3 years ago

      found my way here after manufacturing my own rocker mount – Kickr mounted on a ply square base with the feet sitting in holes drilled in. Then underneath I glued 1″ thick closed cell foams – each one about 3″ square. and one in the middle too. have it in a diamond under the bike so each side only has one foam. It actually works magic – most of my riding is TT so not out of the saddle unless climbing

      1
      Reply
      Steve Hawkins
      Steve Hawkins(@steve)
      3 years ago

      How does it feel with the Wahoo Climb on there? Fairly stable? I’ve got the Climb, just need to convince the wife I won’t hurt myself having both the rocker and the Climb together.

      0
      Reply
      Lisa Applegate
      Lisa Applegate
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Steve Hawkins

      I have the SBR rocker plate along with a Kickr and a Climb…I’ve been using this combo since September ’19 and they all work well together. The rocker plate has made a huge difference in my comfort level when spending more than an hour on the trainer. I’m not a powerful rider (max 500W for brief moments, lol) but the Climb base is stable on the rocker plate even when I’m doing out of the saddle sprints and it doesn’t “walk” around at all.

      1
      Reply
      Charles Campbell
      Charles Campbell
      3 years ago

      Contemplating the Saris, do you think a heavier rider 200lbs would have a better time with the stiffer side to side?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Charles Campbell

      Heavier may hurt a bit, but not enough (in my opinion). I weigh 185# and I found the Saris much too tight!

      0
      Reply
      Carolyn Audilet
      Carolyn Audilet(@caudilet)
      2 years ago

      Thanks for the review! I have a Saris H3, ie no Wahoo Climb. Will I lose movement with just the Pod? Perhaps the fore-aft movement?

      0
      Reply
      Carolyn Audilet
      Carolyn Audilet(@caudilet)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Carolyn Audilet

      Just reading their website. The Pod has, “15mm Fore/Aft Movement”.

      0
      Reply
      Tyler King
      Tyler King
      2 years ago

      Eric,

      I am considering a rocker plate and this one looks like the one. I however am concerned if it’s a true performance gain or just comfort. I like to think of myself as a sprinter 1010w 15s power at 71kg. Will a rocker plate increase or decrease my sprint power in your opinion? Will this rocker plate with the climb hold up to high intensity sprints?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Tyler King

      If you typically sprint out of the saddle outdoors, I think a rocker plate will give you more watts than a rigid setup, since it lets you use your upper body like outdoors.

      And yes, it can definitely hold up to high intensity sprints!

      0
      Reply
      Anastasia
      Anastasia
      1 year ago

      Are you going to be getting the new SBR Axis to test out? Their website claims that it fixes the side to side to match what you ride outdoors. Curious as you have the KOM and the SBR what you would think of the new axis. I’m wondering if its worth waiting for.

      Thanks!

      2
      Reply
      Nancy Redheffer
      Nancy Redheffer
      7 months ago

      Does this work with a Kickr bike?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      7 months ago
      Reply to  Nancy Redheffer

      The ROCKR smart plate add-on does: https://www.rockrindoortraining.com/store/p35/ROCKR_Smart_Plate_for_Smart_Bikes.html

      Last edited 7 months ago by Eric Schlange
      0
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