If you’re on the hunt for something smooth and silent, then the CycleTEK Momentum1 is a great choice!
In our opinion, it’s a pretty decent investment (coming in at around $200), especially for those of you looking to keep your loved ones and neighbors happy with limited training session noise…
Its fluid resistance system is the deciding factor here, as with any fluid trainer it’s designed to give a silent, smooth ride with progressive resistance that really should give you a decent, intensive indoor workout.
Check out the latest discounts for the CycleTEK Momentum1 trainer!What convinced us about this trainer
The CycleTEK Momentum1 trainer provides a smooth, silent ride because it employs a resistance system that uses a special grade of silicone fluid contained in a securely sealed chamber. It is common knowledge that resistance systems generate heat after you have worked out for some time, and this causes a drop in power. The thermodynamically neutral silicone used by CycleTEK is not affected by outside temperatures and will not heat up, no matter how long and how hard you train. This means that you will get a steady amount of power no matter how hard you train.
The CycleTEK Momentum1 gives a decent imitation of an outdoor ride through its smooth pedaling motion, which is aided by the hefty 7-pound flywheel and the progressive resistance generated by a large 60 mm roller. The steadily progressive resistance will give your leg muscles a good workout and will help to improve the efficiency of your pedaling. The constant resistance you feel while riding will force you to regulate your pedaling speed, which is what strengthens those leg muscles. You can monitor and keep the resistance at the level you desire for your training. The CycleTEK Watt Computer will give you an accurate reading of your workload, which will allow you to control the pace of your training.
Since this trainer is equipped with a quick release system, you can set it up and take it off your bike in just a couple of minutes. It’s not a problem if you want to use your own quick release skewer, since the trainer is furnished with two types of axle end caps, and either of these will surely fit the unit that you prefer to use.
Hexagonal footpads and an extra arm that increases floor contact to six points enhance the stability of the trainer. It therefore becomes a doddle to balance your bike on the trainer since there is sufficient leeway in the roller setup for centering the rear wheel. Your front tire will, of course, be slightly lower, so a riser stand is advisable to keep you at the perfect level throughout your session.
Some of the winning CycleTEK Momentum1 features
- The fluid resistance system utilizes thermodynamically neutral silicone, giving a quiet, smooth, and steady progressive resistance when you exercise. Because of the smoothness and progressive resistance, training is like riding outdoors minus the hassle of possible road injuries.
- It is equipped with adjustable hexagonal footpads which can be rotated to find the best position that will stabilize the trainer with six points of floor contact. It remains stable and level, even on uneven floors.
- The frame is designed to fold uniquely in two stages to make the trainer compact for transport and storage.
- It is equipped with a 60 mm roller, which is probably the largest in the industry and ensures an extra smoothness to the ride.
- Its 7-pound flywheel is considered the largest in the industry; lets you coast easily without losing momentum too quickly.
- It provides accurate power readings through a built-in power-calibrated computer (CycleTEK Watt Computer); giving you a high performance workout that is measurable and repeatable.
- Its quick release system is easy to use, allowing for a quick setup and fast removal of the bike from the trainer.
- Buyers receive a lifetime warranty against leakage from CycleTEK.
What we didn’t like about this trainer
OK, despite the good stuff, there were few things we didn’t like about the CycleTEK Momentum1, especially when we’re talking about spending upwards of $200.
First up, the rear tire can slip a little on the roller so you have to check your settings to be sure it is at the level that you want. Equipping the trainer with an on/off roller setting would have been simpler, possibly a vital issue for the more professional of you out there. For hobbyists, you probably won’t even notice.
The heat generated by the fluid resistance system may eventually affect the seal and cause the fluid to leak. Although the lifetime leak guarantee is a good option to have.
The trainer is relatively expensive, for what it gives, especially when you have something like the Elite Power Fluid Trainer coming in much much cheaper – and with a hefty maximum resistance of 800 watts. Personally, I’d have to point you in the direction of the Elite, if this level of fluid trainer is what you’re after.
So, bang for your hard-earned buck?
As we mentioned above, for this price, I would probably favor the Elite Power Fluid trainer.
Some cyclists, particularly the semi-serious/professionals of you, may find the CycleTEK Momentum1 wanting in some aspects. Because of that, I would recommend something a little more serious in the fluid resistance sector, something like the Fluid 2 from CycleOps, or the Road Machine from Kinetic.
However, if you value smoothness and silence in an indoor trainer, the Momentum will deliver. After all is said and done, it is a decent trainer.
