Review HDJ Rocker Plate

When the weather is appalling enough to rule out running and cycling outside, I head for my Wahoo Kickr trainer and ride Zwift. Indoor turbo training is a valuable training aid, and I average 180km per week on it during the winter months. Indoor cycling is a 'Marmite' subject, and many people dislike it for being unrealistic and boring. I enjoy turbo training and promised Zwift Insider my HDJ performance review. It is excellent for cardio fitness, and when you adjust the trainer's resistance and tune in your FTP to workouts, it's excellent overall training. Rocker Plates seem a divisive topic, but I liked the concept, investigated numerous options and purchased an HDJ Rocker Plate.

Rocker Plates range in price from £150 - £500, and the HDJ Rocker Plate was around £250. HDJ are a Polish company that promptly delivered a rocker plate to my Polish address within 48 hours. Set-up and installation were simple; it took me around 15 minutes with the supplied Allen Key. Four key elements influenced my rocker plate purchase and they form the basis of my overall review score. Take a look at the video to find out more and view the HDJ in action.

1. Realism: The rocking motion the plate creates is more similar to road cycling, it is tangibly more realistic. It encourages engagement of your core muscles in a way static cycling can't. You can also lean when cornering enhancing the feel and experience.

2. Pressure: The rocker plate relieves pressure on the bike's frame as the energy you create now has somewhere to go.

3. Comfort: The saddle is now a more comfortable place to be. Longer 60 - 90 minute sessions are easier as there is less pressure on your 'sit' bones.

4. Value: Can you live without a rocker plate? Yes. Does it improve indoor training? Yes, it certainly does. If you have the budget I highly recommend the investment and the HDJ Rocker Plate. Their product is quality and customer service excellent.

5. Conclusion: Like many quality upgrades, once you have used a rocker plate with your trainer you won't go back to life without one.