FAQs
In this section we hope to answer some of your FAQs. If you still have an unanswered question, please contact us.
- Securing the trainer and bike to the Velocity Rocker: Find a level surface, and place the Velocity Rocker on a carpet, rug or rubber exercise mat. If you are using the Velocity Rocker in a basement or garage, know that these floors are built with a slight slant to provide for water drainage in case of flooding. You will need to use a spirit level on top of the bottom plate in left to right and front to back orientation to test for level and if not, shim the correct side(s) until the bubble is centered on the level both front to back and side to side. If using it on a wood floor, install the included rubber feet to the bottom of the bottom plate equidistant along the outside edges.
- Place your trainer on the top plate and attach your bicycle to the trainer. Center the bicycle along the midline of the top plate.
- Using the provided straps, strap down the trainer securely using the appropriate slots and contact points on the trainer.
- Leveling the Velocity Rocker: Using the integrated spirit level, determine if the plate favors leaning to one side more strongly than the other. This occurs when the flywheel of the trainer is not centered such as with the Kickr or Kickr Core smart trainers.
- If the top plate is favoring a lean to one side, use a counterweight, usually 10 to 15 lbs. to offset the lean. Place the weight (a dumbbell, kettlebell, or plate) on the opposite side from the flywheel at a distance such that the plate no longer strongly favors a lean to one particular side. This step can be skipped and the Velocity Rocker can be leveled using steps 6 and 7 alone, but the asymmetrical pressure of the balls will give the rider different rocking resistance and a different feel as the bike rocks from one side to the other. Therefore setting it up using this step is highly recommended.
- Using the included air needle and a bicycle pump, slightly inflate the included 5” balls to between 4 and 6 psi. (2-4 psi for the 6" balls) Place each ball between the two plates, centered in the middle of the 2 ½” x 10” cutout groove of the bottom plate. Make sure the air inflation hole is facing the outside edge of each side midway between the top and bottom plate for inflation access.
- Inflate each ball equally so that the bubble is centered in the spirit level. The more the balls are inflated, the less side to side movement the Rocker Plate will have. It is recommended that the balls be inflated more, limiting the rocker tilt, when first using the Velocity Rocker until you get used to the motion. Make sure to not put too much air in them. They should be snug in there but not pushing the board up. You should be able to ride with IRL (in real life) lean if the psi is set correctly but you will be unable to do so if there is too much air in the balls. Too much air may also cause the balls to fail and pop while in use. Too little and you will be struggling to keep the bike upright (platform level). Ultimately, using less inflated balls will give the rider a more realistic experience and will help to engage the core muscles more effectively. If you have a gauge to measure the psi, aim for 4 to 6 psi. If you have a heavy set up (combined trainer, bike and rider weight) somewhere between 300 and 350 lbs., it is recommended to choose 6 inch playground balls at checkout. Inflate them to between 2 and 4 psi.
- Setting up optional LED lights: Plug in your smart trainer and LED lights into a power strip. Also, plug in any fan(s), Kickr Climb, electronics, etc. into the power strip, if using.
- Download the indicated LED lights app from the Google Play store or the Apple App store onto your smartphone or tablet. A second smartphone/tablet (older) might be good for this if you’re riding Zwift and using the Companion app with your primary smartphone/tablet. Follow the included directions to set up and pair the LED strip lights with your phone or tablet. The lights can be modified and controlled from the app or from an included remote control
Because the Velocity Rocker is inherently unstable from left to right, caution should be taken when mounting and dismounting your bicycle.
Video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuvE1j8KAEs
Mounting: From the left side of the bicycle, hold onto the left side of the bicycle’s handlebar with your left hand and the saddle with your right hand. Place your shoe on the left pedal and clip in if possible. Stand high on the left pedal as you swing your right leg over the saddle from behind to the other side. As you do this, move your right hand from the saddle to the right side of the handlebar. Mounting the bicycle is done in one coordinated motion, much like one would mount the saddle of a horse from the left while one’s foot is in the left stirrup. Use the opposite foot and hand placement if mounting from the right.
Dismounting: Reverse the mounting directions exactly when dismounting.
The waterproof surface of the Velocity Rocker is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or soapy rag followed by a quick wipe with a clean dry rag. For grease or oil stains caused by a dirty drivetrain, use a mild degreaser to lift the stain first, then clean as described above.
The Velocity Rocker requires very little maintenance. To keep the moving parts in good condition, periodically (once a month if using often):
1. Check the psi in the balls and dial in your setup as described above.
2. VERY IMPORTANT: The bearings come well lubricated at the time of purchase but will need regular maintenance to operate smoothly and to prevent damage. Wipe down the steel rod with a clean paper towel or cloth 3-4 inches on either side of the bearings. This is best done standing the Velocity Rocker on its back end and accessing the rod from the cutouts on the bottom plate. Apply a linear-bearing- specific grease such as Lubriplate EMB with a paper towel, a sponge brush or latex gloves on the circumference of the steel rod also 4 inches on either side of the bearings. (This tube of grease should last several years)
Before your indoor riding season or more often if you are putting in big miles/kms you should perform a more thorough bearing service. Working on a bench or table will be more comfortable for you.
- The first step is to remove the top plate and disassemble the Velocity Rocker so you can thoroughly pack the pillow block bearings with grease while wearing latex gloves or something equivalent. Remove the 16 bolts of the top plate and move it aside.
- Loosen (or remove and reapply Loctite 222 to the threads) the stand-off support bolts so you can slide the rod back two sections.
- Remove pillow block bearings, apply grease liberally to the inside to fully coat the bearings, move the rod forward reattaching bearings, washers and spring in order as found (Take a photo beforehand to be sure).
- Move the rod forward to remove the back bearing and do the same.
- Reattach stand-off screws (recommended to use Loctite 222 on threads).
- Reattach the top plate, then attach the front and back pillow block bearings to 80% tight. Next, attach the second from rear pillow block bearing to 80%. Lastly, attach the second from front by pushing the bearing forward from underneath with one hand against the spring to have it preloaded, start the bolts by hand with your other hand. Tighten all snugly and you’re done.
* This is only required for the Velocity Rocker and Velocity Rocker In-The-Raw. The Velocity Rocker Spin does not have a fore/aft mechanism.
3. Periodically check all fastening bolts on both the top and bottom plates and the rod supports to make sure none of them are loosening, which may occur over time. Tighten if necessary.
FAQ 5: Can I use an older trainer or a wheel-on trainer that has slanted front legs?
Most likely, yes. If your older trainer has a straight section along the back underneath the contact point of the rear tire, it can be attached to the Velocity Rocker using the rear slots. Rubber pads are included to put under the feet of the slanted legs to protect the paint finish from damage as the concentrated amount of weight on these contact points and the potential of slight movement can possibly scuff the finish.
Velocity Rockers maintains a three year parts warranty and customer service support for the original purchaser. Please see our Terms of Service.
Return Policy
You have 15 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it in, “like new” condition.
To initiate return, contact us at customerservice@velocityrockers.com explaining the reason for your return. If your return request is accepted, we’ll send you instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
The cost of return shipping is to be paid by the purchaser.
If you have any questions regarding the return policy and Terms of Sale, please contact us at customerservice@velocityrockers.com.
Refunds
After receiving and inspecting your return, if we determine it is in “like new” condition, you will be refunded the purchase price on your original payment method, less any shipping costs. Please allow a few days for the refunded amount to be posted to your credit account.
Damages Incurred During Delivery
Please inspect your order upon receiving it and contact us immediately if it has incurred any damage during delivery. Please document with photos any and all damage to packaging materials and the product itself. In this situation, we work with the delivery company to have them cover the costs of returning the item. A replacement item will be sent to you free of charge.