Saris MP1 Nfinity Motion Platform Review & Detailed Testing

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks - thanks for watching! Oh, and if you want even more technical details, then hit up the written review as well: dcra.in/SarisMP1

[@SimonNguyenHein]

Hey DC Rainmaker. How about the vibrations ? Does it reduce the vibration... I live in a flat. And even when using the best of the best hometrainer. I am still annoying my neighbor :( I have been searching for a solution to reduce the vibration from my neo 2T... Tried a lot of different solutions. Hope the saris could be the solution. Thx

[@BhavaSindh]

I absolutely love the beginning where you transport platform and your kid on the bike!

[@rgmtb]

I completely agree with this review. I've checked this out and it totally makes sense. It adds just enough motion into your training ride to help take the edge off your body. I'm in favor of the product but could never justify the price tag. Good honest review 👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@chipself1473]

I've got a bunch of experience designing and manufacturing rocker plates. Happy to discuss that further offline. It's important to note that the issue of backwards movement when standing is a function of the MP1 having too much side-to-side resistance. On a plate with adjustable resistance, the problem can be easily solved. Once resistance is lowered to a certain point (which varies by rider weight) the motion returns to normal.

[@ZwiftInsider]

/\ this!

[@linglingjr]

I remember reading a bunch of your articles a long time ago and never realized you had a youtube channel. This is like the 3rd or 4th video I've binge watched tonight hahaha.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Glad I was able to help pass the time tonight! 🤣

[@casainho]

Love the fact that you used a cargo bike to carry the device to your home, including taking your child at the same time!! I don't own a cargo bike yet but I want much to have one!!

[@adamglass2599]

Really wanted to see rollers on this...... i mean someone has to try it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Don't tempt me!

[@adamglass2599]

@@Dcrainmaker extra bonus points if it's the inside ride rollers since they have a similar back and forth motion. Wonder if it would make you seasick.

[@carlstatham594]

It's going to be one of those Darwinian fail moments if you do!

[@richardcard748]

I have added an Elite Rizr to the front of the MP1. Smart trainer is Wahoo KICKR V6. I used a 1in wood block a little bigger than the Rizr footprint, mounted on front of MP1, then mounted Rizr on wood (water proofed). I have pics

[@drouleau]

It's a cool product, but to echo Shane Millers' sentiments, this would be doable for $400-500....not $1,200. The $1,200 price tag is insane.

[@pinkiepie1656]

Designed by Apple :)

[@ingmarneple6072]

PiNKiE PiE shot on iphone😜

[@markshellmyer5700]

Very helpful review. I purchased this item today on Amazon because of this review in addition to things I learned on fb groups.

[@theodoreboosalis]

I think the price point is actually good - once you compare it to the KOM Cycling RPV2 Full Motion Rocker Plate. To me it's a real engineering feat - I really like their engineering. It almost looked like a steel roller coaster setup under the hood. Trust me if Peloton can sell crap bikes for 2K - these guys can sell a motion platform rig for 1.2K.

[@Lithovatis]

I got a Saris Bones Bike rack. Beautiful and well made solid construction. Fits perfectly to my Yaris and Qashqai. Bet their trainer platform will be solid as well. At the price range better buy P2M for both my bikes........

[@Chader9]

On the "pedal timing is wrong" topic. I am fine with it. I used to complain about it and point it out for any vids shared in our rocker plate group. But in the end, people are more comfortable and that is the key element that I have realized matters to most rocker users. Realism ranked lower than comfort in all the polls I ran a couple of years ago. And if we criticize rockers for their backwards movement, what about the entire lack of movement on typical rigid trainers? There is nothing natural or realistic about a bike that doesn't move at all, in any direction. We have adapted to the odd standing that accompanies a rigid trainer, most without realizing they are doing it. But that movement is awkward to watch, and is not at all like we do outside. My point being that we've been doing the "wrong" movements on rigid trainers since they existed, and we've adapted to riding outside again just fine. Backwards rockers should be no worse in my eyes. And finally, how much time do we spend out of the saddle when compared to seated? It's likely less than 5% of our total time on a trainer. I do some specific workouts that include lots of standing drills, but even the longest ones are 30% or less of the entire workout. That is an extreme and I think most people are far less than that percentage. So, even when the standing is "wrong" it's such a small part of the time we spend on the trainer that it is likely a non-issue (see rigid standing above). So, recognizing that rocker plates can be super beneficial from an overall experience, especially comfort standpoint, is the most important thing to consider, IMHO. Having it get us a bit closer to riding outside is nice when compared to rigid trainers, but I also don't think an exact simulation is necessary or even what most people want. If that's the case, motion rollers are much closer to real riding outside (despite their oddities as well). But we don't see wide adoption of them since they are so difficult to ride in comparison. I think rocker plates serve as a happy medium that goes well beyond rigid trainers, but not so far as motion rollers. Maybe, just maybe we have something approaching the "just right" blend of motion, control and stability that is good for a majority of riders.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I don't have an issue in the grander scheme of things with the timing being wrong. I think the primary value here or other plates is subtle movement.

[@careymahoney1605]

Marty Mcfly had one of these back in 1985...

[@ImGlossy63]

Hey Ray, been looking for a rocker plate. Just curious since this was shot a few years back if any updates longevity wise regarding the birch or the platform itself holding up?

[@d_charles]

How does it compare to the Kickr E-Flex? Seems like similar motion at less than half the price.

[@swimmc7]

Great video. I've ridden one and it feels great, but also agree it is way too expensive at $1200!

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Looks like it’s basically hand made, so hence the high cost (and high quality). If they could sub this out to a vendor that does high volume manufacturing, then they might get close to the $600 pp, which I agree is the sweet spot for this kind of device.

[@chimo1111]

@ ~6:44 "Dink Dink" Zwift user on the right screen. I had to chuckle. :) Great review and assessment.

[@craigcusack1751]

💯 % agreed Ray. Way overs on price for what it is.

[@001AAR]

I own a Kickr Bike and just got my Saris MP1. Actually, you can also fix the front section of the Kickr Bike by taking off the two straps and the fixation screws from the front wheel block, passing the screw through the whole in the strap and putting to spacers onto the screw (one above and one below the strap). Then you can put the screw into one of the rails in the front of the MP1 on each side and you then fix the front section of the Kickr Bike. One can see this for the TACX Bike just after the Kickr Bike section of the video, but you did not seem to try this on the Kickr Bike. In any case, the straps should be right after the hole in rails in order to not have the weight of the Kickr Bike sit on the screw and damage it. Seems pretty firm to me. Without this, I feel too much movement in the front when sprinting, as the Saris surface is more slippery than the mat it usually sits on.

[@davidlee6666]

I wish you could show a pic of this? Or perhaps upload a video on youtube? I'd like to put my kickr bike on this platform if it works out ok.

[@michaelkane8861]

Good thoughts. You mention sprinting. Do you do structured workouts (i.e., TR/Systm) on this set up? Curious if the movement will actually decrease effectiveness of these workouts due to energy transfer/loss? Thanks in advance.

[@001AAR]

@@michaelkane8861 Michael, I am a complete amateur, enjoying riding on Zwift. I am doing workouts within Zwift just to stay fit. I believe your questions points at whether you are using wattage by putting them into getting the Saris MP1 to move/swing. Yes, that will be the case, although it is a pretty well built piece of equipment with relatively low resistance in the springs/mechanism they have built. So with a firm bike, you may in theory be able to put more wattage into the pedals I guess. On the other hand: why do sprinters go out of the saddle if that movement does not lead to a better body movement, which may end up in actually creating more wattage? And in any case, I guess we all use an indoor bike also for the fun. And after sitting two years on a static indoor bike and then moving to the Saris was a real improvement. Your butt will love it 🙂. Happy to lose some watts. Won't make a difference in the end. Clearly, after another year now, I would never want to get back to the "static" world. Also love the climb function. With climb and the rocker plate it feels much closer to normal cycling than before.

[@OomLourens]

Great video DC Rainmaker. Man you sure you have enough toys there in your paincave? Enve is strong with this one

[@Dcrainmaker]

There's always room for more toys!

[@theodoreboosalis]

I like this platform better than the KOM Cycling RPV2 Full Motion Rocker Plate. I am basing that on the review you've given between each.

[@ryanarmendariz8003]

8:37 good to know! Didn't think about that

[@matsstefens]

can you compare it to the Kickr e-flex?

[@jamesrushton2441]

Hello DC, I'm wondering if you have an opinion about whether a rocker plate would be more beneficial than a riser for the front forks for indoor training? I'm also wondering if you think the 6% lean of the m1 rocker is too wimpy compared to the 13% lean of the Kom product or if 6% feels good enough?

[@SLR6700]

I'd pay 250 bucks max. Just a board with some hardware attached to it.

[@dfdoc525]

Thanks for the review. I have the MP1 and it is expensive but is a bit of a gamechanger. The front back motion is amazing. I have a Tacx neo and bought 2 additional Velcro straps for the trainer which made the unit much more solid.

[@styxxtheanimal5720]

I have just bought a Tacx Neo2 t. getting out of the saddle is a horrible feeling and would love the side to side sway. How do you find this rocker plate as opposed to the sway, Does it make it more "Out on the road" feel and is getting out of the saddle more natural ?

[@groo1887]

A general question about rocker platforms. Does the side to side motion have an impact on power output?. It takes energy to compress the rockers damping mechanism. Would this be wasted energy that would otherwise make its way into the flywheel resulting in higher power readings? Similar to how stiffer bike frames have better power transfer?

[@macombiam]

Whats that “traffic looking thing” with smileys?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Noise decibel meter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5vHZ5ego82lqNE

[@UK-Cycling]

Thanks . Best regards Martin

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@jaytoledo25]

Hi DC, how's the sound/vibration of the platform using the Kickr trainer? Thanks!

[@xmxu7779]

Anyone else who really wants to see some actions with the Kinetic R1 trainer? Seems lots of fun!

[@malstonjr23]

Could you please do a review with the on wheel trainer on this platform?? this will determine if I'll get this product or not thanks D.C..

[@jdwells619]

I am currently using the MP-1 with a Wahoo Kickr Snap. Feels great, I highly reccomend this product. I average about 2k miles per year on the trainer and the addition of the plate makes long trainer rides of +30 miles easier and more enjoyable.

[@danlancaster2239]

My comment on Shane's video; sell the Saris H3 with the MP1 for $1,200, then it would be excellent deal.

[@duncancycles]

How does this compare to the Inside Ride E-Flex systems

[@FitDivahi]

Could you compare to the emotion Kickr rocker? Which do you feel gives you a better indoor experience?

[@E.S.Franck]

Awaiting the moderately priced knockoffs. Nice motion systems, and easily replicated at lower costs. On the rocking, no one seems to be mentioning the lack of tension adjustability for side-to-side. Seems that those of us who sit closer to 200lbs combined weights would want a lighter “action” than the upper side of the weight limits.

[@SamLGND]

If you weight close to 200 lbs you wont get much side to side if any at all

[@davidcarroll4227]

What's the best insidride E.flexer, Saris mp1?

[@rob3rt891]

Does it help with saddle comfort? I can usually only manage 1.5 hours in the saddle when using the turbo trainer after it gets too sore.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, definitely - that's the main thing I'd argue it's good for. Those micromovements in the saddle of a slightly moving platform really help.

[@davidcarroll4227]

Saris Mp1 v insideride E flex rocker what's the best Ray and what one would you go for?

[@javioteromarti1046]

Faramir making reviews :)

[@Harko-]

Thanks Ray

[@marsallefrancisco4851]

After watching this video,I can easily see closet handymen making better motion platform from there garage .Good video review though!

[@mvernersson]

Side to side rocking motion is dependent on spring tension. Lower the tension enough and the side rocking will mimic outdoor motion (bike leaning left when applying pressure to the right pedal). I've been running a home built rocker all "off season" and are super happy with it :-D And it cost only ~ 100 USD all material included.

[@tomar5e115]

Have you got plans for this

[@mvernersson]

@@tomar5e115 There is a Facebook group dedicated for these contratptions. Search for "Rocker Plates" 👍

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Any discounts seen on these with the Saris bankruptcy? The trainer prices got halved, or even 1/3 if you were lucky. Any such possibilities with this rocker plate?

[@Fluid1dentity]

I picked one up for US$370 during the black friday sales so I reckon the bankruptcy has affected retail pricing

[@EricB03]

Hey Ray I know this is older video but have had the MP1 (20% off rei) for 3 months now and love it. Thinking about getting a Neo2t with it. Do you think it would be too much motion using both? Currently have a H3 but 3rd one en-route with warranty claim.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No issues. I used it on there.

[@EricB03]

DC Rainmaker thanks Ray and when I get my exchange going to give the 2T a go.

[@EricB03]

JR during one of there sales.

[@the.rr.outdoorsman574]

Is that an interactive stress level stoplight I’m seeing? Details?

[@the.rr.outdoorsman574]

Disregard, Answer found. That would be a cool concept though, if it paired to your Garmin watch and produced a red, yellow, or green based on what your stress level is.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The red light might burn out. 🤣

[@the.rr.outdoorsman574]

You may be onto something lol

[@erikknudsen4034]

This thing seems close to be totally awesome. I'd pay $1200 if it also controlled incline without having to remove your front wheel. It seems like that feature could be integrated into the feet. Add a little steering block under the front wheel and.... SCORE.

[@mlee6136]

It's 2022 and now there are 2nd hand units coming into the market. Still expensive but much more reasonable ....

[@obikedog]

Agree it is too much for me to spend but that's because I'm interested in rolling my own (pun intended.) I guess the price might be high because of two things: small market size and engineering/design R&D. To me electronics are relatively simple and cheap to make durable. 1200 is still a lot but it is a platform designed to take repeated stresses - so not unlike a trainer bike, rowing machine or other indoor trainer. They are all expensive, no? It is a remarkable design. I'm thinking good plank of white oak, a beefy leaf spring, some skate board wheels... not sure how to go about that curved bar yet but... lol.

[@paulmatthews4293]

The crazy piece of side to side metal looks rather like a leaf spring!

[@Chader9]

That's because it IS a leaf spring.

[@jhref]

I find it funny that the two products that are supposed to give a "realistic" feel (platform and Kickr climb) don't really work together. It seams like going all in on one aspect negates the use of the other.

[@Dcrainmaker]

OMG, it was the worst feeling I've ever had on an indoor product when I merged them together. So glad I had a wall to lean up against, otherwise I'm sure I'd probably have broken something. Unclear if that something would have been me or products.

[@davidlee6666]

@@Dcrainmaker was it because it was raising and lowering or was it the lack of secure attachment. When you did the kickr bike, was it actively raising and lowering as well or was the climb feature locked?

[@dsecrieru]

is that a whoop on your wrist? review coming up soon? :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup! Probably about a month out, want to get a solid two months in testing done. I'm at the point where things seemed to have stabilized (it takes 3-4 weeks). Now just gotta figure out if it's worth it. Highly mixed at the moment.

[@elliottslab]

That price is hard to justify

[@MattSwain1]

I can see why it’s expensive, I think it’s unrealistic to expect a big bit of kit like that to be inexpensive but you’re gonna have to be really dedicated to your indoor training to pay north of a grand for it. I want one, it looks so cool, but I couldn’t justify it to myself

[@sarahkottke676]

Sketchville 😄

[@alantaylorfarnes]

If I have to choose between a rocker plate and the kickr climb I would definitely choose the climb (also the climb is much cheaper).

[@alantaylorfarnes]

And given your point that it doesn't improve outdoor experience while the climb hopefully does improve the outdoor experience (my main goal is to improve my outdoor experience).

[@angelsaulovelazquez3232]

I'll probably wait until someone wants to get rid of it on ebay

[@rgmtb]

I hear ya but even half price for a used one is steep 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SamLGND]

Youll never see this on ebay maybe in 2 years if you're lucky

[@KastenJaz]

Too expensive! If Wahoo made something like this compatible with the KICKR Climb for about half that price, then i’d be interested

[@Dcrainmaker]

I suspect someone can fashion together a mounting bracket for it.

[@robpearce6310]

Ray, so you think that a diy hack could make the climb workable on the mp1 ?

[@alolsen339]

I believe that using the Wahoo Kickr Climbr will invalidate the warranty of the Climbr.

[@pointbreak2811]

Price is too damn high!

[@jimhansen5395]

The thing seems like it's leaning to the right. It's seriously messing with my OCD :/

[@malcolmmoore]

The length cyclists will go to not to cycle

[@Colorado_Chris]

Yeah, for $600 it be worth a look… but they priced this far too high for what you get.

[@jallen1227]

Sterzo

[@WariWahab]

You would definitely have to try really really hard to crash your bike indoors

[@BikeShopGirl]

Peloton?!?!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Soonish.

[@Ed-qv2qd]

I said it on Shane's vid and I'll say it here again. If you are looking to train on a piece of equipment that simulates the feel of riding outside then check out Inside Rides eMotion rollers. Hell if you already have a smart trainer and are thinking about buying this to improve comfort on long trainer rides I'm going to suggest your money would be better spent on the eMotion rollers. They cost less than the cost of this rocker plate add-on, feel more realistic and you will now have two training pieces of equipment to work with. This rocker plate is way over priced.

[@grahampye2314]

Did I wake up in year 2300 and we're trying to make gadgets so living on Mars in climate controlled bubbles more tolerable?

[@ChuckFM]

These are so cumbersome and silly. Insideride perfected the road feel for indoor training over a decade ago.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sure, if you want rollers. Whether right or wrong, the vast majority of people don’t.

[@robwharton8644]

Too big and way too expensive

[@wrxzboost]

this is the equivalent of the shake weight. appreciate the review, but this product is a stretch.

[@wrxzboost]

@JR but it doesn't mimic the experience of riding a bike at all. it's like those arcade motorcycles that you lean from side to side - pointless.

[@h.k.thatsit9703]

Mountain bikers can just strap their bike to a mechanical bull for realism.

[@FatBikeFreak]

Thank god I own a Fat Bike and never have to use one of these monstrosities.

[@bikedawg]

Unless you have a severe case of hemorrhoids, this is way over priced for the value. Great review, though!

[@Mamilian]

It's a real shame that you can't control resistance side-to-side. That's a massive fail, especially at that price point, and something that the DIY projects which use inner tubes can do very well.

[@davidlee6666]

I think there’s a market for this. I think the draw for me is that there is no need for adjustment. I do not want to think or obsess about psi of the balls. Whether the lean to one side is a ball issue or a counterweight issue. I asked someone who uses one and they said they fill air about once a week. There’s enough prep as it is before riding, just want to eliminate the barriers to having a ride.

[@Mamilian]

@@davidlee6666 I built a plate about a year ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaa9mGV6fdF4nZY). While it's not perfect, I certainly don't obsess or even need to regularly maintain the PSI in the wheelbarrow tubes that control side-to-side resistance (I might have filled them up 1-2x in the last 12 months). The only work involved in it is setting up the resistance in the first place (do you like more movement or less); but IMO that's a feature not a bug. I've also had the chance to do a quick ride on the MP1. It's nice for sure, but I don't think it's good value for money unless you simply must have THE BEST of everything, don't mind the lack of tunability, and have the $$$ laying around to spend.

[@rocatalin88]

Am I the only one here that doesn't understand the point of this product?

[@Chader9]

Why use a Rocking Plate Adapter with your Rigid Trainer? 1) Comfort In & Out of the Saddle: The small side movement of the saddle, even when seated, helps relieve pressure on the sit bones and soft tissue. The added rocking motion encourages standing because it feels more free than rigid trainers which can lead to more frequent breaks between seated efforts. 2) Core & Upper Body Use: With softer leveling spring settings, it requires more engagement from the core and upper body to ride level and maintain a smooth pedal stroke. This is true for seated and standing efforts, when compared to rigid trainers. 3) More Standing Pedaling Motion Freedom: Standing pedaling on a rigid trainer is awkward and not at all like riding a bike outside. On a Rocker Plate, the bike & trainer are more free to lean to both sides. This can allow the rider to move in ways that are less awkward than on a rigid trainer. 4) Frame Stress: Unproven, but Rocker Plates are likely to reduce stress on frame members since they allow some float and reduced side-loading to the axle.

[@user-ys6hl1uy1t]

I just ride on the road

[@MrScrofulous]

Seriously dudes, just step away from the keyboard...............open the door...............step outside...........go for a ride in the real world.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I did, it's how I got the plate to the studio. Seems like you missed the first minute of the video.

[@Harko-]

Thanks Ray

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!