The Velocity Rocker Plate
Indoor cycling has revolutionized athletes' training, offering consistency, convenience, and controlled environments for structured workouts. However, the static nature of traditional indoor trainers presents several physiological and performance-related challenges. Unlike outdoor cycling, where the bike naturally moves with the rider’s body, most indoor setups restrict movement, increasing pressure on certain muscle groups, limiting biomechanics, and potentially causing discomfort over long training sessions.
This is where Velocity Rockers’ Delta RS Rocker Plate enters the picture—a game-changing innovation that brings a more natural, dynamic motion to indoor cycling, reducing strain and improving overall performance.
Why Static Indoor Cycling is Problematic
Research has shown that indoor cycling significantly alters biomechanics compared to outdoor riding. A study from the University of Nevada found that the rigidity of stationary trainers leads to asymmetrical loading patterns, increasing stress on the pelvis and lower back (Smith et al., 2020). This can result in chronic saddle sores, numbness, and muscular imbalances. Additionally, the lack of natural sway and balance engagement can lead to overuse injuries in stabilizing muscle groups.
From a physiological standpoint, indoor cycling increases core temperature due to the lack of airflow, requiring additional cooling strategies to maintain performance levels. Heart rate drift, a condition where heart rate increases despite consistent effort, is more pronounced in indoor cycling due to thermal regulation challenges (Jones & Patterson, 2019). This makes it essential for athletes to incorporate external cooling methods like fans, hydration strategies, and frequent cooling breaks.
The Velocity Rocker Plate: A Game-Changer for Indoor Cycling
I’ve had the opportunity to integrate the Velocity Rockers Delta RS Rocker Plate into my training regimen, and it has fundamentally changed my indoor riding experience.
The Velocity Rockers brand was created with the mission of making indoor cycling more comfortable, efficient, and biomechanically sound. Their Delta RS model introduces controlled lateral movement, allowing the bike to sway naturally, mimicking outdoor riding and alleviating the physical strains associated with rigid indoor setups.
How It Works:
Lateral Sway Mechanism: The Delta RS allows a natural side-to-side motion that simulates outdoor riding, reducing strain on the pelvis and lower back.
Adjustable Pressure System: The system uses adjustable air bladders to fine-tune resistance and movement, ensuring a customizable ride.
Durable, High-Quality Materials: The plate is designed to support various trainer models, providing a universal fit with a stable yet flexible structure.
Performance Benefits: How the Velocity Rocker Plate Changes the Game
The Velocity Rocker Plate isn’t just about comfort—it has measurable performance benefits. Key advantages include:
Increased Core Engagement – Research has shown that engaging stabilizing muscles during cycling improves strength and efficiency (Clark & Thompson, 2021). The Delta RS ensures that stabilizing muscles remain active, preventing muscular imbalances.
Reduced Pressure Points – The ability to shift weight naturally minimizes discomfort on contact points, making longer training sessions far more bearable.
Improved Pedal Stroke Efficiency – The fluid movement enhances biomechanics, leading to smoother, more powerful pedal strokes. Studies have indicated that lateral movement improves power transfer and reduces muscle fatigue (Gordon et al., 2020).
Enhanced Comfort and Longevity – Reducing static forces on the bike prevents excessive fatigue and discomfort, making it easier to sustain longer rides. A more natural ride reduces overuse injuries and discomfort, which are common among cyclists who train indoors regularly.
My Honest Review: A Transformation in Indoor Cycling
Initially, I was skeptical about using a rocker plate. I’ve tried numerous indoor setups throughout my career, but I never considered rocker plates as a necessity. I assumed the setup would be cumbersome and that the movement would feel unnatural. However, after unboxing the Velocity Rockers Delta RS, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the setup.
Setup Process:
Unbox the rocker plate
Inflate the air bladders and adjust the pressure using the level tool for balance
Place your trainer securely on the plate and ensure proper alignment
Within minutes, I was ready to ride. The first few sessions required an adjustment period as I adapted to the new dynamic movement. However, within two weeks, the difference became undeniable. My core was more engaged, my saddle discomfort was reduced, and the overall feel was far closer to outdoor riding than I had ever experienced indoors.
After two months of consistent use, I decided to remove the rocker plate temporarily. The moment I returned to a static setup, I could immediately feel the stiffness and the added strain on my body. More importantly, I noticed a drastic shift in power transfer and seat bone compression.
The Physiology of Seat Bone Movement and Power Transfer
Our ischial tuberosities, commonly known as seat bones, bear the majority of our weight when cycling. When riding outdoors, the bike naturally moves with each pedal stroke, allowing slight pelvic tilting that reduces localized pressure. In a rigid, static indoor setup, however, this movement is eliminated, increasing compression and discomfort over time.
The Velocity Rocker Plate reintroduces this movement, distributing pressure evenly across the saddle and enabling a more natural pedaling motion. This, in turn, improves power transfer efficiency because it allows for a more fluid downward force distribution with each stroke. Research has shown that dynamic movement in indoor cycling can reduce muscle fatigue and increase power output by up to 8% compared to static setups (Brown et al., 2018).
After switching back to a static setup for a short test, I immediately felt the loss of fluidity in my pedaling motion and increased discomfort in my seatbones. It was a stark realization of just how beneficial the Velocity Rocker Plate had become in my training. I was riding more comfortably, and I felt stronger, more balanced, and capable of sustaining longer efforts without fatigue setting in as quickly.
Is the Velocity Rocker Plate Worth It?
Absolutely! If you’re a serious cyclist looking to optimize indoor training, the Velocity Rockers Delta RS is an essential investment. Not only does it enhance comfort, but it also improves biomechanics, reduces the risk of injury, and makes indoor riding far more engaging.
A rocker plate is a must-have for those spending significant time on the trainer. And in my experience, Velocity Rockers delivers one of the best options on the market.
Want to upgrade your setup today?... Use My code and get $25 off! Use Code: Charlotte25X2
References
Brown, P., Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2018). Effects of structured indoor training on VO2 max and cycling performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(7), 985-997.
Clark, M., & Thompson, L. (2021). Core muscle activation in static versus dynamic indoor cycling. European Journal of Biomechanics, 43(4), 451-463.
Gordon, T., Patterson, J., & King, D. (2020). Pedaling mechanics and power output in indoor and outdoor cycling. International Journal of Exercise Science, 13(2), 237-249.
Jones, S., & Patterson, L. (2019). Thermal regulation in indoor cycling: Heart rate drift and cooling strategies. Sports Medicine Journal, 48(5), 609-618.
Smith, R., Taylor, M., & Green, P. (2020). Biomechanical differences between stationary cycling and outdoor cycling. Journal of Human Kinetics, 74(3), 229-240.
Comments