kinetic trainer set-up question

Hello!
After several weeks off the bike due to the short, short days of the PNW fall/winter, I got a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine trainer for Christmas. I have been so happy to be back on the bike - even if it's indoors! I can "ride" in the rain, I can "ride" in the snow, most importantly for me - I can "ride" in the dark.

But...I am concerned about how I am setting it up. I've googled my question and didn't find any good answers. I think you all will be my best resource, any advice is greatly appreciated!

When I mount my bike on the trainer, I am never quite sure how tight to crank the lock ring mechanisms onto the skewer. If I crank it a lot, it seems to flex the bike frame, which doesn't seem good for the bike. If I crank it less, it seems to be a little wobbly when I pedal, which also doesn't seem right. Also, no matter what I do, it seems like there's an ever so slight tilt to the left when I am on the bike. It could just be the surface I'm "riding" on isn't totally flat (carpeted floor) but I've tried it in a few different parts of the room and it always seems to be there.

I watched the video on the company website showing how to put in their trainer skewer and mount the bike to the trainer, but it doesn't discuss how much tension to apply to the skewer when mounting it.

Anyone have any suggestions or guidance? I want to get in shape for when I can start riding outdoors, but I don't want to damage my bike.

Thanks so much!
Susan

I've a Kurt Kinetic Trainer - and I actually leave the "trainer skewer" on it - nothing wrong with leaving it on. My LBS suggested it as it simplifies the process. Once I have it on the trainer and cranked it to where the tire has contact, I will crank it hard 5 or 6 more times. I've somewhat weak hands so you may not need to crank it so many times. Next I take hold of the edge of that flywheel contacts with the wheel and hold it so it doesn't move, and then I grab the wheel with the other hand and use some force to see if I can make the wheel "slip" against the trainer. You have enough tension when it has just enough tension to NOT "slip" - you don't want it to be too loose or too tight.

Does this description help? Hopefully it isn't confusing, if so please let me know and I will re-word it.

Thanks, Catrin, I do understand what you are saying and I appreciate you taking the time to share how you do it. Glad to hear that it's ok to keep the trainer skewer on the bike full-time, too!

I think I must not have explained my question well. I haven't had any trouble adjusting the tension on the part that provides resistance to my tire, I think I've got that figured out and my wheel doesn't slip.

I'm unsure about how much to tighten the two pieces (that look like giant screws) that cup the ends of the skewer, and then you tighten those to hold the bike onto the trainer itself. I don't want to tighten them too much and, for lack of a better description, "squeeze" the rear forks of the bike frame too tightly. But if I don't tighten them much it feels like the bike is a bit wiggly instead of being securely held in place by the skewer.

Does that make sense?

Yes, I misunderstood the question, sorry about that. I tighten them untill it is snug. Make certain your wheel is in the middle, after that you just want to adjust the wheel-thing on the right. The quick release on the trainer will tighten, if you bike is leaning then it isn't tight enough, probably.

If you feel the bike is still not straight vertically in the trainer, you may need to change one of the end/connector cups that come with it. When I felt I had a bit of a lilt, I put on the other cup provided and that fixed it.

Good Luck,
P2

As someone who's "crashed" off the trainer (and taco'ed a beautiful rainbow-ti spoked, blue-rimmed wheel) because the skewer wasn't tight enough, make sure it's quite snug.

Be careful when you are putting the trainer away...This afternoon I was cleaning my apartment as I am expecting a couple of friends to visit tomorrow, and part of that meant the bike/trainer had to clear out of the living room. No problem, I took my Gunnar off and she went back on the wall rack I have in my bedroom. THEN I went to fold up the trainer and set it out of sight...but the legs do take a little force to move. I caught the first joint of one of my fingers and it was smashed between the trainer body and the leg. YOUCH!!!!! Nice and purple now, but thankfully it hit the area just above that first joint, while it is quite sore and will be beautiful tomorrow, I don't think it is broken.

So be careful when you fold the trainer up to put it away.... :o

Ouch!

Good advices - I'll keep that in mind. At this point I haven't bothered folding it up, I just take the bike off and push the trainer into a corner. I'm about to see what my husband thinks of letting me use that corner of our room to keep the bike on it full-time though...it sure would be nice to not have to set it up every time....wish me luck!