Indoor cycling season is upon us. We at Velocity Rockers are excited to offer our new Delta RS rocker plate with a universal fit and 4-way motion for all your indoor training rides. It is compatible with all trainers and bike setups, all smart bikes and all spin bikes. It is the world's only commercially available, adjustable-length rocker plate. We think it is a superb piece of equipment that is fairly priced. But you could say we are biased, obviously.
What to look for in purchasing a rocker plate
Perhaps you are convinced of the primary reason to purchase a rocker plate, namely a more comfortable ride, especially on your sit bones. Additional benefits include a more realistic ride, better core engagement, and potentially protecting your bike frame from excessive torsional stresses from hard sprinting efforts. For those suffering from saddle sores, you might call it a necessity. In any case, it's at least worthy of a hard look.
Some things to consider are: price, function, quality, ease of use and maintenance, and additional features and accessories included in the price. We have done the work for you to compare the flagship models of the most widely used rocker plates in the US. All of the data on the spreadsheet below is derived from each company's website. When information is unavailable on a company's site we note that it is "unknown" and suggest contacting the company directly for this missing information.
All data derived from each company's website on November 9, 2024
Same as riding outdoors with proper setup and technique
Same as riding outdoors with proper technique
Same as riding outdoors (Engineered higher virtual pivot point)
Same as riding outdoors with proper setup and technique
Same as riding outdoors with proper setup and technique
Fore/aft motion
7" total
9.5" total
2" total
None
15.74" total
Mechanism
Steel rod, (4x) linear bearing and compression springs
Rails and rollers
(2x) Steel rod, (3x per rod) linear bearings and compression springs
None
Steel rod, (3x) linear bearing and extension springs
Wood Material of Rocker Plate
18mm 13-ply Baltic Birch plywood
Thickness and #-ply unknown Birch Plywood
18mm Marine Grade 5-Ply TigerPLY
15mm 9-ply (plywood type unknown)
18mm 13-ply Birch Plywood
Surface Finish
Textured waterproof paint
Polyurethane, adhesive grip tape
High Density Foam
Paint and polyurethane, adhesive grip tape
Textured waterproof paint
Trainer/Rider Weight Capacity
350 lbs.
350 lbs.
350 lbs.
350 lbs.
390 lbs.
Adjustable Length
Yes
No
No
No
No
Programmable LED lights
Yes
No
No
No
No
Fits all trainers, smart bikes, spin bikes and front wheel risers of any size.
Yes
No
No
No
No
Added structural support for top plate.
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Surface Rust protection for bolts on the top plate.
Yes
No
No
No
No
Integrated bubble level for easy setup.
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Warranty
3 year parts warranty
Frame: Lifetime Warranty, Surface and bearings: 1 year warranty
1 year limited product warranty
Lifetime warranty
1 year manufacterer guarantee
Included accessories
(2) sets of (3x) ball springs: 5" & 6"
(8x) hook and loop straps (4x) 12" and (4x) 18"-20" for securing trainer or smart/spin bikes
Jar of bearing grease for maintenance of bearings
(1) x Low pressure ball gauge for accurate inflation of ball springs
(1) x Ball needle for inflating balls with your personal bicycle pump
(5) x Protective squares to place between trainer contact points and top plate
(16) x Rubber feet with screws for use on hardwood or tile floors.
(1) x Touch up paint
Pair of caster wheels to move setup to new location for relocation or cleaning.
Hook and loop straps and front riser block integrated into the frame.
All attachment parts for your particular trainer.
A suspension needle and one spare suspension ball (3 total).
Velcro Straps x 5
Inflatable Balls x 3
Ball inflator pump
Level tool
Rubber feet with screws for use on hardwood or tile floors
All attachment parts for your particular trainer.
A hand pump and one spare ball (3 total).
Velocity Rocker's origin story
Velocity Rockers began during the pandemic as a desperate search for a solution. Sidelined by saddle sores, I found a potential solution, rocker plates. After further exploration and tinkering, in step with ideas floating around on a DIY Facebook group, I solved the problem. On my handmade full-motion rocker plate I could finally ride indoors for as long as I wanted, pain free. And after a few hundred miles on Zwift, I got hooked.
Velocity Rocker's commitment to excellence
I saw an opportunity to provide a bespoke level product that was not available on the market at the time. The goal was to build a rocker plate that was not only of the highest quality, but that also incorporated some of the tweaks and add-ons a DIY enthusiast might include. Before long, the Velocity Rocker was born. After more than 3 years in business, I still approach design and product development through the lens of a DIY enthusiast. The level of commitment to excellence and the enthusiasm I have in producing each rocker plate is equivalent to how I would approach building one for one of my best friends. Our new Delta RS is a reflection of that. It incorporates features derived from reflection on personal experience and customer feedback. We hope you consider it as one of your top choices. Ride on!
