Realistic Indoor Training Comes at a Price: The Saris MP1 Nfinity Trainer Platform

Indoor training, for most of us, is the secondary option. While I’d much rather ride outside everyday, the reality of having kids and a job is that my average is about one ride outdoors for every 5 inside. The good news, is that the indoor riding experience just keeps getting better. The days of riding a fluid trainer while watching a Spinervals DVD are behind us.

Thanks to apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad, smart trainers and even climb simulators like Wahoo’s Kickr Climb indoor training these days is a whole lot more interesting. You can do structured training, racing, group rides, etc… all from the comfort of your basement.

One thing that’s always been missing, however, is the ability to simulate the lateral movement of the bike below the cyclist. Sprinting on a trainer is weird, on the road a rider tosses the bike laterally, from side to side, to generate more power. On the trainer you’re stuck in one upright position.

Saris has a solution: The MP1 Nfinity Trainer Platform. In a world of digital indoor training enhancements, this is a purely analog balance board that sits beneath a trainer, providing fore, aft and side-to-side movement. The bike and trainer strap to the top of the birch and steel board. Beneath the birch veneer lies a steel frame with rollers and a peened leaf spring with adjustable spring rates. Saris says the board provides just enough movement to feel like a real life bike ride, whether spinning, climbing or sprinting out of the saddle.

By giving riders more movement on the bike, not only does the enjoyment of indoor training improve, but ride comfort is better as well according to Saris. The MP1 relieves pressure from the saddle and pedal touchpoints. Plus it makes training more realistic.

The MP1 comes fully assembled and is compatible with Saris’ full line of trainers (formerly CycleOps trainers). It will work with most any other trainer on the market as well thanks to adjustable attachment points. Here’s the rub. At 60 pounds, the MP1 is substantial but not quite as substantial as its $1,200 asking price.