It’s entirely plausible I might be starting to develop a bike trainer desk fetish of sorts. I mean, first there was the Wahoo KICKR Desk, then there was the KICKR desk knock-offs at half the price with more features, now we’ve got the KOM Cycling desk at half that price again, plus there’s also the Saris TD-1 sitting here too with a more fancy look to it. And all that ignores my hideous home-built contraptions over the years.
But I think this one is different. Namely because this one is cheaper. A lot cheaper. At $59 and from a cycling upstart that’s been producing reputable products for a few years now, it seems like it might be a solid option for folks that don’t quite want to part with $120-$250 for the higher-end desks, but want something a little more fit-for-purpose than a music stand. Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. So, we’ll get to all the pros and cons compared to the higher-priced options.
Thus, for the past month I’ve been using the new KOM Cycling Trainer Desk as my main indoor training desk. I bought it back in early February, while still on pre-order. But just earlier this week they started shipping out units to the masses. While they sent out my unit earlier, it’s from the same production run as everyone else’s units.
With that – let’s dive into it. Given this is basically just three parts stuck together, I’m gonna try and keep this post short. Of course, I’ll inevitably fail at that – but at least I tried.
Note: Right now KOM Cycling says the unit is available during the pre-order phase for $59 (next batch ships next week), but they say that’ll rise to $89USD once production catches up with demand.
Unboxing:
Unlike most trainer desks I’ve unboxed, this unit comes in a surprisingly small box. I guess it’s logical when you consider it essentially has a tripod for a base, and I’ve got plenty of tripods that fit in my backpack. The largest component here being the table-top, which is roughly two laptops worth in size.
In any case, cracking open the box, it’s got another box inside – holding those tripod legs. While the desk hangs out wrapped in plastic. Also, floating in there is the connection point between the two. Somewhat appropriate that a tripod desk has a total of three pieces. Get it…tri…three…oh never mind.
Here’s the three parts on a table:
Flip it over and there’s technically a secret 4th piece – the small Allen wrench to tighten the screws on. In the final box version there’s a paper manual, but mine didn’t have the manual slipped inside yet – yours will. It’s just one page.
On the bottom you’ll see six screws. you only need four of them. The other two are in case you inexplicably manage to lose half the required screws, you’ve still got enough screws to make it work. With that, go ahead and screw on the mounting head.
You can technically choose whether to screw it towards the front or the rear of the desk. The ‘front’ of the desk is the one with the water bottle holders.
I tried it both ways actually, and actually ended up switching and putting it towards the front, as it worked better for me with a laptop, as the weight distribution was more centered on the stand. Their pictures show the back placement, but I found that gave more flex than I’d prefer. But you do whatever you want. It takes less than 2 minutes to re-do all the screws and move it, if you change your mind.
Next, stick the tripod base into the stand. Despite looking ridiculous, I found this easiest done upside-down.
Simply tighten the knobs by hand to snug it up. And with that, we’re done.
Basics Usage:
While we’ve technically assembled the unit by now, we’ll adjust the height and leg distribution. For the height, it goes from crazy short (34”/86cm) to far higher than I need (50”/127cm). All assuming normal leg spread. This enables me to use it on a variety of bike applications without problems:
Of course, as an adult, you’ve undoubtedly used a tripod in your life. And as a human with such life experiences you’d know that while you can make the leg floor surface area small, it makes the entire setup tipsy. Inversely, you can splay out like ‘that dude’ in the economy airline seat, but that’ll take up more room and make it easy to trip over.
Ultimately, if you follow the three bears model, it works just fine at a reasonable leg-spread distribution:
I haven’t tripped or tipped over it yet. Down at the bottom the feet have rubber socks to keep them from slipping:
For placement, unlike all the other desks I’ve tried, it doesn’t really fit over your handlebars directly centered, because that’d conflict with your front wheel (or KICKR CLIMB or whatever). However, it’s not actually that bad – it ends up being perhaps half a foot (15cm) away from the end of my handlebars. Well within reach for me – and as a side benefit, it’s not in the sweat zone anymore:
If you were to use the back attachment points, then that buys you about 10cm of gap-closing distance, moving it closer to your handlebars (at the expense of a tiny bit of stability with heavier loads).
However, off to the side works great too – especially for some smart bikes. For example, on my Peloton bikes, the off to the side spot makes a great space to stash things, since the Peloton bike itself only has two water bottle holders and no other places for phones or small potted plants:
Onto the tabletop itself, you’ve got the non-slip rubberized surface there, so things won’t slide off:
The space is big enough for my oversized laptop to fit with a bit of space on the sides. Or, a more normal-sized MacBook fits easily:
The width (left to right) is 24”/61cm, while the length (front to back) is 13”/33cm.
Then there’s two water bottle holders, where you can stash your DCR approved water bottles or other nutrition (or that awesome $8 Apple TV remote case):
And finally, there’s a tablet slot towards the front. This allows you to slide a tablet or phone in there, and it keeps it upright:
In fact, this is arguably the best tablet design out of any desk I’ve tried. It’s got three ‘levels’ of thickness acceptance in it, so it can actually accommodate phones in cases. Also, it’s got more than enough holes to slide charging cables through too.
In addition to accepting cased devices, the three-tiered slot means you can adjust the tilt if you want to:
Again, in terms of tipsiness, no issues here in using it over the last month, including reaching for gear. From a strength perspective, it’s more than stable enough to hold anything reasonable on the desk itself. However, while I’ve sat on the other desks previously to show strength, this one will easily snap. So I’m not going to do that. I suspect you could technically get that weight distribution perfectly centered and it’d hold it just fine. But my ass is too large to fit perfectly atop the center, and would undoubtedly split the table-top in half when I tried to mount it.
From a materials standpoint, it seems well built. The only complaint I have about my unit though is that the top is not perfectly flush. It’s got a bit of a slight bend to it. If I were to place M&M’s or such on it, they’d easily stay put because they aren’t perfectly round. But if I were to use Maltesers, they’d roll off. Regrettably, the grocery store here did not carry Maltesers, and I had to use imposter Maltesers instead, which lacked the weight and size of the true original. However, it did not lack the rolling properties:
I brought up this critical nutrition-rolling issue to KOM Cycling, and their initial response was “Yikes…that is an abnormal amount of deflection and substantially different from our recorded measurement of 1-3mm of bend on the production unit”, with a promise to dig into the other units on-hand and see what was up.
That was then followed up a couple days later with an exceptional amount of details and detailed pictures from the assembly line, showing the problem that led to that issue with an injection point in the mold in certain cooling circumstances. They said it didn’t impact all units, but may have impacted some. They’ve changed their assembly line already, and if people find units with the bowing, they’ll happily replace them.
Beyond that though, everything else seems pretty solid and sturdy. While the top is plastic, the tripod itself is aluminum. Still, it’s lightweight and easily portable. In fact, for a number of weekends I simply took the top off and collapsed the tripod legs (a 10-15 second process) and tossed it in the cargo bike along with three kids (one on the back), for the commute home:
This is also useful if you just need to store it out of the way, whereas all the other trainer desks are pretty much solid beasts once assembled (for better or worse).
Comparison:
Speaking of those other beasts, here’s a line-up of all my friends (above). As always, they’ve all got their own pros and cons. Here’s a quick table of features between them all. Note that the RAD Cycling Desk is sold under like 20 different names depending on your country (for realz), but since I didn’t want to create a header row with 20 titles, I’ve just shortened it to one. It’s all identical.
Ultimately, I suspect most people will settle between the KOM Desk and the RAD Cycling Desk. Though, I’m less convinced of the KOM Desk at $89 than I am at $59. To me, the added stability and ability to place it over your wheel fully, for $30 between the KOM and RAD Cycling Desk is worth it for the larger desk. Though, it’s of course less portable/storable.
While the RAD Cycling Desk can seem tricky to find, in reality it’s always available for stock each week at the usual $119 price – usually mid-week. And then it spikes again for the weekends (true of both US and European sites – which I’ve been tracking for months now).
Now if we’re talking $59 for the KOM Cycling vs basically double that for the RAD Cycling – then that’s a much harder sell for the RAD Cycling Desk. But again, to each their own.
Wrap-Up:
Ultimately, I’m pretty darn happy with this for the price (at least at $59). Like I said above, at $89 it’s still a good value, but would give me a touch bit of pause. The components are well made without being overkill, and for those looking for a solution that’s easily stored out of the way, there’s no better cycling-specific option than this. A couple seconds and it’s folded up and easily slid under a couch or into a closet – taking up far less footprint than your trainer, bike, or fan.
Certainly, it’s not as heavy-duty or tip-proof as the other options out there. So if you’ve frequently got small children poking at your setup (or curious climbing pets), you might want to consider splaying the legs out a bit more for more stability. But I didn’t have any problems with that, or with myself bumbling into it. As for the build material, again, it’s not overkill, but it doesn’t seem cheap either. It seems right-sized for the price and what you’re using it for. Most of us won’t be riding the trainer desk, but rather, the bike.
I suspect for me this will actually get put into normal service either at the shed at home (where space is at a premium), or next to the Peloton bike (as a place to stash stuff during a ride). Of course, most people don’t have numerous other trainer desks floating around, so I can be a bit picky on my applications. But given I’ve used it as my primary trainer desk over nearly the last month, I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to use it as my main desk if need be.
With that – thanks for reading!
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Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
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Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
Thanks. I built a rad cycling desk clone (same basic structure) out of some 2x4s laying around. I was thinking of getting something nicer, but wanted to see what you said about the KOM. I think your assumption that most people will chose between the RAD and the KOM is spot on. I am leaning towards sticking with my 2×4 homebrew stand.
Thanks for the review.
As long as I see pictures of your 2×4 desk, – I’m good. Also, I presume it’s painted?
Here you go.
Well done! I presume the round-based object at the top-left is a coffee machine?
Nah, just a fan.
Always good to have a supporter whilst Zwifting.
I had this pop up a week or two ago for me, but I was concerned how close I could get it to the front of the bike with the wheel on. I might have to give it a try now.
Yup, it’s pretty good!
It might be challenging for a much shorter rider if on a full-size frame (non-650’s) to have it out-front, at least in the forward configuration/position.
Your daughter’s adorable. Love getting kids into biking. That’s all I got. 🙂
Hahaha…thanks!
No no no! This just won’t do! This spreadsheet is not a comparison. It needs to be in the DC Product Comparison Database! 😀
Love it, just the short and snappy review I needed to read this morning. 🙂
I know.
I pondered building out a section of the database for that. But with only four desks…somewhat hard to justify it.
That said, I do need to convert the table into a true text table on the site. But sometimes a screenshot of my Excel table honestly comes out cleaner on mobile.
I completely hear you. I was honestly just teasing.
I want to see the Malteser rollout test as part of the Comparison database. 🙂
Between this and you Instagram stories today – I think you’ve pretty well tipped your hand on the Saris desk review, haha.
So frustrated there. And I’m ignoring there fit & finish things on that unit too that I’m still annoyed about.
I really don’t understand – Saris normally makes excellent quality products, especially their hard products (that don’t have electronics per se). But this was super poor on many levels. From quality control to the manual, to the fact that it’s physically impossible to use properly on the normal-human height settings, and more.
And it looks like I’m not alone. While I rarely rely on Amazon reviews, there’s some serious truth in a few of them. Or, the multitude of shops and consumers that replied to my Instagram story today with similiar frustrations.
One could potentially overlook those issues (or at least maybe somehow justify them), if that was a product priced at well under $80 – but not the most expensive unit at $329. It’s unreal.
Perfect. I need a VERY portable and storable solution for my alternate training location. I”m ordering it in a week.
Thanks Ray!
Good find. Strongly suspect room will be made for one after spring cleaning. A QuikLok LPH-001 has been riding shotgun with my KICKR desk for a few years now. Clamp-on shelves help keep things organized and assure everything is in easy reach.
It’s a fail for me. Tripod design just doesn’t work with front wheel in.
I tried to pre-order, shipping costs to Spain were $71 that makes this desk 132$, it’s really bad.
It’s absolutely insane that Wahoo is still selling their desk without bottle holders. Let alone for that price.
I’m very happy with the RAD Desk but if that one broke on me right now, I’d probably buy the KOM one for half the price.
Looks like a nice option for a laptop.
I’m currently running two tablets and a phone: Movie/show on the Samsung tablet, workout on the iPad Mini, and Wahoo recording on the phone. A music stand works great for this, but the tables don’t look like they would hold it all.
I just use one of those hospital breakfast tables. It has all the features I need. Its stable, can get close to my bike, and is a large flat surface. Oh, and it was inexpensive 8)
More usable as a side table than upfront?
Shipping to Australia is more than the price of the desk, and that was selecting the cheapest option.
Otherwise I might’ve bought one to replace the height adjustable ironing board which works OK.
Yep – same deal with NZ.
Any ideas for good, inexpensive desks available in Au/NZ? Anything at Bunnings/Mitre10 or other common hardware or furniture store?
Ok – for those in NZ (and most probably elsewhere, as made in China), a $30 laptop desk works a treat. It even has a horizontal section for mouse, remotes, and some cable clips underneath. Height adjustable and numerous swivel options, and it fits nicely over the front wheel.
link to emax.co.nz
Any place to order this in Europe?
Ray,
Your comparison table says the KOM desktop is 24″ x 13″, whereas KOM Cycling is stating it’s 28″ x 13″ in the Q&A on the Amazon link. Is there a typo one place or the other, or did KOM change the size when they addressed the bowing issue?
Nope, just re-measured at 23.8″ or so, so 24″. My guess is someone just typo’d that in their response.
Thanks for confirming. I just looked at KOM’s site, which also says 24″. The KOM CSR who responded in the Amazon review apparently was misinformed or mistyped the dimension.
P.S. Used the DCR link. ?
How to order from Europe ?
I had ordered it from their site directly, I’ll get some clarity on when they’ll have the EU distribution funnels all sorted for reasonable shipping.
Yes because shipment from USA to Europe cost more then product .
Also interested in this answer.
Yup, I asked a few days ago, I’ll post here as soon as I get an answer.
Suppliers or decent shipping options down under to Australia and NZ would be also be handy to know- thanks.
Ok…circling back on EU answer, ask and you shall receive:
“In May we will have this up and live on Amazon UK, DE, ES, IT, NE, and FR. Then on the retail front, we have hired two individuals to help facility us branching out and navigating the EU market. If all goes smoothly we should be able to secure some strong partnerships to make KOM products more easily accessible in the European territories.”
Awesome. Thanks Ray.
I asked KOM about Au/NZ, and they came back with:
“Currently we do not have any distributors in New Zealand. We just started with a retailer in Australia though. So we are working our way towards New Zealand!”
I guess I will wait or improvise, as shipping is currently USD80 for a USD60 item …
Further word from KOM re Au/NZ: Amazon Australia and BikeBug from sometime in May. Possibly ship to NZ also.
Has this happened yet? I can’t find it (France)
One feature that I use a lot on my Wahoo desk is cable routing holes in the back of the table (to connect laptop to power) – this one is missing them (and it is not in the comparison table).
It has cable routing holes on the front line.
Or are you talking the two towel holders?
Why is everything in the cycling world over priced!! Glad to finally see something at a more reasonable price point. How can Wahoo still justify the price they charge for a desk!!
Weeeellllll….
Wait I thougt everyone was using a $12 music stand. Folds away into nothing, even sees reuse for five years every 20 at Christmas. Comfortably carries a tablet or tablet-mode laptop. Missing that in the comparison table!
I’ve been using a tripod “DJ Stand” for like $40 from Amazon. It is actually pretty easy to get the stand over the front wheel/Climb.
Spread the feet as a far as possible and then place the stand at an angle in which tripod feet kind of hug the front wheel/Climb from the side. The third foot will be outwards pointed away from the bike. From there, you simply rotate the table until it is parallel to tops/bar. It ends up slightly offset, but barely so and it isn’t aggravating at all. This allows me to have the edge of the stand directly over my hoods.
I only wish this was available last November when I bought the DJ stand. I would have gone with this for just $20 more.
It’s basically a bike stand tripod with a flat bit. Considering how cheap (and effective) the Wiggle bikestand is, it strikes me that you can get a similar effect by buying a bikestand and a bit of wood. Alternatively, a large took cabinet provides a solution with integrated storage.
Thx for the Review! Any Details to the Fan on the side? Thx
Yup, that’s the Laska fan (U15617). Super popular for indoor training, but also super US-only (link to amazon.com), and not available in Europe.
However, just out of frame of that photo is a EU variant, the Vacmaster, which is very very similiar, and I use them interchangeably: link to amazon.de
Thx Ray
I notice that Vacmaster now do a fan with a remote control called the Cardio54, which is clearly aimed at people using turbo trainers. From a Google search there are codes available that provide at 25% discount (not sure if I’m allowed to share the code here), which makes it only slightly more expensive than the Vacmaster Air Mover. It looks like both fans provide the same air volume, speed settings etc. so the only difference I can see is that the Cardio54 is black and has a remote control.
While I’d prefer a more stable base than a tripod, I definitely see the strong value proposition. In fact, for $59 I could see buying one just to use the top for a custom build.
The top is convex?
What’s the table depth from the tablet slot to the back? I have a fairly large gaming laptop (28cm) that I worry would cover that part of the desk. Thanks for posting this review!
If you already have a bicycle repair stand, there is an even cheaper and simpler option for a trainer desk without adding more gear to the pile. Orient the repair stand clamp horizontally as if to clamp on to a top tube and then clamp in your favourite desk surface, like an Ikea shelf for instance. Good to go.
This was brilliant!! Just tested mine with a 8kg kettlebell on the desk surface, that worked. Should hold my laptop as well. Will definitely work as an interim solution.
If this is as useful as the Apple TV remote cover, I will be very happy.
Bought the RAD a couple months ago after your review and waiting for it to come back in stock. Could not be happier. Great table and great recommendation.
I was actually afraid the new lower priced KOM would be the same for less, but can see it is not. I find the two openings on the back corners of the RAD extremely helpful. I ran an extension cord through one and put a 3 plug tap on the end which wedges perfectly into the hole. From there I have phone and tablet charging cables. I also prefer the open bottom area. Would seem a center post design and stand interferes with centering desk on wheel. As I use a tablet this is very important so I don’t have to turn my head. For your set-up with a Kickr Climb it’s fine, but not so much for a front wheel.
All that said, I always like having choices and your reviews are super helpful in presenting options.
It’s hard to really compare this with the Wahoo Kickr Desk when it hasn’t been through the robust confines of your desk accuracy testing system..
This showed up today and I happened to have an hour ride scheduled…
It gets really, really tall. I ride a big bike, and my aero bars have a few spacers under them and yet with the feet at a high, fairly unstable angle, the column is at it’s lowest position and still higher than the ski bends extension.
It can get pretty close too. Again Large bike (56 or 58, I don’t remember which), with the column at the rear position and almost touching my front wheel, the table is actually over the end of the bars!
I like it, but I’ve got nothing to compare it to. I did get shafted on the price though (not as bad as you non-North Americans though!). I ordered the day after it jumped to $90. Then the day after it shipped, it was back to $60… Today it’s back to $90 though.
Please