Roller riding v road riding

JimboPlob

Hi

I have noticed that on my rollers, my knees track straight up and down. On the road, I seem to have developed a slightly odd pedalling style where my one knee tracks outwards and my the other tracks inwards.

I can't quite work out why there would be a difference from riding on the rollers (where my knees do what I expect), as opposed to riding on the road where they don't.

Admittedly, I have only used the rollers for about 20 mins in total, so do you think my overall pedalling action could be improved if I devote alot of time to the rollers?

p.s. A physio has done a full check and confirm my pelvis is all fine and level etc...

Thanks

deswahriff

...I find on the rollers, my concentration is much more on balance and smoothness (just to stay on!!), with no road distractions like traffic, potholes, or unexpected changes of pace to worry about......so maybe that's sub consciously affecting your pedalling action...??

ride_whenever

Is it the same bike?

If not then check the saddle/bars are straight!!!!!

JimboPlob

Bars & saddle are straight.

darren H

There shouldnt really be any difference , how long have you been riding a roadbike. Are you sitting more forward on your seat when your on the rollers.
Its an odd one

Garry H

As somebody said above, it could be that you concentrate more on form whilst on rollers than you do when out on the road, where you have other things to occupy your mind???

JimboPlob

I have noticed that If I work on engaging my hip flexors whilst out on the road, my knees track much better.

Its almost like when on the rollers I automatically engage them, but when on the road I switch them off (my right in particular). I am now making a big effort to keep them turned on when riding.

I do alot of running, so perhaps I have developed imbalances from this?

thegibdog

Camber of the road?

jfw

thegibdog wrote:

Camber of the road?

what i was going to say

JimboPlob

jfw wrote:

thegibdog wrote:

Camber of the road?

what i was going to say

When running or cycling?

I cycle in the UK, so surley dealing with a left camber is impossible to avoid?

thegibdog

JimboPlob wrote:

jfw wrote:

thegibdog wrote:

Camber of the road?

what i was going to say

When running or cycling?

I cycle in the UK, so surley dealing with a left camber is impossible to avoid?

I was thinking that your body would just be naturally compensating for the camber when you're cycling on the road whilst presumably your rollers are completely horizontal. Maybe next time you're on a quiet* stretch of road try cycling down the middle of the road where there should be no camber and see if you notice any difference.

*For quiet I really mean completely empty!!!