Rollers

solboy

I want some as i had a turbo and hated it. The thing is are they really as dangerous as you tube would suggest???

Pseudonym

no, of course they're not dangerous. if they were dangerous, nobody would use them.

solboy

so i guess the next question is how many people on here have them...

redjeepǃ

They're not dangerous, but they take more getting used to, and if you loose concentration you can and will fall of them.

Typically people set them up in a doorway or with support on each side so you've something to grab. If you come off, you don't typically go flying across the room (as you've no momentum), but you can hit the ground pretty hard.

I've had a set for a couple of years as well as a turbo. They're more interesting to use than the turbo. I've come off them a few times (no injury). I can now go handsfree on them for as long as I want.

Mark Alexander

Definitely get some.
Tips,
1. don't buy Cycle Ops collapsable ones. They, um, well... Collapse
2. Get a solid frame if you can.
3. Find one with concave surface so it's more difficult to slip off the edge.
4. Place it in a door frame, it's what they were designed for. Don't believe the hype that a doorframe will save you in an earthquake, they're for cyclists.
5. Whatever you do don't watch cycling videos. Especially if they have hairpins.......

solboy

I like the look of these. Are they any good?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uaryPkqy3s

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tac ... gn=froogle

davethomas

solboy - i'd argue that you just can't train as well on rollers than you can on a turbo - there is so much more effort required to stay upright that you simply spend most of your time balancing.

You also can't adjust resistance, so you end up riding as you would downhill (thats the sensation).

I'd get a good turbo with a readout, that allows you to monitor your workout - plonk it in front of the TV with something good on... Eurosport or whatever and do a proper session with efforts, timings etc so it takes your mind off the boredom.

Rollers were only really meant for warming up IMHO

hope that helps.

dbb

rollers are great for your skills and overall development - they don't just train your legs.

you can do interval training and even moderate sprints with practice.

and if you are using a bike with gears, you can always change gear for more resistance. smaller rollers naturally have more resistance than the ones in your link.
consider these.
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/16374/Minoura-Action-Roller-Advance.html

JRooke

solboy wrote:

I like the look of these. Are they any good?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uaryPkqy3s

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tac ... gn=froogle

LOL what a f*cking awful advert, i'd never buy them just for that.

spasypaddy

i had rollers, used them about 4 times last winter. hated them.

so i bought a CX bike so i could still ride in the snow.

and this year ive swapped my rollers with a friend for his turbo as he wanted the rollers.

much happier

davethomas

spasypaddy wrote:

and this year ive swapped my rollers with a friend for his turbo as he wanted the rollers.

much happier

ha, i bet there are more dusty sets of rollers in garages than turbos.

Try and borrow a set before buying!!

1_reaper

Or get one of these

http://www.tacxvr.com/products/genius-multiplayer

Love mine. Never get bored

ga02clr

I have rollers and a turbo.

While I agree about the points about resistance making the turbo much better for interval work etc I much prefer using the rollers.

If I am just doing time on the bike building a winter base I use the rollers every time. If you get a decent set and use your gears correctly they are brilliant. They also really help you work on your cadence and pedalling circles in a smooth manor rather than just up down...
Do try and try before you get them as some people just don’t get on with them.

If anyone is sending all their time on rollers having to work hard to balance rather than just cycling after a decent number of sessions (10+) I would question their ability to handle a bike in general!

de_sisti

davethomas wrote:

You also can't adjust resistance, so you end up riding as you would downhill (thats the sensation).

I have these and they have 3 resistance settings.
,

davethomas wrote:

Rollers were only really meant for warming up IMHO.

:roll:

solboy

what make are these rollers?

ddraver

solboy wrote:

what make are these rollers?

I would hazard a guess at...hmmm...e*motion?

davethomas

Yeah, and please do tell... how much do those bad boys cost?

de_sisti

They're not cheap, but I've yet to meet someone who always buys the cheapest
option, cyclists included. I'm sure all of us on this forum has bought an item, when
a cheaper option would have sufficed.