Turbo or Rollers?

imposter2.0

redvision wrote:

Rollers only for warning up? why don't you take your turbo to warm up? Is it perhaps because rollers are far easier to transport?

No, because as I said, a turbo will invariably pack down into a smaller space than rollers. There's a reason why you don't see too many turbos at the velodrome...

macleod113

i have both and prefer the turbo for harder resistance and recovery from balance reducing thumb break and use the rollers just to pedal at pace and balance. i find i enjoy watching tv on the turbo but just music on the rollers as 1 little distraction and i'm going to end up tasting the garage floor.

Anonymous

Imposter wrote:

redvision wrote:

Rollers only for warning up? why don't you take your turbo to warm up? Is it perhaps because rollers are far easier to transport?

No, because as I said, a turbo will invariably pack down into a smaller space than rollers. There's a reason why you don't see too many turbos at the velodrome...

Not sure what turbo and rollers you have, but cannot see how a decent turbo is more portable than decent rollers.
If you want compact rollers, surely you buy folding/telescopic ones?

Kinetic do some nice folding ones. They do a decent turbo too.

imposter2.0

Carbonator wrote:

If you want compact rollers, surely you buy folding/telescopic ones?

Most of them are foldable/telescopic - not sure what your point is?

Anonymous

Imposter wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

If you want compact rollers, surely you buy folding/telescopic ones?

Most of them are foldable/telescopic - not sure what your point is?

I know that but assumed you must have rigid a one if you think they are harder to transport than a massively heavy turbo.

The 'point' was in the section of my post that you chose not to quote :roll:

Redvisions logic seemed sound to me so odd that you flamed him.

You pretty much do need a turbo tyre (unless it is direct drive of course) and there are still all the other hassles anyway.
Core strength benefits marginal? First time I have heard anyone say that.

People can read the thread and make their own mind up who is right or wrong though.

(Sound of door shutting).

imposter2.0

Carbonator wrote:

I know that but assumed you must have rigid a one if you think they are harder to transport than a massively heavy turbo.

I didn't say they were harder to transport. Both types will usually pack down into a similar size.

Carbonator wrote:

You pretty much do need a turbo tyre (unless it is direct drive of course) and there are still all the other hassles anyway.

You don't 'need' a turbo tyre. Any tyre will do. What other 'hassles' are there?

Carbonator wrote:

Core strength benefits marginal? First time I have heard anyone say that.

You haven't been out much then. If improvements in 'core strength' are your goal, then cycling should not be top of your list of exercises, because (as I said before) the benefits to be had are marginal, because cycling, in general, puts very little demand on the 'core'.

cougie

I don't need a turbo tyre on my turbo. Works fine on gp4000s.

cubedean

Thanks for your input guys, I've been ill the last week or so & haven't had chance to pick anything up. I'm tempted by a set of rollers due to the concentration required for using them.

pippi_langsamer-2

I dont quite get all of this.

One person says they want rollers over turbo as it will "improve their balance", and another person wants rollers because they "require concentration", to use? Seems like rather odd reasons for justifying rollers...

Rollers- perfect for taking along to a race for a warm-up/ warm-down, or just spinning your legs at home

Turbo- specifically enables you to spill your bodily fluids all over the floor (interval work etc), without having to concentrate on hazards out on the roads.

Increasing concentration and balance skills aren't what I would've thought be particularly high on the requirements. If you want a life-like simulation to 3/4 cat racing, have two people stoof either side of you on said rollers and have them randomly give you a push from either side :idea:

imposter2.0

Pippi Langsamer wrote:

I dont quite get all of this.

One person says they want rollers over turbo as it will "improve their balance", and another person wants rollers because they "require concentration", to use? Seems like rather odd reasons for justifying rollers...

Rollers- perfect for taking along to a race for a warm-up/ warm-down, or just spinning your legs at home

Turbo- specifically enables you to spill your bodily fluids all over the floor (interval work etc), without having to concentrate on hazards out on the roads.

Increasing concentration and balance skills aren't what I would've thought be particularly high on the requirements. If you want a life-like simulation to 3/4 cat racing, have two people stoof either side of you on said rollers and have them randomly give you a push from either side :idea:

+1

Anyone who needs help with their balance should probably avoid group riding anyway...

redvision

Imposter wrote:

Pippi Langsamer wrote:

I dont quite get all of this.

One person says they want rollers over turbo as it will "improve their balance", and another person wants rollers because they "require concentration", to use? Seems like rather odd reasons for justifying rollers...

Rollers- perfect for taking along to a race for a warm-up/ warm-down, or just spinning your legs at home

Turbo- specifically enables you to spill your bodily fluids all over the floor (interval work etc), without having to concentrate on hazards out on the roads.

Increasing concentration and balance skills aren't what I would've thought be particularly high on the requirements. If you want a life-like simulation to 3/4 cat racing, have two people stoof either side of you on said rollers and have them randomly give you a push from either side :idea:

+1

Anyone who needs help with their balance should probably avoid group riding anyway...

What a fantastic comment Imposter! I mean its not like practice helps to improve techniques etc.
Are you actually saying that if someone struggles with something then they should just quit?! :roll:

OP have a read of this as it might help:
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/arti ... ers-28631/

imposter2.0

redvision wrote:

Imposter wrote:

Pippi Langsamer wrote:

I dont quite get all of this.

One person says they want rollers over turbo as it will "improve their balance", and another person wants rollers because they "require concentration", to use? Seems like rather odd reasons for justifying rollers...

Rollers- perfect for taking along to a race for a warm-up/ warm-down, or just spinning your legs at home

Turbo- specifically enables you to spill your bodily fluids all over the floor (interval work etc), without having to concentrate on hazards out on the roads.

Increasing concentration and balance skills aren't what I would've thought be particularly high on the requirements. If you want a life-like simulation to 3/4 cat racing, have two people stoof either side of you on said rollers and have them randomly give you a push from either side :idea:

+1

Anyone who needs help with their balance should probably avoid group riding anyway...

What a fantastic comment Imposter! I mean its not like practice helps to improve techniques etc.
Are you actually saying that if someone struggles with something then they should just quit?! :roll:

OP have a read of this as it might help:
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/arti ... ers-28631/

Thanks mate, it's appreciated. I'm just saying that if basic balance is a problem for you, then you should probably nail it before you ride in a group and risk the safety of others.

DeVlaeminck

You can do hard sessions on rollers - maybe not flat out sprints but unless you are very good (ftp 350 plus) or have crap leg speed 10-20 minute intervals should be no bother and I'm being conservative at that. If you find the resistance isn't enough buy rollers with smaller drums. The advantage of a turbo is you can just concentrate on the effort (and very high intensity stuff sometimes that is all you can do) - the advantage of rollers is you have to give some thought to keeping it smooth.

I'd still say get a turbo first as training at home isn't for everyone and if you can't face a hard hour on the turbo you probably wont be up for a hard hour on rollers - that and it allows you to sprint flat out and do big gear stuff if you want.

I'm not convinced rollers help core strength as such but I could buy into them helping with control of muscles involved in balance, in showing up and helping cure a ragged pedal stroke or excess body movement and I think in a tight bunch maybe give you a bit more confidence and help you cope with a touch of elbows etc. Of course a turbo wont make any of that worse if you don't think it's a consideration.

redvision

Thanks mate, it's appreciated. I'm just saying that if basic balance is a problem for you, then you should probably nail it before you ride in a group and risk the safety of others.

Exactly! Thats what i bought rollers to help with and they solved the issues.
When i started cycling i was riding alone and quickly realised that i struggled with holding my line when looking behind, or even if looking down to place water bottle in holder (as embarrassing as it is now to admit that i used to have to look down to do that :oops: ).

Anyway, after just a few sessions on the rollers these issues were solved.
And since then i have been more than comfortable when riding in large groups (racing or just club training) and holding my line.

I will admit that you cant sprint on rollers like you can on the turbo, but for handling improvements etc then rollers are fantastic.

cougie

I can't balance on rollers but I manage just fine in club runs and races. I guess the skills are slightly different.

Have we discussed noise levels ? Some turbos are as loud as a jet taking off so might not be appreciated at sleepy time...

Or just save the money as you'll probably be too knackered with the babies.

proto

Regarding noise, I think turbos are banned at some TT events as too noisy at silly o'clock for the locals.

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

imposter2.0

Strange - I've put in many hundreds of structured turbo hours over the years, always with a regular road tyre - never had any issues with excess wear. I've always used a dedicated 'turbo wheel', but always with a old, worn road tyre - never bothered with a turbo tyre...

DeVlaeminck

proto wrote:

Regarding noise, I think turbos are banned at some TT events as too noisy at silly o'clock for the locals.

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

I agree with Imposter, I've been using normal tyres on my turbo for years and when I have used my winter bike or TT bike with training wheels didn't swop out the wheels or the tyres. Yes it can flatten them off slightly after frequent use and for that reason I probably wouldn't stick my race wheels on the turbo but that's it. Turbo tyres are a relatively recent invention so what do you think people did previously ?

Seems strange to say you are using it wrongly if you aren't wrecking tyres !

Ernesider

proto wrote:

Regarding noise, I think turbos are banned at some TT events as too noisy at silly o'clock for the locals.

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

Have used a Tacx Flow for seven years and highly recommend using the special Tacx tyre.
Now using a Wahoo Kickr so neither wheel nor tyre required.

Matthewfalle

Imposter wrote:

Strange - I've put in many hundreds of structured turbo hours over the years, always with a regular road tyre - never had any issues with excess wear. I've always used a dedicated 'turbo wheel', but always with a old, worn road tyre - never bothered with a turbo tyre...

+1 - never had a problem over the past 15/20 years using old road tyres on turbos.

Strange that it's only recently with the advent of the change of demographic for cycling that turbo tyres are now deemed as necessary...................

StillGoing

First turbo I had I used a normal tyre and in time noticed where I put the turbo, there was a black streak of cast off rubber up the garage wall. Now I use a turbo tyre and don't get the same problem.

cougie

proto wrote:

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

That's clearly gibberish as many of us on here can attest to. Certainly my turbo is fine for my tyres - no more wear than if it were on the road - and I am using it properly.

northpole

With the little ones trying to get some shut eye for much of the time, is noise a significant consideration for the OP?

If it is, I wondered if anyone here has tried out the rather large looking CycleOps Silencer Direct Drive Mag Trainer? It seems a bit of a bus, but if you have the space for it, could be a quiet companion to let you get some miles in.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... -14-48332/

Peter

MikeSClark

Hi there,

I have both a turbo trainer and a set of rollers. I find each offers a different type of workout. Turbo trainers for me, are great for switching off and letting the legs do the talking. I have some headphones with some podcast to let the time pass. You can also do intervals, however I find that steady, consistent pace work well during the winter.

For the rollers, that is a different kettle of fish. For me it took about 45mins to get the hang of, first of all I tried without clipless pedals, seeing how long I could balance for before starting to pedal. Looking forward rather than down is the key. Rollers increases your effiiciency of your pedal stroke, if you pedal in sqaures then you are going to have a rough time (but will eventually get the greatest improvements). Also it works on your core to help with balance. If you are going to get rollers, look for the ones which widen at each end, sometimes referred to as "parabolic". If you find youself wobbling off the rollers, this will help to move you back into the middle.

You have to be alert when using rollers, but it does make things a little more interesting, if not a little scary to begin with, but once your away, you feel like you have accomplished something.

Hope that helps

Mike

MikeSClark

cougie wrote:

proto wrote:

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

That's clearly gibberish as many of us on here can attest to. Certainly my turbo is fine for my tyres - no more wear than if it were on the road - and I am using it properly.

From my experience, it depends on the compound of the rubber on the tyre. A very soft, grippy tyre sheds more rubber than a tyre designed for all year use.

It can also be affected by the turbo trainer itself. Lets say a magnetic trainer that offer a higher level of watts resistance will become hotter than a fluid trainer with a better fan system (to help the tyre keep cooler).

Mike

Matthewfalle

MikeSClark wrote:

cougie wrote:

proto wrote:

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

That's clearly gibberish as many of us on here can attest to. Certainly my turbo is fine for my tyres - no more wear than if it were on the road - and I am using it properly.

From my experience, it depends on the compound of the rubber on the tyre. A very soft, grippy tyre sheds more rubber than a tyre designed for all year use.

It can also be affected by the turbo trainer itself. Lets say a magnetic trainer that offer a higher level of watts resistance will become hotter than a fluid trainer with a better fan system (to help the tyre keep cooler).

Mike

Nah - used everything from Mich Pro Race 3 & 4s to Zaffiro slicks to Stuff from the 80s on both mag and fan turbos with no issues at all.

No need for turbo specific tyres - just use whatever you can get your hands on cheapest.

cougie

MikeSClark wrote:

cougie wrote:

proto wrote:

If you think you don't need a special tyre then you're not using it properly. You could use a knackered tyre on your 'turbo' wheel but a few good sessions will destroy it.

That's clearly gibberish as many of us on here can attest to. Certainly my turbo is fine for my tyres - no more wear than if it were on the road - and I am using it properly.

From my experience, it depends on the compound of the rubber on the tyre. A very soft, grippy tyre sheds more rubber than a tyre designed for all year use.

It can also be affected by the turbo trainer itself. Lets say a magnetic trainer that offer a higher level of watts resistance will become hotter than a fluid trainer with a better fan system (to help the tyre keep cooler).

I am on a gps 4000 and a magnetic trainer and it's no bother - but it's a metal roller - I think that helps.

Mike