Kreitler roller selection

[kenyonchris]

I searched and saw lots of people recommending these rollers, so I think I am going to go with the Challengers and the headwind fan. Now, the question is drum size. I have always spun during the off season, but I am on nights this winter and probably will be during the spring, so getting a class in will be nearly impossible. So rollers it is unless someone else has a better suggestion, I want to work not only on my cardio, but technique as well.
SO...I don't mind spending the money to make it as effective as possible, but obviously don't want to go chucking money around where I don't need it.
With the headwind fan, do I have to get off/on to change the velocity? And there doesn't seem to be any way to adjust the resistance of the rollers themselves as there is with some of the other brands. Does the headwind fan add sufficient resistance? So what drum size to begin with?
I am a probably better than the average/not as good as the good rider, I would call myself experienced but not a professional or race rider. I am already quite strong, but I want to preserve what I have and get even better in the off season.
Anyone? Anyone?

[malkin]

The Krietler web site has lots of info on the Which Rollers should I get (or words to that effect) page.

http://www.kreitler.com/product.php?section=product&item=which_model


We got a set of Kreitlers second hand, and I think the drums are the largest ones, but I'm not sure. They've been great for maintaining fitness, but the biggest benefit has been in developing better balance and bike handling, which you'd probably get from any size drum.

[Mr. SR500]

I think I have the middle size (3.5"), work great, I've not used the resistance unit, but get a very good workout. I got a little gun-shy after crashing in the basement, but hopefully I have gotten over that by now. Great product!

[Miranda]

Thx for posting this thread. I've thought about getting a set of rollers myself. Haven't heard of this brand. But will keep reading other owners feedback. I teach spinning year round, so my trainer usually sits idle:o. But, I would like to improve my balance as well. People who I know that have them say using a doorway is a good way to learn how to use them. If you can do them at all--I think you are pretty strong regardless of the finer points.

[malkin]

I will never try to ride rollers anywhere but in the hall, where I can reach out to the wall on either side. Crashing off isn't a big deal, but it makes a pretty terrific clattering, probably more of a problem for the downstairs neighbors.

[Becky]

Good topic!

I'm considering rollers, but admit to being on the fence about them. I really want better balance and handling skills, but I don't want them to be one more piece of stuff that clutters up my house.

I will definitely need a doorway or something!

[kenyonchris]

Well, I saw the eMotion rollers and am torn. They are $700!!! But the reviews are fantastic. I use it enough to justify the cost (sort of) if it makes a big difference.
I am turning my upstairs den into a workout room, mainly because I am starting Shaun T.s insanity program as well as moving the biking inside for the winter following the Livestrong Challenge in three weeks. I have a new riding friend who is a professional cyclist...I am going to have to up the ante a bit here.

[martinkap]

Kenyonchris - did you ever get the emotion rollers? I am torn about them for more than half of a year... I am trying to justify that it will be cheaper than new dentures or furniture if I accidently roll off the normal rollers...

I am just wondering if they live up to everything one can read about them...

Martina

[kenyonchris]

Ugh. I have chickened out on them for the moment...so expensive!

[martinkap]

Ugh. I have chickened out on them for the moment...so expensive!
I know what you mean - I am still on the fence ... but then, it would be probably the best investment for my mental health (riding in winter in Manhattan is not completely sane but not riding at all is even worse). The only issue I have is that what if I really cannot do it? What if I hate it? They do say on the website that if you are not super satisfied, they'll buy the rollers back but who knows...

[kenyonchris]

I am going to belt up and order them. I need to stay riding!

[7rider]

I am going to belt up and order them. I need to stay riding!

The e-Motion rollers?? Wow. Sweet.

[Miranda]

Yea... we need the epic rollers journey report.:) My only saving grace prior to investing is this: 1) a gym pal own's them and I could probably work it out to try her's first to see if I like them at all, and 2) there is one lbs that does indoor winter club rides that states they have rollers to loan during site use. Both those would be a good "try before you buy$" experience.

[malkin]

Good topic!

I'm considering rollers, but admit to being on the fence about them. I really want better balance and handling skills, but I don't want them to be one more piece of stuff that clutters up my house.

Kreitlers (and others) fold in half, so they only make a smallish addition to the clutter.

[kenyonchris]

My SO is taking me to the bike shop he rides for (not my usual one) to try rollers before I shell out the money on the E Motion ones. He is telling me that rollers are rollers are rollers, the emotion ones will just keep me from falling off. While this seems to be a very nice addition to the setup, he maintains that I should just "ride straight" and swears that I am a good enough rider not to crash. Since I have managed to crush half my landscape by falling into the bushes at the end of my rides (I have a really steep driveway at the end of a down hill and always forget to gear down) I find this doubtful, but he's the professional.

[7rider]

Yeah, sure...but you can't (reasonably safely) stand on the pedals and sprint on regular rollers like you can with the e-motions.
Of course, he'd likely ask: Is that alone worth the price of admission???