Rollers

I'm leaning toward buying not-too-expensive rollers instead of a Cyclops Fluid trainer (or similar). If anyone sees flaws in my pro-roller logic, I'd love to hear them.

1. Easy to move bike on and off. So far I've been able to ride 2X a week in winter & probably will continue. Since I sometimes have to push myself to ride, I don't want to make it harder.

2. Rollers will improve my balancing and handling skills.

3. Strength gained will be the same with any trainer, and at my relatively beginner level I have nowhere to go but up, so I don't need to worry about the fine points.

4. Hours of amusement for family and friends as I learn to balance on the darned thing.

TIA for any thoughts.

Pam

I think your logic for rollers is pretty spot-on.
However, I don't think #4 is quite accurate. The family and friends will get bored pretty quickly (after the amazed phase), because I don't think it will take you hours to master it. Just be sure to have something solid and stable nearby to lean against when starting off and pausing. Search here (and I think in the training forum) for some roller riding tips.

In terms of quality of workout, you may be better off with a trainer. The rollers' difficulty to master and lack of support may make it hard for you to do intervals, standing, etc.

Also, since it is harder to move around, shift your weight, etc., your butt may end up getting more sore than it would on a trainer. I have a friend who got rollers instead of a trainer and he wishes he'd gotten the trainer because his butt is so sore.

Just a couple of things to think about. Can you try riding some before you buy to get a sense for how hard that learning curve will be for you?

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Originally Posted by 7rider

I think your logic for rollers is pretty spot-on.
However, I don't think #4 is quite accurate. The family and friends will get bored pretty quickly (after the amazed phase), because I don't think it will take you hours to master it. Just be sure to have something solid and stable nearby to lean against when starting off and pausing.

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I'm with 7rider. But, if you set up in the middle of a room and rely on a family member's shoulder for getting on/off, you can still amuse them even when you're proficient on rollers! :D (I never did learn to get on and off with just a step.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

Also, since it is harder to move around, shift your weight, etc., your butt may end up getting more sore than it would on a trainer.

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Hmmm. Is that because it's harder to maintain balance when you shift your butt around as you would do when actually riding the bike?

Pam

Pam, it is harder to shift around at first because you're not used to it. And you're scared and gripping really tightly. Once you learn to relax and perfect your balance, you can shift your booty around. I have my rollers right beside a sideboard. I usually take a break every 3 to 5 miles by grabbing the sideboard and just stopping. I couldn't do Spinervals on the rollers, but I get a tremendous workout on my rollers. I do some interval training, but I cannot get off without holding on to the sideboard. Maybe I could, but I'm not gonna try! Having had a trainer and the rollers, I prefer the rollers. I get more the feel of riding on the road. Then once I venture back outside, I feel really strong.

Also I found it easier to get used to the rollers being clipped in.