Talk to me about rollers...

I've just recently joined the cycling way of life and I'm interesting in purchasing a set of rollers.

Background story: I'm a recent road cyclist. My boyfriend is an avid cyclist and I've puttered around on a few rides by borrowing his friends bikes but this year I took the jump and got my own. Now I think I'm biking more than him! Anyways, I go to the gym each day but since I've moved and transferred gyms, I'm finding difficulty in snagging a spin bike during the off times. I began spinning a while back but as things in life have changed over the years I simply wasn't able to fit the classes into my schedule. Solution: an MP3 player and a lone spin bike at the gym. I'm having problems doing this now and so with my recent acquistion of a road bike I'm thinking of transferring my ride and workout indoors into my home. I've looked into a fluid trainer but I've read the 'it gets dull' complaint many times whereas I haven't found that many negatives to the rollers. I need to improve overall stability, I don't want to read while I spin, and think it looks way more fun than being locked in.

So I've looked at Kreitler and the E-Motion rollers. Are there others I should consider? While I am not yet an experienced cyclist, I am a somewhat experienced and dedicated gym-goer. So if things work out and they're effective, I can see them getting quite a bit of use.

I plan to purchase one of the stabilizing devices that attaches to the fork until I get the hang of things... does anyone know if these will work with the E-Motion rollers?

Has anyone used both brands? Any comments? Favorite?

I don't really have a means of trying both out as I've asked around and no one seems to have either brand of rollers. No LBS seem to stock either. So it's kind of a gamble but I think both seem to be reputable companies.

Thanks!

I'm also considering a spin bike but if I have a perfectly fit road bike and rollers cost less than a full spin bike... why wouldn't I use what I already have??? Seems like I should try.

I have the E-Motion rollers. I've had them for 3 or 4 years. I cannot say enough good things about them. But I can't see how you could attach anything to the front fork, as both wheels have to turn. Just start off in a doorway or next to a sturdy piece of furniture. You'll soon get the hang of it. It's scary at first. It took months before I could take one hand off long enough to scratch my nose. It's a wonderful workout. And I like the fact that it feels like I'm on the road.

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Originally Posted by Aint Doody

I have the E-Motion rollers. I've had them for 3 or 4 years. I cannot say enough good things about them.

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In my searching, I've come across many of your posts. You seem to be quite happy with the rollers. Had you tried other rollers previously? OR trainers?



Are there the same wear and tear issue that you have on trainers on rollers? The bike isn't attached to anything so there shouldn't be any abnormal frame stresses... right?

My real hesitation is that I'm going to want more resistance than what I see most of the rollers have that some trainers can offer. Also the Kurt Kinetic/1ups/Cycleops run about $400-500 cheaper... so I'm trying to decide if the balance/natural of rollers outweighs the resistance/climbing aspect of trainers.

Has anyone used the KK Rock & Roll trainer? Supposedly imitates the feel of riding/rollers more accurately.

Thanks!

I had a trainer. I like this so much better. The tires get black from what was told to me to be aluminum dust and nothing to worry about. It comes off the tires when you ride. But it'll make black marks on your floor. I carry my bike outside to avoid that.

If you want resistance, you'll get it in spades. It has a lever that changes the resistance. I can only do it on the lightest resistance and still shift gears for intervals.

E-Motion is the only one I've ever tried. They were at Bike Expo for a couple of years. They're a great company to work with--all family.

I have cheap $99 aluminum rollers form Nashbar. No issues.

I don't have any sort of stabilizer thing. Just ride in a door way.

This thread prompted me to go look and see what you all were talking about. First, WAY COOL. Second, don't think I am nearly coordinated enough for this. Third, found lots of youtube and the like videos out there of regular folks using these and entertained myself for quite some time. :)

Anyone used or heard of TruTrainer rollers?

In reading on other forums, lots of people have gone from the E-Motion Rollers to these. Most said the TruTrainers were better built, quieter, and replicated the road better because of stability. I've ready quite a few places that the E-Motion are marketed heavily towards roller beginners because of the ease of learning curve but once you get going, you'll want the TruTrainers.

Anyone?



I'm still a little scared of the roller idea but I'm hoping... hoping... that in the long run I'll want them over a boring trainer. But the ease of the trainer(and the less than half the cost) seems somewhat appealing.

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Originally Posted by Possegal

This thread prompted me to go look and see what you all were talking about. First, WAY COOL. Second, don't think I am nearly coordinated enough for this. Third, found lots of youtube and the like videos out there of regular folks using these and entertained myself for quite some time. :)

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Did you catch this one? 'stupid roller tricks'? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiCdm5FsJpg I was in awe.

I've never seen a Tru Trainer, but I cannot imagine wanting to graduate to anything any harder to do! My E-Motion really feels like I'm on the road.

I had not seen that one. I love it, partly for the daughter calling him a dork (who hasn't thought that of their dad) and also for the ending it with a glass of wine. :) One I saw was a guy's first time on the roller and he was having serious trouble just getting on. And his wife was filming and she was not sure it was such a good idea. But he did eventually get moving on it, all the while in a hallway where he could touch both sides of the wall. The fun ones to me are the ones of people filming their first try. I guess if I ever opted to go down this route, I'd film it too. It is too priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tF0tK7P_s&NR=1
I like the placement of the inflated mattress, though sometimes it looks like it is going to make him fall rather than break his fall. :)

I'm definitely intrigued by the E-motion rollers, but that price? EEK!!!

Do you use your regular road tires on the rollers or would el cheapo tires or perhaps those Conti Hometrainer deals work better? I have a KK trainer that I use with Spinerval DVDs every now and then with a old beater bike with one of the Conti tires on the back wheel, but rollers sound like a good way to work on my pedal stroke and balance with my actual road bike. Hmmm....

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Originally Posted by Pink Diva

I'm definitely intrigued by the E-motion rollers, but that price? EEK!!!

Do you use your regular road tires on the rollers or would el cheapo tires or perhaps those Conti Hometrainer deals work better? I have a KK trainer that I use with Spinerval DVDs every now and then with a old beater bike with one of the Conti tires on the back wheel, but rollers sound like a good way to work on my pedal stroke and balance with my actual road bike. Hmmm....

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From what I've read, you can use your regular tires as wear really isn't a concern like it is with trainers.

Rollers definitely seem to have the advantage over trainers in terms of 'get up and go' time... with the trainer, you're switching off a tire(providing you use a training tire and not a whole separate bike... I don't have space for another bike around here), cranking it up in place and then getting started. Want to go riding the next day? Uncrank, and replace real tire. Repeat as needed. With roller, just put the bike on the rollers and get going. Granted, it's not a ton of time, but still...

And shove it under a bed when you're finished.

I found this youtube review on the EMotion helpful. I think I'll start saving up my pennies now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtR_4B4lcsA

I bought a set used for $50. I don't remember what they were. My husband said, "Well, you'll either kill yourself or figure out how to do it."

I was 48 then, and never have been the most coordinated ballerina at the barre (so to speak).
I never even came close to killing myself.
I got a set of Kreitler rollers (ebay) and sold the used ones for the $50 I paid.
I still only ride in the hall.
My riding form and balance (and confidence) have improved dramatically!

I don't have the Kreitler HeadWind fan, but sometimes I sometimes covet one. Usually I just turn on a normal fan, because it can get a little hot.

Love my Kreitler rollers - yes, it feels pretty sketchy when you get on them (I liken it to riding on ice) but your riding skills will increase dramatically. I think using parabolic rollers defeats the purpose of building the skills you get from rollers. I ride next to the breakfast bar in my kitchen (good height) or the work bench in the garage or someone next to me on their trainer (use their bars as needed) I did almost 2 hours on my rollers this weekend (it was blowing like crazy outdoors) and I would never be able to stand 2 hours on the trainer, too boring. I watched 2 of the "Sufferfest" videos. They aren't great, but they are free. Tokie

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Originally Posted by Tokie

Love my Kreitler rollers

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Can I ask you what size drums you have on your rollers...thos 2.25 look way TOO small!

How is the noise compared to trainers(with the Emotion)? Is it quite loud? In some of the videos it seemed kind of noisy but that could be variations in recording equipment.



I'm trying to find a place with a decent return policy. For one, I live in an apartment and if it's too noisy, it'll have to go. Then there's the problem of me just not being able to 'get' it or not being comfortable after two weeks or so. I'm not a terribly coordinated person with big back problems. I bike fine and work out regularly but I fear breaking/pulling/popping something as I try to master rollers... ie flying off or falling violently. Haha... After spending $800(for the emotion) or $950(for the trutrainers) I'd like the option of returning if I'm not completely satisfied.

...then there are those $430 Kurt Kinetic Pro trainers that keep calling my name and telling me to 'save the moneeeeeey and buy me!' Haha... I'm undecided. I haven't heard anyone go from rollers to a trainer because of being dissatisfied. With my luck, I'll be the first because I'm a klutz.

Thanks everyone.