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Hey there everyone. (Gee I love this forum.)
I don't get to ride during the week and after another silly fall last Saturday (unclipped right, body went left) I'm pondering getting rollers so I can be on MY bike instead of the stationary at the gym.
I also need to practice getting into my large chain ring. Killed myself on a hill too.
Will my Saturday training series be enough to get through these little things or should I go for the rollers?
Thanks ladies!
If you are having some balance issues rollers might not be the best choice, but a regular stationary trainer would probably be of benefit to you. You would be able to practice clipping in and out and shifting without fear of falling down. Craigslist is a great place to get a second hand trainer so you don't have to break the budget with a new one.
There are safety devices for the beginning - an add-on where your fork is attached safely, does anyone use that kind of thing?
Also, is a roller more quiet than a stationary trainer?
We are looking into having one next winter as it seems faster to switch between two bikes. Any comments?
Rollers are great. I just tried them recently and I love them. At first it is weird and scary. My husband was right there in front of my handlebars and we put them between the narrowest walls in the house. First of all, you need to learn how to get yourself out of trouble and then you are fine. If you do have a balance issue, rollers will teach you. It is an increadible work out where your muscles and mind work at the same time. But someone show you the first steps.
Regarding using 2 different bikes on rollers, they would need to have close to the same wheelbase to use the rollers without adjustment. Your front axle must sit over the front roller, which is adjustable in length. It doesn't have to be exact but maybe within an inch. If you plan to use rollers, you have to commit to some learning time and keep at it enough to feel comfortable. I have a set that I rarely use (the trainer is just easier and less scary) and even when I used them fairly regularly, was never super comfortable on them. Someone on this board recently got some e-motion rollers (search for thread) which have side bumpers and other stabilizing features.
I have the e-motion rollers and I love it. It's an unbelievable work-out, and I can tell you that it will definitely improve your balance. I've had mine almost a month and always ride on Tues/Thurs mornings--week-ends if it's raining. I haven't mastered trying to drink any water while in motion yet. I felt a pretty significant break through last week when I was able to use one hand to wipe the sweat off my face--briefly! The system is the three rollers as Deb said, but that system floats in a frame--so you get more of a road feel. You really have to pay attention to what you're doing. I have to stop about every 15 minutes to get a drink of water.
I have put the contraption next to a sideboard in the living room right in front of the television set with a fan blowing right on me. It's incredible how much more of a workout I get from this than the regular trainer I used to use. It really didn't take me that long to get going on using it. It's scary at first--you gotta stick with it.
Rollers are great if you want to learn to spin and pedal smoothly - and get a great aerobic workout at the same time.
If you need strength (rather than fitness) to get up that hill, a stationary trainer might be better as it provides more options in terms of rolling resistance. I find that on rollers, once you get 'on top' of a gear the resistance is pretty much the same.
[QUOTE=alpinerabbit]There are safety devices for the beginning - an add-on where your fork is attached safely, does anyone use that kind of thing?
Also, is a roller more quiet than a stationary trainer?
QUOTE]
I use the fork attachment, my DH does not. I love the rollers, they are far superior in ride quality to a standard trainers.
It helps you pay attention to pedaling efficiency and form.If you want to hammer though, it is hard to concentrate i've been told. I don't know. I don't hammer.
But yes, rollers are great.
Also you can add resistance with a head wind fan.
We have some really skinny rollers that Blaine used to take to the track. Riding rollers will totally help you smooth out your pedal stroke. My only beef with rollers is the resistance issue. I like being able to adjust the resistance on my indoor trainer.
Thanks for this thread, ladies
We are considering getting rollers for the lads to warm up on before races...
Useful to have this kind of anecdotal feedback
I've had my Kreitler rollers for years (alas often under-utilized) and they offer many adjustments for position (for bike size and w/ same belt, changes the tension). You can also buy different belts to alter the resistance, too.
Hey ladies... I did a quick search on rollers and stumbled on this thread.
A question I was hoping to have answered was... how do you get started in the first place?
I have a set of rollers and I put one foot on the peddle and fell off. Any suggestions?
- Should I have it an easy gear? Or the hardest, to get more leverage onto the seat?
- Do it with regular shoes first because it's easier to hop off, or with cleats because otherwise you can't get started? Or with one cleat on and one without cleat?
Any other pointers please? :o
My suggestion is that you do not start off on rollers like I was introduced to them.
My old coach in California did this to me! The team was at the bike shop we were sponsored by. They were having some sort of gala event so they asked us racers (developmental team) to come by for the event so we did. We were in our regular team gear (bike shoes, etc) and there was a set of rollers out in the middle of the bike shop. So a bunch of the girls were asking my coach, how do you ride rollers - so he decided to use me as a guinea pig (guess cause he thought I had good balance skills being a mountain biker as well as roadie). So, he says to me, Jan - grab your bike and come over here. So I wander over with my bike and he puts my bike on the rollers, holds onto the bike while I get on, and then tells me to pedal smoothly and to look straight ahead of me at a point on the wall. I do this and then he lets go and walks away! I'm out in the middle of this room with nothing to hold onto if I want to stop so I just have to keep pedaling - I can't get off - nothing to hold onto and the coach leaves me out there for about 20 minutes until he decides Ive had enough and comes to my rescue so that I can get off the dang things!
Here's a better way to start. I like a washing machine to hold onto - it is the right height, but put yourself next to something you can grab onto like a washing machine. Put the bike on the rollers. Get on the bike (it is kind of hard, cause it is higher than you are used to. Put your hand out and balance on the washing machine. Leave one hand on the bars and one hand on the washing machine. start spinning - try to be real smooth - that is what rollers teaches you - look straight ahead of you at a point on the wall, do not look away, you will ride off the rollers - take your hand off the washing machine. To stop, put your hand back on the washing machine and let the pedals slowly come to stop.
That's all there is to it. :)
Thanks, Spokewrench for the great tips.
My DH rides rollers a lot in the off season. It has really improved his pedalling technique and form on the bike. He looks like a pro on the bike and is a joy to watch (but maybe I'm biased! :D ).
This past winter, I got a pair of "cheater" (parabolic) rollers from Performance. They are tapered up at the end of the rollers, so you can't easily ride off them - my biggest fear.
DH gave me these pointers to get me started:
1. Put the rollers next to somethng solid (like a washing machine - inside a door frame is often suggested, too) to give you something to hold onto during those "Oh, crap!" moments.
2. Start out and ride in a fairly high gear. Riding faster is easier to balance than riding slower (his threshold is about 13 mph, I think).
3. Look at a spot about 5-10 feet in front of the bike. Don't look down at the handlebars or wheel!
I managed to ride them for 30 minutes, then my butt started to hurt too much because I couldn't change position much. I also had to stop to drink and wipe my brow (DH can remove his shirt while riding rollers...yikes!). I think like anything, you get better and smoother with practice.
P.s. Oh, and tho' I have Speedplays on the bike, I work sneakers on my feet because I was nervous about clipping in/out. DH rides with his regular bike shoes and clips in. Maybe I will when I'm better, but for now, I'm content to use sneakers on my Speedplays. Not the most efficient, but when I'm in the basement, who cares!
[QUOTE=alpinerabbit;64305]
Also, is a roller more quiet than a stationary trainer?
QUOTE]
My dad had rollers with a fan (and front fork attachment), and I was also put on rollers at the shop (also front attachmetn on) for a fitting. It is very loud, particularly those with a fan. I'm not sure why my dad's had one, but it had no front wheel roller option, so maybe it was more like an old-school wind trainer with giant rear rollers... it was really really old.
My fluid trainer is coming this week, and from what I'm told, it should be the quietest of the lot. The rollers at the shop were not much quieter than my dad's even without the fan.
My rollers are very quiet. I, too, have a big fan blowing on me that's louder than the rollers so I have to turn the television up pretty loud. But I couldn't stand it without the fan. I sweat mass quantities on the rollers--moreso than I ever did on my stationary trainer.
I think it's easier to maintain my balance and cadence while being clipped in, but I still have to have a big, heavy piece of furniture right there for me to put a hand on. I'm not a very brave person..........
Along side a sofa is good, or a dresser, counter, or washing machine (as were good suggestions earlier). Something about hip or waist height is ideal. Doorways are BAD--if you tip, you can bounce between like a pinball :eek: . Get used to having the support on the same side--like clipping in, always use the same side--I like it on the side I clip in & out of when at stops. That way I get the bike on the roller, clip in my right shoe, leaning against the dresser on my left side, get on the bike, start to spin and clip in. I always have it in the big chain ring--not a super hard gear, but you need decent resistance and speed to feel the weight/balance into the wheels. Lean your hand onto the support when you need to, and to stop. With practice you should be able to work w/ a water bottle as you would on the road... but until then, don't be afraid to gently lean on the support as needed for rest/water breaks. I also made a "sweat strap" to protect my top tube from my dripping sweat, and also keep a towel on the floor under the rollers. Without the wind from being on the road, you quickly learn just how much you can sweat!
I tried the rollers for the first time again this season! The suggestion of the washing machine was excellent - it was the perfect height. The only problem is, I didn't let go. I was wobbling everywhere - I tried it in the big chainring, and that made big big wobbes, so I popped it into the middle chain ring, and while I could get the cadence up, that made a lot of little wobbles. Not cool. Does it go away with practice, as I get more and more balanced? :confused: Or do I just need to be a little braver?
I also tried the "Fixate on something stationary +5ft away from you" thing, and that steadied it some.
You need to let go of the washing machine once you get going - bend your elbows, relax your shoulders, your upper body being stiff is probably partof the wobbliness. Second the rollers teach you to be smooth with your pedal stroke - or you wobble! so, think about round circles, being as smooth with your pedal stroke as possible - some people say think about wiping your feet off on an entry way doormat as you are going thru the bottom of the pedal stroke, this helps make your pedal stroke round - the other tip is to pedal over the top of the pedal stroke.
Wow...you gals are BRAVE! I am too much of a clutz, no way without using the support bar in front when using toe clips! Though I really would like to find a way to work on one foot from time to time. With the rollers it is difficult to do. Any suggestions for that? Try to find the right size chair to place non moving foot,but not much luck.
I don't think you should try using only one foot. I think, as Spokewrench said, you'll make a smooth stroke or wobble if you don't. I also put a big fan in front of me and another behind me. That helps, as I really, really get sweaty from the great workout.
Yikes! The thought of trying rollers gives me the willies! Good for all of you that are are doing it. Check out this video of one-leg drills...
roller video
That guy is amazing! I'll never be able to even go w/no hands.
I love my rollers. When we finished the basement and put in a sewing room for me there was a short hallway-type area which turned out to be a perfect place for the rollers. There is about 6 inches outside the handlebars on each side so that if I wobble or veer I can touch the wall with the handlebars or my elbows and keep on rolling. It works great. The walls do give you more confidence. Unfortunately, I used the technique of touching my elbow on the concrete wall of the golden gate bridge several years ago to avoid another cyclist while on tour and ended up leaving some skin. So I can say I left more than my heart in San Francisco . :o