Who uses Rollers?

[Robbin_G]

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!

[Eden]

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.

[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?

We are looking into having one next winter as it seems faster to switch between two bikes. Any comments?

[Lenusik]

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.

[DebW]

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.

[Aint Doody]

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.

[Jennifer]

[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.

[slinkedog]

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.

[RoadRaven]

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

[aicabsolut]

[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.

[Aint Doody]

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..........

[veloputt]

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 . 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!

[PAFreckles]

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 .