Rollers

[surgtech1956]

I'm thinking about my winter training plans(here in Michigan). I have a treadmill and we just bought an ellipital trainer. My plans are to ride outside as long as possible. I do cross country ski, but sometimes its into January before we get any substantial snow. So, I've been thinking about rollers. I don't necessary want to improve my form/technique, etc... but aerobic/fitness. I like the idea of rollers because they are easier on bikes. Any advice on rollers over a trainer??? Thank you

[hammermama]

i have both. I live in Ontario, Canada, where the winter is long and inhospitable so riding indoors is a necessity. I had a trainer for several years and just got a set of rollers last winter.

I use the trainer for long sessions (over 1.5hours) or for intervals. I use the trainer for long sessions because I can watch a movie (to distract myself from the fact that I am getting nowhere fast) while on the trainer and for intervals because I can easily adjust effort. On the trainer, I would for sure get an indoor-trainer-specific tire (hard plastic, no traction on the road but really durable for the trainer).

I use the rollers strictly for spinning and for warming up (before doing strength training, etc.) and not usually for more than 1hr, maybe an hour and a half. I say this because the rollers (at least for me anyways) need more concentration. I cannot watch a movie while on the rollers, or have my children around otherwise I am at risk of losing balance and falling off, It's strictly the ipod and my spinning legs . I also find it harder to do intervals on the rollers for the same reason, risk losing balance when changing speed, standing up... The rollers are A LOT of fun though and great to develop/maintain your core. I credit the time spent on the rollers last winter with better handling in slippery situations (ice, mud..).

hope this helps. good luck in your shopping around
julie

[jyyanks]

I actually bought a used trainer and used rollers for the price of what it would have cost me to buy one item used. I was not sure which one to get and didn't want to invest a substantial amount on $. For $200, I got cycleops mag trainer with block and a set of nashbar rollers.

I heard rollers are less boring but they take awhile to get used to. My plan is to start with the rollers and if I can't cut it, I will sell the rollers and set up the trainer.

[ny biker]

I was told to start with the rollers in a doorway so you can keep yourself from falling while you get used to them.

So I went out and bought a new trainer. I just don't need anything new to practice right now.

[SheFly]

I moved from all indoor workouts on the trainer to all indoor workouts on the rollers a couple of years ago. I am comfortable enough now that I can watch TV or have a conversation with someone else in the room while riding. I can also drink from my water bottle, stand a bit (this is still pretty hard for me) and change speeds to do interval work. My HR is ALWAYS higher on the rollers than it ever was when I used the trainer.

For me, the rollers are more interesting and have GREATLY improved my pedal stroke, form and handling skills on the road. I know you're not looking for that, but it is a nice benefit.

I can also ride the rollers for a couple of hours, though an hour is more typical.

If you HAVE to ride inside, either will work well for you. The rollers just have a steeper learning curve.

SheFly

[surgtech1956]

I still haven't decided on either one yet. I like the fact that I could watch a movie on a trainer, but don't like the fact that its harder on my bike, unless I use my hybrid on it. With the rollers, I'm not so concerned about developing my pedaling. We did buy an elliptical trainer.