Who uses Rollers?

[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!

[freshsushi]

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? 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.

[spokewench]

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.

[AutumnBreez]

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.

[Aint Doody]

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.

[wavedancer]

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

[Aint Doody]

That guy is amazing! I'll never be able to even go w/no hands.

[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 .