How long did it take you to balance on rollers?

[awm03]

I have no idea what kind of road cadence. We bike in hilly terrain, and I'm always trying to grind up the next hill. Very few flats around here. Maybe that's why my stroke is so uneven.

Believe me, I try to spin as fast as I can. But I can't let go of the doorway for a second even without starting to tip. Maybe it will take a long time before I smooth out my pedal stroke. I guess in the back of my mind I worry that I may never be able to ride the rollers. Was hoping to hear ,"Oh yeah -- it took me two months, but I got it."

[Mr. SR500]

You will get it! You might also want and try a chain next to you. Also try to look forward rather than down. Good Luck!

[7rider]

I have no idea what kind of road cadence. We bike in hilly terrain, and I'm always trying to grind up the next hill. Very few flats around here. Maybe that's why my stroke is so uneven.

Believe me, I try to spin as fast as I can. But I can't let go of the doorway for a second even without starting to tip. Maybe it will take a long time before I smooth out my pedal stroke. I guess in the back of my mind I worry that I may never be able to ride the rollers. Was hoping to hear ,"Oh yeah -- it took me two months, but I got it."

Maybe you're spinning TOO fast, and bouncing is giving you the problems.
Try increasing the gearing, slow down your cadence (on the rollers), and focus on a smooth circle pedal stroke.

A few other tips my DH gave me:
1. Look at a point about 10 feet in front (and centered) of you and try to "ride" to that point. Do NOT look down at the bike or rollers.
2. Speed is your friend. It's easier - especially initially - to ride fast on rollers than to ride slowly.
3. Relax your upper body. No "death grip" on the handlebars!

It took me a while to get comfortable on rollers. I STILL can't drink while I'm riding (DH can) and have to stop and grab a railing to drink. And...I have "cheater" rollers - parabolic rollers which are just about impossible to ride off! Good luck, keep at it. Rollers are a great way to improve your efficiency and pedalling style. And...because you have to pedal all the time - no coasting! - it's a GREAT workout.

[equus123]

Yeah, it took me a while to get the hang of it, too. It's so freaking nerve racking the first dozen time you get on them. Why does it feel like you've never ridden a bike before?!

But I assure you, take the time to ride them often until you get the hang of it. Once you build that, you don't lose it - only if you ride a trainer a lot. By riding outside your balance will totally translate to the rollers and vice versa. In time you'll feel super smooth with your riding and it's definitely because of the rollers.

I'm at the point where I can do anything out of the saddle, drink from my bottle, have a conversation with somebody next to me, and get off without any help. I think because of my Look pedals, I'll never be able to start without holding onto anything (or anybody). As soon as I start pedaling, my unclipped pedal spins around and makes it almost impossible to clip in while continuously pedaling. lol Sometimes I really wish I had Speedplays!

But don't worry. Feeling like you've never ridden before is totally normal. Also - think of this as a good thing. It's the best reason ever for getting rollers! You need to work on smoothness and balance. You'll be smooth as butter in no time.

[awm03]

I'll never be able to start without holding onto anything (or anybody).

There's a wonderful Youtube video of Eddy Merckx riding his rollers (type "Merckx rollers" in Google search). And even HE has to hold on to something when he first starts.

Of course, he's instantly balanced even when pedalling slowly & he can look down with no problem. The evenness and concision of his riding is amazing. No wasted motion.

Thanks so much, everybody, for the encouragement.

[awm03]

Oh! Spinning too fast & bouncing -- now that's a good point. Will try a higher gear.

As for the tense upper body & death grip, that's part of my problem too, I'm sure. Tried rolling this a.m. next to the washing machine instead of in the doorway. I was less upright, so that helped too.

And yes, I'm surprised how good a workout rollers provide.

[Starfish]

This is a great thread. After concentrating last year on just getting in my miles and climbing, I have a pretty "mashy" style. I'm planning on doing lots of 1-leg pedaling and spinning higher rpms on the trainer for the next 3 months or so, but I secretly wonder if I should be on rollers instead.

Along with the cost of buying them, I'm nervous, because I am NOT a naturally coordinated person.

[Starfish]

Yike, I just checked out that YouTube video. Rollers look SCARY!! I can just see myself flying right off of there to the side.

[OakLeaf]

I can just see myself flying right off of there to the side.

Even that's not a big deal - trust me, I've done it. It's not like falling on the road, because you have no forward momentum. It's more like tipping over from a FTU, except you'll burn your tire or the carpet a little bit.

[7rider]

I've fallen off my DH's rollers, too, and was surprised at how "no big deal" it was. I don't think I'd want to do it on purpose...but it's not the end of the world!

Someone on another site posted a link to e-motion rollers - truely a do-it-all trainer. Incredibly expensiver, but cool.
Check out the videos for riding here:
http://www.insideride.com/index.php?...d=64&Itemid=50
I think an interesting one is the last one, labelled "Mounting/Dismounting".
I don't know if it's something I'd try on "regular" or even parabolic rollers, but it's something to aspire to!