How long did it take you to balance on rollers?

[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!

[OakLeaf]

I think an interesting one is the last one, labelled "Mounting/Dismounting".

Now THAT is balance!

I've ridden rollers at exhibitions in the past... I had to keep going until someone was free to give me their shoulder so I could get off!

[awm03]

Yeah, those e-motion rollers look great. For $735, they'd better be! I bought the Minoura rollers for $140 with the wheel guides & the dismount step.

So how long did it take you all to ride on rollers? 2 weeks? 2 days?

[7rider]

So how long did it take you all to ride on rollers? 2 weeks? 2 days?

Probably the latter. Maybe 3. But "attempts" ... not days. I don't ride them every day.

My first attempt was for only a few minutes...on hand on the handlebars, one hand on the railing, my DH standing in front of me, saying "Look at me, don't look at the bike. You can do it!" I'd let go of the railing -- keeping it hovering right next to it, in case I felt I needed to grab it.

I think my second attempt lasted about 7 minutes, and then my butt was killing me! Since I can't stand on the bike, I couldn't really shift positions, so all my tense pressure was concentrated on my butt. I was gradually increasing the amount of time my hand stayed off the railing.

By the third attempt, I made a grab with my second hand for the handlebar. And then I had a revelation. It was actually easier to keep the bike steady with 2 hands on the handlebars and NONE on the railing. Go figure!

By then, it was just a matter of getting comfortable on the bike while rolling. I'm still no expert on it, yet I move the bike around while rolling to explore the edges of the rollers and I'm working on riding one-handed so I can get that water bottle while riding! Smoothness and confidence comes with frequent use, I think.

[Aint Doody]

I have the emotion--which I love & believe is worth every penny. It probably took me about 2 weeks to feel comfortable. At first I could only ride without holding on for 10 min at a time. And if I had to scratch my nose, I had to stop & grab on. It's all mental. And the part about relaxing is so important. But don't relax so much that you don't pay attention to what you're doing! The rollers are a tremendous work-out. I still stop to drink, as my bottles fit rather tightly in my cages. And definitely get a fan to blow on you. Good luck!

[awm03]

1. It helps to make sure your front brake isn't sticking. Otherwise, it makes for very jerky pedal strokes.

2. 20-year-old son technique works great! I was hanging onto the washing machine & the bike for dear life. This makes for an unnatural riding position & too much upper body stiffness, which becomes worse when I try to move both hands to the handlebars. Disastrous wobbling! Better technique: have 20-year-old son grab you by the shoulders while you get in normal, comfy, relaxed biking position. When he lets go, he's there to spot for you. I was able to go a whole 10 seconds using the 20-year-old son technique! Unfortunately, 20-year-old son had to go to a Christmas party and couldn't spot for dear old Mom after a few minutes.

[awm03]

Substituted DH for 20-year-old son. I was able to ride for several minutes this time. He walked away to catch some scores on TV, I stopped to catch my breath. Started up *all by myself* & rode for a few minutes more!!!

1. Aint Doody is right: it IS mostly mental and upper body relaxation is the key. The trick is getting over the fear so you can relax (or learn to relax while you're scared to death ). I focused on getting my elbows in close & low, & keeping my forearms very loose. Lamaze breathing helps too (also good for needle phobias; useless for childbirth though).

2. Once you've ridden unaided, lightbullbs start clicking on in your head. You realize the bike can still wobble quite a bit but you won't fall. You see that the bike can travel on the rollers, but you won't ride off. You see that you can slow your pace a little or look down, & you won't crash. All of a sudden you go from zero confidence to 70% confidence.

3. I was so fired up after riding. This will open whole new worlds. It's a great workout & it really will improve one's technique. I think after I really get the hang of it, I'm going to switch from cages to clipless pedals (finally). Might as well kill two birds with one stone.

4. I'm almost 53. At this age, the comfort of safe routines & old habits beckons. So when you push yourself & take a gamble on something new & difficult, it's exhilerating.

Once again, thanks to all for your encouragement. Your posts really helped a lot.