Rollers, trainers, and balance (beginner question)

[Ana]

I have a cyclops fluid trainer and like it for what it is -- that is an indoor workout. I would rather be outside too, but some days it is just too cold and snowy.

My friend has rollers that I am going to try out, but I watch her almost fall off them, and I wonder if they will be for me in the long run. People do say the rollers are more dynamic and less boring to ride, but they are also more dangerous in that you must pay attention at all times, lest you drift and fall off.

I agree! I have a fluid trainer too and, while it can become monotonous, I often watch a movie or shows on hulu while I ride which helps a little bit. I have begun looking into rollers but they are quite expensive and require more attentional diligence. Some days it's difficult enough to even get onto the bike, much less having to be hypervigilant about staying on the rollers and exerting physical effort

But it all depends on what is right for you and your goals (fitness, financial and comfort).

Basically, lots of companies try to recreate the experience of riding outdoors but it's really not possible. One of the things I like best about riding my bicycle is feeling the wind in my face and watching the scenery pass by. I think I'll just have to wait until spring to enjoy riding again

[TrekTheKaty]

My DH and I fought over rollers vs trainer. After watching youtube videos of people wiping out on rollers, we bought a trainer. However, spinning class has been the best way to keep in shape during midwest winters. The instructor, loud music and group dynamic are improving our skills the most. The trainer is only used when spinning class is missed or we want to get in an extra day. Be patient--about a month to go in the midwest before we can start getting out on the road!

[aicabsolut]

You don't need the climbing block. A big textbook or phonebook works fine.

I am a bit scared of rollers. I think if I had lots of cash, I'd get a CompuTrainer. The regular fluid trainer works fine for me, and it's handy as a repair/cleaning stand and is smaller to transport to races.

[tulip]

If you are doing three spinning classes per week, I don't see why you would need rollers or a trainer. I got a trainer because I ended my membership at the gym (the spinning instructor that i really liked left and the others weren't worth the monthly fee).

Are you training for racing? When I did two spinning classes per week a few years ago, I was in great shape when the weather cleared up in the spring. It should be fun, and sometimes going overboard makes it not so much fun (called overtraining). You'll have to find where your limit is, though.

[WindingRoad]

As someone who recently sold her rollers and bought a stationary trainer, keep in mind a noise factor. I understand your concern about not being able to try it first. When I bought my rollers it was great until my neighbors started complaining they could hear them. They weren't THAT loud but enough to be extremely annoying so keep that in mind if you live in an apartment. My new trainer is MUCH quieter.

OK I had to put this on here too because it was just funny. Peanut thinks of THIS as her intense workout with the trainer

[ehirsch83]

Catrin,
Your photo is of a hybrid. Do you still ride that as your bike?

Rollers can be quite difficult on a bike like that. I do not see a trainer being much fun either on a hybrid.