Bike Expo Report

[Quillfred]

Thanks for the report. I was looking forward to going but have been laid up with the flu. It really sounded great.

[Aint Doody]

Deb, I'll do my best. I've never ridden on any other roller trainers--in fact have never even seen them in person. The fellow who designed and made these was there. He's a machinist. Anyway there is this rectangular frame. Then another sort of frame is suspended barely inside this. The inside frame contains 2 metal rollers for the front wheel and one for the back wheel. There is another stationary roller in front of the front one, and also one behind the rear one. There are little round bumpers on the end of the stationary bumpers. I was told that these keep you from riding off the trainer if you sorta space out. You can steer left and right a bit, and you really get a feel of riding on a road. When I first got on, I was terribly nervous about it. But after a bit, I relaxed and did better. I still wouldn't let Larry get too far away from me--like practically on the saddle with me! The second time I tried it, it was easier and not so scary. I think that I'd feel confident enough to ride it all by myself with about one more try (maybe 2). It's adjustable in the back for resistance just like the stationary trainers. It's most impressive. Maybe you could email the people on the website, and they could explain it better. One of the ladies in our group had had a roller type trainer that she finally gave away because she never felt secure. She got on this and was greatly surprised at her ability to feel in control. I'm ordering one for myself.

[Aint Doody]

I see that I didn't answer part of your question. The inside frame moves, and that's the one that has the rollers on it. Is that what you meant???

[DebW]

Thanks, Aint Doody. That helps. I'm guessing that the inside frame moves front to back (not side to side)? Do the rollers remain level at all times? I can see that a front to back motion would allow you to go from sitting to standing or standing to sitting with your center of mass remaining stationary (the bike would need to shift). According to the site pictures (any any other rollers I've seen), the rear wheel sits on 2 rollers spaced a foot or so apart and the front wheel sits on one roller, with a belt attaching the front and rear rollers so that your front bike wheel turns as you ride and allows you to steer. I'm trying to figure out if the auxillary smaller rollers on the front and back of the E-motion rollers have any sort of stabilizing effect or just provide resistance.

[Aint Doody]

Deb--I think it can move a little side to side, too. I'm ordering one today so I can tell you more when I get it. The rollers do remain level at all times--at least I'm pretty sure they do. You can go from sitting to standing. The fellow who was demonstrating it stood; used no hands; ate. Of course, he was a pro racer! When I get it, I'll post some more about it.