Bike Expo Report

[Aint Doody]

Hey, y'all! If you missed Bike Expo in Seattle, I'm sorry. It was pretty terrific. My club had a booth to promote our ride, and we felt good about it--really got the message out. I saw lots of wonderful bicycles, new health food items, crazy people on BMX bikes turning flips, touring companies, other rides, clothes, gear, a few weird things. There was a wonderful new trainer there. It was the roller type, but it's quite different. It floats. I tried it (twice actually) and was amazed. I'm getting one, but like with my shoes I got myself for my birthday, I have to figure out how to break this to my non-cycling husband!
Take a look at their website http://www.insideride.com/ I know it's better to actually see it in person, but it's most impressive. You really get the feel of riding on the road--not just turning the back wheel while you watch television. There was a fellow in their booth who rode his bike all day both days!

Now, the best health food to take on the bike that I found were these square blocks that came in several flavors. The blocks are about the size of those new Cliff blocks(which I also tried and liked). They are delicious, totally organic, and come in several flavors (I bought all the flavors). What I liked about them is that they come in ziplock type bags. The lady said they were great to put in the freezer. Then you take out some for your ride. Then you don't have to eat 1/2 a bar and then try to wrap it up and finish it later. Sometimes I want 1 1/2 bars and end up tossing the rest the next time I get ready to ride because it's all dried out. These are made in Seattle. Here's their website http://www.simbree.com/

There was one downside to the expo. The building where it was held was COLD I had on my long underwear, a turtleneck, a cycling jersey, a fleece jacket, and my heavy winter coat. I never took anything off--except when I rode the trainer. I even wore my wool gloves all day. I know I have southern blood, but I wasn't the only cold person there. Shoot--I'd have welcomed a hot flash!!

[DebW]

Can you try to explain the roller trainer. The web page didn't help much. How does it "float"? Do the rollers move while you ride it? Is it just the bumpers that keep you from riding off or something more sophisticated? I've ridden on Kreitler rollers.

[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.