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Trainer or Rollers

Old 12-11-14, 09:06 AM
  #1  
jim_de_hunter
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Trainer or Rollers

Don't care to mess with the weather. Which do you use?
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Old 12-11-14, 09:18 AM
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Rollers, sold my tacx satori because i never used it
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Old 12-11-14, 09:29 AM
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I've got both; over the last few years just used the trainer - but, and it's a big but - unlike rollers, you gotta be real careful you don't develop bad habits on a trainer. Your bike's locked down and you don't have to have the slightest balance or subtlety. I see folks out in the spring after a winter of spin classes, stomping at the pedals and bobbing&weaving their upper bodies, their bicycles lurching and twitching around the road.
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Old 12-11-14, 10:07 AM
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I had a set of Minoura mag rollers 20 or so years ago which were pretty inexpensive and worked pretty well. I currently use Kreitler Challengers with the fan attachment. The fan is awesome, not only do you get to direct a nice breeze but you can adjust the resistance for an incredible workout.

I do see a lot of options on the trainers that I'm a bit jealous of, such as interfacing with a computer, programmed workouts etc. Overall though I like the rollers because they require me to pay attention to what I'm doing and are built like the proverbial brick *****house. They will probably outlive me. If you have never used both be aware that it is much different than riding outdoors. It can be a grind and at least for me, I have to find things to keep my interest up. Most times it's just finding the right music, on rare occasions I'll put a tv on a shelf in front of me. The best is when my six year-old yells "go daddy go"...

Last edited by K100Fran; 12-11-14 at 10:08 AM. Reason: fixed spelling
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Old 12-11-14, 11:17 AM
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I have used both but rollers (same as K100Fran) are ultimately better because it is closer to the feel of the road it is also good for balance and smoothness. A little less boring than a home trainer because you involve more of your body for balancing.
The home trainer feels like you are glued to the ground!
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Old 12-11-14, 11:47 AM
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This may be a stupid question; but this is the internet and I've not used rollers. So, how does one start and stop when using rollers?

Outdoors there is that little bit of wobble and moving around while in the process of starting and getting clipped in. I envisage that translating to falling on the nearest object when using rollers.
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Old 12-11-14, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by HawkOwl
This may be a stupid question; but this is the internet and I've not used rollers. So, how does one start and stop when using rollers?

Outdoors there is that little bit of wobble and moving around while in the process of starting and getting clipped in. I envisage that translating to falling on the nearest object when using rollers.
it's easy, you just start and keep balance.
in the beginning it's easy to roll somewhere where you can grip. go on your bike, put the bike on the rollers, take a seat on your saddle (while holding a chair or something, click in to your pedals and start rolling. when you got enough speed just try the balance without holding the chair.
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Old 12-11-14, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by nickyan
it's easy, you just start and keep balance.
in the beginning it's easy to roll somewhere where you can grip. go on your bike, put the bike on the rollers, take a seat on your saddle (while holding a chair or something, click in to your pedals and start rolling. when you got enough speed just try the balance without holding the chair.
Lets' see. Leaning over to keep hand on chair. Pedaling to get started. Turning loose of chair and swinging body upright. All the time being sure the bike doesn't slide sideways and dump the whole thing on the floor. Doesn't read easy. Now I see why most people use trainers.
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Old 12-11-14, 12:14 PM
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I've got both, but don't use either. I "mess with the weather." I've found both to be mind numbingly boring.
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Old 12-11-14, 12:25 PM
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Rollers. I've never owned a trainer.
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Old 12-11-14, 12:55 PM
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Plenty of videos on how to use rollers on the internet--some of them are very funny!
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Old 12-11-14, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by jim_de_hunter
Don't care to mess with the weather. Which do you use?
Trainer, the "Iron Maiden".

Hey, I had a Quasar!
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Old 12-11-14, 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by HawkOwl
Lets' see. Leaning over to keep hand on chair. Pedaling to get started. Turning loose of chair and swinging body upright. All the time being sure the bike doesn't slide sideways and dump the whole thing on the floor. Doesn't read easy. Now I see why most people use trainers.
Have you seen the hilarious videos of newbs on rollers? Wow, worth every minute for the laughs.
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Old 12-11-14, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by nickyan
...while holding a chair or something...
Door frame.
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Old 12-11-14, 03:15 PM
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Both can be deadly boring, but rollers at least force you to pay attention. And your riding technique is sure to improve on rollers: both smoothness of pedaling and ability to hold a line.
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Old 12-11-14, 04:24 PM
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There is a short learning curve but after a while it's second hand. You'll be able to grab a water bottle, shift etc in no time.
Anybody can use a trainer, but you ride rollers.

Just check out this guy...(he's got skills!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoApbqiKAB4


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Old 12-11-14, 04:53 PM
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I just bought my second trainer because I wanted more computer control and better integration with my HR strap and cadence sensor.

If you want to not be bored on a trainer, get one electronically controlled. When you are doing a ride on trainer road and that resistance jacks up to 120% ftp, you are no longer bored
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Old 12-11-14, 05:03 PM
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It is easier to ride without hands on handlebars because the steering is so touchy--nice and fun video--there is another where mattresses are laid on both sides and you guessed it the cyclist falls in different funny ways!
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Old 12-11-14, 05:32 PM
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Rollers. I highly recommend spending the extra money to get rollers with resistance. That makes the set into a much more versatile and less boring training tool.

Rollers are easy to get started on. Position the center of the set in a doorway that's narrow enough for you to reach the door jambs with your elbows before you come off the rollers. If you are cursed with wide modern doors, improvise. Mount, put both hands on the bars, balance yourself with one elbow, and start pedaling! The faster you go, the easier it is. Move the bike laterally by lightly pushing down on the bar that's on the side where you want to go.
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Old 12-11-14, 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by vesteroid
I just bought my second trainer because I wanted more computer control and better integration with my HR strap and cadence sensor.

If you want to not be bored on a trainer, get one electronically controlled. When you are doing a ride on trainer road and that resistance jacks up to 120% ftp, you are no longer bored
This is my escape from the boredom (My wife's phone for the quick pic). I move the clamps out for better viewing of screen on videos.

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Old 12-11-14, 07:36 PM
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Thanks for the feedback. Just bought rollers.
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Old 12-12-14, 06:57 AM
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Which rollers did you choose? I want a trainer, or another set of rollers, and I'd be interested in knowing about your choice. I used rollers a lot back in the late 70's and early 80's, always felt my balance improved from riding on them, trainers didn't really have anything to offer back then. I owned some Kreitler rollers, very well made and sturdy equipment that always felt smooth. I was warned about the drive belt being a weak point by the friend I purchased them from, but I never had it break on me. Post some pics when you get it going.

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Old 12-12-14, 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by jim_de_hunter
Don't care to mess with the weather. Which do you use?
Trainer - Travel Trac Comp Fluid.


Last edited by Cyclist0084; 12-12-14 at 02:28 PM.
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Old 12-12-14, 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by IndianaRecRider
Trainer.

^^^^This^^^^ A Kurt Kinetic Road Machine with added flywheel
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Old 12-12-14, 03:34 PM
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I recommend you don't try too much too soon, you'll get burned out. Definitely report back and give us your thoughts.
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