General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rollers or trainer Rss Feed  
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2005-12-16 12:38 AM

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Expert
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Denver
Subject: Rollers or trainer
Hello all, I have recently purchased rollers as an indoor trainer, and I was just wondering what the thoughts were in general on this vs. a trainer? I like the rollers and the guy at the bike store said it would help to make me more economical on the bike but I wanted to see what you guys had to say. Let me know what you think about this.

Cheers,

Mike


2005-12-16 5:38 AM
in reply to: #306527

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Master
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Cinnaminson, NJ
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer

the guy at the store is right cause it's as close to real riding as you can get.  The major downside is balance, i hear it's hard to get use to riding on them, they say you need to pratice in a doorway in case you start falling you can grap something.

good luck 

2005-12-16 6:54 AM
in reply to: #306527

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Extreme Veteran
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Chicago, Il
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer
I just got rollers after having a trainer for 10 years, and I'm glad I have both. For longer sessions, I can either split them up or hop on the trainer and not have to worry about balance. I've only been on them a few times, but my attention span for the rollers is only about 45 minutes before I get too mentally tired to want to concentrate on balance and form. I'm sure that will extend as I get more used to them, though ...
2005-12-16 7:03 AM
in reply to: #306572

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Cycling Guru
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer
Rollers = realistic feel, and are the best "tool" you can get to work on form and efficiency.

Trainers = ease of use, easier progression of resistance (there are mag and wind rollers, but it is harder to adjust the tension on them), low risk of putting your $2000 + bike through your $1000 + TV system ........
2005-12-16 11:11 AM
in reply to: #306527

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, Texas
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer

I went through the decision of rollers vs. trainers recently. I chose rollers because:

1) I have zero aerobic base on the bike and need to work on that. The rollers (w/o resistance unit) do not have a "hard" option and force me to keep it easy.
2) I've never been a road bike rider (started in June) and could definately use some improvement in handling skills.
3) Rollers just seem more fun.

I've had the rollers for about 3 weeks now and I still am happy with them. It was scary for the first time, but I kept at it and managed to get a 45 min workout in the doorway. After about 3 or 4 times, I'm riding in the garage (much cooler) and I'm only using a chair to get on/off bike. My only close call to falling off is when I was trying to get a drink from my water bottle.

IMHO, the disadvantage to rollers is that you can't do the heavy resistance strength workouts on it.

2005-12-16 2:05 PM
in reply to: #306527

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Expert
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Denver
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer
Thanks for all the feedback, I was thinking of getting a trainer as well, but now I think I will just stick with the rollers and see how it goes. Have a good holidays everyone.

Cheers,

Mike


2005-12-16 2:57 PM
in reply to: #306527

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Veteran
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Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer

Just want to chime in late....I have had my rollers for about a year and was afraid of them.  I have a trainer also, and just would almost rather have a root canal than ride the trainer.

In the year, I started riding a whole lot more, my balance improved and now I love my rollers. I use the trainer for some harder resistence, but primarily will ride the rollers for the winter.

I wish I could get a drink, though....I have to stop and start again.  I have an island in my kitchen and ride between the cabinets and the island. I have now gotten to the point where I can listen to music, my next goal is to watch tv.

2005-12-16 3:08 PM
in reply to: #306527

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Rollers or trainer
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

Check this thread, and links in this thread to other threads. Great advice.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rollers or trainer Rss Feed