General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike trainer or rollers, and which one? Rss Feed  
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2009-07-05 7:17 PM

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Subject: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Hey all, I'm in the process of finalizing a move to Mexico City (i know I know, but it's a good promotion) for the next 24 months or so.  I won't be able to ride around during the week, but will hit the mountains in the weekends.


I'll have to do a lot of training inside and was wondering what you'd recommend: a trainer or rollers?  and which one? 


I have no experience with either, so I appreciate your input!



2009-07-05 7:21 PM
in reply to: #2263204

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Elite
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Israelg48 - 2009-07-05 5:17 PM Hey all, I'm in the process of finalizing a move to Mexico City (i know I know, but it's a good promotion) for the next 24 months or so.  I won't be able to ride around during the week, but will hit the mountains in the weekends.


I'll have to do a lot of training inside and was wondering what you'd recommend: a trainer or rollers?  and which one? 


I have no experience with either, so I appreciate your input!



Rollers. By far. If you can ride steady on rollers, you've got a steady cycling pattern. You can get rails and stands for them (or stick them in the middle of a doorway) until you get used to them.

John
2009-07-05 7:26 PM
in reply to: #2263204

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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Is both an option. I love my rollers because I found that my handling skills and balance skills increased dramatically. With that said, I am sitting between a doorway, just in case and on a good day, get in 12 miles. On the trainer, I can get 21 miles sitting in front of the tv and time flies by. I am sure eventually I will get that way on my rollers too, but for short term training, the trainer might be good for distance for you off the bat. So....both.
2009-07-05 7:43 PM
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Expert
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Wilmington, NC
Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
if you are willing to spend the extra for them I would suggest Inside Ride Emotion Rollers.
2009-07-05 8:24 PM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
2009-07-05 8:25 PM
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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Rollers.  I love my rollers.  They feel much more like riding on the road (though the scenery still sucks, and at first, you probably won't be able to watch TV or movies while you're on them, but the radio/stereo is fine of course.)  I got a trainer first, but was given rollers a few months ago, and rarely use the trainer now.  They do take some getting used to, but that'll happen quickly.


2009-07-05 9:01 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Rollers.  Here a little video.
2009-07-05 9:51 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
I've got both and prefer the trainer.  I can zone out more.  I gotta keep my head in the game on the rollers or I go down, and I find that hard to do for more than an hour or so. 

Also, don't use your expensive bike on rollers until you get used to them.  You will fall (at first)! 
2009-07-05 10:19 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Trainer is great for putting on the miles, rollers is great for bike handling. Rollers are harder to train on.

I started with rollers way back in the 80's, in my parent's living room. I used to watch TdF on TV when riding them, up until one time the peloton took a sharp right hand turn, and I did the same, and smashed my mother's coffee table. I was never allowed to ride them in the house again.
2009-07-05 10:58 PM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
wow, those e-motion rollers look awesome.  They're pricey, though.  how hard would they be to transport down to Mexico?


If I don't get those, how much should I be looking to spend on a set of rollers?


Thanks for all of your help!
2009-07-06 2:44 PM
in reply to: #2263567

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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?

another vote for Inside Ride Emotion Rollers!!!  They are awesome.  I feel they have really helped me improve on my skills and speed.

*keep the box they are shipped in and you shouldn't have an issue on transport.  They don't fold up but they aren't that big.  contact the company...



Edited by stampinann 2009-07-06 2:45 PM


2009-07-06 4:15 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
both if you can swing it. If not I say rollers.

And a 9mm pistol for the outdoor rides. And a body guard. And a ton of cash to pay off the cops.
2009-07-06 7:09 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Both if you got the dough, rollers if you don't. You don't have to go crazy with the most expensive ones either. Performance makes pretty good rollers. E-Motion rollers are pretty cool but it's hard to justify that price. Rollers are a lot more fun than any trainer.
2009-07-06 7:15 PM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Also, from my State Dept days, maybe some sort of mask to keep you from inhaling all that polution on your outdoor rides. I hope it has gotten better, but I was there in 2001 and the air was so stagnant and dirty.
2009-07-06 11:04 PM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
haha you guys crack me up.  I lived in the city for about 12 years growing up so I know what it's like.  I also visit quite often as I have family there.


yes, I will be packing heat (although it's unconstitutional) whenever I can.

And, I was thinking of getting a nice trek madone, but may just get a cheaper trek 1200 for fear of getting the bike stolen

Thoughts?

btw, I saw a report that the WHO put out a few years ago measuring the amount of toxins in different cities. Mexico City topped the charts.  One day in the city is equivalent to about two packs of cigs (((((((((

I'm nervous
2009-07-07 9:21 AM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
I have rollers and have also ridden on a trainer. My rollers don't have any resistance. If I had it to do again, I would get rollers with a resistance unit first. Then when ready I would pick up a computrainer.

If you're going to get a trainer I would go with Kurt Kinetic and cycleops for rollers.


2009-07-07 10:41 AM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
I have a thought about the e motion rollers. I'm a cheapskate and build a lot of things. Could a guy just get a cheap set of rollers from performance and mount some skateboard wheels sideways next to the drums, and have them be safer like the e motion rollers? It would take some drilling and tapping or welding, but I have the know how.
2009-07-07 11:04 AM
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
tractoral - 2009-07-07 11:41 AM I have a thought about the e motion rollers. I'm a cheapskate and build a lot of things. Could a guy just get a cheap set of rollers from performance and mount some skateboard wheels sideways next to the drums, and have them be safer like the e motion rollers? It would take some drilling and tapping or welding, but I have the know how.



Yes.
There are a few people who have made their rollers into emotion type rollers. I believe there is actually a youtube vid of ones guys effort and it looks pretty good.
2009-07-07 11:22 AM
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Coach
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Subject: RE: bike trainer or rollers, and which one?
Israelg48 - 2009-07-06 11:04 PM haha you guys crack me up.  I lived in the city for about 12 years growing up so I know what it's like.  I also visit quite often as I have family there.


yes, I will be packing heat (although it's unconstitutional) whenever I can.

And, I was thinking of getting a nice trek madone, but may just get a cheaper trek 1200 for fear of getting the bike stolen

Thoughts?

btw, I saw a report that the WHO put out a few years ago measuring the amount of toxins in different cities. Mexico City topped the charts.  One day in the city is equivalent to about two packs of cigs (((((((((

I'm nervous


I would go with the trainer, IMO it is more versatile for training. of course if you can get a computrainer that would be even better. last time I checked they had a promotion that you can get one and pay it over 12 months...

You should check with the Mexican Triathlon and Mexican Cycling Federation to find places and groups to ride with. I think they tend to organize it in ways they can train together, have mobil support, etc.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike trainer or rollers, and which one? Rss Feed