Rollers vs. Trainer?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rollers vs. Trainer? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-10-22 8:31 AM

User image

Master
1702
1000500100100
Southern Ontario
Subject: Rollers vs. Trainer?

I have a TACX trainer that I have a love-hate relationship with. So I'm looking for some feedback on rollers.

I ride my bike year round with the exception of Februrary and some of January. (I live in southern Ontario - so it's not totally crazy...)  So having a trainer means that my bike has to be cleaned and set up, then taken down, etc... I hate how it "feels" in a trainer. It just isn't the same.  Plus I always wondered about the stress on the frame... I do appreciate having it because I can stick in a DVD of Veronica Mars or play Gamecube/PS2 on those brutal winter days or when I don't feel like going to the gym.

Does anyone have opinion on the rollers? My brother currently has my trainer and I might say "Just keep it" if it's worth it to buy a new set-up.  Does it matter what brand/price range? 

An aside ... I do have a new "winter" bike this year - a Kona mountain bike ... so I guess I can take the "clean up/set-up/tear-down" off the list of complaints... but I'm guessing I'll still ride my road bike most days.

Thanks!

Stef



2008-10-22 12:32 PM
in reply to: #1758603

User image

Master
1718
1000500100100
Loughborough, England
Subject: RE: Rollers vs. Trainer?

It takes me all of 20 seconds to put my bike on the trainer... what are you doing that takes so long?

I've never used rollers but if I'm not mistaken then you can only use them for easy spinning so you won't be able to do any intervals on them.

2008-10-22 6:36 PM
in reply to: #1758603

User image

Member
68
2525
Subject: RE: Rollers vs. Trainer?
I cant stand riding on a trainer either. had one for a year and sold it for a set of rollers. I got the cheap ones from nashbar and havent had any problems with them, I believe I paid just over $100 for them. as for doing intervals on them, all you have to do is shift the bike into a higher gear, I can do the same workouts on my rollers as I could on my trainer. the only bad thing is it takes a while to get used to riding on rollers in the aero position, they are much easier to learn on with a standard road bike. I enjoy the rollers better becouse it forces you to focus and spin effectively.
2008-10-22 7:54 PM
in reply to: #1758603

User image

Master
1702
1000500100100
Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: Rollers vs. Trainer?

Thanks!!

I hate cleaning my bike off, getting the trainer out and bolting it in.  For some reason it never goes in straight and I dislike fussing with it.  (I don't like the feel either...)

I know I'll still have to clean the bike off before it comes into the living room - but at least there's nothing else to do. 

I think I'm going to bite the bullet - I found a set of inexpensive ones so I'll give it a go.  The bike I would be using would be a road bike with aeros - so that might make life a little easier.


I appreciate the feedback!! Thanks again!!
 

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rollers vs. Trainer? Rss Feed