Trainer vs. Rollers

Rollers reward a good clean spin and do wonders to teach proper form and balance. Rollers don't provide the same linear increase in resistance like a good fluid trainer from Kurt or Cycle Ops.

Fluid trainers are better for building leg strength and you can zone out on them without worrying about flopping over easily, but they do less for balance and teaching good form. The resistance progression is linear and as close as you are going to get to riding on the road while you are stationary.

Wind - Good resistance, too damn noisy. You'll need ear plugs and your neighbors will hate you.

Magnetic - No linear progression in resistance and not a spin aid tool. The resistance of rollers without the benefits of improving form. I wouldn't even consider one.


If you can have only one, I'd go fluid from Kurt Kinetic or Cycle Ops. If you want to work on both aspects of your cycling, get both rollers and a fluid or a Rock N Roll trainer from Kurt Kinetic.

Okay, this is definitely a FAQ.  A good time to use the search function.  A quick search turned up several threads including THIS ONE from about 6 weeks ago.

Bottom line, it's an old debate...both have their merits.

Yea I did a search (always tri to before asking a question) but I usually have a limit of 1 month for search Criteria so probably why I missed it. Thanks !

Rollers are more tilted towards improving cycling form.

Trainers are more geared towards, well, training.

I'd say get a trainer.

I at first used a trainer but my tires wore down very fast and then I tired a roller in the LBS and loved it. I find it feels more like the road and less wearing down of the tires