"Looking for some advice as I decide on indoor training options. The first is rollers vs. trainers. I’m leaning for the former as they seem to allows you to work on balance, pedaling and form in a way trainers cannot. Any disagreements or opinions?
Second is size, materials and brands. I looking for suggestions/insights on roller size (how much more stable is a 4 inch vs. a 3 or 2.5 inch, for example, and what are the trade offs?), differences between pvc, aluminum and other materials, and opinions on different brands (Tacx, Cycleops and Kreitler).
Thanks,
"
Indoor Training Options
Tue, 09/05/2006 - 4:16am
Tue, 09/05/2006 - 4:32am
#1
minoura over kreitler
"i owned a set of kreitler rollers (with the smaller diameter drums). the kreitler rollers offer a bit of resistance (wattage chart for john z.) - but when i spin i don't want resistance (i'll get all the resistance i need when i try to keep up with the 'b' riders on the hills...and at the gym):
...so i eventually sold the kreitlers and bought minoura rollers. don't bother with all the accessories...just spin in the kitchen so you can push off your counter, fridge, etc... (ok, no fat jokes):
don"
Wed, 09/13/2006 - 9:11pm
#2
Minoura Rollers
"The Minoura Advance was my first set of rollers; it lasted less than one season. The model I purchased was equipped with plastic endcaps which, I found out too late, crack with extended use at high RPMs. Once cracked, the endcap will vibrate under rotation, generating noise and passing a very harsh ""road buzz"" to the rider (me!).
Initially, strange as it may sound, this was very welcome. By the time the first endcap had broken, I had learned how not to fall, but was having trouble maintaining a tight straight line. The noise and vibration of the first broken endcap provided me two useful, if uncomfortable, sources of feedback to continue ""holding my line"". As I would drift my bike toward the left (the side with the broken endcap), the noise and vibration from the endcap would increase. This effectively created for me a ""comfort zone"" at the rightmost one-third of the rollers.
I'm currently using ""Technique"" rollers, PerformanceBike's house brand. This set has alloy endcaps, so there's not much chance of their endcaps cracking. It's generally better engineered than the Minoura Advance, but I prefer the smooth roller surface style of the Minoura to the ridged roller surface style of the ""Technique"". I'm a potential buyer for a resistance-unit and/or flywheel add-on."
Tue, 09/05/2006 - 9:37pm
#3
"You can get rollers with a fork stand and a resistance unit. Use it with these accessories and it's a ""trainer,"" without them, they're just rollers– lots of spin and form.
So basically, rollers can function as a trainer, but trainers can't function as rollers.
Kreitlers have a reputation for quality and quiet operation, though they're not silent.
My fantasy home gym has 2 sets of rollers recessed into a raised, carpeted platform. A padded rail and roller clocks for races complete the setup."
Tue, 09/05/2006 - 10:21pm
#4
trainers suk..they gather dust...
...and they don't help your form at all - you don't know how bad your form is until you get on rollers. rollers are fun - they force you to concentrate. i never understood why someone would try to tur rollers into a trainer. :-/
rollers for form...gym for strength. :-)
don
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 10:09am
#5
I am with Don here. I have never been able to get the tension right on my trainer. The floor was always getting dusty with shredded bits of tread. Rollers offered me more of a challenge. Just fall off them once and you will gain a healthy respect for balance and concentration. This year I think I am going to get a Cyclops stationary bike with a Power Tap unit. No bells or whistles but no set up required either.
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 10:35am
#6
um...hank...
...you're not supposed to ride rollers out in the middle of the living room. i know that's where the tv is...but... ;)
hank wrote:
> Just fall off them once and you will gain a
> healthy respect for balance and concentration.
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 9:23pm
#7
wow...been looking at spinner bikes...
"wow...i didn't know cycleops made spinner bikes. i've been looking at spinner bikes too...but on ebay where you can get a schwinn spinner bike for cheap (even referb'd models). i live in a studio so chances are i'll just stick to rollers and the gym. :)
don"
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 11:04am
#8
For me, trainers and rollers gather dust. Stationary cycling is an oxymoron.
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 4:27pm
#9
Somehow you have to keep aerobically fit.
Pick your poison. Not everyone can run.
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 8:13pm
#10
Maybe you do. I just get out of shape. Gives me something to do in the spring.
Thu, 09/07/2006 - 1:11pm
#11
on the otherhand, many coaches say that an hour on the trainer is like 90minutes on the road. You definitely get a great workout by not stopping the pedaling.
Thu, 09/07/2006 - 4:02pm
#12
Get a fixed gear. Still much more fun than riding indoors.
Thu, 09/07/2006 - 4:01pm
#13
not really an answer to your question but I was looking at the same thing as you a few years ago. I found an old Schwinn indoor trainer in my bldg's basement. I fixed it up and used it maybe 4 times before tossing it back down there.
There's NO substitute or simulation for being on a bike outside! So I took up running instead.
And as far as running, I like that I have to spend less time in the cold to get a similar workout, it's easier to stay warm, and i warm up faster.
Wed, 09/13/2006 - 9:15pm
#14
wheelbase & tips
"When you're shopping for rollers, consider which has a wheelbase setting that best matches your bike. The ""experts"" claim, for reasons I know not, that the front drum of a set of rollers should be just a ""smidgeon"" ahead of your front wheel. I've heard opinions that this means a setup 2mm, 5mm, or 15mm longer than your bike's wheelbase.
Roller tip I figured out for myself:
Everyone else will tell you to position your rollers in a narrow space so you can catch yourself in mid-fall. Try also to position it/them facing a blank wall, close up, with a lamp or other light source behind you to cast your shadow onto the wall. This will give you three opportunities to get more out of your training: 1) To improve your form by minimizing the bounce of the shadow of your shoulders; 2) To better hold a tight line by tracking your shadow's lateral drift.; 3) To discourage television viewership.
Other roller tips you'll read elsewhere:
1) De-stress the roller's drive belt when not in use.
2) Never setup the rollers on anything you would mind getting soaked in sweat.
3) Treat your chain as if you had been riding in a light rain, even if you have a sweatguard for the frame.
4) It's easier to clean the sweat off your floor/mat before it dries.
5) If you don't mind the noise, or use earplugs, set up a fan to blow over your face chest while riding.
6) If you're planning session greater than 30-45 minutes, get a really really good pair of padded shorts.
My dirty little secret about rollers: Only piece of exercise equipment I've ever owned upon which I can't hang laundry.
Elsewhere in this thread I replied to Don Montalvo re: Minoura Rollers with PVC endcaps."
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 7:23am
#15
"I am moving to a state with cold climate this Fall and would like to get an indoor trainer that can be hooked up to a computer w/ 37"" LCD monitor that simulates riding outdoors (I have the monitor and a spare 3-D capable computer). I've heard of these Interactive Trainers in the past but, at the time, was not really interested, now after being faced with a prospect of riding in 20 below; I am looking at this as a very viable option. I would like to get advice from actual users. My budget is around $1000 to $1,500. Thank you!"
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 12:17pm
#16
CT
Serge:
I have Comptrainer 3d. For info: www.racermateinc.com
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 1:56pm
#17
stationary trainer and videos
Serge,
You might look into this stationary bike to train. Also, Spinervals videos are excellent for the simulated ride. There is a series of videos.
http://www.spinervals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58&prod...
and the home page: www.spinervals.com
Best with the move!
Karol
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 2:18pm
#18
Hi Karol,
Thanks for the advice! I just bought one of the Spinervals' DVDs last weekend but have not really used it as of yet. It looks like fun! FYI Those yellow LeMond stationary bikes are awesome, they have them at my gym (Boom Fitness on 3rd Avenue) and I love them! I might actually buy one as well.
Cheers!
Serge
Wed, 09/06/2006 - 2:09pm
#19
Very interesting, Stephen. What do you like & dislike about it?
Thu, 09/07/2006 - 4:31am
#20
Computrainer
I've been using my computrainer for about 9 months now and have logged over 4,000 miles on it - 40 miles per ride 4 times a week on average. Works great since I need to ride before work and it's typically dark outside.
I chose the mapping software package so that I could create my own courses - boathouse to top of Perkins, etc.
I set the machine to race my previous time or at a higher average wattage. It is like riding in a video game. Pretty cool. Made me about 2mph faster outdoors after 6 months.
Great resale value on ebay if you try it and don't like it. Will require a bicycle and computer with a video card. Simple to set-up.
Thu, 09/07/2006 - 1:33pm
#21
"""For me, trainers and rollers gather dust. Stationary cycling is an oxymoron""
on the otherhand, many coaches say that an hour on the trainer is like 90minutes on the road. You definitely get a great workout by not stopping the pedaling."
Thu, 09/14/2006 - 3:13pm
#22
For me, that does not make it worth it.
Some people like to drive. But I don't know anyone who sits in their car in their garage listening to the radio and staring at the wall. For me, that's what stationary cycling is like.
If I feel the need for winter exercise, there is outdoor walking, x-c skiing when snow is present, weight training. Even some cardio on an elyptical trainer or treadmill.
Fri, 09/15/2006 - 11:18am
#23
The analogy with sitting in the garage in your car, while humorous, is also beside the point.
Outdoor walking, X-C skiing and weights are not a substitute for cycling. I put in about 60-90 minutes every other day in the winter and usually start the spring season pretty strong. I think the continuous pedaling of an indoor trainer really helps with outdoor cycling. Besides-pop in a DVD, and watch a movie while you pedal. Its like vegging out in front of the TV and getting your training in.
Fri, 09/15/2006 - 11:29am
#24
You seem hell-bent on being fit. TV was meant to be viewed from a prone position of total relaxation.
Fri, 09/15/2006 - 12:37pm
#25
it's called cross training
> Outdoor walking, X-C skiing and weights are not
> a substitute for cycling.
skiing, weights, running, swimming, etc., are just the think go keep you active during the winter (and except for skiing, year round). cross training prevents you from burning out. i spent years racing and training year-round. i never burned out because i wasn't glued to my saddle. :) on the other hand, i have friends who's attitude was so cycling-is-my-only-exercise that they didn't do anything else...they burned out.
summer is over...fall is here. we may have a couple more months of solid cycling weather before many of us are going to ride less and find other ways to keep fit (ok, no fat jokes, please). if you want a suitable-for-cycling exercise, join your gym and sign up for spin classes...45-90 minutes of hell on a saddle. my gym has spin classes every tue/thu (free for members...i remember crunch used to sell spin class sessions for $20 back in the 90's).
don
Fri, 09/15/2006 - 10:49pm
#26
"""skiing, weights, running, swimming, etc., are just the think go keep you active during the winter (and except for skiing, year round). cross training prevents you from burning out. i spent years racing and training year-round. i never burned out because i wasn't glued to my saddle.""
and two lines later...
""if you want a suitable-for-cycling exercise, join your gym and sign up for spin classes...45-90 minutes of hell on a saddle.""
This contradiction aside, I say live adn let live. I spend 3 days a week in the gym and can bench 225 lbs. I ski many times season. AND I firmly believe that the way to train for cycling is to CYCLE."
Sat, 09/16/2006 - 2:19am
#27
yep...
...to each his/her own. :)
don
Tue, 12/26/2006 - 6:27pm
#28
"I'm actually selling my Scott USA Speedster 30 & Computrainer, and polar power system - Approx. $3,500 all told, for $2500 or best offer (linkage)
The Computrainer is fantastic; I absolutely love it. No way I'd be selling it if I wasn't going to be moving overseas for an extended period.
"
Mon, 12/25/2006 - 7:22pm
#29
Questions
"1) Do rollers eat up your tires -- both front and rear?
2) Any problem using a fixed gear on rollers? (I'm assuming I can't put my fixie on my trainer because the rear wheel requires a skewer)
3) Performance has a very cheap set of rollers on sale now, which appeals to me as I do not want to spend three clams on another piece of equipment. Any opinions? http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19548
4) My road bike has a spare 9-speed rear wheel for use on the trainer. Any way it could be swapped on the fixed gear for the same purpose, to spare the tire?
Yes, I am utterly ignorant about things mechanical, and plead for mercy."
