Bicycle Roller Trainer

Just wondering if any of you use rollers for winter cycle training. Right now I'm looking at the Minoura Action Advantage Rollers Trainer from Amazon for like $165. I'm normally a runner but my chiropractor said I need to ease up on running and start doing something more 'low impact'. I'm a very novice cyclist so I don't need anything high end, but also don't want to waste my money on junk. Any input on rollers, particularly the Minoura one I'm looking at? I'm not opposed to static trainers, I just haven't heard good things about them so I've sort of ruled them out.

 

Rollers are the only way to go, IMO. You are much more engaged, so it's not as boring as stationary trainers. Don't get discouraged when you first try one, they do take a bit to get used to. Check parts availability on Minoura, that was the company that made mine, and when I needed a new resistance unit, it couldn't be found. That was in the early 90s, so maybe they have improved...

 

Thanks for the response! I did some more searching and ended up going with the Minoura unit. Mechanically they seem simple so I figure by the time I break it I'll hopefully be slightly more advanced and ready to upgrade to a better one. I saw some pretty good youtube videos of people using them and you're right, I think I'd just be bored with a stationary trainer that doesn't take any concentration.

 

The other thing you'll find is that your form when you are riding off the rollers is much better, with less wasted motion. The rollers will train you to only use what is needed; your legs.

 

The only thing I don't like about mine is it's loud as pedal.i assume it's my nobby tires.

 

Went for the roller trainer... I never thought I'd have a cycling accident in my living room. Anyone considering this route, be ready for some emarrassing injuries or be able to make up some good stories! As far as training goes, it does work, just takes some practice.

 

A friend of mine was using his out in the back and rode off....INTO THE POOL.
He almost could not get unclipped and scared the crap out of him.

 

i think everyone who's used a roller has had a similar experience. +1 for sharing.

 

Try setting up the rollers in a door frame (shoulder centered between the frame) until you get your balance. You can hold on with one hand, then move it to the bars when you get up to speed or start off with both hands and when you are about to fall over use the frame to keep your balance.

 

I'm kinda doing that now. I'm using my dining room table for stability. I haven't full let go yet. I haven't had any accidents yet but I know they're coming... Still a few more months before I can go back outside so there's plenty of time to wreck myself in the comfort of my living room

 

Yeah, they take a little to get used to, which is why I mentioned not to get discouraged when you first start out. As far as the guy with the pool incident, I personally would never use anything other than standard pedals on rollers, with old school toe clips attached, but not tight. Leave yourself an out, should things go awry, by eliminating having to get detached from your pedals.

 

That's a good policy to follow, until you have the bike handling skills to handle it. Jumping into rollers as a novice cyclist is a bit of a jump, and usually people who get into rollers have been riding clipless for a long time and clipping and unclipping come so naturally that its not an issue.

But good on you that you got the rollers. Try a door frame instead of the dining room table because it will help you be in a natural riding position, not leaning over. The rollers will definitely help you develop more advanced riding skills, and come spring that will pay off, whether you notice it or not.

 

How is sitting on a set of rollers going to get the heart rate up for training. I could see to warm up before a race or to fine tune your balance but for training.

 

Some rollers are set up with resistance or the ability to add some.

 

I could see it being used just to get your heart rate up before a workout. It definitely makes you improve your form. If you have bad form, you fall off the rollers. The rollers I bought do not have any adjustable resistance. You adjust resistance by the gear you are in. The only draw back is you can't do a 'hills' workout since you can't vary resistance that drastically. Overall I'm pleased with the set-up! It takes a little getting used to at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's a good workout.

 

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/KRETRZWS

 

yikes... I only paid $165 for mine on Amazon. Mine doesn't have the fan but for an extra $20 I'll go get a box fan from Walmart.

 

Yeah, Colorado Cyclist has ridiculous prices. I get their catalog and just laugh...

 

This is my favorite one but pricey. Watch the video on the home page.
http://www.insideride.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=74

 

I don't get it... all those bumpers seem great in theory, but if your front tire hits one of them, I'd bet you're going over! Plus, $850 is ridiculous! I don't understand why these things are so expensive, they're very very simple machines.