rollers vs trainers

Daz1214

hi folks...im lookin to invest in either a turbo trainer or rollers for winter training but which would people recommend? Do you need specific tyres for the rollers like you do for a trainer? Thanks folks

Raam

Specific tyres not needed for rollers. I have both. Turbo is for intensive work. Rollers are for pedaling form. I'm not saying that is what they are limited to, but that is how I use them.

Dermot Illogical

Raam wrote: »

Turbo is for intensive work.

Are they any good for simulating hill intervals? Or is there no substitute for the real thing?

Daz1214

are there resistance settings on the rollers as well or is that just the tt's?

Raam

RT66 wrote: »

Are they any good for simulating hill intervals? Or is there no substitute for the real thing?

Well the bike won't be at an angle.

Raam

Daz1214 wrote: »

are there resistance settings on the rollers as well or is that just the tt's?

No, but there is a natural resistance so you can get a good workout if you want it.

Daz1214

sounds good, thanks for the help

Dermot Illogical

Raam wrote: »

Well the bike won't be at an angle.

If I don't put the front wheel up on a block like?

mp31

Raam wrote: »

Specific tyres not needed for rollers. I have both. Turbo is for intensive work. Rollers are for pedaling form. I'm not saying that is what they are limited to, but that is how I use them.

What make of roller do you have Raam - I'm thinking of getting some for the winter as well.

Raam

mp31 wrote: »

What make of roller do you have Raam - I'm thinking of getting some for the winter as well.

http://www.probikekit.com/eu/training-performance/turbo-trainers-cycle-rollers/tacx-antares-rollers.html

I got mine for 99GBP in Nov 2008. Maybe this newer version is more awesome.

ryan_sherlock

I have had lots of different rollers and indoor trainers. My two at the moment are the Cycleops Fluid 2 and the Cycleops Aluminum Roller with Resistance (http://www.cycleops.com/en/products/rollers.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=224&category_id=6).

I would go for the rollers (with resistance) every day - great for technique, much more interesting and with the resistance, I can ride 500W intervals without spinning out. I have tried cheap rollers with no resistance and hated them... 53x11 and spinning 110rpm and only putting out 220W... no good for anything other than pedaling fast...

Super Freak

I wish I had your problem Ryan.

Standard rollers, no resistance. Spinning at 110rpm, 30 Sec to 1 minute max on 50X11 and I'm beat

It's a different kettle of fish for us mere mortal 40+ year old pot bellied pigs

Kebel

Hey, age is only an issue if you make it one, there's plenty of fast vets in the A2 & A1 categories ....

There is some good stuff on this subject here

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74670454

Ryder

Im a convert to the rollers too.......had tacx antares and changed to the cyclops aluminium. Find them fantastic, but......unfortunately dont need the extra resistance either for intervals

mp31

Ryder wrote: »

Im a convert to the rollers too.......had tacx antares and changed to the cyclops aluminium. Find them fantastic, but......unfortunately dont need the extra resistance either for intervals

I'm thinking of getting either the Tacx Antares or the Elite Ghibli i.e. these:-

I'm veering more to the Elite coz of their raised ends of the wheels to stop the bike wheels from falling off the edge...but you've got me thinking now.
Why did you change to the Cyclops Aluminium rollers - is it because of the aluminium rollers - if so what difference does the aluminium make?
Or is because of the smaller diameter rollers?

If Aluminium is the way to go then would a cheaper model like these Minoura

be OK for a newbie (with a big belly ... but getting smaller )

Super Freak

I have the elite ghibli as pictured above.

The raised ends have saved me from falling off a few times, especially at the start. I dont think I hit them now at all. Quality is excellent and I think they represent good value for money.

They should come with a step as standard though, that would be my only complaint...... Well that and I can't push 50X11 all day like others here:o

poolboy

I bought turbo last year hated it. Bought rollers this year no doubt will use them more. Bought tacx antares from bike 24. 128 euro delivered no complaints.

recedite

mp31 wrote: »

what difference does the aluminium make?

Plastic can give static electricity shocks.

f Aluminium is the way to go then would a cheaper model like these Minoura

Minoura Moz are better quality. All minoura models are quieter than tacx.

Best rollers ever are the inside ride.com e-motions, but expensive and only available in the USA.