Rollers

Darrener

Hi Folks,

Contemplating getting a set of rollers for days like today/next few days. I have a Tac-x turbo (not smart) for a few years but it really wasn't for me..much prefer outdoors and will brave most weather..just not ice. Am thinking rollers (Tac-x galaxia ) will be better for me. Anyone got advice or thoughts on rollers.

fat bloke

I've the elite arion ones. For a good few years now. They do the job, no complaints. I'm still like Bambi on ice on em though 🙄

Darrener

Thank you Fat Bloke. Can you measure distance on rollers or is a time based workout. Am hoping my cadence will improve too if I take the plunge

nicksnikita

I find the rollers good.
you can measure distance by installing a wheel speed sensor on the rear hub and syncing it with your bike computer

https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/garmin-2-speed-sensor/137159609/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=8659602&country=ie&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADqtrtH4nYKA4qGhPWiG7R47zvVBs&gclid=Cj0KCQiAst67BhCEARIsAKKdWOkFTVltobfCIlls9Wad7vLgImw0hvxfsHYCbgFtTX_iRLwBjIo-BksaAhpLEALw_wcB

Darrener

Thanks Nicksnikita.. Much appreciated

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058386425/rollers

Rollers as an over arching experience are far better than a trainer, but it really depends on why are you riding your bike indoors as to if they are the right thing. Better overall workout and I didn't get any of the issues that a stationary trainer brought (achilles pain and other issues, but that is a me and my inflexibility issue)

If it is for general fitness but you have low concentration levels, I imagine a smart trainer is the best call. Not everyone needs to be fully there for rollers but in my experience, it is a workout that requires your attention, and is the closest you will get to being on the road in regards indoor options.

So, if for fitness, get a smart trainer and a TV, whether you use Zwift, Wahoo or just watch Netflix, doesn't matter. If it is for the feeling of fear that you may die as you descend down the Sally Gap and want your wits about you, get rollers.

I much prefer rollers but can only do about 30 minutes tops on them, and that is at best.

gn3dr

On the concentration thing - reminds me of one of the last few times I used my rollers I got a blowout on the rear tyre which was interesting.

fat bloke

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123014997#Comment_123014997

Yeah as Nick says you can fit a wheels speed sensor. The Garmin one goes around your wheel hub and it's very good. Should pick one up easy. It often comes as part of a Garmin head unit package so they're should be loads of them in boards members' drawers at home unused.

A power metre helps as well, regardless of what kind of an indoor trainer you have but you could work off a combo of heart rate and kph as well for interval targets.

Hardest thing is getting over the initial balance thing on the rollers. Took me ages before I could scratch my nose or take a drink outta my bottle without falling onto the couch next to me 😅

Macy0161

I used hybrid rollers for a while - I had minoura ones, but the Feedback Omnium is the most common. Rear wheel in rollers, fork on a fork mount. I used with TrainerRoad and a Power Meter, so holding the power was enough for me rather than trying to balance too. However, unless you need the portability/ use without electricity, they're not than much cheaper than smart turbo at this point (with the way prices have reduced). I guess you could always get a fork mount for the rollers anyway if you were as shít at balancing as me!