Training & Nutrition - Is riding rollers more "fun" than a mag trainer?

Will I get that "on the road" feeling with rollers, that I don't get using the mag trainer? I know there is no wind...no change of scenery...but with both wheels spinning, does it feel more like you are on the road?

I'm already bored with my mag trainer, and it's only Feb! Looking to get a set of rollers.

Thanks.

IMHO rollers are more fun than a fixed trainer, and are much more like riding a bike on the road, although with mine, there's no wind-resistance. The only problem I've had is that if I'm watching a DVD such as the "Bike-O-Vision" series, I have a tendency to get "sucked in" to what is going on on the TV, and usually end up riding off the edge of the rollers - I've found that I can prevent this from happening by not really focussing on the screen, and to keep glancing away from it. If you are watching a TV screen while riding rollers, make sure that there is a light near or behind the TV to illuminate the room - this is not only better for your eyes, but also will help to avoid what I've described above. Roller riding requires constant attention - that in itself forces you to keep awake and not "zone out".

Good Luck!

- Wil

Fun? What've you been smoking? Get some snow shoes, some cross country skies, anything to be outside!

Fun? What've you been smoking? Get some snow shoes, some cross country skies, anything to be outside!

Got all that...and do plenty of it...!

Just wanting to start my early-pre-spring training! :D

The only problem I've had is that if I'm watching a DVD such as the "Bike-O-Vision" series, I have a tendency to get "sucked in" to what is going on on the TV, and usually end up riding off the edge of the rollers - I've found that I can prevent this from happening by not really focussing on the screen, and to keep glancing away from it. If you are watching a TV screen while riding rollers, make sure that there is a light near or behind the TV to illuminate the room - this is not only better for your eyes, but also will help to avoid what I've described above. Roller riding requires constant attention - that in itself forces you to keep awake and not "zone out".

Good Luck!

- Wil

Have you tried putting strips of thick sticky tape on the outer edges of the rollers to act as little rumble strips to warn you that you are drifting out of the lane?
:rolleyes:

Have you tried putting strips of thick sticky tape on the outer edges of the rollers to act as little rumble strips to warn you that you are drifting out of the lane?
:rolleyes:

That's an awesome idea. I might have to try that.

Also key to riding the rollers is making sure they're centered on what you're watching - or if not watching something, they're centered on whatever you're going to be staring at. It's kinda like the white line effect. Your body just drifts to center on something. Almost rode off a few times the other night cause the TV was slightly left of center.

Either way, I've never used a fixed trainer other than a stationary bike. I find a lot more enjoyment when I have to be on the rollers than I do when I have to be on a stationary bike. I can't imagine fixed trainer would be any more exciting than the stationary.

VW