General Cycling Discussion - Roller Questions

I am looking to buy a set of rollers. I have never used them so I'm not sure which are better and why. These will be used for some indoor training. Looking to get qualilty, but not the most expensive.
Is the diameter of the roller a big concern? Aluminum or PVC rollers? Do the PVC rollers lose shape? Parabolic or not? Are resistance units needed or wanted? What parts wear out and can they be replaced?
Thanks for your opinions.

I suggest you look into getting kreitler rollers. They are the elite in rollers. Call them and they are willing to answer all your questions.

I had a set of PVC for a few years, no problem with them warping or changing shape.

I think the Parabolic is marketing fluff, the straight ones are fine, that being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with them either.

If you get smaller rollers you won't need a resistance unit.

The only thing that ever wore out was the little rubber belt, which was easily replaced.

larger diameter rollers offer less resistance than
a small diameter roller, they are also a little easier
to learn on (although you are "higher" off the ground which can be disconcerting to say the least).
I have both Alu and PVC rollers, the Alu are a bit quieter
and feel smoother. I once asked same question about differences and got response "Aluminium rollers dent when you drop something on them" haven't had that problem (yet).
Kreitler are definately the best out there, but are pricey.
I suggest getting something less expensive to make sure
you really like them.
I'm of the opinion that resistance units are not needed, that rollers
are for spin/cadence and balance, not strength, just my .02 worth tho.
Do a search on Rollers here, there are alot of posts/threads concerning rollers.
Marty

Thanks for the input.

I use these and love them.

http://www.sportcrafters.com/

Solid 3.5 inch rollers provide enough resistance without adding parts. They are well made in the US and cost a lot less than Kreitlers. There's lots of information on the their website and they are responsive to emailed questions. I bought the aluminum ones as I plan on carting them to races. Rumor has it that PVC rollers will warp in the sun.

I use these and love them.

http://www.sportcrafters.com/

Solid 3.5 inch rollers provide enough resistance without adding parts. They are well made in the US and cost a lot less than Kreitlers. There's lots of information on the their website and they are responsive to emailed questions. I bought the aluminum ones as I plan on carting them to races. Rumor has it that PVC rollers will warp in the sun.

After checking out their site, and their warrantee - these rollers look very good to me. Does anyone else have any experience with this company, or any of their products?

ThanX!!!

I am looking to buy a set of rollers. I have never used them so I'm not sure which are better and why. These will be used for some indoor training. Looking to get qualilty, but not the most expensive.
Is the diameter of the roller a big concern? Aluminum or PVC rollers? Do the PVC rollers lose shape? Parabolic or not? Are resistance units needed or wanted? What parts wear out and can they be replaced?
Thanks for your opinions.
Are rollers adaptable for use with a smaller wheeled bike ?Maybe with 16 or 20 inch wheels. James

as long as you can get an adjustable wheelbase
yes you can use a 16 or 20 inch wheel.

Marty

Think it was in "Bicycling Magazine. ? " Some guy in a garage on rollers. Bike Flew off the rollers into a garage or basement wall; flew up wall and bike became hung up on some kind of hook..Guy was clipped in and temporarily suspended in mid-air, as I recall. Seems he was not hurt.

Think it was in "Bicycling Magazine. ? " Some guy in a garage on rollers. Bike Flew off the rollers into a garage or basement wall; flew up wall and bike became hung up on some kind of hook..Guy was clipped in and temporarily suspended in mid-air, as I recall. Seems he was not hurt.

People warned me about not riding in front of a television, window etc. before I got mine. I've ridden off the rollers a couple times when not paying attention. Because you have no foward momentum the wheel just skids to a stop pretty quick as long as you stop pedalling. I've yet to get any forward movement and can't really see how you'd ride up a wall.

-s

Yeah, that story is pure BS. now if you were turning a couple of 300lb iron disc wheels, then you'd have some momentum.

Are rollers adaptable for use with a smaller wheeled bike ?Maybe with 16 or 20 inch wheels. James

James: I use 20" Bike Friday wheels and a 20" Haluzak recumbent wheel on rollers no problem - the answer is yes.