Training & Nutrition - Having problems with roller trainer

I bought the travel trac rollers from Performance Bikes and I must say, I'm getting my ass kicked by it. After watching people demo rollers on youtube, I didn't think it would be that hard but I'm really struggling trying to keep my balance. I'm using a wall for support but I can't seem to keep from fishtailing all over the place. I can ride unsupported for a while but not long. For you guys that use rollers, how long did it take you to get the hang of it? Also, my bike has the frame mounted shifters, am I asking for trouble trying to switch gears using the rollers since I have to release the bars to shift?

My advice is this. focus on a point 8-10 feet in front of you If watching tv try to be at this distance and as straight on as possible. Pedal in circles really focus on the later half of the pedalstroke and let the downstroke take care of it's self. Keep yoiur upperbody still. When shifting hold the bar near the stem. I learned on a bike with down tube shifters. It takes some practice and I still ride near a wall

For me, it took probably 5 or 6 times before I really got the hang of rollers. One tip that helped me was to look forward, don't look at the front wheel, pick a spot straight ahead on the wall and watch that, just like you would watch the road in front of you outside.

I wouldn't attempt to change gears until you are comfortable and can ride for long periods of time without falling off, try starting out in the gear you want to use.Once you get used to them, the balance is really easy and it should be no problem taking one or even two hands off the bars. I regularly ride without any hands for 10+ minutes at a time, in fact, I find it easier to ride no handed on rollers than outdoors.

^^^+
And don't try to steer by turning the bars. Try to hold them fairly still and steer by slight shifts of your weight. Just moving your head is enough. That's why people say it's easy to ride no-hands. You really don't need to move the bars unless you're headed off the roller. Then a quick counter-steer saves the day. Humbling, though, isn't it? It probably was a few months before I was really comfortable and could sit up and look around, but then I'm a klutz. I still ride in a doorway after 10 years.

I appreciate the advice. I was looking at the front wheel instead of looking straight ahead. I will definately keep it in a fixed gear until I have mastered my balance and feel more comfortable. I took off my clipless pedals and put a regular set on because I'm afraid to try it locked in with cleats. It's definately not boring and I'm sure it will help me a lot with my riding.

I'm trying to decide whether to get a trainer or a set of rollers. I can ride (and stay) on the white line on the side of the road without any problem so does that mean that I shouldn't have any problem with adjusting to rollers or is it something totally different and a lot more difficult than maintaining a good line while on the road?

It's a trick to learn to ride them, but time well spent. A resistance unit on them helps. Make sure that the front roller is set the correct distance for your bike wheelbase. After that, it's all just time.

I'm trying to decide whether to get a trainer or a set of rollers. I can ride (and stay) on the white line on the side of the road without any problem so does that mean that I shouldn't have any problem with adjusting to rollers or is it something totally different and a lot more difficult than maintaining a good line while on the road?

I think the rollers will be different than riding the white line for you. I hope I didn't make it sound like rollers were extremely difficult to use for everyone. From what I've seen and read, most experienced riders master the rollers pretty quickly while someone like me who is inexperienced and new to riding, takes longer to get the hang of it. Even though I'm struggling with the rollers, it is fun and I enjoy it because you really have to concentrate and it is challenging for me. It's definately not boring.

it takes a long time


but you will look back and laugh at yourself once you get the hang of it. you'll
be able to ride no handed always [if you don't have an actual ear problem or vertigo]

Can anyone recommend a good set of rollers for first timers? I'd get the e-motion rollers but that would bankrupt me. I'd have to sell a kidney or something. The main thing that attracts me to those is the bumpers that help to keep you from falling off, although I know it's still possible to fall off with them.