Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Kreitler Rollers: Are the full aluminum alloy drums worth the extra cost ?

I'm thinking of investing in a set of Kreitler 4.5" rollers to replace the cheap noisy and rough pvc drum rollers I'm now using, and have the choice of full aluminum alloy drums or aluminum drums with polycarbonate end caps for $110 less. The question I have is if there is any functional difference that would justify the higher cost of the full alloy drums ? Are they smoother, quieter, more durable ? The Kreitler website doesn't seem to indicate that there is any difference other than to suggest that alloy end caps are more durable and provide more inertia, and I could care less about aesthetics. I use them for spin training and will not be using the optional noisy headwind resistance unit.

I've used both and I actually own the alloy-capped ones and I can't tell the difference. I chose the alloy when I got a substantial discount at a bike shop, so the price gap wasn't as bad.

I say, save your money and just go for the regular ones. They are probably lighter, too.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking. Thing is, Kreitler has a lifetime warranty on the rollers, so if they fail I can return them for free replacement anyway. All the reviews on the Challenge model with the polycarbonate end caps are very good, so I don't see any real downside, and the upside of them being lighter than the full aluminum ones when I'm lugging them around. Anyways, the mouse clicks have been made and the deed is done.

I'm so tempted to order some 4.5" Hot Dog rollers. I saw some in person this year at Nationals. Those would be even lighter and pack smaller.

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/standard_vs_hot_dog_drums.jpg

I never go that far from center anyway.

Maybe Santa will bring me some for Christmas.

I have the full aluminum and wanted the extra inertia. However, I agree with the others. If you plan to carry them around or are cost sensitive, go for the polycarbonate end caps.