Training & Nutrition - Which Kreiter roller?

Hey all,

New here. Been spinning in the gym the last three months, up to five classes a week now. I'd like to get out on the road with a local club as soon as it warms up. Now, I'd like to work on my endurance, balance and spinning at home. My killer workouts will still be on the stationary bike in spin class. So... I've decided on a Kreiter roller. If I go with one of the models with the 4.5 inch rollers, I understand I'm gonna need a fan, for more resistance. It sounds like that adds a lot of noise. I plan on watching videos, listening to tunes when I ride. Am I better off with smaller rollers? I'm tall and lean, only weigh 160. Are the 2.5 inch rollers out of the question? Which model makes the most sense? Any suggestions appreciated.

thanks,
altopt

I don't know if this is any help, but I have the 4.5 inch model, and the killer head wind unit. My experience is that I get plenty of work without the head wind unit attached. This time of year I'll ride them for an hour each night, and am soaked with sweat in about ten minutes. Add the head wind unit if you want huge resistance.

I have the 4.5" Kreitlers and get plenty of resistance with them in my high gear. I also have the Headwind unit. It's really noisy so you'll need the sound system up, and even in the lowest setting, it's a little too much resistance for me. Also, the noise from the wind and your cranked-up sound system will disturb others in your house. I've never tried the ones with the 2.5" drums, but I wish I had them for days that I'm super motivated or want low RPM strength building workouts since I don't like using my Headwind unit. Overall though, the 4.5" drums are fine and I can max out my heart and fill my legs with lactate on them no problem.

I have the 4.5 in drums and the killer headwind unit. The smaller the drums, the more difficult they are, so I got the 4.5 in drums, which are a little easier, and the killer headwind unit so that when I do get more proficient with riding the rollers, and I am ready for more challenge, then I can add in the headwind unit.

Koffee

Thx Sprinter and Chongo,

I've been looking on ebay. I'm leaning towards the 3" rollers. The 2.25's are probably too much resistance for me. I'd love to avoid the noise and the expense of the headwind fan, which I think I'd want with the 4.5's. I'll see what comes up for sale over the next few weeks. May just go with the best deal.

I have a set of the 2.25" rollers and they offer a ton of resistance. One of my teammates compares it to riding in molasses. I'm not sure it's quite that bad, but the bigger setup will allow you to spin a bit more if that's what you're looking for. As for the noise, mine are quiet as can be.

Thx Sprinter and Chongo,

I've been looking on ebay. I'm leaning towards the 3" rollers. The 2.25's are probably too much resistance for me. I'd love to avoid the noise and the expense of the headwind fan, which I think I'd want with the 4.5's. I'll see what comes up for sale over the next few weeks. May just go with the best deal.


I have the 3" model poly-lyte and they're prefect for winter spinning. They're a great way to work on your spin without having to put out a ton of power to get them going. If I remember correctly (PowerTap numbers from last winter) with 110psi in the tires, I needed to put out right around 200 watts to maintain 24 mph on my rollers which is perfect for easy spinning days.

I have 4.5" and get plenty of workout with them. Did 35 minutes this morning at a 21mph average...dont see where more resistance would be needed. Lets face it, I'll go climbing to build my legs, rollers are for when I cant get outside and spinning with perfect form is the workout. My glutes and hammys definatly feel the effects of spinning on the rollers vs riding outside.

I have the 3" dia Krietlers and find that if I ride the same gear on the rollers as I ride on the road, my heart rate is virtually identical at a similar cadence. So, they seem to closely simulate the effort you generate on the road.

Exactly the info I needed to help make my decision. Leaning towards the 3" rollers.

Thanks guys.

I have Kreitler Dyno-Myte rollers, 2.25" and it's the first rollers I've tried and owned so I don't know how much easier the larger diameter ones are, but these aren't anything to be afraid of as far as balance and ability goes. I ride them on my 50 front ring and a 16 rear, and it's a little harder than pusing 20mph on level outside, but I get bored if I run a lower gear. If I go up to the 14 tooth rear sprocket, it's dramatically harder and I'd do that more often if it wasn't so worn out (1985 model bike). With today's gearing, you'll be fine with the range the 3" rollers should give you without any headwind unit.

Happy new year to ya! Let the good times roll ;)