Training & Nutrition - Trainer vs. Roller

Which do you guys use and why do you prefer them.
Thank you in advance.

My actual question is: Do you use the type of trainer that only attatches to the rear wheel or do you use one of the roller deals where all tires are spinning?

I like rollers. Do a forum search on rollers.

Switching from a trainer to rollers was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They're fun and it feels like you're riding, not sitting in the gym.

Yeah, and it feels like cycling on ice. :D

I use the trainer. I have funny visions of myself floundering in the garage if using rollers without supervison.

I use the trainer. I have funny visions of myself floundering in the garage if using rollers without supervison.


set the rollers against a wall on one side, and put a sawhorse on the other...you can touch off both sides if you need to.

set the rollers against a wall on one side, and put a sawhorse on the other...you can touch off both sides if you need to.

Hmmmmmm. Makes sense. And the LBS guy has been trying to talk me into rollers. Could be. Thanks.

I like rollers. They're much more entertaining than trainers. For example, who cares if you learned to ride no-hands on a trainer?

Actually, maybe no one cares what I can do on my rollers either.

In a perfect world I would have both. Rollers really make you focus on bike handling skills. You have to be able to ride a straight line. Your peddle stroke has to be smooth you have to keep your upper body calm etc...

With a trainer, you can do interval work easier to build strength. It's much easier to stand up and hammer to improve climbing. You can focus on blasting your legs and not worry about riding off the side when you're really tired.

I guess it depends on what your priority for training is as to which way to go. I currently have a Kurt trainer that I use with DVD training videos. I would like to add a set of rollers as soon as cash permits.

I've seen PVC rollers as cheap as 130 dollars lately, but i'd spend the bucks on the Kreitlers.

I bought rollers a few weeks ago, Kreitler Poly-lytes. I spin at the gym. It's a great combination, especially when you wake up and it's 5 degrees outside.

Without a doubt, Rollers !

You can build so many more skills than on a mag trainer....

Riding no hands, standing & climbing, high cadence work, seated high resistance intervals.....
Trust me, even rollers can get boring by the end of Winter but I couldn't imagine doing what I do on a mag trainer..... :eek:

I have both and both serve different purposes:

If I am going all out, intervals and such, I ride the trainer. I am sweating and breathing too hard to concentrate on keeping an exact line.

If I am working on pedal stroke, cadence, or general cardio, I hop on the rollers. This is a good workout, but I have to concentrate pretty hard to stay on them, as I have only had them about a month.

Good Luck!

RT

I live in an apartment building and was wondering if the rollers made very much noise?

Use a Mag trainer for intervals, power work, sprints. And got a set of Kritler AL rollers with killer headwind off Ebay awsome price for handling, spin, and recovery rides.

Use a Mag trainer for intervals, power work, sprints. And got a set of Kritler AL rollers with killer headwind off Ebay awsome price for handling, spin, and recovery rides.
My Headwind thing sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner next to my head. Does yours? Just wondering.

My Headwind thing sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner next to my head. Does yours? Just wondering.

Mine kinda rattles at certain speeds, vibrates, how about yours.

Mine kinda rattles at certain speeds, vibrates, how about yours.
Mine does that too. Makes it kind of hard to watch TV at the same time.