Road Cycling - Rollers!

Yee-Hahhhh!!!
Look, I'm not some great natural athlete, and at 48 years old, I'm not sure that my sense of balance is what it used to be. So I was pretty nervous about getting my first set of rollers.
I went with Kreitler Challengers, and I just got off the bike after my first half hour on them. I'm pretty proud of myself! I didn't injure my self, my bike, or my living room, my wife didn't divorce me, and I managed to put together a few five-minute unsupported runs.
It's not often you can pick up a new physical skill beyond a certain age, and it feels great!

I also use them, for many years now. You should try the headwind unit, its like riding uphill. Then try getting on the rollers, without using support and ride loose hands.

If you are new to these, ride inside a doorway frame, that way you have more confidence and if something goes wrong you just lean against the doorframe.

They are great for improving riding skills.

Best,

Snowplug
http://www.exclusive-cycling.com

Mike C

Keep up the good work. Rollers are the best indoor work out there is. Sadly many buy and never give them a try and give up really quick and complain. In a while you will be an expert.

The reason rollers are so good is that they not only require balance but full concentration and lots of constant leg speed. It helps develop proper pedaling. Trainers will never do this. Many sit in trainer watching TV and messing around and a proper work out is not achieved.

Again nothing beats riding in the road. So what if it is raining outside. Real riders ride in the rain!

Yeah, I guess it's true real, riders ride in the rain, but then you get old and soft. The worst part of riding in the rain, is cleaning your bike afterwards. The chain has to come off, the cassette has to come off and all the grit cleaned out, then lubricated. Quite a job, when doing it yourself.

Best,

Snowplug
http://www.exclusive-cycling.com

I agree that real men (and women) ride in the rain...although I've quit riding in thunderstorms!
What I'm scared of, however, is riding in the DARK in the rain.
It's bad enough trying to ride within my bike's light beam as it is (no Oakley's in the rain, of course), but thinking about all those drivers hunched over their steering wheels, peering through those greasy, rain-smeared windshields...whoa, that really gives me the creeps!
At least we're allowed flashing taillights here, which get drivers' attention better than steady beams. I understand they're illegal in much of Europe.

Riding in the rain is great. I loved it, but as you have pointed out, one gets old and soft. I do not mind getting wet, but I no longer start a ride in the rain.

Clean the bike afterwards? Whats that. I maybe lube it and that is as good as it gets. I love dry chains and the sound of them.

Now riding in the rain in the dark, I do not care for much, but I have done it and again, once I am already there I head home but do not mind.

Flashing rear lights can go both way. I am oneof those that believes that they attrack drunk and sleepy drivers. I always look behind me and am aware of my surroundings. Usually my night rides nowdays are off-road.

Bottom line - If you plan on cycling for some time to come - buy the rollers.

There was a guy, Paul Crane, in a winter fitness class I took. He not only could he reach for his bottle and ride no handed as he drank, but could change his t-shirt as he rode no hands--no way would I even try that.

A friend of mine use to be able to ride up to the rollers. Jump on and ride. After that he would slow down and jump off!

Drinking water is cake. However takingof a shirt? He takes the price!

Take care

Rollers are boring!

Rollers are boring!

Road > Rollers > Trainer > Couch

Rollers are boring!

OK, why did you resurrect a 10 year old thread?!?

Rollers are better than nothing.

How can you tell how old a thread is?

Each post is time stamped in the grey bar, left side.

Rollers can get boring, I'd imagine. There are some rainy days when I'm watching TV that I wish I had rollers setup in front of it, however.

Well, at least no one can fault her for not using the search function. ;)