hmai18

I've recently come upon the opportunity to pick up a set of lightly-used Kreitler PolyLite rollers for $250 CDN + shipping. I had planned on getting some sort of trainer or rollers for use during our bitterly cold Canadian winters to help keep my condition up for next season.

If what I've read and researched is correct, rollers are the ideal training aid for improving pedal spin and balance. I've heard nothing but praise for the quality of Kreitler rollers but just wanted to see what any of you had to say before making the purchase.

borg

I have the Dyno-Myte and would certainly recommend them. There are 2 main differences between mine and the Poly-Lyte which might keep me from recommending the Poly-Lyte.

1. The Poly-Lyte have larger drums meaning they have less resistance.
2. Polycarbonate end caps on the Poly-Lyte which I don't know how well they hold up.

I hope someone else can comment on the polycarbonate end caps, unless I hear otherwise, I would hold out and go with one of the Dyno series with the silver anodized end caps which I know hold up over the years.

I would also recommend these:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=19548

As I have recommended them many times before on this forum, a great alternative to Kreitler at much less the price.

hmai18

I'm not sure how much resistance I will need. On the road (which is mostly flat in my area), I cruise at about 34-36km/h between 90-95 rpm.

The Kreitler website says the DynoLyte doesn't have as much resistance as the DynoMyte, but doesn't really get any more specific.

Tree

When I ordered my Krietlers a couple of years ago from Lickton's, the sales representative talked me out of the Krietler alloy rollers (alloy end caps) and steered me toward the challenegers (poly end caps). He told me the alloy end caps were overkill and not really worth the extra expense. They had both models in stock so I don't think he had any reason to say this unless he thought it were true. He also added that he had his challenegers for 10 years and they have performed flawlessly.

Sorry, I have no first hand experience other than the 2 years I've had my challengers, which really isn't long enough to test durability.

hmai18

Can you comment on the resistance on your Challengers? Do you ever find yourself spinning out on those 4.5" rollers?

borg

on the resistance topic....

I actually find the Dyno-Myte perfect for resistance. 39-23 is light spinning and I do recover rides usually around the 39-19 gear. I also do intervals which can utilize the big ring. I think the Poly-Lyte would be fine for most situations...you wouldn't get as much resistance at the top end as the Dyno-Myte, but you need to evaluate how much you would use that. I can't comment on the Challenger...although I would imagine you would want a resistance unit with them if you were doing anything but easy spinning.

lotek 

The difference in resistance between the poly-lite and dyno-myte is due
to the difference if roller diameter. The lytes have 3.0 inch rollers and the
mytes are 2.25 inch rollers.
According to Kreitler the poly capped models are just a less expensive version than the alloy capped modles. Same bearings, same resistance etc.
If you really want resistance get the Killer Headwind.
$250CDN is a great price. . they go for much more on e-bay.

Marty

hmai18

I think I'm going to jump on this. $250 CDN plus $50 shipping COD seems like a good deal. And, unlike the X-Lite wheels I posted in another thread, this seems like something I can get practical use out of. I emailed the seller and she told me that she used to race and that the rollers had enough resistance for her to train on, so I don't think I'll be spinning them out.

On the open road I'm usually cruising in 53/17 or 53/15 at 34km/h between 90-95rpm, but I don't think I'll be going that hard on the rollers, so I think I should be good to go.

Tree

Sorry it took so long a to get back to you.

I use the Kreitler flywheel with the challenger rollers. I've never actually tried the rollers without it. The Flywheel adds a little resistance and gives a road feel by providing inertia. I would suspect without the flywheel the challengers would be a little lite as far as resistance goes.