Rollers vs. Trainers regards to weight loss.
 

Hello,
I am sorry if this has been discussed, I searched but found nothing. I really want to get in shape this winter so I can enjoy the upcoming summer, therefore, I am in the market to buy either a roller or a trainer and I've been reading on the pros/cons of both. Rollers offer to improve the riders form, and trainers offer better resistance, therefore a better workout(as I understand it, correct me if I'm wrong). But I've also heard the opposite. So, In regards to losing weight, and from personal experience, which would be a better choice?
And again, im sorry if this is a stupid question or has already been discussed. Im new lol :o

The equipment that will best help you lose weight and meet other goals is the equipment that you will use the most often.

I agree to the above. From my experience, I prefer rollers and I own both. I think it really depends upon you. I don't have high dollar of either, but I would think I would still prefer rollers over trainers, unless I had something that was tied into videos with other riders and it would track everything as far as mileage, wattage, calories, heart rate and anything else I can't think of right now.

In regard to losing weight, your best method is via the kitchen.As far as improving your cycling ability, I think rollers help you develop balance a bit better and a trainer makes it easier to build strength and stamina. Personally, I own a roller but they're both good tools. I agree, whichever one you will use is the better decision.

If you can be disciplined about working out (be honest here), a trainer can be great. I used mine to help me lose over 60lbs. I lost the majority of the weight over the winter using my trainer religiously, in conjunction with paying close attention to revamping my diet and counting calories. I can't stress this last part enough.

Basically, a trainer lets you do intervals and other harder workouts and for me, was great for doing long endurance rides while watching movies etc. My second winter with a trainer and I am now getting pretty bored of it, and as a more experienced rider I would like to have some rollers in addition to the trainer ... that said, my first year of riding and first year of trainer ownership, I doubt I would have been as successful if I'd just had rollers ..

Rollers will smooth out your spin and your ability to hold a line, but you've got to be "there" mentally the whole time you're riding. They're great and def. not boring, but if you are hoping / needing to kinda zone out for long stretches at a time to accumulate base miles and lose weight, they may not be the way to go. I at least, could not pop in a 2 hour movie and ride the rollers without crashing, at least at the moment.

Of course all of this is just my experience and my preference, YMMV.

trainer. you will get frustrated with rollers. they require your full attention. I could never watch tv when i had mine.

I think that maybe a trainer would be better for now because not only do I want to lose weight, I would also like to build strength and stamina. From what you guys are saying, it seems like a trainer would be better for those goals. But, Im still a bit confused about the fluid, wind, mag etc..? I mean I don't want to spend a lot of money(kind of tight right now) but I don't want to go looking on ebay and just buy something that looks good for $40 and is complete junk. Thanks:thumb:

I started with rollers and did a century ride on one Sunday a month during the crappy weather we had in Iowa. I watch movies all the time and ride on the rollers. I actually asked for a lot of used DVD's for Christmas, so I could ride and not have to watch the Bourne movies. By the way, the first century I did on roller was called the BOURNE century, as I finished the 100 miles on rollers while watching these three movies. There are much better people than me on rollers, but you can do hard interval training and back to slower without much problem. You can definitely drop fat by riding the rollers. I have done it.

I would also suggest that you look on your local craigslist.org site, because I posted about wanting rollers and had three people wanting to sell me their's in the first day. I bought some really nice aluminum drum rollers for $50.00. I have over 2000 miles on the rollers, and plan on easily adding another 1000 to them this winter.

Totally worth it to get a fluid trainer. If you like it, it'll last for years and not need upgrading. If you hate it, it'll be much easier to resell. Fluid gives you a smoother, more realistic resistance, and is much quieter than the other models, some of which can sound like you're being pursued by a helicopter.

Haha, maybe if Im being pursued by a helicopter I'll ride faster and increase my strength and stamina. :p Lol anyway, thanks for your help everyone, I guess fluid trainer it is. :thumb: