Originally posted by RiPHRaPH
for those of us in the northern climates ----> what do you hope to attain in the off season? do you want to build strength on the bike or can you get that through squating and other lifting programs? do you want to keep/maintain fitness?! i have used trainers almost exclusively for many off-seasons and do feel energized the first weeks on the road.
Personally I use weights to build strength. I want to buy a trainer just to keep my legs moving. That and I despise just doing cardio. I find it dull and boring. At least at home doing cardio I can play my sony. Now that I am reading this thread I may have to go with a roller. Narrow technical riding is what I enjoy and practice and rollers sound like actual work
Trainers each have a certain way of resisting. Some put pressure on the sidewall others use magnetic force. As for advantages of each I believe that is described above quite well. You can use a roller with knobbies but you will wear the tire out quickly. (oh and don't forget the airplane noise it makes)
http://www.bikecanada.com/catalog/ac...rs/index.shtml
Prices are in canadian so you will have to convert.
http://www.lickbike.com/i2931050.htm
http://www.kreitler.com/