Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
Can you ride on the edge of the white line forever? Neat skill to have when you are bumping knuckles with another rider. That's what rollers help you achieve. Fine bike control is a skill not many rec riders have, and, I would say, is the defining feature separating racers from recreational riders. Why do I never fear another rider's bike handling skills in a pack or pace line? I mean, I'll sit an inch off anyone's wheel, regardless if beginner or pro. It's because I have these skills. Most don't. Rollers are extremely helpful in obtaining these skills.
Yes, I can. Mostly because I've been riding my whole life and racing for over 15 and while riding rollers no doubt helps with that, you're really talking about one skill. One skill that can't be used until you are mentally able to close to other riders.
In the grand scheme of things that's minute. Better than a trainer no doubt but you won't improve in the myriad of other areas encompassed under the umbrella of "bike handling skills" by riding rollers.