They look nicer than mine. I got mine for $25 from some dude that was moving and looking to unload em. They are louder than my fluid trainer though--a LOT louder. Not sure about those in particular. I'm not an expert so I can't tell you the skinny on weights vs. on the bike resistance training, but when I was running 2/rollers 3, I was still pretty strong without the resistantce training or any weights at all. Running has subsequently been replaced with the fluid trainer, and I don't know if I am any stronger really or not, I just hate running.