I have a bad habit of reading online reviews and going with a better reviewed ones (which normally means more $).

While I have never used any other rollers, I have to say i was a bit disappointed with the frame design of the Kreitler. It's not as rigid as I imagined it would be; but the actual rollers are nicely machined though.

Wkend_Warrier, while SoCal don't have "real winters", it does get dark early in winter (5/5:30pm). If you don't like riding at night and you have the motivation to "ride at home" (unlike me), a roller or trainer can be useful.