Since I'm new to the road cycling world, I need some assistance if anyone is willing. I want to begin training indoors asap and need to get a trainer/roller. Obviously no one wants to spend more than they have to, but I'd like to get at least a fairly good trainer. I've checked out pricepoint and nashbar, but don't really know one from the other. I know the more expensive ones supposedly have better metal, but can someone give me a suggestion or two on a trainer (looking to spend $125-$175). Much appreciated.

Trainer
 

Iv`e been off the road for sometime now, but unless you aspire on rideing through your t.v. I would not suggest rollers. It`s a learned and praticed thing. I would stick with a good name brand mag trainer, thats what i use to have dont know the current prices though, just dont go to cheap you get what you pay for.!

Rollers
 

If you're really serious about training indoors you should go with a set of rollers. Rollers force you to not only sit there and spin but to also work on your form and balance, two critical areas in being a good efficient cyclist. Rollers can be expensive though. Smaller diameter rollers give you a better work out than larger ones, although you can add on resistance units to some rollers. Other sites you may want to check for more information or products include Performancebike.com, Bullteksports.com and Coloradocyclist.com. Good luck in your search. By the way I have a set of Kreitler Dyno-myte rollers. They work excellent without any added resistance.

Sir,

I ask that you pelase contact me at 1.888.285.5835.

I have answered this question many times and rather do it over the phone instead pof posting loooong mails. Plewase call me as I can truly see your confusion and I do not like it when people get the sales pitch from shops that have no idea. The call is free by the way. Just ask for Xavier.

Over time, I've seen several threads about rollers. Knowledgeable members have recommended these.

This might be some sort of record. Almost 9 years after the last post. Well done.

a stationary mag trainer is good for building up fitness...but for form, bike handling, and core muscle control, you CANNOT beat rollers...although I am fairly new to road cycling, rollers have made me a believe because not only do you get a regular spinning workout, you also have to actually control the bike by using good cycling form and pedal strokes...you can hop on a mag trainer and just hammer away with bad technique and pedal strokes that are inefficient, but rollers will expose all of that...they just take a few minutes of playing around with and they are not really that hard to gain control...it is teaching me how subtle inputs and weight shifts can effect your ride control...this is especially true for riding in the peloton inches away from other riders...rollers should be required for all of the CRASH 5's, myself needing them the most! if more CAT 5 racers would train on rollers I believe there would be fewer of the crashes where a rider drifts or erratically looses temporary balance and makes contact with another....just my 2 cents...

Rollers if you enjoy riding your bike. I got rollers a couple weeks ago and really enjoy them. You are still riding your bike and being forced to control the front wheel, making it a little more similar to riding on the road. I had the front wheel up in a stand for a few days but found myself getting bored faster. Rollers are not hard to ride, they just take a little bit of getting used to and I find myself improving every time I ride them. My collar bone is still broken and I learned to ride rollers in a figure 8 brace. They also help improve your balance, which is something that I am looking for. Watching tv is not hard do, just takes a little more learning.

I was looking at a trainer now I am looking at Rollers, they seem to be what i am more looking for. Any information on what roller to buy?

If the op hasn't figured it out by now, he never will.:)

He's waiting for that killer sale.

I got some Cycle Ops Aluminum rollers...quite and and definitely smooth...

What rollers offer resistance?? Is resistance necessary??

Minoura has a magnetic resistance unit. The entire thing comes out to be $200 before shipping.

On a related issue, do rollers wear your tires out as fast as trainers do?

+1 on this. Haven't ever used them but if I get rollers I'd pick these up

And you forgot about the free resistance unit, a towel under the roller.

Holy Crap!