Roller vs Trainers
#27
this has been dead for 4 years but its the first thing that came up when i googled trainers vs. rollers. my question is, will i be able to get my heart rate up and shed some pounds in the off season on rollers? like, i understand that theyre more for working on form and spinning, but is it a good workout?
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 0
From: Austin
I recently got the e-motion rollers from Inside ride. They have a mag resistance unit that lets you dial up much more effort than I can handle. With the mag unit on zero, the effort is almost identical to riding outdoors on a flat road with no wind. They are very easy to learn on and you can easily get out of the saddle, climb, sprint, or watch TV (my favorite).
The floating frame makes them very forgiving for a beginner. The e-motions are pricey, but very well made. I've had them a month or so and probably have 150 miles on them. I've even ridden them a few times when the weather was nice, but I wanted to catch a ball game.
The floating frame makes them very forgiving for a beginner. The e-motions are pricey, but very well made. I've had them a month or so and probably have 150 miles on them. I've even ridden them a few times when the weather was nice, but I wanted to catch a ball game.
#30
fuggitivo solitario

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9,107
Likes: 13
From: Northern NJ
in what type of races do you see yourself participate? if you are remotely considering doing mass-start events, get a set of minoura rollers. they have optional resistance units that'll really tax you. $250 for the whole set up
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Surly LHT set up for commuting
The thread... it's alive! 
Get a set of rollers. You can use your bike without worrying about damage (frame stresses) or having to use different skewers. Rollers will also keep your core in better shape (you are using all your cycling muscles, the trainer supports the bike so you get to 'cheat' by flopping over the handlebars).
I got e-motion rollers because they allow me to stand up and sprint and are very easy to use (perfect form not required). Interval training videos are not a problem & build quality is excellent.
I have used Kreitlers and they are very well made. However, they are less forgiving and standing/sprinting is difficult.

Get a set of rollers. You can use your bike without worrying about damage (frame stresses) or having to use different skewers. Rollers will also keep your core in better shape (you are using all your cycling muscles, the trainer supports the bike so you get to 'cheat' by flopping over the handlebars).
I got e-motion rollers because they allow me to stand up and sprint and are very easy to use (perfect form not required). Interval training videos are not a problem & build quality is excellent.
I have used Kreitlers and they are very well made. However, they are less forgiving and standing/sprinting is difficult.
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus
Bringing this back from the dead as well, I'm preparing for rainy day riding (I bit it really bad yesterday in the rain) and Chicago winters. I really like the idea of a roller, but I'm worried if I want to ride longer and break concentration. How much do you really have to focus vs just mindlessly ride or watch a spin video?
#33
Banned.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,434
Likes: 277
From: Carlsbad, CA
Bikes: '09 Felt F55, '84 Masi Cran Criterium, (2)'86 Schwinn Pelotons, '86 Look Equippe Hinault, '09 Globe Live 3 (dogtaxi), '94 Greg Lemond, '99 GT Pulse Kinesis
Kreitler with Killer Headwind.

Despite living in the San Diego area, I probably still put 25-30% of my miles on my Kreitlers. They're the bomb. There's nothing better when it comes time for an FTP test. Riding on the road seems a chore by comparison, what with all the traffic, stoplights, and annoyances of reality. And the faster you go, the more cooling air the fan blows on you. Win/win.

Despite living in the San Diego area, I probably still put 25-30% of my miles on my Kreitlers. They're the bomb. There's nothing better when it comes time for an FTP test. Riding on the road seems a chore by comparison, what with all the traffic, stoplights, and annoyances of reality. And the faster you go, the more cooling air the fan blows on you. Win/win.
#34
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 2
From: No. Central Ma. USA
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale EVO DA; 09 Giant TCR Advanced SL; 07 Giant TCR Advanced
If money's no object, I'd get a set of these. They are well worth it and you can get a heck of a workout when you crank the resistance up to 3.
#35
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,275
Likes: 6
From: SE Minnesota
Bikes: are better than yours.
Bringing this back from the dead as well, I'm preparing for rainy day riding (I bit it really bad yesterday in the rain) and Chicago winters. I really like the idea of a roller, but I'm worried if I want to ride longer and break concentration. How much do you really have to focus vs just mindlessly ride or watch a spin video?
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Telemachus has, indeed, sneezed.
#37
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 2
From: No. Central Ma. USA
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale EVO DA; 09 Giant TCR Advanced SL; 07 Giant TCR Advanced
#38
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,222
Likes: 30
From: South Bend IN
Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.
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