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bigskyTi: I can't answer your construction questions, but as to whether you need a mag/fluid unit, I'd definitely recommend it. That way, one trainer serves both spinning practice and strength training. I routinely spin out my largest gear on my rollers and still my heart rate is below my Max HR. I am pushing a 53x12 at a cadence of 115. I can't yet spin any faster than that or I will hop off the rollers. This roller contraption would definitely help!

El Diablo Rojo

Where did you purchase the mag unit from? How hard would it be to adapt to a set of Kreitler 4" rollers?

hillhater

That's awesome! Nice job on the construction. Do-it-yourself stuff like this is the best.

krazyderek

My Aluminum frame was made by mitering the corners, and using Small cuts of L shape that i drilled holes thru the frame too and bolted to. It's holding up very well.

For 20mph, no you don't really need a mag unit, but if you want to do more with your rollers then yes. I've been ridding mine non-stop for the past 3 months, i do recovery, TT, hill repeats, intervals you name it, the mag unit is invaluable. The Tacx belts wear out regularly though, so buy a spare, if you get the mag unit, or try and find a replacement rubber/thread belt from an industrial supply shop that sells belts, or a vacume service shop.

Tacx Speedmatic Mag unit was baught from lickbike.com. I have no idea how hard it would be to convert it to fit a Kreitler set of rollers, their frames are quite different, but with some square tubing that's the right size it should be possible. See above note about the mag drive belts.

reaesml

I was inspired by this thread to build a DIY Inside Ride setup. I opted for the wodden version rather than building mine out of aluminum. Nashbar Reduced Radius Rollers worked fine. The rails and feet are made of steel and can be tapped easily. If you google DIY free motion rollers you see the YouTube videos I used as a model for my project.

I opted for the Sportcrafters Roller Resistance unit instead of the Tacx version. No moving parts or belts to replace. I may add a couple Rare Earth magnets to increase the resistance a little. So far I can do any type of workout with the exception of steep hill climbs (95% HR/+-70 Cadence) while running a compact crankset.

It's great to be able to enjoy the benefits of rollers and magnetic resistance at the same time. The last time I was able to ride on the rode I noticed my spin/balance was the best it's ever been. I'm looking forward to utilizing the resistance to prepare for spring.

bigskyTi

Inspired by you guys

My Free Motion Roller Build - With Build list!!!

Sorry for the link, but it's worth it.

uspspro

Excellent. I have been putting this project off for some time. You are inspiring me to get it done.

I have the same rollers, so your writeup will be very useful.

Thanks!

El Diablo Rojo

Thanks KD!

Elohim1246

I've looked at this and i think i'm pretty capable of building this the only thing i don't know is where to get the actual rollers. I believe they have to be specific rollers (rated to suppotry a certain amount of weight) and there is also the additional groove that the roller has at the end for the belt/band that moves the front roller. And where can i get those belt(s).

Landgolier

The rollers, belt, and frame they sit in are already a bike-specific product that you can buy all in one thing. I guess if you wanted to build your own frame you could buy replacement rollers and a belt -- most companies sell all the parts individually. Tacx and Minoura make good consumer-level ones, Krietler are the high zoot ones. I don't think Minoura makes a non-folding model, though, and you'd want a rigid frame for this setup so you'd probably need Tacx.

Regular Tacx rollers:

sailor42

I was wondering where you got your mag unit from?

edit: nevermind found the answer

ccs316

Can't wait to try this! I do stand while riding my regular rollers but it's pretty controlled when out of the saddle. Looks like you can really rock-n-roll with the free motion and I'll be able to hammer much harder while standing.

Thanks alot KrazyDerek for the inspiration. I saw the freemotions on youtube and got fired up about it until I went to their site and saw they were going for $750. I've got the exact same Tacx rollers and I plan to do a pretty similiar set-up as you've done here.

I'm so burnt from riding my regular rollers...winter drags on here. Home Depot here I come...

Thanks again.

Spinadict

That design is awesome, very ingenious. I'm in the process of making one myself and have a question. I have a set of nashbar rollers that have a support leg at midpoint. I was wondering if I should add wheels to them giving me six wheels making contact. I weight 190 and thought the extra support may be helpful in supporting teh frame. My only concern is getting the wheel height to match up with the other wheels.

What's your experience?

Thanks

Spinadict

Is it critical to thread the holes drilled into the roller unit legs? That seems the most difficult part of the building process. Would just a snugly fit bolt in a drilled hole work just as well? If not, where do you get a tap to thread the hole?

K&K_Dad

you can get taps at any auto store(should) and probably some hardware stores(bigger ones). MY dad is a machinist so I just go to him if I need a specialty tool. I think the idea of tapping the hole is to create more surface area for a more 'secure' fit. ie. if the main nut were to come off the whole bolt would have to 'back out' in order to come out as opposed to being 'pulled out.' That's my take. My brother has a set of NB rollers and he's considering this build as well..

mta: check here, don't know what exact size but this should help.
Taps and Dyes at Sears

Spinadict

Thanks, I picked up the taps at ace hardware(5/16" size). Be very careful using them as I broke two of them in the process and they are awefully hard to get out of teh hole when broken. I am finished and it works great. Thanks to everyone for posting photos and info on how to make this.

unterhausen

if you order your taps from McMaster.com they are much less likely to break than the ones you buy locally. Cutting fluid is essential, any oil will work reasonably well. If you order from McMaster, you can also get a tap remover.

I like the fact that the originals have training wheels

f4rrest

In addition to the oil: turn tap 1/2 turn forward, then 1/4 turn back... 1/2 fwd, 1/4 back... 1/2 fwd, 1/4 back....
Don't keep turning it all in one direction. That will break 'em.

ccs316

You don't need to tap the holes. You do need to drill the correct size hole so there's no slop. The hole location is important, however the tolerances on your set of rollers is not perfect to begin with, not to mention the floor you have the rollers sitting on. That being said, you do have some room error in your wheel/axle placement. With the weight of the rollers, bike, and rider, the unit sits solid on the floor(ie the weight of all of the above sorts out minor errors). I suppose if you really beafed it, you could have a wheel that doesn't contact the free float surface cleany and could cause a problem.
I used a vermeer caliper to get the holes marked equally on each leg, as well as a spring loaded center punch to start drilling and avoid bit-walking. Drill a pilot hole with an 1/8 inch bit before using a larger bit. It's solid as a rock with a quality bolt through the legs with washers, nut on the inside of the leg and nyloc nut on the outside of the leg. Just make sure you get a high grade bolt. If you go to Lowes they have a guide that shows the bolt hardness/grades. I believe the zinc coated ones are the tough ones if I remember correctly.

That's my 2 cents.

Wmacky

Anyone know what specific wheels where used for such small channel? I'm having a hard time finding some that small. Also what are the dimentions of the C channel? It looks pretty small.

DonFrambach

Here is another way to do make freemotion rollers. No modification to the rollers themselves. They just drop into a frame. I used Trutrainer rollers but should work with any brand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLKzrTzP_os

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StcY7bG1xzs

Flash

excellent tips in this thread! I'm thinking of converting my performance travel trac aluminum folding rollers using the wood frame approach. Anyone do this conversion with the performance travel track technique aluminum rollers? thanks!

datlas 

Flash, if you do that let me know how it works. I also have the cheapo Performance Rollers and although I love to ride them, I don't have the guts and/or technique to stand/sprint etc. on them.

Flash

will do. unless someone raises a red flag due to the rollers' aluminum construction, I'm going to do it. I looked at the legs this morning and they are certainly not beefy.

datlas 

I suspect it can be done. I am just not crafty enough to build my own.