I enjoy my Kreitler Rollers whenever I can't ride outside.

I dunno....I've never really had to "practice" spinning....it's always just come fairly naturally to me, and that's going back to my teenage years. I look at indoor training as a way to maintain/build fitness when I can't ride outside. I could care less about any other aspect, since that's not what I use it for. I'm not saying that I'm right....but if I want to work on bike handling or whatever...I'll do that outside. If other people want to do things differently, more power to 'em.

As many have pointed out, they both have their pluses.....but for me, there's no question. Besides, I've had some longer trainer sessions (3+ hours) last winter where I'm sure I would've at least totally spaced out and have flown off the bike a few times if I had rollers :).

So here is a monkey wrench to throw in.

What about rollers. And then getting a resistance unit and a fork stabilizer (I have rollers, Fork stabilizer and resistance + rollers would be about equal to a higher end trainer). Sorta best of both worlds. Secondary benefit that the rollers would be easier on my back tire?

-D

Ouch ! :eek:
By that I meant increasing my average cadence....
Everyone here on BF seems to be able to "spin" all day long at 95-125 rpms with no problems.....
Oh yeah ? Not me.....but that will be this year's Winter training goal. :rolleyes:

Thanks for all the great info, love the video, now I am more confused than ever :lol:

A good set of rollers with a resistance unit should allow you to hit your LT wattage and then a good amount more. During the winter, I'm personally going to be doing 1 set of 2x20 a week, and maybe, MAYBE some 5minute reps at 120-30% of that. Most of the rest of it will be 60%, nice and constant.

I personally don't plan on burying myself and passing out on the trainer/rollers this winter. I plan on being in great base and LT shape come February, and letting racing take care of the rest. I'll be working for the team so it's not imperative that my sprint be at an all time high.

Very good design Derek! From looking at the video I'm wondering if stretchier bungees or actual metal springs would do a better job. Under some conditions your bungees would buckle. I think light steel springs would probably work the best.

And... I can't help wondering if something like two dimensional float would work even better...

Yeah...once I get past 130-140 rpms, I can get a little bouncy, but I don't typically ride at those rpms....only if I decide to spin out my 50x12 on some of the bigger downhill runs around here.

Usually 95-105 is pretty "comfortable" for me.