Adding resistance to rollers?
11-23-08, 05:25 PM
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Adding resistance to rollers?
Anyone know how I can add some resistance to my rollers? I haven't seen an add on on the Performance site. It's got to be fairly quiet (no loud fans) since I like to roll and watch movies/television.
I figure most rollers are about the same so there has to a company that I can buy some resistance from. There is a device by Cycleops which is made for Aluminum rollers. Anyone used it? How does it work?
I figure most rollers are about the same so there has to a company that I can buy some resistance from. There is a device by Cycleops which is made for Aluminum rollers. Anyone used it? How does it work?
Last edited by psuaero; 11-23-08 at 05:29 PM.
11-23-08, 05:29 PM
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you can get decent resistance by riding in 53/11-13... but as the guy above said... stuff a towel under one..
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11-23-08, 05:30 PM
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I think the low-rent version of resistance is simply to put a towel under the roller.
CycleOps/Sportscrafter's has a magnetic resistance unit, but I think it's pretty specific to their equipment.
I would think that any Performance roller is really someone else's (e.g., Minoura) and they make something. Unfortunately, that something is usually a wind unit.
CycleOps/Sportscrafter's has a magnetic resistance unit, but I think it's pretty specific to their equipment.
I would think that any Performance roller is really someone else's (e.g., Minoura) and they make something. Unfortunately, that something is usually a wind unit.
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11-23-08, 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by psuaero
Anyone know how I can add some resistance to my rollers? I haven't seen an add on on the Performance site. It's got to be fairly quiet (no loud fans) since I like to roll and watch movies/television.
I figure most rollers are about the same so there has to a company that I can buy some resistance from.
I figure most rollers are about the same so there has to a company that I can buy some resistance from.
11-23-08, 05:46 PM
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You guys must be stronger than me. I ride in the small ring, doing about 17-18 mph and that's enough of a workout, but it's just base work...
I think getting up towards 30 mph in the big ring should definitely be plenty of resistance when I need it.
I think getting up towards 30 mph in the big ring should definitely be plenty of resistance when I need it.
11-23-08, 05:47 PM
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you're look a little like Minoura's - they have a mag resistance conversion kit, but I'd want someone from Performance to tell me it would work first.
https://www.ibikedoyou2.com/product/W...n_Rollers.html
https://www.ibikedoyou2.com/product/W...n_Rollers.html
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11-23-08, 06:03 PM
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Tacx do a roller resistance kit. I don't know if it's specific to their rollers, though.
re: noise. Bluetooth headphones are FTW with rollers, IME.
re: noise. Bluetooth headphones are FTW with rollers, IME.
11-23-08, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Flatballer
You guys must be stronger than me. I ride in the small ring, doing about 17-18 mph and that's enough of a workout, but it's just base work...
I think getting up towards 30 mph in the big ring should definitely be plenty of resistance when I need it.
I think getting up towards 30 mph in the big ring should definitely be plenty of resistance when I need it.
11-23-08, 06:08 PM
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Your rollers must have less resistance built in than mine. I don't have a PT, but I know my power from testing, and 20 mph on my rollers feels like about 190-200W. 25 mph feels like around 250W. 15 mph is cruising along at about 125W or so.
Interesting.
Interesting.
11-23-08, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by oneradtec
Get a trainer and sell your rollers. Get a fluid version. It's quiet and has road like resistance.
11-23-08, 07:40 PM
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Don't ditch the rollers, add this LINK It works great and is pretty easy to adapt, I put one on my Kreitler 4" rollers and it's perfect now to everything from warming up to full sprints.
11-23-08, 08:21 PM
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Buy crappy tires. Going from my race tires(PR3/vittoria evo cx)to my training tires(rubino pro/gatorskins) and lowering the pressure to about 80psi adds around 60w to the effort.
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01-02-09, 02:52 PM
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Update to situation.
I took the advice of El Diablo and bought the TACX resistance unit <see his link above>. (Actually, my wife bought it for me for Xmas.) 
Maybe this information will help someone else out there make a decision. 
I haven't ridden with the resistance much but so far I'm pleased. Can't speak to durability but we'll see. Here's what I found using my PowerTapSL. I did a quick test after getting warmed up today for 40 mins. I rode 30 seconds at each level trying to hold my speed/cadence the same at each level.
Resistance: Tacx Speedmatic Magnetic Roller Unit (adjustable) on Performance Travel Trac aluminum rollers
Mounting: pretty easy, drilled out one existing hole and added one new hole (total time: <15mins.)
Tires: well used Michelin Pro Race 2s with ~100 psi
Speed: 20mph, Cadence: 90rpm, Gear: 53x19 (I think, forgot to look
)
Power without resistance: 135-140W
Level 0: 175W (lowest)
Level 1: 241W
Level 2: 277W
Level 3: 296W
Level 4: 337W
Level 5: 387W
PS: I've seen as high as 675W on another night. I had to be going like crazy (53x12, 52.6mph, 149rpm) which isn't exactly safe.
Maybe this information will help someone else out there make a decision. I haven't ridden with the resistance much but so far I'm pleased. Can't speak to durability but we'll see. Here's what I found using my PowerTapSL. I did a quick test after getting warmed up today for 40 mins. I rode 30 seconds at each level trying to hold my speed/cadence the same at each level.
Resistance: Tacx Speedmatic Magnetic Roller Unit (adjustable) on Performance Travel Trac aluminum rollers
Mounting: pretty easy, drilled out one existing hole and added one new hole (total time: <15mins.)
Tires: well used Michelin Pro Race 2s with ~100 psi
Speed: 20mph, Cadence: 90rpm, Gear: 53x19 (I think, forgot to look
)Power without resistance: 135-140W
Level 0: 175W (lowest)
Level 1: 241W
Level 2: 277W
Level 3: 296W
Level 4: 337W
Level 5: 387W
PS: I've seen as high as 675W on another night. I had to be going like crazy (53x12, 52.6mph, 149rpm) which isn't exactly safe.
Last edited by psuaero; 01-02-09 at 03:25 PM.
01-02-09, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by SpongeDad
I think the low-rent version of resistance is simply to put a towel under the roller.
CycleOps/Sportscrafter's has a magnetic resistance unit, but I think it's pretty specific to their equipment.
I would think that any Performance roller is really someone else's (e.g., Minoura) and they make something. Unfortunately, that something is usually a wind unit.
CycleOps/Sportscrafter's has a magnetic resistance unit, but I think it's pretty specific to their equipment.
I would think that any Performance roller is really someone else's (e.g., Minoura) and they make something. Unfortunately, that something is usually a wind unit.
I have the Sportcrafter magnetic unit and I've installed them on my Nashbar cheapie rollers and they work fine, no modifications were needed ! I may now add the Kreitler flywheel to help smooth out my standing intervals....
https://branfordbike.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=869
05-26-15, 12:12 PM
#20
out walking the earth
zombie bump…I just picked up a set of the new kurt kinetic rollers for warm up at races. Used them for the first time this weekend and to hit 300 watts I was cranking at 110 rpms or more in the 53x11. So now I'm asking how I can add resistance to them.
05-26-15, 03:37 PM
#21
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my old tacx rollers have a mag resistance on them. magnets and a resistance plate. i bet you could fab something up.
05-26-15, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by gsteinb
zombie bump…I just picked up a set of the new kurt kinetic rollers for warm up at races. Used them for the first time this weekend and to hit 300 watts I was cranking at 110 rpms or more in the 53x11. So now I'm asking how I can add resistance to them.
https://www.sportcrafters.com/produc...overdrive-drum
They sell just the resistance drum portion separate...
Drum width from the outside of the caps: 16 1/8" (40.96 cm)
Width required between the outer rails: 16 3/4" (42.55 cm) If the width of your rollers is less, or much wider, the drum will not work.
Axle: 3/8" fully threaded at the ends and sticks out 1 3/8" (3.49 cm). Will fit through a side rail of up to 1" (2.54 cm) width.
Drum diameter: 3 1/4" (8.26 cm) It does not matter if the other drums are slightly smaller or larger. If the other drums are significantly larger, it will not work.
Width required between the outer rails: 16 3/4" (42.55 cm) If the width of your rollers is less, or much wider, the drum will not work.
Axle: 3/8" fully threaded at the ends and sticks out 1 3/8" (3.49 cm). Will fit through a side rail of up to 1" (2.54 cm) width.
Drum diameter: 3 1/4" (8.26 cm) It does not matter if the other drums are slightly smaller or larger. If the other drums are significantly larger, it will not work.
05-26-15, 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by gsteinb
zombie bump…I just picked up a set of the new kurt kinetic rollers for warm up at races. Used them for the first time this weekend and to hit 300 watts I was cranking at 110 rpms or more in the 53x11. So now I'm asking how I can add resistance to them.
Applied Magnets ® 2" X 1" x 1" Super Strong Rare Earth Neodymium Block Magnet: Lift Magnets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
05-27-15, 05:10 AM
#24
out walking the earth
Originally Posted by Willbird
That looks like maybe the Sportcrafters resistance drum might fit. I bought the whole unit from them but I'm sure if you called them and asked they could tell you. I'd be glad to take some measurements from mine if it will help.
https://www.sportcrafters.com/produc...overdrive-drum
They sell just the resistance drum portion separate...
https://www.sportcrafters.com/produc...overdrive-drum
They sell just the resistance drum portion separate...
05-27-15, 05:11 AM
#25
out walking the earth
Originally Posted by robabeatle
For about $20, you can buy a rare earth magnet on Amazon and stick it on your frame right near the front drum, very close but not touching (assuming its aluminum). I do this with my old Krietlers and it is plenty of resistance now. Here is the one I use:
Applied Magnets ® 2" X 1" x 1" Super Strong Rare Earth Neodymium Block Magnet: Lift Magnets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Applied Magnets ® 2" X 1" x 1" Super Strong Rare Earth Neodymium Block Magnet: Lift Magnets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
