Rollers
 

What does a roller do? how does it work? looking at the pictures always confused me.

Seriously?

You put your bike on the rollers and ride. The rear wheel goes on the two rollers that are closest together and the front wheel rides on the single roller in front. The wheels spin and so do the rollers, which are connected with a band to make the front roller spin at the same rate as the rear.

I'm sure someone here can explain this better or even post a picture demonstrating it.

PJ

Here is a letter from Road Bike Ride Publishing on this subject:

Rollers or Stationary Trainer?

Question: Now that it's getting dark so early, I'm thinking a lot more about riding inside. Would a set of rollers be better than a stationary trainer? I've heard there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
-- Tim R.

Coach Fred Replies: The "rollers vs. trainers" question is a real quandary. But if I could buy just
one indoor training device, I'd definitely get a good fluid trainer.

A model that clamps the bike by the rear dropouts and leaves the front wheel on is much less likely to stress the frame than a model that clamps the front fork and bottom bracket. That's the original design, which thankfully is rarely seen today.

The advantage of a trainer is the great pedaling resistance it can produce. With good ones you can dial up 700+ watts. And because you don't have to think about balance, you can crank yourself blind without losing control, if that's what your training program calls for.

Of course, with the trainer you lose the biggest advantage of rollers -- developing a smooth, even pedal stroke. (Rollers are in effect a treadmill for your bike. You ride on three spinning cylinders with nothing holding you up but your balance.)

On a trainer, though, you can do one-leg pedaling drills that may be even more effective for developing a smooth stroke than riding on rollers.

Also keep this in mind: Current studies show that great riders produce most of their pedaling power on the downstroke. They stomp hard, and smoothness has little to do with it. But being smooth does help increase endurance at a moderate power level.

As for balance and bike handling, I think they're better developed with drills done outside on a grassy field, by riding singletrack or with cyclocross.

The ideal for an inside cycling program would be to have both a trainer and rollers. But if you can buy just one, I recommend a trainer.
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If after reading the above you decide on a trainer then read this:

On forums such as this one, I found consistently that the Cyclops brand was mentioned the most and the Fluid 2 was the preferred model. So I went to an LBS and tested 4 of their models, and one Minoura with the rim drive.

The cheapest Cyclops was the Wind, which I immediately did not like due to high noise and unnatural road feel, and the max work out watts level was low at 150. The next was the Magnetic, again a bit loud, did not feel natural and the max watts level was around 250. Next was the Magneto, this one was quiet, felt natural with excellent wattage ramping the faster the rear wheel goes, and was rated at 450 watts max; this is a best buy model for most riders. The next and most expensive (excluding the computer trainer) is the Fluid 2, same results as the Magneto but with a max wattage rating of 750. Keep in mind that Lance Armstrong can do about 705 watts consistently for up to an hour, just to put things into perspective for you on this watts thing. I opted for the Fluid 2 (but probably should have gotten the Magneto), thinking that I could eventually grow more into it then I would with the Magneto. The Minoura I didn't like the feel of if as much as the Magneto or the Fluid 2...but better than the Wind or Magnet, but a bit louder then the Magneto or the Fluid 2.

If you’re not training for racing and just want to maintain your physical shape when you can't ride outdoors, I strongly recommend the Magneto, it cost about $210 whereas the Fluid will cost about $260. If you do a web search you should be able to find it cheaper.

All Cyclops have a lifetime warranty, comes with a spare skewer (so you don't mar you good one), and a training video.

You may have to buy a front wheel stand but they only cost $15. The wheel stand allow the front wheel to be more stable PLUS you can put it on top a concrete block set your wheel into it and simulate hill climbing. You’re also going to need a fan to blow head on to you for sweat control and entertainment because indoor riding is BORING!

thanks

Rollers are great, just be careful though.

is it really hard, it seems it if your are not attached to anything

it's not hard if you start off doing it in a doorway so when you start to list one way or the other you can just put your arm out. eventually you will move out of the doorway

that's true, stay close to a wall or doorway in the beginning. Even after years of doing this I still need to be close to a wall. Good luck and enjoy a great workout.