nayr497

Likely this has been discussed in some form at some point, either briefly, or at length. Either way, I'll ask away and suffer the consequences.

I recently moved from a mild-winter climate to a long-winter climate. I'd like to keep pedaling throughout the snow, so am going to invest in a roller/trainer to keep at it.

I'll be using both a road bike and a fixed gear on the rig. I've been doing some reading about the pros/cons of each system. Does anyone have experience/opinions/advice?

I guess I'd like to obviously decide between rollers versus trainers, then hear anything on good brands/models folks have used. Money is a consideration, but I'm always willing to pay a bit more for high quality and something that will last.

Thanks.

BadAssBiker

Rollers will keep your mind active on your biking. Trainer if you just want to hammer and watch TV.

Most will say they ride year round. I bought some rollers recently. 109 on sale from performance, I dig them.

Dead Roman

Ive got rollers. Ive gotta say, both methods suck. Only difference is that you can crash rollers.

Aeroplane

Get a beater, ride the roads. Or the trails for ultra-fun.

Scott V

Here's an option "C" you might consider, how about a spinner? I bought a Schwinn Johnny G spinner off craigslist a few months back to train on when the weather is bad or if I'm short on time, I like that it's always there ready to go, zero set-up. It's more or less a fixed gear arrangement; it feels more like riding than a typical exercise bike.

dirtyphotons

under armour

RandyDCR

I was going to post this exact post today....

except that I didn't move to that climate. I'm thinking a trainer so that I can read or watch tv while putting in mileage.

The spinner idea sounds good..I just don't know if I have the space for one.

shishi

trainer is easy, BORING, and brainless. If you want to watch TV or dig tunes while you spin away a trainer will do you right. Rollers are nicer, but demand more attention.

jyossarian

Icebike.

RandyDCR

The ability to change resistance is also making me lean toward a trainer.

visitordesign

i've been using rollers since my eyesight's been messed up, i usually train at night and i can no longer see at night for a couple more weeks. i really like them. it's boring as hell, but i put on some good tunes and spin like crazy for around an hour and a half with 2 or 3 minute-long breaks to rehydrate (you sweat like a ****ing pig--to the point of leaving an actual puddle of consequence beneath you). i made a couple of attempts at trying to ride with my one more or less good eye this weekend with some friends. even after not having been on the street for a couple of weeks, i felt stronger than i did before i got this stupid virus. rollers are ok in my book.

lunacycle

I have a set of Kreitler rollers with a wind resistance unit. The wind unit provides adjustable resistance. They're really good for developing balance and smooth pedaling. I don't use them for more than 45 minutes at a time. I usually just warm up for about 10 minutes with the wind resistance belt unhooked, then hook up the belt and hammer away doing intervals for the next twenty minutes or so, and then cool down for 10 or 15 minutes. Short and sweet. I suppose a stationary trainer is more suitable for interval work, but without the need to balance I would probably lose interest very quickly.

delay

Can you even use most trainers with a track hub?

Yoshi

From what I understand you need to get an adapter, which I imagine doesn't cost that much.

nayr497

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions.

I'm a bit confused by some responses though. Don't rollers allow you to set the resistance by changing gears on your bike (if on a road bike)? Or, can you only change resistance on a trainer?

It sounds as if I'd need an adapter to use a trainer with my fixed gear. That makes me lean towards the rollers, which I was already leaning towards due to the need to stay alert and pay attention.

I have a winter bike, but winters around here can mean pretty harsh cold and some serious snow. I don't mind cold, but if there is snow I'd rather go skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. I'd prefer true winter sports to cycling in the winter, but don't want to put my bicycles on ice completely!

BadAssBiker...can you tell me what model you got? I'd be happy to pay that amount for a nice model.

thanks!

visitordesign

i can't remember which trainer i got for my girlfriend, but it was track nut friendly out of the box.

BadAssBiker

Here, and I think they are cheaper then when I got 'em. Check for coupon codes and you might be able to get 10 more percent off. I think the oversized shipping was 26 bucks.

dutret

Most will clamp on to a track nuts better then most quick releases. If you have IRO hubs or something with excessively long axles it may be a problem though.


Indeed you can adjust resistance this way. Alot of trainers don't even have resistance adjustment.


Time on trainers or rollers is best spent doing intervals. It keeps it interesting and you can really focus on the work without worrying about distractions or interruptions. Save long steady rides for the roads.

cabbagerwsb

You can hammer away and watch T.V. on rollers too.

nayr497

Oh yeah, and as for the "under armour" suggestion - I played outdoor sports year round for my entire life and further north of where I currently live in college and while that gear is magic, riding a bicycle in the snow and ice just isn't possible some days/weeks/months.

Not saying I'm some SuperStud, just saying cold weather doesn't bother me and that I have experienced the power of the Armour.

Also, is it just me, or do far too many middle-aged fat dudes wear Under Armour to the grocery store, out on a stroll (as if they really need it) and to the bar?

I thinking I like the sounds of rollers, since half the fun of bicycle riding is the possibility of going down should you lose respect for the machine!

humble_biker

Rollers are excellent for handling skills and aerobic work and are fun about the first three times you ride them. A trainer you can add resistance and get a "good" work out. And they're fun about the first thirty seconds. Riding is always best for the above. But rollers, if I'm not mistaken, were developed to build a killer smooth spin and pedaling style NOT for working out. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.