Rollers vs. Trainers
 

I see a lot of people in here who talk about their rollers. Why do you prefer those over trainers or what's the difference? I understand on rollers you are more free so you have to stay balanced and what not but is that the only difference?

I am a little jealous of people with rollers. This might go in a different forum though.

Yeah I understand it doesn't have much to do with fixed gear bikes, but I see a lot of people mention them in this forum.

Very true. I am curious myself. I have several friends who have used them but I myself never have. :)

Rollers feel like riding and requires some form attention whereas trainers don't.... though when it comes time to race ON rollers I'll take the trainer thanks.

I feel like they both have their own purposes. If you want to ride indoors, use rollers. Pro racers use trainers before races to get their bike legs warmed up.

Last you want to do is crash on your rollers in front of all your competitors, you'd NEVER live it down.....ever.

Yeah, but you can do a little hop off the rollers and just ride up to the starting line without unclipping like a badass.

You just have to make the conscious decision to not fall. Ever.

lol, hop off like a badass, i like it.

Rollers make you a better rider, period.

riding makes you a better rider.

ah, you mean rollers make you a better rider than trainers. I would agree, but strength has a lot to do with riding, and when it comes down to it, its almost like the machine weights vs. free weights argument. A mix of both is good. Trainer focuses the motions completely on your legs pedaling, while the rollers focus on balancing and side to side motion as well.
So, it's kind of how bodybuilders use machines sometimes to focus the weight on a specific muscle, the trainer does that while the rollers are fit for a complete riding experience.

There's nothing you can do on a trainer that you can't do on rollers.

True, but they are different. Trainer is like using a leg press machine while rollers are like free squatting on a squat rack.
I googled the topic and most seem to share my thoughts.

I think thats strictly with unresisted rollers. The game is different with a resistance unit!

which ever one is cheaper is better, IMO. I'd rather spend as much duogh on my bike and have a cheap setup for when i do need to train in my apt.

Can go either way. You can buy cheapass rollers (Nashbar has a pair for $119) and you can also buy really expensive trainers like the Elite RealPower system for over $1500.

Yeah, I own two trainers actually, cause there's a nice little span of rain in Oregon that kills my motivation to cycle. But I was just seeing people's preference.

Pfft, kills your motivation? This is the NW; you have to learn to love the rain. :)










I haven't ridden my bike once this week because of all this random rain. :(

I grew up in Seattle and I don't think rain stopped me from riding once. I was carless for several years, but I digress.

Rollers have less to do with strength and more with form. They give you a good cardio workout as well.

Yeah, well im not an avid enough cyclist right now to be out in the rain. During the rainy season I have other hobbies/sports to keep me busy like weightlifting, soccer, and basketball...but If I had a road bike other than my steel fixed gear I would definitely head out in the rain.

theres a video that im trying to find but am having no luck.
it has a group of about 8 keirin racers on rollers doing sprint drills. i believe that this video will make some of the more stubborn of us change their minds and realize that rollers really are better

someone find the video please?

Both! Just use both. I can work up a sweat in 3 times as fast on rollers as I can on my jet fluid., They both have their place, puhlease. Can't we all just get along?