CliffNY

I have a trainer but confess this stationary bike stuff is boring beyond description. I just looked at Cycle Ops rollers as an alternative. The LBS indicated these take time to learn to ride and will never be compatable with watching TV, etc - you must concentrate of on riding. Who has had experience with these roller systems? Worthwhile for cardio and muscle conditioning?

mfav7

I have both a set of rollers and a mag trainer, but I think they work well as compliments to one another.

The rollers are great for a road-like feel, improving your pedal stroke, and providing something "different". They definitely cannot provide as much resistance as a trainer, but it's not like you aren't going to get a work out. I personally just don't feel that they are very good for short duration intervals. They learning curve isn't as steep as you are led to believe. Learning in a doorway seems to be a great way to learn without any risk of falling. After doing that the first couple of times, you should be fine and able to ride without too much trouble. I disagree with your lbs about not being able to watch tv...I watched a movie this morning on the rollers and didn't have any trouble. Granted I'm fairly experienced with them, but with some practice, you should be fine.

I would still keep your trainer around. The trainer is great for shorter intervals, rides where you don't want to have to worry about balancing, and for rides where you don't want the "boys" to hurt as much.

Carbonfiberboy 

If you get rollers with a mag resistance unit like these:
https://www.sportcrafters.com/rollers.htm
you'll get a great workout and won't need your trainer at all. I don't really care for rollers without the resistance unit. Just too limiting.

I got the cheapie Performance PVC rollers with resistance unit, but they don't sell the resistance unit any more. I've used them for over 10 years with some major repairs to the cylinders, but they're still going. Best training aid ever.

Depending on your sense of balance, you'll be watching TV in a couple of months. Use a doorway and a 24" box fan set to blow on your head and torso. When you get so you can stand on them, you'll be able to easily ride for over an hour. No issues that you don't have out on the road, plus you don't have to clean your bike if it's raining and no traffic!

spunky

When I want more resistance on my rollers, I just fold up an old towel and put it under the rollers. Not very scientific in terms of accurate adjustability, but it's cheap and I can get enough resistance so that I can barely turn the pedals over if I want.