edindave
Über Member
- Location
- Auld Reeker
People often ask about indoor trainers so I thought I’d share my initial experience with rollers.
The main reasons I had for choosing rollers were to improve my pedaling efficiency and balance on the bike. The challenge of staying upright was also part of the appeal, and if it helps build core strength then that’s an added bonus. I also like the fact that rollers don't need a training tyre so the bike is always ready to go without the hassle of changing rear wheel/tyre.
To help make the decision between rollers v turbo, I trawled the Internet and got some good advice from friends, most of who thought a turbo was a better idea in order to build power using the variable resistance.
I also tried to put myself off rollers by watching YouTube crash videos – this one was my favourite.
After looking at various types I decided on CycleOps Aluminium rollers, as they have an optional resistance unit that I plan to add at some point in the future. This also reduced the argument for a turbo trainer, at least in terms of resistance training.
I set up the rollers in our back hall/utility room, in easy reach of a wall on one side and a worktop on the other.
First go - it feels like learning to ride a bike again, except on ice! Took me about 20 mins to let go of the worktop. It was as if I was being prevented from letting go by some psychological reflex, my brain convinced that a stationary bike would not stay upright! I think this is the biggest hurdle, persuading the brain that the bike is actually moving.
I eventually got moving and very quickly discovered that the slightest move of my upper body had me sliding all over the place. Even thinking about changing hand positions had the wheels skating about.
Day 2 - it took me a few mins to let go ofthe worktop. The self-preservation reflex had kicked in again! Once I got going and relaxed a little it was fine. I even managed to wipe the sweat from my nose without sliding off the edge, and can change hand positions with a lot less sideways movement. Still couldn’t adjust my sitting position on the saddle though, so after 10 miles I was feeling slightly numb in a certain area.
Day 4 – I could now shift slightly in the saddle without becoming a YouTube roller-crash statistic. This will make a big difference to the ride comfort and length of time I can spend on the rollers.
Today is Day 5 and so far I’ve done appx 10miles a day on the rollers, without coming off I’m surprised and pleased to add.
All in all it has been a positive experience so far. My confidence is growing and I’m looking forward to using them during the winter months.
The main reasons I had for choosing rollers were to improve my pedaling efficiency and balance on the bike. The challenge of staying upright was also part of the appeal, and if it helps build core strength then that’s an added bonus. I also like the fact that rollers don't need a training tyre so the bike is always ready to go without the hassle of changing rear wheel/tyre.
To help make the decision between rollers v turbo, I trawled the Internet and got some good advice from friends, most of who thought a turbo was a better idea in order to build power using the variable resistance.
I also tried to put myself off rollers by watching YouTube crash videos – this one was my favourite.
After looking at various types I decided on CycleOps Aluminium rollers, as they have an optional resistance unit that I plan to add at some point in the future. This also reduced the argument for a turbo trainer, at least in terms of resistance training.
I set up the rollers in our back hall/utility room, in easy reach of a wall on one side and a worktop on the other.
First go - it feels like learning to ride a bike again, except on ice! Took me about 20 mins to let go of the worktop. It was as if I was being prevented from letting go by some psychological reflex, my brain convinced that a stationary bike would not stay upright! I think this is the biggest hurdle, persuading the brain that the bike is actually moving.
I eventually got moving and very quickly discovered that the slightest move of my upper body had me sliding all over the place. Even thinking about changing hand positions had the wheels skating about.
Day 2 - it took me a few mins to let go ofthe worktop. The self-preservation reflex had kicked in again! Once I got going and relaxed a little it was fine. I even managed to wipe the sweat from my nose without sliding off the edge, and can change hand positions with a lot less sideways movement. Still couldn’t adjust my sitting position on the saddle though, so after 10 miles I was feeling slightly numb in a certain area.
Day 4 – I could now shift slightly in the saddle without becoming a YouTube roller-crash statistic. This will make a big difference to the ride comfort and length of time I can spend on the rollers.
Today is Day 5 and so far I’ve done appx 10miles a day on the rollers, without coming off I’m surprised and pleased to add.
All in all it has been a positive experience so far. My confidence is growing and I’m looking forward to using them during the winter months.
