rollers or turbo trainers?

[sweetcheaks]

hi i am going to get some indoor training sorted for the colder months ahead. i really fancy the idea of using rollers as opposed to the turbo trainer. my only reason so far is that i believe the rollers require more attention therefore the hour or so wont seem as long.
am i being totally naive and can someone help point me in the right direction. thanks

 

[e-rider]

I have both, and you are correct in thinking that rollers are less painful on the mind. They are also easier on the bike (no real need for special tyres etc. and no clamping the bike in place) and easier to set-up/put away.

The turbo offers a chance to watch TV etc and to completely 'switch-off' whilst training and are good for high resistance training

Rollers take a bit of practice - 20-30 minutes should be plenty to get the hang of it depending on how smooth your natural riding style is to start with. Don't expect to do it straight away - I've never seen a first-timer just get on and ride!

I tend to favour the rollers because of ease-of-use, less boredom and no fear of frame damage - just throw the bike on and away you go. I did need a little step to get on/off mine as they are quite high off the ground (block of wood)

 

[pedalrog]

We had 5 complete novices try out rollers at our clubroom recently. All 5 mastered rollers withing 5 minutes and progressed to some pretty competitive riding in the following weeks.
I agree with tundragumski though that the turbo can be used for a hard training session and there is no need to concentrate on staying on the bike but the rollers are easier to use and contribute to bike handling skills.

 

[sweetcheaks]

great, thanks for all the advice, rollers its is then. will post how i get on later.

 

[amnesia]

great, thanks for all the advice, rollers its is then. will post how i get on later.

Good luck

I also have both and find either option a bit boring TBH... the rollers certainly keep you 'focused' though.
Still not got the cahoonas to clip in though !

 

[sweetcheaks]

that was to be my next question, do you clip in or not. watch this space.

 

[Will1985]

If you use the search, you'll find some good arguments for both. One cannot replace the other, so you really need to decide what you want to get out of it if you can only have one.

 

[amnesia]

that was to be my next question, do you clip in or not. watch this space.

Plenty of vids of what happens when you get it wrong on Youtube

 

[sparrow101]

i have a turbo would it be worth it to get rollers aswell

 

[e-rider]

i have a turbo would it be worth it to get rollers aswell

if you have the spare cash then why not - it's a different workout/experience using each of them.

 

[e-rider]

that was to be my next question, do you clip in or not. watch this space.

if you are talking about clipless pedals then of course you clip in.

Perhaps during the first 10 minutes (of your very first attmept) you might want one foot unclipped but after that just go for it.

Start off in a doorway so the walls are close both sides