Turbo or Rollers

[JCloudy]

Been looking for a while at getting either rollers or a turbo trainer for use when the weather doesn't permit. I have read mixed reviews about the benefits of turbos vs the more "real experience" on rollers.

Anyone got any thoughts or experiences to help me decide? If it makes a difference I am looking to do it for weight loss and conditioning for a number of rides next summer (London > Brighton & London > Southend)

Cheers and Hello!!

J

 

[accountantpete]

Not used rollers(the thought of falling off) but I had a go on a Turbo about 10 years ago and it was awful.

Recently got a modern turbo and it is a great deal better and would recommend them.

Two specific points - they are boring so I wouldn't envisage you using them sufficiently to bring about weight loss to any serious degree (apart from water loss due to sweating!) and they don't fully replicate going up hills so you will need some road work to keep that aspect in trim.

 

[JCloudy]

I totally agree, and maybe I wasn't clear with my original post. My situation is currently that I commute to work approx 20 miles per day then look to get out at the weekend for at least 40 miles if not more, but with forecasts of snow on the way I don't want to risking damaging my bike or more importantly me! So I am looking for what is the best alternative.

After reading some more most people suggest that rollers are better as you have to ride the bike, rather than being in a fixed bracket. This (apparently) improves balance, and "form". This is only from what I have read and hence I am curious if anyone has any actual experiences with either or both who might be able to shed some light.

Thanks for the info though, and I am well prepared for the expected boredom!

 

[AlanW]

I totally agree, and maybe I wasn't clear with my original post. My situation is currently that I commute to work approx 20 miles per day then look to get out at the weekend for at least 40 miles if not more, but with forecasts of snow on the way I don't want to risking damaging my bike or more importantly me! So I am looking for what is the best alternative.

After reading some more most people suggest that rollers are better as you have to ride the bike, rather than being in a fixed bracket. This (apparently) improves balance, and "form". This is only from what I have read and hence I am curious if anyone has any actual experiences with either or both who might be able to shed some light.

Thanks for the info though, and I am well prepared for the expected boredom!

Well, see my other post in this section!

IMHO, turbo trainers are great if you wish to train at or in a specific level HR level. The down side with them is that are indeed mind numbingly boring! But a little bit of music and also the right mental approach makes them just about bearable. Unless you pay a decent amount of money for one, they are not that realistic to riding on the road.

Rollers on the other hand are more about balance and bike control, boring they are NOT! You have to maintain your concentration all on the time otherwise you'll be sat on the floor looking up!!! Much more realistic to riding on the road and the larger the diameter of the rollers the better the feel is.

 

[screenman]

I had both for many years I now only own the CS-1000 which I feel is a great piece of kit. I found the rollers a bit more exciting but none the less they were not as comfortable, with the turbo it is easier to shift around a bit and the out of the saddle work is safer. The CS-1000 will certainly give you a hill work out as will most turbo's that are adjustable.

Now this is just my opinion and I am sure others who have used both for a good while of time may have gone the other way.

 

[Will1985]

Both - they serve different purposes with regards to training.

+1 on AlanW's post for explanations. In terms of pre-race warm ups, there is a reason why time triallists use turbos while roadies and trackies use rollers.
If you are looking to develop strength, I feel that only turbos can truly offer this as it is difficult to hold a high power on the rollers unless you have an enormous gear. If I only used rollers over the inevitable snowy winter I'm sure my sustained power outputs for 5, 10, 20 and 60 minutes would not be as high as a training plan with some turbo.

FWIW I use both - turbo for specific power sessions and testing protocols; rollers for recovery, getting the legs turning, heart pumping, and my body alert.