Trainer vs. Rollers

[Roo]

Dead of winter here and missing the cardio I get from biking...

what are anyones thoughts on a roller system vs. a stationary trainer?

Will only be used maybe 4 months out of the year when there is snow on the trails...

i have both a road bike and mountain bike.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Rollers are best. But dangerous as hell if you come off.

 

[FyrHazard]

My dad trains all winter on rollers. Has a tv setup with helmet cam vids of the trails he rides in the summer. He races recumbants though, so not so far to fall if you come off the rollers.

 

[Endo]

Subscribing. I've been looking around myself. I like the idea of a stand/rollers, but there are several options and price ranges. Hydraulic, magnetic, air, flywheel size.....

 

[McDog]

I hate trainers. I just assume run or use a elliptical. Better yet, ride in the snow. It's fun.

 

[Roo]

I hate trainers. I just assume run or use a elliptical. Better yet, ride in the snow. It's fun.

my problem is i don't get out of work until 6pm - it is pitch black.

the only riding i have around here is trail riding / state parks (which i am very fortunate to have many around actually). i can't justify the big $$$ for a head lamp that will light the trails up...

plus i'll admit, it is VERY hard to get motivated to ride when there is snow and it is cold out.

 

[McDog]

Winter sucks. I wouldn't ride at night in the snow either. At least not on a regular basis. I might try it once.

 

[SuperJETT]

snow:
[video=vimeo;8299040]http://vimeo.com/8299040[/video]

 

[sportfish258]

Go for rollers and get your self some slickers if your on a mountain bike. You will at least be developing some handling skills. It's tedious at first , but after a few sessions you will be fine . Nothing like being locked in and having a high speed wreck in the privacy of you own living room .

 

[Sospikey]

I've been down that road. It takes will power for sure. The rollers are a handfull at first, gets better. The trainer is more easy. They are both a bit noicy, think about it if you live in a flat. You will sweat your a$$ off, rig towels if you care about your bike (and floor). Nowadays I rather go to spinning classes. You have some company, and if lucky, a really nice view.:cheer2:

 

[Flash-FX]

Go for rollers and get your self some slickers if your on a mountain bike. You will at least be developing some handling skills. It's tedious at first , but after a few sessions you will be fine . Nothing like being locked in and having a high speed wreck in the privacy of you own living room .

Ha HA, been there too. In a quest to create more "drag" on rollers, I fabbed some styrene plastic "blades" that slid between the spokes. These blades acted like a "big propeller" that made resistance by moving air. All was well for a couple of rides, until one day a blade from the front wheel decided to pop off, shoot directly back and under my back tire,slicing it(sew up tires). Well, after the instant BLOW out, control was something I didn't have....CRASH! The clipless pedals didn't help much either.

I've been down that road. It takes will power for sure. The rollers are a handfull at first, gets better. The trainer is more easy. They are both a bit noicy, think about it if you live in a flat. You will sweat your a$$ off, rig towels if you care about your bike (and floor). Nowadays I rather go to spinning classes. You have some company, and if lucky, a really nice view.:cheer2:

X-2, At least with the rollers, you improve your balance skills. Listen to Sospikey here, you will SWEAT a lot.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Roo, you can build your own lights for a fraction of what a commercial bike light kit coast. http://bikeled.org/ I built 2 of these setups each last year for about $150.00 total. They blow away any of the $300.00 light kits(each light). Night riding is a blast. Totally different. I actually prefer riding at not.

 

[tipafew]

I have a wind trainer. It is boring, but it works well. I day dream too much for rollers.