Question about those fancy (and pricey) e-motion rollers vs ‘normal’ rollers (like TravelTrac rollers from Performance.)
The e-motions have features that make it much easier, and safer to ride. Per their ad, most folks learn to ride it within 2minutes. This is clearly not the case for regular rollers, where it takes most folks at least 2-3 sessions, if not weeks, and some never ever getting comfortable one them.
It begs the question as to whether those e-motion rollers are offering the same technique benefits as the simple rollers. On simple rollers, you have to be careful to not veer off the side (no bumpers), worry about really smoothing about the accelerations or you’ll fly off the front, and really keep your steering midline. Those are the things that make them difficult for most folks, but to me, they’re also the components that make rollers most valuable for technique. By making those things easier (e-motions), seems like you are nullifying those technique benefits.
Just wondering. (And for the record, I’m not interested in e-motions for all-out gutbusting intervals - I’ll take a KK trainer for that, thank you very much.)
Yes, in some ways the e-motion rollers don’t force you to learn skills required by standard rollers. However, you can ride off the side even though the bumpers are there. Trust me. I know from experience (careless trying to get tube mounted bottle while watching a movie). The real difference is that the rear bumper prevents you from launching forward into your tv.
One real plus of the e-motion rollers is that you can do really hard intervals while being forced tommaintain reasonable form because you need to keep yourself upright and you’re aware of how much side-to-side movement you’re creating by stomping on the pedals. Standing is also more realistic and fun because the bike isn’t fixed.
I got my e-motion rollers two years ago. Haven’t used my kk trainer since. Also mucheasier to setup and ride and no need for a heavy skewer just for the trainer.
I have e-motion,but used Krielters before I had them. By paying attention, you can get the same benefit. You can also not pay attention too. Off season I like to do high cadence, yes the feed back is there. Also, as the other poster said, doing standing climbs the feedback is there. You can just do not have to stop every once in awhile. I never use my trainers anymore. The e-motion are really the best of both worlds. I can watch a dvd, grab the remote ect… yet turn the resistance on, or use concentration holding a perfect line. The only draw back is they do not fold up. I have a Suburu Baja, so I can throw them in the back. …No way on regular rollers could I do sustained climbs. (with the resistance) at low cadence, for more than a minute or so
You can get the feedback for technique but without the same penalty…i.e. going off. Just feel movement in the frame.
…worry about really smoothing about the accelerations or you’ll fly off the front…
You won’t fly anywhere. If you do ride off of them, you’ll stop and fall over, no matter how fast you were pedaling when you went off.