since this is a roller thread, I have a question. I once saw a video where there were two guys side by side (each on their own set of rollers) sprinting like mad to demonstrate some roller that you were not able to ‘ride off’. although I’m sure that I could still FALL off these things it appeard that the rollers had little wheels mounted at the sides of the front roller to bump you back on if you got into trouble.
Was this just a specific brand, or is that an add on that you could mount on any roller system?
since this is a roller thread, I have a question. I once saw a video where there were two guys side by side (each on their own set of rollers) sprinting like mad to demonstrate some roller that you were not able to ‘ride off’. although I’m sure that I could still FALL off these things it appeard that the rollers had little wheels mounted at the sides of the front roller to bump you back on if you got into trouble.
Was this just a specific brand, or is that an add on that you could mount on any roller system?
Not sure if they are the ones you are talking about but the Elite Ghibli rollers have parabolic curves on the end of the drums that push you back into the middle. Have never tried them but considered buying a set. Went for a Tacx model in the end as it offered the option of adding a resistance unit at some point in the future if I find the workouts getting too easy. After 2 weeks I can go for 30+ minutes before things start getting uncomfortable (not confident enough to move around much yet) but still have a few gears in hand before I consider adding more resistance!
I bought the same set (Tacx), and I also had the idea of adding resistance later on in mind, but instead decided to go with a trainer and just use the roller for form workout.
They are the E-Motion rollers made by the people who created the Inside Ride, an indoor cycling treadmill. The rollers look nice but are pretty expensive, heavier and would require more storage space since they don’t fold up. It took me a while before I was comfortable sprinting on normal rollers. I think that my accelleration when out of the saddle on rollers is a little more gradual than on a normal road but it can be done.
A good way to work your way up to sprinting would be to pedal while standing up for short periods of time. Your balance point changes a little when you’re out of the saddle. Also, it would depend on what type of rollers you have as the large drums like the Kreitler Challengers probably wouldn’t provide enough resistance without the add-on fan or flywheel attachments.
Have a few beers while riding, or better yet, put some good Whisky n your Camelbak, then call the dog over when your ready to dismount. LOL.
The trick is to put on some warm cloths, foot warmers, etc. and get out and ride your bike outside.
I am sure the ST “Dweeb Crew” will chime in with some contraption they have/will scientifically test as nauseum for us but it comes down to one thing, train inside and you are forever a winter wimp or ride outside and your forever an athlete.
I live in the Catskill Mountain area of NY state, ride outdoors down to well below zero. Never had a problem with my feet, bike, or anything else.
IMHO, rollers are like training wheels. I have tried them and find them unimpressive.
Maybe Paulo can call the Great Sergio and we can engage in an endless and mindless debate on power, wats, HRM, et. al. LOL
you sothern NY folks ain’t got a clue about cold weather .
big talk about riding in cold weather.
us nothern NY riders ice bike all year round
thats right the ice never melts up in the north
your anti roller rant just ain’t a going to stop me from riding them rollers
and a good wine skin is great for a long ride on the st lawerence river in the dead of winter.
You made me laugh silly, I tell you. Being from Chicago where our winters are colder than NY and we get more snow, you really made me grin. And as for snow not melting in Nothern NY, where are you? On the summit of Mt. Marcy?
Having done the Mt. Washington (NH) hill climb, I bet you bandit that road in the dead of winter, right? 200mph winds, ice, blizzard, at night with your headlamp?
Have some more wine, sit on your “rollers” and ride, ride, ride!
Take one of your worn out tires, cut it in half, then tape the tire to the frame of the roller (on the opposite side of the band). This will give you a nice non-slip surface to step on when you are getting started. It also adds a bit of height to the roller’s frame.
After that, just go for it. If you are really comfortable riding the rollers in the door frame (and can ride single legged), you will be fine for starting up. For stopping, just coast, when your wheel is close to stopping, clip out and step off. You will find you lean your weight slightly to the side to which you are clipping out.
After that, you get to start playing stupid roller tricks… no hands, one leg anyone?
