I'm a roller ridin' fool!

Finally got my rollers today and what a BLAST!

It only took me about four times riding off the side, and about twice falling all the way to my a$$, but after that I rode for about 45 min with just a couple breaks (I’m not in the shape I used to be). I can’t ride no handed or look around too much yet, but i’m working on it.

the 85mm drums are perfect for now while i’m just crusing, but for climbing and sprinting i’m gonna need a resistance unit.

I’m also going through with the build on the free motion unit, and have about half the parts I need. As soon as I source the channel I need to fab the frame i’ll be all set. I’ll keep everybody posted

Yeah, just got mine too. They are more fun than the trainer. It took me about 5-10 minutes to figure it out without screwing up, it was like learning to ride a bike all over again. Now to figure out a balance between the rollers and the trainer. Anyone have a recommended balance.

They are fun…don’t sweat the falling down part, just make sure you are safely away from any glass tables or windows! I’ve had rollers for about 12 years, and I still fell down riding last night. I watch movies when riding and sometimes get so absorbed in the flick I veer off the side…happened to me a couple times watching the guy ride the velodrome in The Flying Scotsman!

I’m getting a trainer for variety and am curious about the mix, although my hands usually get numb after 45-60 minutes riding rollers and I don’t expect much difference on the trainer. I use a road and mtn bike on the rollers to get in a longer workout.

Cool! Just remember to ride them facing the right way! Can’t remember who it was, but a female ST’er had a funny thread last year about how she kept falling off the rollers and she didn’t realize there was a front and a back!

Finally got my rollers today and what a BLAST!

It only took me about four times riding off the side, and about twice falling all the way to my a$$, but after that I rode for about 45 min with just a couple breaks (I’m not in the shape I used to be). I can’t ride no handed or look around too much yet, but i’m working on it.

the 85mm drums are perfect for now while i’m just crusing, but for climbing and sprinting i’m gonna need a resistance unit.

I’m also going through with the build on the free motion unit, and have about half the parts I need. As soon as I source the channel I need to fab the frame i’ll be all set. I’ll keep everybody posted
What rollers did you buy? Also can you tell me more about the “free Motion Unit”?

Thanks,
Sonny

Another quick question about rollers…are they easier on a bike than a trainer? It seems the train put a lot of pressure on the frame it wouldn’t see in a free state? My training bike makes a lot more creaking noises on the trainer than when I ride it outright??? Do you guys do any of the Spinnerval work outs while on the rollers?

Thanks,
Sonny

Rollers definitely are the way to go. I have been riding my Kreitlers for years and they definitely help your pedaling style. I would recommend the Killer Headwind fan unit if you can attach it to your set (not sure what brand you have). I sometimes drift off while I am riding only to look down and see that I am milimeters from coming off and then try stick my opposite hand to move the bike slightly in the opposite direction. Excellent for bike handling skills and if you become a convert to PowerCranks…nothing more fun then a hard workout on the rollers with a PC-equipped bike. Happy riding

Chris

I bought the cheapest rollers I coudl find, which actually came in and were alot nicre than expected. They are the Nashbar Reduced radius rollers and have Aluminum drums.

The free motion unit is a frame that you build to let the rollers float back and forth as you surge forward and ease back. the idea was first marketed by inside ride and I’ve seen a coulpe pair of home made versions that seem to work just as well without the $800 price tag.

So far I’m out a total of $123 for the rollers, shipping, wheels for the rollers and the hardware I need to attach them. Now I just need to find the aluminium channeling and I’ll be all set.

I’m 2 months into the roller experience. I ride in a doorway so I have something to balance against if I start to go sideways. The last time I got on them, I tried the aero position–without much sustained success. Is it possible to ride in aero-position on these things?

Thanks for the info guys…I’m going to look at a set I found on craigslist this morning :slight_smile:

Sonny
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Aero roller riding should be easy. But, you must be set up properly.

The axle of your front wheel should be almost directly over the axle of the front roller. If your front wheel is too far behind or in front of the roller you will find it very hard to ride.

David K

That was kittycat …

:wink:

Good for you. Welcome to the roller rider club. It will help your pedaling efficiency tremendously.

I just got off my rollers after a 90 minute ride.

A friend’s brother died a few years ago. He was a long time cyclist and racer, training in his basement in the Michigan winter. Apparently, he fell from his rollers and his arm went through a french door and lacerated his subclavian artery and he bled to death. He was home alone at the time. So, yes, stay away from glass stuff.

Holy crap, really! Man, what a horrible find for his family.

Cool! Just remember to ride them facing the right way! Can’t remember who it was, but a female ST’er had a funny thread last year about how she kept falling off the rollers and she didn’t realize there was a front and a back!

oh god. that was me! after those shenanigans, i sold the infernal things to another poor soul. lol. :slight_smile:

an yeah, everybody stay away from the glass, seriously, accidents can EASILY happen on rollers (even to the most skilled roller rider).

What did you end up doing with your mt. bike?

What did you end up doing with your mt. bike?
i still have it and rode it once. it’s not bad! when the weather lightens up, i’ll hop on again. :slight_smile:

that was very funny

Thom
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I thought kittycats always land on their feet when they fall. :wink: