Turbo v Rollers

[paul540]

Having slid gracefully across a roundabout on my knee at the weekend thanks to a bit of black ice, I'm now thinking about getting either a turbo trainer or some rollers (not for my hair).

I'm thinking more towards getting the rollers, but wondered what people thought or had experience of?

[tonybv9]

Hi Paul,

I have tried both, and I prefer rollers. It's the real riding feel that I like about rollers, even though the learning period can be difficult.
I should say I only had an older turbo, rather than a modern fluid or computer-linked one.
For me, a downside with rollers is that out-of-the-saddle riding is impossible, so your backside can get sore. They are better for 1/2hr to 1hr sessions. They really make you concentrate on smooth pedalling though.

[allezhopper]

With rollers, can you use your normal tyres or is it better to have dedicated 'roller' tyres like it is with a turbo?

I have an old Tacx bottom-of-the-range TT with 7 indexed resistances. Not saying I don't enjoy using it but before last night the previous time it got dusted off was February, also I don't enjoy using it. Though I've now set up the Edge 500 with a simple workout with warm-up/cool-down and a variety of 1 and 2 minutes intervals linked to alert when to change resistance. That should help pass the time, plus a reasonable mix of tunes

[tonybv9]

You can use your "best" bike just as it is. The tyres don't suffer the same friction-related problems that you get with a turbo. I do put on an 11-21 cassette for the winter, so I get progressive gear changes and a big enough top gear. Some people say that you can't get the same resistance type of workout on rollers, which is true. It's still hard though, if you do it properly. 50 x 11 at 100rpm is not exactly easy.

[paul540]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. I've taken the plunge and ordered the rollers, so I'm sure there will be bruises to follow!!