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Rollers or Turbo trainer?

by rbx
Fri, Jul 08, 2011 14:58
7

I'm planning to buy one to help keep me going during wet weeks like this one (and the winter). I personally prefer the freedom of rollers but think a lack of resistance might not help my already poor climbing ability.

Any suggestions on which one should I go for? Any specific models to suggest?

Cheers!

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7 comments

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Squiggle | 13 years ago
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Rollers every time! 3 inch drums give enough resistance and if you need more there are add ons you can buy. If you can't stay upright watching TV after a week then you shouldn't be riding a bike! 16

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Gkam84 | 13 years ago
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Right just from what i've seen on ebay, both seem to hold their value alright, but trainers attract more bids

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rbx | 13 years ago
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Thanks for the suggestions.

Lost quite a few days in last 2 weeks when the showers and/or thunder kept me in.

With the added nuisance of TdF broadcast taking up time in middle of the day, been thinking of continuing to train indoors.

The key criteria of difference I've figured so far between rollers & turbos:

1. Resistance: Turbos give lots of options while Rollers are practically riding on flats.
2. Stability of the turbos V/s rollers giving a full body workout
3. Noise: Mech turbos > rollers = mag turbos > fluid turbos
4. Cost: Fluid turbos > rollers > mag / mech turbos

Personally I like rollers. Just not sure about them on the noise & resistance front.

Anyone know how is the resale value of rollers? (in case I don't like them) 3

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Gkam84 | 13 years ago
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I normally only hit the rollers through the winter when the snow gets to around a foot high, otherwise i'm on the bike

But just this week the rain has been stupidly random, one min its sunny, the next you cant see your front wheel for the down pour, so its handy if you get stuck like that, turn back and know you can finish off your ride in the dry

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zzgavin | 13 years ago
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I've been looking at getting the cycleops aluminium rollers and the optional mag resistance, as I find my (old, bit knackered) turbo quite dull.
http://www.cycleops.com/en/products/rollers.html (iirc evans is cheapest)
However, I'd rather be out riding, they make sense for darker evenings.

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Mariachi | 13 years ago
1 like

Buy a rain coat and man up 4

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Gkam84 | 13 years ago
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Depending on your budget i would get a mag or gel trainer

I have used rollers in the past but not a fan because you have to concentrate so much to stay upright, where as with trainers you can sit up to have a little rest without falling over

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