Minoura are well known for their range of indoor trainers and the LR700 Rollers are a great addition to the collection. Whether you want them to train over winter or for a pre-race warm up, these fit the bill.
The LR700 rollers have a simple design that doesn't falter on usability. With a standard three roller design, they manage to be small enough to store away at 554mm width and 766mm when compacted. They can be kept down the side of the tumble dryer, under a table or just tucked into a corner.
To get started, you need to set the wheel base (950 – 1080mm) size which allows you to pull the slider (front roller) out to the correct length. This is an easy thing to change too, if you are using the rollers with different bikes. It only takes a couple of minutes to adjust it and set it up.
In use the rollers are very good. They have a good length to them so they feel very stable when riding. The frame is solid and feels extremely secure. The front slider is held fast (and released) using two quick release levers. Just make sure it is actually pulled evenly on both sides or riding straight can be problematic.
The rollers themselves are smooth and very quiet. Having never used any form of rollers before these (preferring a tyre drive trainer), I soon relished in the feeling of freedom rollers offer. After a few side to side scary moments, I was changing gears and not falling off. The LR700 comes with two little silicone rings that sit on the front roller to provide a wheel guide. As a first timer it wasn't much use to me, but I can see the benefits of it as something to aim for.
These rollers are a great addition to any cyclist's hoard. I am now favouring them over my trainer due to the drastic difference in noise. They are easy to set up and once you are on, you are off (so to speak). As for price, you can definitely get them cheaper than the RRP if you shop around, making them really worth the pounds.
Verdict
Rollers with low noise impact and maximum cycling benefit make these an excellent addition to your gear collection
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Minoura LR700 Rollers
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The rollers are aimed at anyone wishing to cycle indoors. The manufacturers claim that they are quiet and quick to put together. During my tests of the rollers I found all of this to be true. And the more you use them, the easier it gets.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Independent height adjusted rollers for maximizing workout
Adjustable sliding frame with QR for dialing in bike wheel base length
Memory function for quick reassembly
Horizontal bike setting for natural ride feel
Low noise and long term maintenance free roller
Silicone ring helps keep you centered on the roller
These feel solid to touch and very well made.
The rollers feel very well made and like they will last for many miles.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Overall the rollers are excellent. They are really easy to set up and use.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
I liked the quietness of the rollers, in comparison to a tyre driven trainer.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
Age: 34 Height: 158cms Weight: 61kg
I usually ride: Giant defy My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,
5 comments
Anyone have any experience of these rollers at high cadence? I'm just about to send some Tacx Antares rollers back as they vibrate...although that seems to be a known problem I've since found out.
These look much more sturdy; I'm hoping for smoothness at high RPM, anyone use them?
These look excellent, I think I would try them on the lawn first though just in case of embarrassing falling off moments!
Couldn't find many reviews, but they looked good for around £150. So I took the plunge.
I'm glad 'Made in Japan' still means something. These rollers are excellent. 5 stars. Why? :
1) immediately more stable at RPM above 110 (compared to Tacx Antares)
2) easier to roll on a at lower RPM
3) riding one handed is easier
4) came with a step so much easier to get on/off without using anything else
5) more resistance
6) quieter
Top job Minoura!
Hi ronin
Do you reckon these are quiet enough to use in an apartment block?
I'm looking for something that is not noisy (some previous rollers I've used including Cyclops with the resistance unit made a whining noise when I spinned up to a decent rpm that disturbed the neighbours!)
Cheers
Maybe they are, but I use mine in the garage, so I can't say for sure, but they are more quiet that the Tacx antares I returned before I got them.
I'm really pleased with these rollers, I can take it down to less than 50 RPM - 5-6 MPH and still control it, I'd have fallen off if I tried that on the Antares.