Rollers vs. Turbo Trainers
Discussion
I've never used either but I'm thinking of using some during the winter months. The more natural riding look of the rollers appeals but wondered if anyone could share their experiences of using them please?
I'm not that interested in the resistance changes in the TurboTrainer, just something to put some miles on when the weather is really bad.
I'm not that interested in the resistance changes in the TurboTrainer, just something to put some miles on when the weather is really bad.
Rollers are marginally less w
ky/boring than turbo due to the extra concentration/effort needed to stay upright. May also benefit bike handling slightly. But being indoor training, it’s still st and boring.
Turbos are IME better for utterly beasting yourself doing specific training/intervals etc. Just don’t spend too long on them else you’ll be “holding” lines in a group like a triathlete. But being indoor training, it’s still st and boring.
The obvious answer is get both. Always going on eBay.
ky/boring than turbo due to the extra concentration/effort needed to stay upright. May also benefit bike handling slightly. But being indoor training, it’s still st and boring.Turbos are IME better for utterly beasting yourself doing specific training/intervals etc. Just don’t spend too long on them else you’ll be “holding” lines in a group like a triathlete. But being indoor training, it’s still s
t and boring.The obvious answer is get both. Always going on eBay.
Never used rollers but used a Wahoo Kickr turbo with Zwift for a couple of years. I use it 2-3 per week from roughly October through to March. I don't follow any structured training as I prefer joining live races - compared to my old basic turbo where I'd be staring at a wall, or at best watching a move/YouTube, these races are so much more engaging. Of course I'd rather be outside, but have no fancy for riding in the cold and dark after work. An hour on the turbo gives you such a good workout and keeps your fitness topped up over winter.
I have been feeling of colour for a few weeks, so used rollers last Sunday and Turbo during the week.
I do like rollers good fun and 1 hr is plenty, I find NP of 230 equates to fairly high cadence of 52-11.
Turbo is a fluid 2, I managed a 265w for 40mins using Bkool, strange as 12% on screen is 90rpm 52-16.
I fancy a kickr so that I can use a more suitable gear for high % as at the moment it isn't realist, better rollers with resistance would be best in theory they do 350/400w which should be plenty!
Maybe get the kickr and look out for smart rollers. Or just get the smart rollers as they are more fun.
Strangely I went into my LBS today, tried out a neon wearing jeans. Couldn't manage more than 700w out on the road a 900w 10s effort isn't that hard. Certainly makes mes think you don't need the top 2000-2500w TTs.
I do like rollers good fun and 1 hr is plenty, I find NP of 230 equates to fairly high cadence of 52-11.
Turbo is a fluid 2, I managed a 265w for 40mins using Bkool, strange as 12% on screen is 90rpm 52-16.
I fancy a kickr so that I can use a more suitable gear for high % as at the moment it isn't realist, better rollers with resistance would be best in theory they do 350/400w which should be plenty!
Maybe get the kickr and look out for smart rollers. Or just get the smart rollers as they are more fun.
Strangely I went into my LBS today, tried out a neon wearing jeans. Couldn't manage more than 700w out on the road a 900w 10s effort isn't that hard. Certainly makes mes think you don't need the top 2000-2500w TTs.
Had the same thoughts a few years back. Decided against Rollers as it's more difficult to run a specific programme. In the end I got a Cycleops Fluid Turbo. (I also got the front wheel riser) It's "automatic" in that the harder you pedal the harder it gets. IIRC It was £280ish but I think its cheaper now) Whereas cheapy ones have that cable and adjustable resistance thing.
Seems that now a days most prefer to bolt onto a cassette on the trainer itself. Which makes them quieter than the old tyre on a roller job (mine does squeak/scraping noise! a lot)
As above, if you just get on and pedal you can watch TV or listen to something. But I used mine with a specific training plan. I feel they work. But like all tools, it's no good if you don't have a plan.
I looked at Zwift and a controlled one. It's a lot of outlay, so I can't afford to drop a grand (plus a TV) on the setup. I don't think I'd use it in a way to make the most of it tbh
Seems that now a days most prefer to bolt onto a cassette on the trainer itself. Which makes them quieter than the old tyre on a roller job (mine does squeak/scraping noise! a lot)
As above, if you just get on and pedal you can watch TV or listen to something. But I used mine with a specific training plan. I feel they work. But like all tools, it's no good if you don't have a plan.
I looked at Zwift and a controlled one. It's a lot of outlay, so I can't afford to drop a grand (plus a TV) on the setup. I don't think I'd use it in a way to make the most of it tbh
Rich_W said:
Had the same thoughts a few years back. Decided against Rollers as it's more difficult to run a specific programme. In the end I got a Cycleops Fluid Turbo. (I also got the front wheel riser) It's "automatic" in that the harder you pedal the harder it gets. IIRC It was £280ish but I think its cheaper now) Whereas cheapy ones have that cable and adjustable resistance thing.
Seems that now a days most prefer to bolt onto a cassette on the trainer itself. Which makes them quieter than the old tyre on a roller job (mine does squeak/scraping noise! a lot)
As above, if you just get on and pedal you can watch TV or listen to something. But I used mine with a specific training plan. I feel they work. But like all tools, it's no good if you don't have a plan.
I looked at Zwift and a controlled one. It's a lot of outlay, so I can't afford to drop a grand (plus a TV) on the setup. I don't think I'd use it in a way to make the most of it tbh
I have the same TT as you, used it with TrainerRoad last year (earlier this year!) I am finding it had to justify a load of money on a clever TT, may just cope with what I have and get some new wheels. Seems that now a days most prefer to bolt onto a cassette on the trainer itself. Which makes them quieter than the old tyre on a roller job (mine does squeak/scraping noise! a lot)
As above, if you just get on and pedal you can watch TV or listen to something. But I used mine with a specific training plan. I feel they work. But like all tools, it's no good if you don't have a plan.
I looked at Zwift and a controlled one. It's a lot of outlay, so I can't afford to drop a grand (plus a TV) on the setup. I don't think I'd use it in a way to make the most of it tbh
Rollers are useful for aerobic adaption training (e.g. Maffetone or Jo Friel's E2 workout) whereby you just want to maintain constant power or HR for an hour or two.
It's probably a bit pointless and stupid but I have my TT bike set up in the turbo trainer and right next to it my road bike on the rollers. To make things a bit more fun I ride on the rollers for an hour, then quickly jump onto the turbo for 2x20 min sweet spot efforts and then back to the rollers for another 30-60 mins.
I find an all out two hour slog indoors on one bike/indoor trainer type mind crushingly boring!
It's probably a bit pointless and stupid but I have my TT bike set up in the turbo trainer and right next to it my road bike on the rollers. To make things a bit more fun I ride on the rollers for an hour, then quickly jump onto the turbo for 2x20 min sweet spot efforts and then back to the rollers for another 30-60 mins.
I find an all out two hour slog indoors on one bike/indoor trainer type mind crushingly boring!
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