Discussion
I'm looking at getting myself a roller system for the winter. I'm not really prepared to spend £150 for a new set as I don't know how I will fare learning to ride my bike whilst standing still (I have a feeling it might hurt!!).
There are second hand 'Tacx' systems around and was wondering if anyone had any experience of these older systems. I assume the conical rollers are a new addition to the design and are not on the older systems? If looked after they seem to last quite a while - I noticed some guy selling some on ebay from the ealy 90's. Any maintenace tips to keep the rollers in good shape?
Cheers
There are second hand 'Tacx' systems around and was wondering if anyone had any experience of these older systems. I assume the conical rollers are a new addition to the design and are not on the older systems? If looked after they seem to last quite a while - I noticed some guy selling some on ebay from the ealy 90's. Any maintenace tips to keep the rollers in good shape?
Cheers
No advice on what to buy second hand:-
If you can't do the balancing thing or just want to do a slog without worring about form & balance then you can get a Brace that goes on the front of the tacx antares and locks in the front fork via QR. I did this as I just couldn't get the hang of it, didn't want to then spend more money on a turbo trainer, in addition you can get resistance devices for them if your that way inclined.
Done a good few 1,000kms on mine with no maintenance other than a drop of chain oil on the roller axles.
If you can't do the balancing thing or just want to do a slog without worring about form & balance then you can get a Brace that goes on the front of the tacx antares and locks in the front fork via QR. I did this as I just couldn't get the hang of it, didn't want to then spend more money on a turbo trainer, in addition you can get resistance devices for them if your that way inclined.
Done a good few 1,000kms on mine with no maintenance other than a drop of chain oil on the roller axles.
I just got some the other day from ebay, Cycleops alloy ones with the resistance unit. I was worried about the balancing thing because I have no natural balance at all (was never able to figure out skateboards, couldn't track stand to save my life...), especially getting ones with no curve to the rollers, but I started in the hallway with a wall either side and it was literally less than a minute before I was comfortable riding on them. I still have them positioned so that there is a wall/shelf on one side of my that I can grab should anything go awry, but so far so good.
I was concerned that the resistance wouldn't be up to the job compared with a turbo, but I've been doing one of The Sufferfest videos and they hard work, even on the first of the 5 levels once you're into the high gears.
I'd say just go for it and sell them on if it doesn't work out. I'm more than happy to have gone with rollers over a turbo. I'm also looking into knocking up a DIY free motion contraption to use with them. That may also be a consideration if you're handy that way. Supposed to make them fool proof to ride on and allow proper out of the seat efforts.
I was concerned that the resistance wouldn't be up to the job compared with a turbo, but I've been doing one of The Sufferfest videos and they hard work, even on the first of the 5 levels once you're into the high gears.
I'd say just go for it and sell them on if it doesn't work out. I'm more than happy to have gone with rollers over a turbo. I'm also looking into knocking up a DIY free motion contraption to use with them. That may also be a consideration if you're handy that way. Supposed to make them fool proof to ride on and allow proper out of the seat efforts.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff