Just bought some Kreitler Rollers - urban tires or are trainer tires the way to go?

**Damian Sanders** · 11-10-2016, 03:15 PM

Just picked up a nice set of Kreitler rollers, 3" full alloy drums. Have an old road bike I could use on them, but would also like to use a 26" hardtail mountain bike. Are trainer specific tires 26" really the way to go? Or could I pick up some urban riding tires with a semi tread, like the maxxis hookworm or DTH. I'll probably use them twice a week about 4-5 months a year for a half hour to an hour.

**The Suit** · 11-11-2016, 12:53 AM

Congrats on the Kreitler rollers. I've owned quite a few different sets of rollers over the past 40 years, and Kreitlers are among the very best.

Less tread is definitely better. The biggest problem with tread on rollers, in my opinion, is noise. I tried riding rollers (Kreitlers, in fact) on a cross bike with slightly knobby tires. You probably could have heard them from a mile or two away. It's hard to tell from looking at pictures of the hookworm & DTH, but my guess is they'll be moderately loud, but maybe acceptable. I don't know that you need trainer-specific tires, though. I'm a roadie, but I use the same tires on rollers that I use on the road.

You also should consider getting some kind of sweat protector for your bike. I use this one from Tacx. Before I got that, I had problems with rusting bolts (headset, brake cable) as well as some rusting on the frame of my rollers.

**Damian Sanders** · 11-11-2016, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by The Suit

Congrats on the Kreitler rollers. I've owned quite a few different sets of rollers over the past 40 years, and Kreitlers are among the very best.

Less tread is definitely better. The biggest problem with tread on rollers, in my opinion, is noise. I tried riding rollers (Kreitlers, in fact) on a cross bike with slightly knobby tires. You probably could have heard them from a mile or two away. It's hard to tell from looking at pictures of the hookworm & DTH, but my guess is they'll be moderately loud, but maybe acceptable. I don't know that you need trainer-specific tires, though. I'm a roadie, but I use the same tires on rollers that I use on the road.

You also should consider getting some kind of sweat protector for your bike. I use this one from Tacx. Before I got that, I had problems with rusting bolts (headset, brake cable) as well as some rusting on the frame of my rollers.

Sounds good, thanks. Killer deal on the rollers off ebay. I ordered some conti training tires on jetski's advice. (he deleted his post?)

I'm going to use this in a living room with a TV so less noise and rubber shedding is top priority. I have a choice of a couple different bikes or wheelsets these could go on.

I can make up a bike protector with some spare cloth and Velcro straps I have.

**farmguy** · 11-11-2016, 11:19 AM

I just save any old road tire that is worn out and run them on my rollers.....never flatted yet.

**Shredhead** · 11-12-2016, 05:49 AM

Maybe if you rode outside, you wouldn't get bored after 30 minutes and you would post less.

**Benny Profane** · 11-13-2016, 07:23 AM

Yeah, or just go skiing in the winter, like the rest of us.

**XXX-er** · 11-13-2016, 01:38 PM

Does this mean next season you will be ranting about the superiority of 26" tires for indoor trainers?

Unless you fuck up and fall off the rollers you won't be going ANYWHERE so just run whatever bike you Wana ride

I have Tioga city slickers in 26" size for my touring bike should be cheap & quiet

**MagnificentUnicorn** · 11-13-2016, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Damian Sanders

Just picked up a nice set of Kreitler rollers, 3" full alloy drums. Have an old road bike I could use on them, but would also like to use a 26" hardtail mountain bike. Are trainer specific tires 26" really the way to go? Or could I pick up some urban riding tires with a semi tread, like the maxxis hookworm or DTH. I'll probably use them twice a week about 4-5 months a year for a half hour to an hour.

Why in the fuck would you like to use you mtb on the rollers? What could possibly be the benefit of that?

**satori** · 11-19-2016, 09:31 PM

I got a smart trainer which is apparently smarter than I am. I also picked up the Tacx sweat cover that Suit mentioned. It's honestly unnecessary IMHO. However, I do like that I can have my phone secure and then control the trainer or Zwift with it. That's a big plus.

**The Suit** · 11-20-2016, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by satori

I also picked up the Tacx sweat cover that Suit mentioned. It's honestly unnecessary IMHO.

Really? You are a superior being. It's disgusting how much sweat pours off of me when I ride rollers for 20 minutes or more.

**::: :::** · 11-20-2016, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by The Suit

Really? You are a superior being. It's disgusting how much sweat pours off of me when I ride rollers for 20 minutes or more.

And do it for a season and see if the bolt on your stem doesn't start to turn orange with rust

**satori** · 11-22-2016, 08:19 PM

LOL. Not a chance.

I sweat a lot too but I have two fans on me and two small towels on my handlebars so I generally keep sweat off of me. Mind you, I'm not on rollers and I have had them so I know you need your balance. I sweat like a champion, but I also clean my bike every few weeks to prevent any damage from rust and do maintenance if necessary.