Bike Roller Questions

[ccwaskier]

I think I am going to get some rollers, but I know nothing about them. I don't want to spend very much money since I won't be using them that much. I am looking at the CycleOps PVC rollers for around $179. The Aluminum version is around $250. Is it worth the extra money? I know krietler are the best, but I don't really want to spend $300+. Is there anything I should be looking out for if I buy some used? Thanks.

[pechelman]

i bought some 5 years back at performance
their store brand ones were like 99$ on special
all aluminum
solid build, no slop.
3" rollers
generally impressed

never ridden anything else, but i honestly dont see how anthing can be that much better unless theyre those ones that are on a track so they slide back and forth
forget what theyre called

[Steepdeepnlong]

I also had a good experience with Performance rollers. Used them sporatically over 15 years. Never a problem.

[RShea]

All I know of rollers is watching others use them. The biggest issue I see regularly is one of the bands coming off. The person then has to get off and fix that. Last week we were doing a trainer ride and 1 person brought rollers (all the rest had rear wheel trainers) and this guy hopped off 3 or so times fixing the front band. A used one that has been sitting could have issues like this- either needing new bands that are not stretched and loose.

[1wsguy]

never ridden anything else, but i honestly dont see how anthing can be that much better unless theyre those ones that are on a track so they slide back and forth
forget what theyre called

E Motion Rollers. They are stupid easy to ride, and really fun to see how sloppy you can ride, and not crash!

[CantDog]

All I know of rollers is watching others use them. The biggest issue I see regularly is one of the bands coming off. The person then has to get off and fix that. Last week we were doing a trainer ride and 1 person brought rollers (all the rest had rear wheel trainers) and this guy hopped off 3 or so times fixing the front band. A used one that has been sitting could have issues like this- either needing new bands that are not stretched and loose.

I've got 5 years on my Kreitlers with the current band and way more hours on them than I'd like to remember and not once has the bad come off/loosened/whatever. I bet the band issue has something to do with him being retarded and not the band...

[Particle]

All I know of rollers is watching others use them. The biggest issue I see regularly is one of the bands coming off. The person then has to get off and fix that. Last week we were doing a trainer ride and 1 person brought rollers (all the rest had rear wheel trainers) and this guy hopped off 3 or so times fixing the front band. A used one that has been sitting could have issues like this- either needing new bands that are not stretched and loose.

I also have Kreiters - just store them folded and the band doesn't get stretched. No prob.

BTW it took me a while to figure out how to use the stupid things without immediately falling off. Turns out I had the length adjustment wrong; definitely important to get that front roller in just the right spot. Once I figured that out I learned quickly. Much nicer than rear wheel trainers in keeping boredom at bay. And I have to think it keeps a lot of those tiny balancing muscles in form during the winter.

[donutlynx]

I am looking at the CycleOps PVC rollers for around $179. The Aluminum version is around $250. Is it worth the extra money?

Yes.

1234

[m1e448]

You might see if someone has a pair laying around first that you can borrow as some people love them some hate them. After borrowing a pair you will likely know how much you are willing to spend on them if you still like them. I for one think they are the greatest, but thats just my opinion.

Cyclops and performance brand aren't bad, sometimes used kreitlers can be had for a song.