I've considered buying rollers specifically to work on this since I spend most of my workouts indoors. Still one of those purchases that are too low on my list to purchase, yet, tho, sadly. Considering I don't even have a backup pair of treads, I have a lot of more important things to save for, still. My dad spent a lot of my childhood riding on rollers on our garage. His did not have the fancy lips on the ends, either (like most of the rollers from that era). That always made me nervous, but he said the learning curve is actually pretty small. And then it helps improve your overall stability and balance.
Evan MacDougall: it took me actually 2 minutes to ride my first roller ride when I started out. Just keep calm, get the cadence up, hold on to the bars just lightly (cramping will make it swerve) and try to do round pedaling. I also found it physically challenging to ride them for more than 5 minutes on the first time since you need all of your muscles to work together and I feel more so than you need those muscles riding on the street. But it ultimately makes you a better rider on the street. Rollers forever ✌🏾🙃
Hey Taren, it looks like the front roller needs to be farther forward (under the front axle). You'll find it much less twitchy that way. It's pretty much all I ride and can do pretty much anything except standing all out sprints.
Noticed the same about 5:21. My experience is that having the front axle a teeny bit behind vs a teeny bit forward is huge. Much more challenging to ride steady. A bit like the handling of a track bike with extreme toe overlap vs a touring bike with long wheelbase.
Rollers are so supremely awesome in terms of range of motion, I can't even imagine locking into a trainer. Sounds horrible. I use Sportcrafters Overdrive and they offer all of the resistance I could ever dream of. I can ride them for hours. It takes months to fully master the stroke on rollers, but it is well worth the wait. Supreme.
The instability comes from the uneven pedaling. Yes, if you pedal smoothly and 'round' instead of up and down, you will be much more stable. And never forget to engage the abdominals, this is where stability starts. The result will also be more effective pedaling...
If you have a power meter on your bike, you only need a simple set of rollers (mine cost $100) to use Zwift. I can sit comfortably between 50 and 360 watts. I also have a Tacx Neo, but do 90% of my Zwift rides on the Rollers (prefer the feel).
@@al404 Resistance adds an extra sense of immersion into the virtual ride and can make it easier to hold higher wattages up climbs and during efforts in Erg mode. But it is not necessary to enjoy zwift. More of a luxury to make Zwift even better. If I only had enough money to buy either a power meter and rollers or a smart trainer, I would choose the first option and enjoy my power meter during my outdoor rides as well.
I had 2 trainers and finally bought the Wahoo Kickr. Sold them, I just hate trainers. Now I got basic Tacx rollers and absolutely love it. On the trainers I struggle to do an hour. On the rollers I can be 2-3 hours no problem. But he’a right, you can’t put a lot of power on the rollers. I do cadence workouts and recovery rides. Anything else will have to be outside for me.
Fun thing that rollers are the „traditional“ thing actually. And you can ride pretty slow on them, too. Just getting used to. I like how natural rollers feel. I have never really felt at homeboy stationary bikes. It’s just boring as hell for me even with movies, music or Zwift. I like the meditativeres of rollers. But your mileage may vary
Rollers go way back, over 100 years. Major Taylor rode rollers www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=eUu0I9ve&id=5DD7647F878852770659C0E8CFA4E4C0019000E3&thid=OIP.eUu0I9vebDeio0iMsuVdQAHaFj&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnyvelocity.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fmajor+taylors+bike.jpg&exph=435&expw=580&q=major+Taylor+rollers&simid=608030497617546091&ck=4F88A634E8EE210C9C86BAE1BAAFE354&selectedindex=2&form=EX0023&pc=LNCH10&adlt=demote&shtp=GetUrl&shid=703a5c64-43b8-40b9-9a7e-3689035d2c5d&shtk=THlubmUgVG9sbWFuOiBNYWpvciBUYXlsb3IgQXNzb2NpYXRpb24gLSBOWVZlbG9jaXR5&shdk=Rm91bmQgb24gQmluZyBmcm9tIG55dmVsb2NpdHkuY29t&shhk=PUQkeHZOO%2BVScY7BQN8UNfZwMtGuUI%2BlE9uGnblD1XQ%3D&shth=OSH.elWZPB95Jruy49NV94X60g
i like the fact ur spine and hip small muscles constantly working and coordinating on the rollers. also if you eventually get into group rides seems would be better at taking up small amount of lateral space (whats a better way of saying that?).
Thanks Taren, I don't have any sort of trainer at the moment, which is why I watched your video. I really like the idea of the rollers, I also appreciate that it may take a little bit of practice to get to grips with them - but I like that thought too. I also like the bit of sway and movement you get on rollers. One thing you didn't mention which has to be a BIG PLUS for rollers...you don't have to mess with your bike. No faffing around with skewers and rear wheels. Just hop on and go, that is a MASSIVE plus for rollers surely. Anyway thanks for the video.
I have been looking into getting a roller trainer, I used to love my kickr v5 but now that I cycle a lot more outside, it honestly feels like crap when I go on my kickr. The entire stroke feels way more difficult, even though I'm doing less watts which doesn't make sense to me.
Ahh you may want to check that info about cool downs and warmups....that is all the pros use for both recovery spins and warming up. Rollers just take practice.
My issue when I first started riding rollers was I would grip my bars too tightly and panic when the bike started to drift a bit to either side. Once I solved that they were very enjoyable.
Maybe you should browse about specific workouts on rollers which is common on track cycling (the origin of specific cycling exercises) and that's make this exercise Era you training on.
The wheelbase is easy to adjust. But starting out it feels like there is a lot happening. So totally understand it’s not the first thing to change. But reading the comments, many others with these rollers have the same observation about how to make them feel a bit less twitchy. Keep the front axle just barely in back of the center of the front roller.
Those Elite Nero rollers are out about 10-15% compared to a crank based power meter verefied against a Tacx Neo... Kickr Core's are historically out of whack as well... if you want to race on Zwift or Rouvy and have a guaranteed top 10 grab a Core or a set of nero rollers ad get 50 free watts out of it... PS its TACX (like tacks)
I have no issues getting out of saddle on my rollers nor do I have any issues pushing upwards of 500+ watts over a short period on my rollers. I’ve also done upwards of 130 rpm on rollers. If you want to ride efficiently, get a set of rollers and learn to really ride a bike. It’s a shame this video is so uneducated and going to give people a negative thought on rollers
i don't cycle and i'm a bit worried about having a road accident due to my lack of experience and i am a sort of easily distracted person. seems a bike in my budget and a set of rollers the way to go for me till get comfortable. plus before next bunch of covid lockdowns i want a swift type habit established.
Hello. You have clearly not ridden high quality rollers, basically Kreitler rollers. The ride is much smoother than what you are experiencing now. Resistance is also much lower, I am barely over 100W at 40kph. Though resistance is lower, it is perfect for warmup and recovery, unlike the rollers you are using now.
I've found rollers very bad for numbness. I tend to dig into the saddle more to stay upright and it's very difficult to get out of the saddle with narrow tyres.
I have that as well, but usually after 45 minutes or so. I attribute this to my back wheel being a bit lower than the front on rollers, and therefore pushing up on perineum a bit more. I just stop, wait a minute till all feeling has come back, and then finish out the hour.
@@timbazzinett2693 I use a smart trainer mostly now but I have got in the habit of getting out of the saddle every 5min just to make sure blood can flow freely
you're going back to the trainer because your roller was setup too short for your bike. You can see from the video the front tyre is almost falling in front, making it almost impossible to ride (you actually managed it very well!). People manage to run rollers with no hands...
You are also comparing two different price points. I have the emotion roller. Sprinting over 1200watts is not a problem. Ive had the kickr. I prefer rollers.
I ride these rollers and record about 72 dB (iOS App), which is technically louder than the Wahoo, I think rated at 60 dB. It also depends on tyre selection and pressures as well. Traction in the tyres generate more noise, like Schwalbe Marathon. My Vittoria are much quieter than the Schwalbe, but it’s not a fair comparison. Did you decide on a trainer? If yes, which one?
I am using Kreitller roller with forkstand when I am working out with my power. when I am working on balance I will just remove the fork stand and put my front wheel.
A trainer puts pressure on the rear tyre to create resistance. Rollers just have your bike/body weight, so should be the same wear as riding on the road
Have been doing most of my indoor training on rollers for some years. The smooth plastic of the drums creates much less wear than tarmac/roadstone and I've found that tires last much longer over winter using rollers than if I'd done the same mileage out on the road. Tip: DON'T be tempted to put one of those special hard rubber tires designed for wheel-on turbo trainers onto the rear wheel. Unless you want to simulate riding on sheet ice....
These rollers can be very easy to ride with that extreme width and suspension. Getting out the saddle is just practicing which would mean a very efficient sprinting technique.
thats true. i love practicing all those little things. thank you i was wondering if was just a matter of practice. I'm an anxious person and didn't really want to get on the road going at speed until i'm coordinated enough to have less chance of losing control.
Rollers make you a smoother pedaller, it keeps you actually pulling up as well as pushing, youcan sprint, you can get off your seat, it just takes practice. Your roller set up is wrong, the front roller centre should be in line with your front axle. Best thing, go watch the greatest athlete the world has or ever will see, Eddy Merckx, ride his rollers, his rpm is insane!
thanks man. Very good comparison, I have a question though -- How important to switch gears while on rollers? Looks like with rollers you can stay in one speed all the time. Looks like the weight of the bike is irrelevant on rollers. Looks like frame material is also irrelevant (no road bumps to absorb or frame flexing) So saying that can one pick up a used steel frame single-speed bike cheaply and use it for rollers?
Why would that be? As someone that does a lot of intervals and workouts on the trainer I’m genuinely curious. I understand the benefits of being in zone 2 but could you explain what you mean?
@@C8mon because winter is the off season and most people aren't racing, maybe one or two interval sessions per week max. Winter is the time to build aerobic capacity, mostly zone 2
@@living4adrenaline Thanks for the answer I appreciate it. I don’t race just trying to become a stronger rider in general build my endurance and strength up more.
Nice video. The only problem is the rollers you tested are garbage. It’s unfortunate because you are not giving people a good comparison. Get your hands on a set of E Motion rollers and see if your opinion is the same. Been training on a set for years. Sprinting while standing not a problem. High cadence work not a problem. Putting out big watts not a problem.
I agree 100% John. I've had E Motion rollers for 6 years and do everything with them as I do on the road except track stands. Once a rider trusts the movement of the rollers/bike while training, one does not need a wall or chair to get on/off them. Also standing and sprinting is very similar to road riding. Well worth the cost and has low maintenance. For most people its the fear of rollers that stops them from trying but the real road feel far surpasses the static trainers.
Back in the mid 1970s I rode rollers. Discovered that they made my ability to hold a straight line much better. I ceased wandering from side to side.
I've considered buying rollers specifically to work on this since I spend most of my workouts indoors. Still one of those purchases that are too low on my list to purchase, yet, tho, sadly. Considering I don't even have a backup pair of treads, I have a lot of more important things to save for, still. My dad spent a lot of my childhood riding on rollers on our garage. His did not have the fancy lips on the ends, either (like most of the rollers from that era). That always made me nervous, but he said the learning curve is actually pretty small. And then it helps improve your overall stability and balance.
Evan MacDougall: it took me actually 2 minutes to ride my first roller ride when I started out. Just keep calm, get the cadence up, hold on to the bars just lightly (cramping will make it swerve) and try to do round pedaling. I also found it physically challenging to ride them for more than 5 minutes on the first time since you need all of your muscles to work together and I feel more so than you need those muscles riding on the street. But it ultimately makes you a better rider on the street. Rollers forever ✌🏾🙃
Hey Taren, it looks like the front roller needs to be farther forward (under the front axle). You'll find it much less twitchy that way. It's pretty much all I ride and can do pretty much anything except standing all out sprints.
Yep. I cant believe you rode it for so many hours like this hahaha
Noticed the same about 5:21. My experience is that having the front axle a teeny bit behind vs a teeny bit forward is huge. Much more challenging to ride steady. A bit like the handling of a track bike with extreme toe overlap vs a touring bike with long wheelbase.
Me too. 3 years later though.
Rollers are so supremely awesome in terms of range of motion, I can't even imagine locking into a trainer. Sounds horrible. I use Sportcrafters Overdrive and they offer all of the resistance I could ever dream of. I can ride them for hours. It takes months to fully master the stroke on rollers, but it is well worth the wait. Supreme.
Dang, reviving this comment - this is just what I was searching for. Just ordered the aluminum roller from them. Cheers
The instability comes from the uneven pedaling. Yes, if you pedal smoothly and 'round' instead of up and down, you will be much more stable. And never forget to engage the abdominals, this is where stability starts. The result will also be more effective pedaling...
If you have a power meter on your bike, you only need a simple set of rollers (mine cost $100) to use Zwift. I can sit comfortably between 50 and 360 watts. I also have a Tacx Neo, but do 90% of my Zwift rides on the Rollers (prefer the feel).
Do you think that with power meter and rollers resistance is not necessary?
@@al404 Resistance adds an extra sense of immersion into the virtual ride and can make it easier to hold higher wattages up climbs and during efforts in Erg mode. But it is not necessary to enjoy zwift. More of a luxury to make Zwift even better. If I only had enough money to buy either a power meter and rollers or a smart trainer, I would choose the first option and enjoy my power meter during my outdoor rides as well.
True. What Nero adds is also the curve on the ends. Wandering to the edge is recoverable with the curved ends.
I had 2 trainers and finally bought the Wahoo Kickr. Sold them, I just hate trainers. Now I got basic Tacx rollers and absolutely love it. On the trainers I struggle to do an hour. On the rollers I can be 2-3 hours no problem. But he’a right, you can’t put a lot of power on the rollers. I do cadence workouts and recovery rides. Anything else will have to be outside for me.
Fun thing that rollers are the „traditional“ thing actually. And you can ride pretty slow on them, too. Just getting used to. I like how natural rollers feel. I have never really felt at homeboy stationary bikes. It’s just boring as hell for me even with movies, music or Zwift. I like the meditativeres of rollers. But your mileage may vary
Rollers go way back, over 100 years. Major Taylor rode rollers
www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=eUu0I9ve&id=5DD7647F878852770659C0E8CFA4E4C0019000E3&thid=OIP.eUu0I9vebDeio0iMsuVdQAHaFj&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnyvelocity.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fmajor+taylors+bike.jpg&exph=435&expw=580&q=major+Taylor+rollers&simid=608030497617546091&ck=4F88A634E8EE210C9C86BAE1BAAFE354&selectedindex=2&form=EX0023&pc=LNCH10&adlt=demote&shtp=GetUrl&shid=703a5c64-43b8-40b9-9a7e-3689035d2c5d&shtk=THlubmUgVG9sbWFuOiBNYWpvciBUYXlsb3IgQXNzb2NpYXRpb24gLSBOWVZlbG9jaXR5&shdk=Rm91bmQgb24gQmluZyBmcm9tIG55dmVsb2NpdHkuY29t&shhk=PUQkeHZOO%2BVScY7BQN8UNfZwMtGuUI%2BlE9uGnblD1XQ%3D&shth=OSH.elWZPB95Jruy49NV94X60g
i like the fact ur spine and hip small muscles constantly working and coordinating on the rollers. also if you eventually get into group rides seems would be better at taking up small amount of lateral space (whats a better way of saying that?).
Thank you for the comparison of power output on both setups. That seals the deal for me to go for trainer.
Thanks Taren, I don't have any sort of trainer at the moment, which is why I watched your video. I really like the idea of the rollers, I also appreciate that it may take a little bit of practice to get to grips with them - but I like that thought too. I also like the bit of sway and movement you get on rollers. One thing you didn't mention which has to be a BIG PLUS for rollers...you don't have to mess with your bike. No faffing around with skewers and rear wheels. Just hop on and go, that is a MASSIVE plus for rollers surely. Anyway thanks for the video.
I have been looking into getting a roller trainer, I used to love my kickr v5 but now that I cycle a lot more outside, it honestly feels like crap when I go on my kickr. The entire stroke feels way more difficult, even though I'm doing less watts which doesn't make sense to me.
Ahh you may want to check that info about cool downs and warmups....that is all the pros use for both recovery spins and warming up. Rollers just take practice.
My issue when I first started riding rollers was I would grip my bars too tightly and panic when the bike started to drift a bit to either side. Once I solved that they were very enjoyable.
Maybe you should browse about specific workouts on rollers which is common on track cycling (the origin of specific cycling exercises) and that's make this exercise Era you training on.
I have these rollers and your
wheel is definitely too far forward.
I was thinking the same. I think the proper setup is between 0” - 0.5” behind the front roller.
@@GeraldGuevara so his wheel is to far back. How can you tell if it’s right. I’m thinking about buying one
The wheelbase is easy to adjust. But starting out it feels like there is a lot happening. So totally understand it’s not the first thing to change. But reading the comments, many others with these rollers have the same observation about how to make them feel a bit less twitchy. Keep the front axle just barely in back of the center of the front roller.
Rollers help core muscles
The front roll on the Nero should be a little more forward it would make the ride more stable.
That’s what I found out in the latest research
is there a rule as far as distance from lowest point on the front wheel?
I had a set of rollers and got rid of them because it was so frustrating. I really wish I still had them.
Those Elite Nero rollers are out about 10-15% compared to a crank based power meter verefied against a Tacx Neo... Kickr Core's are historically out of whack as well... if you want to race on Zwift or Rouvy and have a guaranteed top 10 grab a Core or a set of nero rollers ad get 50 free watts out of it... PS its TACX (like tacks)
Why is your FPS on Zwift like 1 or 2?
I have no issues getting out of saddle on my rollers nor do I have any issues pushing upwards of 500+ watts over a short period on my rollers. I’ve also done upwards of 130 rpm on rollers. If you want to ride efficiently, get a set of rollers and learn to really ride a bike.
It’s a shame this video is so uneducated and going to give people a negative thought on rollers
i don't cycle and i'm a bit worried about having a road accident due to my lack of experience and i am a sort of easily distracted person. seems a bike in my budget and a set of rollers the way to go for me till get comfortable. plus before next bunch of covid lockdowns i want a swift type habit established.
Hello. You have clearly not ridden high quality rollers, basically Kreitler rollers. The ride is much smoother than what you are experiencing now. Resistance is also much lower, I am barely over 100W at 40kph. Though resistance is lower, it is perfect for warmup and recovery, unlike the rollers you are using now.
I am using Kreitler roller 2.25 with resistance unit and 2 belt and with fork stand. been doing for the last 4years.
I've found rollers very bad for numbness. I tend to dig into the saddle more to stay upright and it's very difficult to get out of the saddle with narrow tyres.
I have that as well, but usually after 45 minutes or so. I attribute this to my back wheel being a bit lower than the front on rollers, and therefore pushing up on perineum a bit more. I just stop, wait a minute till all feeling has come back, and then finish out the hour.
@@timbazzinett2693 I use a smart trainer mostly now but I have got in the habit of getting out of the saddle every 5min just to make sure blood can flow freely
you're going back to the trainer because your roller was setup too short for your bike. You can see from the video the front tyre is almost falling in front, making it almost impossible to ride (you actually managed it very well!). People manage to run rollers with no hands...
You are also comparing two different price points. I have the emotion roller. Sprinting over 1200watts is not a problem. Ive had the kickr. I prefer rollers.
Is Elite roller more noisy or quieter of trainer?
I ride these rollers and record about 72 dB (iOS App), which is technically louder than the Wahoo, I think rated at 60 dB. It also depends on tyre selection and pressures as well. Traction in the tyres generate more noise, like Schwalbe Marathon. My Vittoria are much quieter than the Schwalbe, but it’s not a fair comparison. Did you decide on a trainer? If yes, which one?
I am using Kreitller roller with forkstand when I am working out with my power. when I am working on balance I will just remove the fork stand and put my front wheel.
If I’m gonna get hurt on a bike, it’s sure as hell not going to be in the basement! 😂
#Wahooligan
lol if can't coordinate on the rollers maybe ur primed for an accident any way.
Question - would rollers not wear regular road tires like a trainer?
A trainer puts pressure on the rear tyre to create resistance. Rollers just have your bike/body weight, so should be the same wear as riding on the road
@@robmcnamara4632 Thought so, but thanks for confirming.
Have been doing most of my indoor training on rollers for some years. The smooth plastic of the drums creates much less wear than tarmac/roadstone and I've found that tires last much longer over winter using rollers than if I'd done the same mileage out on the road.
Tip: DON'T be tempted to put one of those special hard rubber tires designed for wheel-on turbo trainers onto the rear wheel. Unless you want to simulate riding on sheet ice....
it feel twichy because your front roller is at the wrong place.
Great insights on the mental factor. Very helpful thanks! You just cost me a lot of money! Lol
Really like your channel , Taren💪
Rollers help improve cadence, pedal stroke and efficiency
I love stories about how crazy long some people can ride on rollers. I think Rich Roll said five hours?
These rollers can be very easy to ride with that extreme width and suspension. Getting out the saddle is just practicing which would mean a very efficient sprinting technique.
thats true. i love practicing all those little things. thank you i was wondering if was just a matter of practice. I'm an anxious person and didn't really want to get on the road going at speed until i'm coordinated enough to have less chance of losing control.
Rollers make you a smoother pedaller, it keeps you actually pulling up as well as pushing, youcan sprint, you can get off your seat, it just takes practice. Your roller set up is wrong, the front roller centre should be in line with your front axle. Best thing, go watch the greatest athlete the world has or ever will see, Eddy Merckx, ride his rollers, his rpm is insane!
So which is better? roller machine or magnetic? I ask the author to answer
Seems that your front wheel was too far forward on the roller. Just saying.
terrific review
thanks man. Very good comparison, I have a question though --
How important to switch gears while on rollers?
Looks like with rollers you can stay in one speed all the time.
Looks like the weight of the bike is irrelevant on rollers.
Looks like frame material is also irrelevant (no road bumps to absorb or frame flexing)
So saying that can one pick up a used steel frame single-speed bike cheaply and use it for rollers?
Training should be almost exclusively zone 2 in the winter anyway, rollers for the win.
Why would that be? As someone that does a lot of intervals and workouts on the trainer I’m genuinely curious. I understand the benefits of being in zone 2 but could you explain what you mean?
@@C8mon because winter is the off season and most people aren't racing, maybe one or two interval sessions per week max. Winter is the time to build aerobic capacity, mostly zone 2
@@living4adrenaline Thanks for the answer I appreciate it. I don’t race just trying to become a stronger rider in general build my endurance and strength up more.
How i get thT projection feed back ?
As far as Im concered since they both cost as much as you might pay for a bike there is no difference.
3:16 caught out with no bar ends haha
Why do you say you can't sprint on Rollers. You can. I suggest you watch some track cyclists
Rollers too unstable
if go for a ride on road don't you want to know ur stable?
Nice video. The only problem is the rollers you tested are garbage. It’s unfortunate because you are not giving people a good comparison. Get your hands on a set of E Motion rollers and see if your opinion is the same. Been training on a set for years. Sprinting while standing not a problem. High cadence work not a problem. Putting out big watts not a problem.
I agree 100% John. I've had E Motion rollers for 6 years and do everything with them as I do on the road except track stands. Once a rider trusts the movement of the rollers/bike while training, one does not need a wall or chair to get on/off them. Also standing and sprinting is very similar to road riding. Well worth the cost and has low maintenance. For most people its the fear of rollers that stops them from trying but the real road feel far surpasses the static trainers.
After watching this video I can honestly say this guy has nothing to do with cycling whatsoever.
A lot of these videos lately have been: buy this and this and this...
Steve Booth I’m pretty sure the goal of them is to help people make informed decisions on major purchases 🤔
A budget version of real trainer as a conclusion...Not worth time learning how to ride rollers...