Insight and reccomendations on rollers

[cheapvega]

I'm kind of done with my KICKR SNAP. My FTP is low enough that I have to ride at very slow gears to hit 50% FTP. I also just don't like being locked in and I want to build skill around pacing my own power. So I want to try rollers. My main questions are what kind of resistance do they have? I will prob stick to sweet spot and Z2 on them so I don't know if I'll ever need more than ~300W of resistance. Also just looking for recs on specific models. If it works well I might get rid of the SNAP as I do all my above threshold stuff outdoors.

[AJS914]

I've got some Inside Ride motion rollers. I like them. Resistance is not an issue. I keep it on level 1 and I can easily do SS or threshold intervals. I also have a Kickr but I like the rollers for a change of pace. The down side of these rollers is that they are really expensive - $900. I fortunately found a used set for $300.

Honestly, I might get the Inside-Ride e-flex system for my Kickr. I think it would be the best of both worlds - trainer with really good motion.

One thing I like about the trainer is being able to zone out a bit and binge watch a tv show. That is doable but a bit harder with the rollers.

[wheelbuilder]

Rollers are excellent. The perfect smooth pedaling, some core strength to keep balance, make you a better bike handler (can look behind you and maintain straight line) etc. There is a learning curve. Look for rollers that have fore/aft movement as these absorb unnecessary movement. There are smart rollers available. Pump tires to almost max, and soft focus look at a target way out in front of you. You will love them. I do them for enjoyment when outside is not an option. You can get decent workouts on them for certain. Good luck!

[cheapvega]

Do you need trainer tires for them like a wheel on trainer or can I run my GP5Ks (probably TTs by then)? Other thing I like about rollers is the minimal setup time.

And what kind of resistance are y'all seeing? I think I will go ahead and get the Elite mag trainer

[gkski]

I’ve been using Kreitler rollers for 35+ years. For a lot of those years I used the Kreitler Killer Headwind fan for resistance. Now though I have a piece of angle iron perpendicular to the back rollers with 10 neodymium rare earth magnets attached for quiet and adjustable resistance.

[Aeo]

Don't use rollers with normal tyres. Depending on the material of the drums, more or less of it will deposit on the tyres and disperse in the air of the room you are in

[AJS914]

What tires are you supposed to use? Trainer tires? That means another set of wheels and swapping wheels to jump on the rollers. I've never heard of anyone doing that.

[jeanjacques]

I’ve been using Kreitler rollers for 35+ years. For a lot of those years I used the Kreitler Killer Headwind fan for resistance. Now though I have a piece of angle iron perpendicular to the back rollers with 10 neodymium rare earth magnets attached for quiet and adjustable resistance.

Also on Kreitler rollers, your idea seems fantastic but can't understand how it works ? Do you have a picture ?
Rollers is the way to go if you want a peacefull training, just some music and your legs, nothing to plug, nothing to worry (normal tire on metalic Kreitler drums, no problem) and you can do Z1 train to Tabata.

[EdWiser]

Rollers are great to improve your pedaling style. I too have used them for 30 years to keep a good pace.

[mvnsnd]

I’ve been using Kreitler rollers for 35+ years. For a lot of those years I used the Kreitler Killer Headwind fan for resistance. Now though I have a piece of angle iron perpendicular to the back rollers with 10 neodymium rare earth magnets attached for quiet and adjustable resistance.

Also on Kreitler rollers, your idea seems fantastic but can't understand how it works ? Do you have a picture ?
Rollers is the way to go if you want a peacefull training, just some music and your legs, nothing to plug, nothing to worry (normal tire on metalic Kreitler drums, no problem) and you can do Z1 train to Tabata.

This works with aluminum rollers. You place a series of magnets close to the roller on the bottom or side. As the roller rotates, it generates an eddy current that creates resistance in the aluminum. The more and closer the magnets, the stronger the resistance.

You can see disc shaped magnets in front of the rear roller in the photo in this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/indoor-stati ... llers.html

[wheelbuilder]

Use your normal tires on rollers. Either aluminum or composite drums. Not sure what that other post is about. They impart very minimal wear.

[jekyll man]

Heaven only knows how I haven't redecorated the house using my track tubs all these years!

And get alloy rollers if you don't want a static shock every time you want to get off. Blue tackx seem especially prone to this.

[gkski]

I’ve been using Kreitler rollers for 35+ years. For a lot of those years I used the Kreitler Killer Headwind fan for resistance. Now though I have a piece of angle iron perpendicular to the back rollers with 10 neodymium rare earth magnets attached for quiet and adjustable resistance.

Also on Kreitler rollers, your idea seems fantastic but can't understand how it works ? Do you have a picture ?
Rollers is the way to go if you want a peacefull training, just some music and your legs, nothing to plug, nothing to worry (normal tire on metalic Kreitler drums, no problem) and you can do Z1 train to Tabata.

This works with aluminum rollers. You place a series of magnets close to the roller on the bottom or side. As the roller rotates, it generates an eddy current that creates resistance in the aluminum. The more and closer the magnets, the stronger the resistance.

You can see disc shaped magnets in front of the rear roller in the photo in this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/indoor-stati ... llers.html

Those are my Kreitlers and freemotion carriage. Also, I just use whatever tires I have that have been deemed unworthy of use on the road (cuts in the tread filled with Shoe Goo, etc.).

[Juanmoretime]

Smaller diameter rollers have more resistance. Mine are ancient Sportcrafters with 3.25" rollers. Only use when the weather is bad enough that I can't even ride my fat bike or mtb outside. Tons of ice puts me indoors. It's a necessary evil to maintain my cycling fitness.Tires and only use my backup bike on the rollers, are Continental 4000S tires. Still have a few laying around.

[jeanjacques]

Thank you for the explanation. Learn physics on a bike forum, great !