I may be missing something but isn’t the ROLLR design driven by having to combine the functionality of rollers with smart trainer resistance. If the back end floats, do you need the front end as secure as the back end of a direct drive trainer or an old wheel on trainer? When the trainer is changing resistance in erg mode or simulating grade changes, does the front end needs to be secure? I am not suggesting their solution is optimal as it doesn’t address steering, all bike sizes or 650b wheels, but I don’t known if securing the bottom of the front wheel would be work.
I think the design could be evolved into a less expensive non-smart travel option like the Feedback Sports Omnium and a higher end option with a second generation KICKR CLIMB that is closer in functionality to the Elite Rizer
Overall, the ROLLR moves away from the smart bike trend back to bring your bike (and power meter). I wonder how many enthusiasts will be in the dedicated smart bike/dedicated trainer bike set up camp vs. switching from outdoor to indoor and vice versa with one bike. For many of us, there may be no going from
the quiet direct drive trainers and smart bikes (so we can listen to our Lasko fans). Based on @dcrainkaker’s review, the ROLLR doesn’t seem like a good fit for virtual racing.
No doubt the ROLLR may appeal to a subset of roller enthusiasts and some first time trainer users who buy the ROLLR with power meter pedals. But it does reduce the friction of having to deal with cassettes and axles on direct drive trainers.