Wanted to share my experience with Trutrainer rollers. I started with inexpensive plastic rollers and and was using them with zwift and cadence and speed sensors. I upgraded to Trutrainer rollers again with speed and cadence sensors - so not the whole Zwift experience. The Trutrainer basic rollers are well build and a bit easier to learn compared to the plastic rollers as the design builds up momentum so you can coast like riding outside. Trutrainer added an upgrade a few years back (Smart roller) so it has variable resistance, can measure power output and responds to inclines in Zwift and Rouvy which makes the experience more engaging. The rollers generate their own power source when you start peddling - the designers were engineers. You don’t need to plug them into an electrical outlet.
The drawback I found when using Zwift is going up hills becomes challenging as you lose the gyroscopic force as the wheels slow down. Steep inclines on Zwift are > 10 degrees and my virtual speed is low so it the bike becomes more tippy on the rollers. I’ve also had the experience where going around virtual corners makes you want to tilt the bike and it becomes a bit vertiginous when trying to maintain balance. Trutrainer offers a front fork stand which locks the bike on though they recommend not standing up in this configuration. It also defeats the purpose of having rollers in the first place instead of other smart trainers where the rear of the bike is locked in. For the most part I use them with the front fork stand where the bike is held in place when using Zwift unless I’m on a relatively flat route.
The company has been very easy to deal with - there were some initial teething problems with the the smart roller component and they have repaired / upgraded free of charge including the shipping. I’ve used them both with Rouvy and Zwift - quiet and smooth and works well. I’ve had the occasional mishap when using them not locked in and wasn’t paying attention - no falls, just the bike coming off the roller and making a horrible noise as the wheels contact the frame.
I’m just an average guy that likes to bike, by no means a serious athlete and have found these rollers a pleasure to use - obviously easier with the front fork stand. I suspect better cyclists would easily be able to use them without the front fork stand on all Zwift / Rouvy routes. If your sold on the idea of rollers, it’s worth your while spending the extra $ for good quality ones - the Trutrainers have been very good and the company a pleasure to deal with.
Greg