That’s definitely not a problem I’ve had so far
There’s wear and tear as expected, but nothing crazy. I feel/believe it’s higher than the road.
I would not have another set of wheels/tires for once-a-week workouts. For four months of winter, it’s a whole different conversation. I do have for winter, by the way—very inexpensive tires.
Definitely…back in the day, for a fundraiser my college team would set up at the grocery store and ride rollers. We would ride no handed, some of us could change jerseys while we rode, etc.
Once the switch flips on riding rollers, it becomes second nature and you’ll be amazed at what you can do.
1 Like
I just wish it was easier to figure out which rollers were compatible with my mtb. Looking at the numbers there just aren’t any or very very few that support a long wheel base.
(Okay internet, I’ve said “it can’t be done” now correct me by showing all the rollers that support a size M Cannondale Scalpel with a 115.1 cm wheelbase)
I’d just get an indoor training bike with smooth tires.
Ah, there’s one thing. Part of riding my XC bike on rollers is to help with positioning and muscle memory programming when reaching for bottles, and the like, not to mention how it feels to do intervals on rollers with an MTB transmission.
Super quick research on roller wheelbase range:
- Kreitler: 800 - 1220mm [31.5 - 48.0"]
- Elite Arion: 944 - 1124mm
- Elite Quick Motion: 944 - 1144mm
- Feedback Sports: 950 - 1120mm [37.5 - 44.0"]
- Tacx Galaxia: 980 - 1100mm
1 Like
Yeah, we (Kreitler) just recently came out with two more frame options for our Kompact model aimed at Gravel and XC.
Gravel models fit 39.5"-44.5" wheelbases and XC models fit 44-49" wheelbases.
Great tools for warm-ups, traveling, or general training.
1 Like
Following this thread makes me wonder if a roller is for me.
I have a kickr core which I barely use. For once here in Spain weather is just too good most of the time to not ride outside. Apart from when I’d be time restricted. But just then I am usully not in the mood to take the wheel out of my gravel and mount it on and off the kickr.
I feel the beauty of a roller would be to just throw the bike on, hit start on my garmin and pedal.
I don’t need auto-adjusted resistance, i.e., I am fine switching gears.
I am looking at the elite motion.
But I have one concern: My FTP can reach into the 350’ish depending on training status. In addition I run a single 32T plate on the front (I am surrounded by steep climbs only + I’m heavy).
I see the Elite motion has 3 resistance settings.
Would that be enough to generate sufficient resistance for me to at least do threshold intervals with normal cadence?
Would other rollers generate more resistance?
Replying to my own post here.
I double checked everything and found that my rear tire was low (like 50 psi). I pumped it up to 100 (usually ride them at 85) and everything seemed much better. The squeaks stopped and it seems like wear should be normal now.
I may want to try a GP5000 AS or something stouter for the rear next time.
2 Likes
Kreitler. You can add fans and flywheels. I think the fan adds something like 300W at 20mph, the 2.25 rollers are 250W at 20mph, and the flywheels add 50W each. The downside is that you would not be able to move the rollers around. The flywheel must weigh around 10kg. Admittedly, I’ve let my riding slide, but I am getting back on the bike, and my Kreitlers will see action shortly. Coupled with some Rotor cranks, its a nice setup.
I don’t know about the Elites, but my InsideRide rollers have a mag unit. I’m just using level 0 or 1 but I’m using like a 52x22 or 25. I couldn’t even imagine using level 3 on the mag unit.
You could calculate your gearing / speed and use some of the power targets posted just above to get an estimate.
Thanks, unfortunally barely available where I live.
My best recommendation for adding resistance to rollers (if you have aluminum drum versions) is to find or make a magnetic resistance unit. I added the old CycleOps one to my Nashbar rollers and there is plenty of resistance when coupled with a taller gear.
I can link some examples, but a quick “DIY roller magnetic resistance” can give some good results like I used when I discovered this option.
Great, 52x22 should be around equal to 32x13/14, so that should work for me as will. At least if your FTP is not 150w or something 
Thank you!
I’m around 240 right now.
1 Like
Yup, this hits on a couple things I have shared over the years.
-
Lower power workouts mean less force on the legs (at typical 80-100 rpm cadence). I found this out while doing easy group rides and getting sore far sooner on these vs my harder group rides. The effect of higher force on the legs actual lifts us enough to change the loading on the saddle. So the “easy” workouts can end up difficult from a saddle comfort side compared to the effort in harder workouts.
- My main hack for this is to mix in lower cadence efforts (60-70 rpm) at the same power. This results in more direct leg force, and lessens the load on the saddle vs higher cadence.
-
As already mentioned, the fore-aft & lean motion from the rollers reduces excessive pressure on the saddle. That’s why rockers with various motion help vs pure rigid setups. Even relatively stiff and minimal motion is superior to the typical rigid trainer, for saddle comfort at least. It all matters more since we tend to stay seated for longer periods on the trainer, unless we deliberately mix in standing efforts (which I adopted years ago) to help in addition to the trainer motion.
1 Like
I just bought Elite Nero rollers. I hope I will not start regretting it. I understand now why direct drive trainers are so popular. I tried for 20-30 minutes yesterday and already (almost) fell but luckily managed to grab hold onto something. When I finally did manage to cycle it did feel much better though it was almost like I never cycled before
1 Like
Rollers are their own kind of monster.
Give yourself a couple weeks of some decent rides and it should become easier.
1 Like
It’ll take some time. It took me a couple of weeks, but you still need to be focused.
2 Likes