Calling Fausto & other cyclists

[Entity]

Hey Fausto,

Long time no see. Figured I'd post rather than PM because other cyclists might get something or be able to contribute to this as well. I've started road riding a fair amount, training for a semi-big ride for me (the STP -- Seattle to Portland, 205 miles), which a group of 4 of us are doing in a day. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been kind to us as often as we'd like it to be (today, supposed to get 90 miles in, and it's been pouring and windy most of the day, so all the group rides were cancelled). So I'm looking for something to help with indoor training.

I've read a fair amount about trainers and rollers and I'm looking for some advice. I'm leaning toward getting a pair of Kreitlers right now. My fiancee has problems with her pedalstroke efficiency (she doesn't use her hamstrings enough) and I have a pretty big imbalance between my two legs due to constant injuries in my right leg, so I'm thinking that the rollers might help both of us with bike control and pedalstroke efficiency. But anyway, figured I'd post to see if you had any comments...

Rob

 

[drnickriviera]

I'm not a cyclist anymore, so I can't help you with the question, but my brother is interested in selling his Kreitler rollers. He said they are the challenger model with the headwind unit.

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
I'm not a cyclist anymore, so I can't help you with the question, but my brother is interested in selling his Kreitler rollers. He said they are the challenger model with the headwind unit.

Ask him how much he wants.

 

[Dessert Tears]

I have rollers (Kreitler Challenger - large drum, no resistance unit) and a trainer (1Up CPR-A2000). I like the trainer because it allows me to focus on the effort, and running rollers with low resistance forces me to focus on form. I find the trainer to be more useful, mostly because the rollers have too low resistance to do anything but recovery.

Here is a thread you might find useful:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t287311.html#post2309877

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: Flatscan
I have rollers (Kreitler Challenger - large drum, no resistance unit) and a trainer (1Up CPR-A2000). I like the trainer because it allows me to focus on the effort, and running rollers with low resistance forces me to focus on form. I find the trainer to be more useful, mostly because the rollers have too low resistance to do anything but recovery.

Here is a thread you might find useful:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t287311.html#post2309877

I just bought one of the CPR-A2000's, should be here early this week. Rollers come next.

Have you had any problems with your tires wearing out on this one?

 

[mjh]

Good luck on the ride!

I also find using a resistance trainer to be more effective. I honestly haven't had any problems with the cheapo resistance trainer I bought from Performance Bike.

BTW, Cycling Forums is quite a useful resource.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: Entity
I just bought one of the CPR-A2000's, should be here early this week. Rollers come next.

Have you had any problems with your tires wearing out on this one?

No problems that I can see. I run a dedicated trainer tire, an old Continental SuperSport 100 (cheap tire with wire bead and cheap rubber compound), and it's held up fine. It has the characteristic trainer wear pattern of a stripe down the center, but no black dust or rubber flakes.

 

[mjh]

I currently use my older bike on the trainer. I also bought a cheap tire from Performance, just in case it did end up wearing down. I noticed a little bit of wear, but nothing to be too concerned about.

 

[Muadib]

Way back when I did ride, it was a trainer for me. Rollers made much more noise.

 

[boyRacer]

I have Kreitler rollers too... and I can't last for more than an hour on them.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Personally, I'd recommend rollers but since you have little time I'd probably lean towards a trainer.

Rollers are certainly more closely related to actual riding though but with a longer learning curve.

 

[Fausto]

I'd definitely go with the rollers if you have concerns about the efficiency of your pedal stroke. You pretty much have to be smooth on them if you want to remain upright.

As for the learning curve, don't let it scare you. Once you get the hang of them, it's no big deal. Just start out in a doorway or something so you can grab it if you feel like you're losing your balance.