Rollers

Probably but they are dead now.

That's what I love about you. It's the comforting gentleness.
Hey, I need a partner for a few bar previews tomorrow after work.
King's Cross, maybe Edgware Rd, then EC3.
Fancy it? Is your phone working now?

Just got them set up. First impressions good. very easy to set up, and had a 15/20 min play on them.
Its really strange being able to see/ feel the idiosyncrasies and problems with your cycling action. pretty scary for the first 5 mins, then managed the rest at about 40km/h. Faster than that at the moment is too ragged to be fun.
Definitely worth the £60.

Hi, if anyone needs/wants rollers then please check out http://www.londonfgss.com/thread5269.html and http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280220532151&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

It finishes TONIGHT at 10.30pm!

I was thinking about getting a set of rollers and thought I'd revive this thread.

I'm due a knee operation (ACL reconstruction) in a month and a bit and will be off my bike for around 6 weeks post-op. After that, the thought of going straight back to road cycling is a bit daunting, in particular with all the start-stopping that's involved between traffic lights and traffic, so I thought I'd get myself a set of rollers. My plan was to get familiar with them pre-op (with balancing, form, etc.) and then use them as a part of my post-op rehab.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations to someone who's starting out with rollers? I have around £150 to spend and my main questions were:

1. Any particular model recommendations or stinkers to avoid?

2. Is it worth shelling out the extra cash for a model with some sort of resistance inbuilt, or is the normal resistance enough? (my bikes are geared 74 GI with 172.5mm cranks and 71 GI with 165s, and I find that I can just about spin out on the flat).

3. Are parabolic rollers a waste of time? I would've thought that the fact that they make balancing easier negates half the point of running rollers instead of a turbo in the first place.

4. What do people think about the Tacx Antares Roller? I like the options for a front wheel mount (in case my balance is just too shitty post-op), and resistance modulability.

5. Is this all just a bad idea?

I have just bought the Tacx rollers. (More informative posts here: http://www.londonfgss.com/thread13993.html)

I was'nt aware you could buy a front wheel mount or resistance units for them (linky?). I'm no roller expert but them seem really well made, and are easy to set-up. I ride 74/79 GI, and am finding the 74 an nice gear to use. I havent tried 79 yet as I am too lazy to flip the wheel and am mainly working on my pedal stroke at the moment. They do make a bit of noise, but its a low pitched humming sound which, importantly, doesnt wake the little'ns.

I use them in the kitchen and have them set-up so I can grab the sink with my left hand when I lose balance. I quickly found out though, that me + rollers = big ass van de graaf generator. Each time I reach for the sink I get a shock. This has done a good job of teaching me better balance ;)

Smallfurry,

Thanks for the headsup about your recent posts - I'll be keen to see how you get on in the next couple of weeks, but may well plump for the Tacx before then.

Info about the front wheel mount is on the Tacx website and Parker International.

No mention on the Tacx website of the "Speedmatic magnetic braking system" for rollers, but available on Parker International and Chain Reaction.

I was thinking about getting a set of rollers and thought I'd revive this thread.

I'm due a knee operation (ACL reconstruction) in a month and a bit and will be off my bike for around 6 weeks post-op. After that, the thought of going straight back to road cycling is a bit daunting, in particular with all the start-stopping that's involved between traffic lights and traffic, so I thought I'd get myself a set of rollers. My plan was to get familiar with them pre-op (with balancing, form, etc.) and then use them as a part of my post-op rehab.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations to someone who's starting out with rollers? I have around £150 to spend and my main questions were:

1. Any particular model recommendations or stinkers to avoid?

2. Is it worth shelling out the extra cash for a model with some sort of resistance inbuilt, or is the normal resistance enough? (my bikes are geared 74 GI with 172.5mm cranks and 71 GI with 165s, and I find that I can just about spin out on the flat).

3. Are parabolic rollers a waste of time? I would've thought that the fact that they make balancing easier negates half the point of running rollers instead of a turbo in the first place.

4. What do people think about the Tacx Antares Roller? I like the options for a front wheel mount (in case my balance is just too shitty post-op), and resistance modulability.

5. Is this all just a bad idea?

I've had ACL reconstruction and both my surgeon and physio wouldn't let me close to the road for at least 6 weeks after. They did encourage sitting on the trainer as soon as I had enough mobility in my legs to be able to pedal.

Have you considered getting a turbo trainer instead of rollers? Rollers seem a bit more dynamic, and there is always a risk of something happening while getting on/off the rollers. Remember, you will be on crutches for some time, and will pretty much rely on only one leg.

How did you do your knee in? Mine tore while playing football. Wasn't too painfull when it happened, but about 8 hours later I was in all kinds of hell.

Good luck with the surgery mate. And make sure you get a good physio; I went to a few before I found the right one. Their help is invaluable in getting you back in shape.

Info about the front wheel mount is on the Tacx website and Parker International.

Cheers, currently being told off, for buying rollers intead of a turbo, by the mrs. I think she'll like the look of that :)

No mention on the Tacx website of the "Speedmatic magnetic braking system" for rollers, but available on Parker International and Chain Reaction.

This also looks like a great upgrade, especially if using the front support.

Have you considered getting a turbo trainer instead of rollers? Rollers seem a bit more dynamic, and there is always a risk of something happening while getting on/off the rollers. Remember, you will be on crutches for some time, and will pretty much rely on only one leg.

I did think this myself when reading the post. But did'nt like to comment on something I know little about.
It is not easy to get on and off the rollers. I have a wooden step on my right, and a surface to grab on my left. This makes things easy for me, but I do occasionaly have to unclip pretty sharply to aviod falling.
With the front wheel support inplace though, I cant see how it would be different from a turbo. It will at least allow you to spin much slower without being unstable, which could be good for warming up/down the knee.

Seems like the safest bet would be to get the rollers plus the support to me. Personnaly I'm still loving the rollers, and seem to be able to spin smoothly at higher cadence for each session :)

Cheers for the links I shall definitely look into getting both the support and the resistance unit. The idea of a 2in1 roller/turbo seems perfect.

All the best with your recovery.