Rollers

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.