Parabolic Training Rollers

[beanbag]

....I was thinking of getting this rather than a turbo trainer for this winter.

I've heard they are better than turbo trainers as they provide a more realistic feel when cycling and help strengthen your core as you have to maintain balance.

Either that or they're a recipe for disaster!!!

Who's used one before and any recommendations?

[S10GTA]

I have rollers and a turbo. 9 times out of 10 I would use the rollers.

Rollers are better for balance, core and learning to spin, a turbo for power/resistance training.

[gazza285]

Rollers are such fun when you first start on them as well. Use a doorway

[anonymous-user]

I have the Elite Ghibli rollers which are great, they roll really well and only took about an hour or so before I was comfortable using them clipped in. I had a strap hanging from the beams in the garage which was useful but I'd say just use them without clips for a while till you get used to it.

You do have to concentrate a lot more compared to a turbo and its really, really hard get out of the saddle on a set of rollers as you unweight the rear wheel and the weight over the front wheel will most likely cause you to fall. The rollers have lipped edges to keep you on too!

I really like them, you do get really hot using them though... I'm just about confident taking my hands off the bars to grab my bottle now.

[anonymous-user]

The rollers with the bigger diameter er, rollers, don't tend to offer enough resistance, as they spin quite slowly. The ones that have small dia rollers are a lot better. You can get "load units" for them, that act like turbo trainer fans etc, but these tend to be quite expensive. Definately a more realistic riding experience, and i find them less of a chore than a turbo, because you have to concentrate a bit more, the time goes faster!

[BadgerBenji]

Have the elite parabolics, just gives you a squeek as a warning that you are about to go off the edge. As above, love my rollers, as they require more concentration, also like being able to move about as silly as it sounds.

[beanbag]

Rollers it is then.

The elite ones do look good and this has a 3 resistance adjustment on it:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-arion-mag-parabolic-...

From some feedback I've had, I've been told to use a doorway to begin with. The biggest benefit to me is to maintain my core and it encourages a better riding style.

I've tried a few turbo trainers but I genuinely dislike the feeling on them so this looks better.

[Disco You]

I have a turbo trainer and haven't tried rollers. I like my turbo because I can go balls to the wall and exert myself to the point where I am barely balancing on the bike, had I been on rollers I would long since have fallen off.

I think some people prefer rollers because they are *less* boring than a turbo. I only do short interval sessions, so don't struggle with boredom (trying not to vomit is more of a concern).