Rollers v Turbo Trainer

[ak47mh]

Hello

I am seriously considering getting a set of rollers or a Turbo trainer to allow me to exercise when I am tight for time with very young kids etc or it is really crap weather outside like we have in Winter.

Does anyone think a set of rollers would give a decent workout and help improve or maintain my road riding? I have seen the clips and whilst they look scary to use first of all, I think the concentration needed would make the time fly by.

I was also considering a turbo trainer which I have read can be boring to use, but probably would offer more interval type training etc to improve fitness which would be my ultimate goal. Although I would prefer to be out on the road, I would have no problem locking myself in the garage to use it if it would be better overall.

Anyone faced the same decision/dillema or have used both and could share any thoughts?

Cheers,
Ant

[NitroNick]

I've got both and have to say that I favour the turbo. The rollers I got were cheap, with no resistance, while they give a good cardio workout they are very hard to maintain any power on them without spinning at over 120 rpm.
The turbo is great as I can put out close to maximum power on it but it is less convieniant to set up, it will eat your tyre and depending on what material your frame is made from may damage your bike.
I use turbo for intervals and rollers for recovery spins.

[ak47mh]

Thanks Nick, I have a carbon frame Felt Z6 and did hear this was another potential issue with the frame on a turbo trainer.

Whilst I think I would enjoy the rollers, I think the turbo would have more longevity for interval work. I can get this on Wiggle for £327.99:

Does it look decent:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-flow-computer-ergo-tu...

It is a lot more than I want to pay, yet seems well reviewed and want it to last.

Cheers,
Ant

[b2hbm]

I've got one of those and I find it ok. It's 2yrs old now and has had some serious use over the last couple of winters. It's stood up well although I mount the head unit away from the bike so I don't sweat all over it. It's quieter than a fan model although not as quiet as the oil filled ones you can get.

It's my second Tacx Flow, the earlier model had virtually the same functions but not so neat and lacked the calibration option to ensure every session has a similar resistance level. I had it for probably 8yrs plus, it had a lot of use and was scrapped because the roller wore a deep groove in it and the unit became noisy. Both units are excellent for doing interval sessions, very easy to flick between resistance levels.

[NitroNick]

ak47mh said:

Does it look decent:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-flow-computer-ergo-tu...
Ant

I have very similar myself, I've got the Tacx Fortius which I believe is the same unit but with the ability to connect to computer. They are a great trainer, but shop around you'd be amazed at the difference in prices from shop to shop. Try CRC.
Make sure to get a massive fan to keep you cool. Without one you'll overheat quickly and wont stay on the trainer very long.
I've been known to do 3 hour sessions on the turbo during the winter but they are hard and you need as many distractions as possible.
Best of luck.

[NitroNick]

36% off of Tacx Satori
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

Edited by NitroNick on Wednesday 13th July 12:35

[robbyd]

I bought a Tacx Flow - seems good....

Hooked up my Look 595 to try it out and the amount of flex around BB was alarming - would never let a good carbon frame near it ever again!

[ak47mh]

Thanks again guys and that is a good discount Nick, thanks for posting.

I am still torn between them both and keep changing my mind. I only bought a road bike a few months ago and enjoy it so much more than my mountain bike which got me back into cycling at the end of last year. I did use my mountain bike all over winter and did think I would use it again this year on my local Sustrans trails, but it just feels so lethargic compared to my road bike and don't think I can go back to it and time is also more of an issue.