Anyone ride rollers?

[Yeah!]

Rode rollers for the first time last night, and actually had a little fun. So I think I might pick some up. I can't really figure out what's involved in these things that makes them pricey. It's frame, wheels, and resistance band. There's some cheap ones on Nashbar and amazon. Any reason to spend more on some Cyclops?

[rideit]

Yeah.

I hate em', though.

Learn how to juggle on them, and then learn how to do a wheelie.

Then go outside.

[bedrock]

Rollers are way more fun and entertaining than riding a trainer, I think they also provide a more natural feel or resistance.

As far as price goes, I have only used the brand 1up and I bought them a long time ago. Maybe there is a little bit of difference in the quality of parts (bearings, and whatnot) but it really shouldn't matter.

[concretejungle]

Nope. I go skiing or just sit and drink beer instead.

[huckbucket]

Save the coin and buy this ... wish i owned one;

[plugboots]

^^^Kinda want those, but my Kreitlers are 20 years old and I haven't done a thing to them. My wife and I ride them all winter.

[smslavin]

^^^Kinda want those, but my Kreitlers are 20 years old and I haven't done a thing to them. My wife and I ride them all winter.

I've always enjoyed riding rollers and I absolutely loved my Kreitlers. The seem to have disappeared during one of our many moves over the years. I need another set.

[climberevan]

I ride rollers a lot, and have ridden several different types.

Kreitlers are the best, without doubt. The alloy 3" ones are my favorite--they provide a bit of resistance and will last forever.

Most rollers are 4.5" in diameter, which is easier to ride and smoother than the smaller ones, but offers little resistance. If you just want them to smooth out your stroke, they're fine, but IMO the smaller ones are more versatile.

The plastic drum rollers that you'll find for less money are definitely not as nice as the 1UP, Kreitler, and the other Al ones. You're right that it seems like they are unjustifiably expensive, but that's the deal. The E-motion thing is cool. People have done home-made versions as well. I also suspect that it may not be quite as beneficial as fixed rollers. The reason you get smoother on rollers is that they magnify any imperfections in your riding, and allowing you to move fore-and-aft may reduce some of that effectiveness, but I'm speculating.

I'd say the thing to do is buy a cheap set on CL or something and ride them for a while. If you find them to be a vital part of your training regimen, go for nicer ones. But, a friend of mine is trying to unload some top-of-the-line Kreitlers right now, so if you're ready to pony up some more money, let me know.

[rideit]

My McLain's are easily 25 years old, and rolling strong. Good ones really do last 'forever'.

[Yeah!]

I ride rollers a lot, and have ridden several different types...

Thanks for the info. I'd rather not spend a few hundred on them right now since I don't know if I'd actually use them. There's some cycleops on CL and my shop owner said he'd get me a pair cheap if I want 'em. So I'll probably go that route if I decide to pull the trigger. If not, another friend with a shop will always let me come hang out and ride there, so that's available.

[::: :::]

i got some from performance for $100 a few years ago - they're aluminum and spin decently. a cheap reasonably quality option if you don't want to dump too much into a set

hmm, maybe i should pull them out again?

[SkinDeep]

I have a set of the Challenger Rollers NIB with the Killer Headwind. I bought a used set on eBay and about a week after they came my family gave me the Challengers as an early Christmas present. They retail for $529. I would sell them for $475 plus shipping if anyone here wants them. I can return them to Performance and get a credit, but I would prefer to just have the cash. PM me if interested.