A couple of years ago I decided that I was allergic to turbo trainers. The deadening ride feel rendered flashbacks of churning away through muddy fields in cyclo-cross races, but without the fun, and I repeatedly found myself hitting a physical or mental wall before actually hitting ‘pause’ during an interval.
Before throwing in the towel and forgetting all about my power zones, I decided to give the same sessions a go on my rollers. Surprisingly, I could finish the sets without entering a state of emotional and physical turmoil.
Technology has since progressed. Turbo trainers now feature-heavy flywheels which create more inertia which in turn creates a more realistic ride feel. As a result, I now flit between the turbo trainer and rollers, depending upon the session.
However, not everyone has the option of choosing between the two as the session dictates, so which is best?
The argument for rollers
Rollers consist of three drums upon which you place your bike. The second and third are connected via a belt (a big rubber band), so once you start pedalling, the rollers move beneath both your front and rear wheel, keeping you upright.
Learning to use the rollers takes a bit of practice – most people start by positioning themselves between a door frame. In time, you’ll find you grow in confidence, and can test yourself with tasks like grabbing a bottle from the cage or riding no-handed.
Traditionally, rollers have been very simplistic; you can pick up a set from about £150 but the resistance levels are limited, meaning that efforts far above 120/150 per cent of FTP can be difficult to sustain. Most pairs of rollers don’t have any form of connectivity to be used with training apps.
This story is from the April 02, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 02, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Giant TCR Composite Gold
If this bike looks opulent, over the top and über-bling now, imagine the reaction of the bike-buying public 22 years ago when it was unveiled as a special limited edition made with real gold plate and costing the unthinkable sum of $10,000.
WATT WORKS FOR ME Kasia Niewiadoma
The Tour of Flanders runner-up talks lost bikes, altitude training and strength workouts
BREWING A BOOST
Coffee and cycling may be inextricably linked, but does the black stuff really improve our performance on the bike? Lexie Williamson investigates
Soto Helix Coffee Maker - £21.95
I really love the minimalism of this coffee brewer. It's a pour over stripped to its bare essentials: a conical spring that can hold a paper filter, and then compresses nearly flat when not in use.
Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over
The Stanley Perfect-Brew Pour Over is the second simplest coffee maker on test, beaten only by the incredibly minimalist Soto Helix.
GSI Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup - £51.50
Starting off with the coffee makers that require a heat source, we have the GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup.
How do I up my coffee game?
How does the average Joe make the perfect mug of Joe? We sent Joe Baker to find out
THE HUB
All the news you might have missed from the last seven days
GOING FULL BEANS
Most cyclists enjoy a decent coffee, but some take it a step further. CW meets five self-declared obsessives who have pushed their twin passions, bikes and beans, to the nth degree
A love affair
Coffee connoisseur Adam Becket delves into the storied yet mysterious relationship between cycling and the original energy drink