ROLLERS vs TRAINERS - Which is Best for You?

In this video I give you a run down of the major differences bvetween Rollers and trainers, and hopefully help you decide which choice is better for you Check out my social media:

[bbalestier]

I've tried trainers did not feel like was riding a Bike... Glad I chose rollers...

[dudeonbike]

Here are my $0.02

I feel rollers have a more specific use than just training. In fact, you could argue that rollers really aren't ideal for basic training on the bike. Indoor riding tends to get boring really quickly, regardless of if you're riding rollers or a trainer. Expect to dread the time on the bike inside. Put it in front of the TV or be sure to have music handy!

And this brings me to the major disadvantage of rollers: you can't just zone out and put in the miles watching TV or rocking out. You HAVE to pay attention. Instead of focusing on intervals and or resistance changes, you're working on technique. And most rollers don't have resistance, so they lack a big advantage of trainers. It's simply too easy to crash on rollers. And for this reason, I feel rollers are a bad choice for the vast majority of indoor riders.

Rollers' big advantage are their utility in teaching excellent form on the bike. If you can ride rollers well, then you're probably going to be well versed to ride in the peloton. You won't be a "squirrel, " or really unstable and unpredictable in the group. You'll hold a nice, solid line and will be comfortable riding in close quarters with others. And most competitive riders use rollers to improve their pedal cadence and spin efficiency. If you bounce on the bike, rollers will expose poor form and help you improve it. So rollers are more of a smooth steering, cadence and form improvement tool if you ask me.

Other issues:
Heat. You're going to get hot, so use a fan.
Sweat. You're going to sweat a lot and this puts your bike in peril. Sweat is incredibly corrosive and indoor training is the fastest way to develop a corrosion problem on your bike, especially at the seat post and fork steer tube and stem, where galvanic/hydrostatic welding problems are common. Use a piece of fabric to span between your stem and seatpost to catch drops. An old pair of stretchy pants are perfect. They also sell special covers for the same use, but expect to pay a price for a fancy solution.

PS Mountain bikes are fine on rollers & trainers, but NIX THE KNOBBIES! And put your tire pressures at max. Low pressures cause more tire deformation on trainers, which can lead to premature tire failure. Plus, the things won't work well with low pressures.

[vickyargyle]

Got some rollers - can't get the front wheel brace at the moment and have been a bit nervous to use so this has been very helpful. thank you

[IXLRPSD]

You can adjust the air pressure in your tires to increase or decrease the resistance on rollers.

[lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

Thanks, finally an easy, clear and full comparison between the two alternatives! I'll go for the rollers!

[walterroettinger]

I’ve used Kreitler rollers for years on and off with a trainer
I have the headwind fan resistance unit and the flywheel. They add more than enough resistance for just about any workout

[brycehiigel]

I have both Trainer and Rollers so I get two different workouts. If I do specific workouts like intervals and tempo that I need resistance I use the trainer. If I just want to stay loose and work on form I use the rollers. You can tell a big difference after being on rollers for a while and getting out side to ride. I started riding my rollers in a door jam.

[domestique]

i grew up on rollers[ in the winter],
and i’m still using rollers today, even in the summer
when you only got little time for workout🤙🚴🏽💦

[InTheWind_]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I didn't realize I was using a "trainer" and I was searching with the incorrect term: "rollers" and getting very confused. 😆 I'm rehabilitating after a dangerous medical emergency and lack the core strength for rollers so trainers it is! Because I am nearly falling off with trainers! But it's still a lot of fun, I enjoy a good challenge. Have a lovely day!

[stevenp.sparks]

Put your new rollers in a doorway in your house. You can prop with one hand while you're figuring it out. Once both hands are on the bars, if you "lose it", you can fall against the doorway instead of all the way to the floor.
Rollers were never about training for me, they're about balance and, pardon the cliché, becoming one with the bike. After you've mastered them, ride them for about 20 minutes and then head out onto the road. You will feel different; Like nothing or no one could crash you. It's a very "solid" feeling. JMHO, of course.... Sparks in Daytona

[armahthetrainer]

I do rollers. It definitely was a challenge just to start. After a week it Got significantly easier. I recommend them.

[xXxSweetLeafxXx]

Thanks for the video! I have been looking into trainer and just learning about rollers. You've given me something to consider. My bike is going to be used it a small empty bedroom over the winter so I am not certain rollers is the best option for a novice but I would like to remain active over the long Canadian winter...brrr

[LucasSi]

What would you recommend is better for just a good indoor cardio/weight loss workout ? Rollers or trainer?

[kyungyun]

I use trainer for intense training and roller for recovery

[akilansenthilkumar]

It's first time seeing you and you look like shawn mendes😆😆

[monetaryjack]

Got a Wahoo Kickr on a Lifeline Rocker Plate...best of both worlds regularly doing 100km rides on Wahoo RGT....Tweak the pressure in the balance balls to make it as unstable/stable as you want and if your cadence/form is wonky you'll soon know...but rollers might be worth getting and they're pretty cheap at the moment...good to mix up the training!

[zedmangaming]

Really good vids, thanks to your guides I got a kitted out blue triad sp with full ultegra mech for 930CAD, only with training wheels but still a great steal!!!

[sv-cryo]

Got Elite Arion, waiting for it to arrive !

[brucepal]

Nice... honest review without bashing your less favorite (which is typical of reviews ).

One question.... how much less resistance are the rollers than say a flat road surface?

[codyhagbergMTB]

Can you ride on rollers with mountain bike tires or do you need slicks?