bike trainer vs roller

[blndsnbrdr]

It has been eons since I've been active on here but it's still in my browser favorites, I recognize handles + this is where I first learned about indoor bike trainers. At the time I was into running rather than biking so I just filed it all away as fragments.

Now my running has kind of fallen to the wayside + while biking hasn't taken over it's been happening more often.

DH + I are talking about getting some variation of an indoor bike trainer/roller to use this winter -- he's more inclined to use the rollers [he's also much better on any bike than I am] + I'm leaning toward the trainer [more stability!].

Any thoughts in either direction? If you have a low-to-mid level trainer/roller set up you like I'm all ears!

ETA: we both have MTBs, I also have a gravel bike -- either indoor option we end up with would need to fit MTB + gravel.

[sadlebred]

I'd look at the Wahoo SNAP trainers. It's a wheel on smart trainer that will provide power, speed, etc. and will allow a good experience if you want to use Zwift, TrainerRoad, or any of the apps. It's about $500, which is on the low end of smart trainers. I picked one up for $350 a few years ago. You can look at your local FB Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. to see if anyone is selling them.

Rollers are good for working on your technique, but I would not recommend using them with a mountain bike. The suspension would cause more unsteadiness, and the knobby tires don't work on rollers. Tacx and Kreitler make good roller at several price points. Used rollers are pretty cheap. You could buy them in addition to the SNAP.

No matter what you get, you'll want a cheapo smooth tire for your trainer. It will kill any knobbies on a bike. LMK if you have any questions.

[blndsnbrdr]

quick update -- we opted for a roller because DH is more likely to use it [past experience]. I found an Arion Mag Roller on FB Marketplace -- one of the few rollers with resistance options, crossed my fingers + trusted the seller would actually mail a legit item. It arrived yesterday + I spent 10 minutes wobbling around with a door frame for "oh crap" wobbles.

my gravel bike fits well and seems to work well...for 10 whole minutes! at the very least the learning curve is going to be hilarious!

[sadlebred]

The learning curve is...interesting to say the least! Despite my best efforts I never did learn how to stay upright on my rollers. I still have them in the garage. I use these when I travel for races sometimes.

www.feedbacksports.com/product/omnium-zero-drive/

LMK how getting the hang of them goes!!

[labbie]

Nov 26, 2020 12:10:02 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I'd look at the Wahoo SNAP trainers. It's a wheel on smart trainer that will provide power, speed, etc. and will allow a good experience if you want to use Zwift, TrainerRoad, or any of the apps. It's about $500, which is on the low end of smart trainers. I picked one up for $350 a few years ago. You can look at your local FB Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. to see if anyone is selling them.

Rollers are good for working on your technique, but I would not recommend using them with a mountain bike. The suspension would cause more unsteadiness, and the knobby tires don't work on rollers. Tacx and Kreitler make good roller at several price points. Used rollers are pretty cheap. You could buy them in addition to the SNAP.

No matter what you get, you'll want a cheapo smooth tire for your trainer. It will kill any knobbies on a bike. LMK if you have any questions.

sadlebred , this is great input as I am considering a trainer but wasn't sure if it would be ok on my ancient hybrid bike (new bike not in budget at moment). I was going to keep my eyes open for used ones on my local FB running/biking group- other than ebay do you rec any specific sites to scout for used ones? Thanks!

[sadlebred]

labbie What's your budget? I'll go from there.

The only thing you might need is a new smooth tire for the rear wheel if you have a knobby tire. The trainer will kill a knobby tire, and the noise is bad. You can pick up almost any cheap smooth tire online or at the bike shop that would fit your bike. I'd also put a towel or some kind of cover over your floor to protect it.

[labbie]

Dec 27, 2020 10:35:40 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

labbie What's your budget? I'll go from there.

The only thing you might need is a new smooth tire for the rear wheel if you have a knobby tire. The trainer will kill a knobby tire, and the noise is bad. You can pick up almost any cheap smooth tire online or at the bike shop that would fit your bike. I'd also put a towel or some kind of cover over your floor to protect it.

Thanks sadlebred, I actually have smooth tires on it already since I've ridden for a few sprint tris (and they're old enough I  don't care if it gets worn by trainer). As for budget, I guess anywhere $250-$300 or less would be ideal. 

Tbh we're still going back and forth on this approach vs. sucking it up putting that $ toward a spin bike and a subscription to an app because Dh would be more apt to use it and I really, really miss my spin class I would do 1-2x a week as cross training for running. The Peloton bikes are a bit much for what we want to spend but we're considering some other models.

[sadlebred]

I'd look for a I'd suggest looking for a fluid trainer, which is a type of trainer and not a brand (like a truck vs. a sedan and a Ford vs. Dodge). There are a lot of brands. Kinetic, Saris, Tacx, Elite, and a few others are the big manufacturers. You can find them used fairly easily well under $200 used and as low as about $100. Magnetic trainers are ok but don't provide the smooth resistance of a fluid trainer but are viable for a truly small budget (say $75 used). Stay away from a true old fashioned wind trainer unless you want to listen to a freight train while you ride- they are noisy. You don't see many of them around anymore. Stay away from anything for sale at Walmart, Dicks, Academy, etc. Check Craigslist, you local Facebook cycling for sale groups, etc.

You'll also want a riser block. Google "bicycle trainer riser block," and you'll find a ton. My favorite, which is long discontinued, is similar to this: amzn.to/3nUk9r8. You can also get a cheap one for about $10 on Amazon that will be fine. I suggest buying it rather than using phone books or a wooden block because it will keep the front wheel still.