[Closed] Rollers - Will I die ?

There's a bit of a myth around rollers that they're really hard to use. They're really not. It's a bit odd for the first couple of minutes then it's just, well, like riding a bike

Tips - if you can have a step next to the rollers, that helps when getting on, getting rolling and getting off. Look ahead, not down. Start in a nice steady gear (big ring, towards the big end of the cassette if on a roady). Pedal smoothly. That's it.

Pump tyres up hard, as said pedal smoothly not a big gear, I find I have to make sure rollers are parallel to the wall I’m against- probably just me. Make sure you set them up so the front wheel is in the right place on the roller. Cordless headphones are handy.

I like them and prefer them to a turbo

Try to get up to speed quickly. I find it more stable the faster your wheels go.

You will probably fall off once or twice while getting use to it. Keep trying and don't give up. If near a wall or other objects make sure that there is nothing protruding that you can hurt yourself on when you do fall.

Once comfortable you should be able to take hands of bars, take Jersey off or use phone etc. whilst on rollers without worrying about falling off.

I notice you’re giving tips about getting on when riding, what about getting off!

I’ve got a basic turbo trainer that you can alter the resistances on. Is there adjustable resistance on rollers?

I’m contemplating bodging a set for my sons trike as his disability cycling sessions are on hold and wasn’t sure if they provide any resistance on their own.

Plus if you use different bikes of different lenght wheelbase (I use road and crossbike on mine) then they will handle much differently if you don't adjust the front roller, as Kilo says make sure the wheel is in the right place. If not one bike will be stable but the other will be a bit unstable.

Getting off, when starting out slow down quickly and rest into the wall if using one.

Don't forget due to the height of rollers you won't be able to easily reach the floor like you can riding bike normally. So a platform (block of wood) next to rollers is useful to put your foot down

Take some time to get the wheel-base right when you get the rollers. Lots of handling issues are because folk sets them so that there's not enough trail for the front wheel, you want it so that the front roller sits just in front of the axle. That should make it a bit self centring when you pedal. Eyes up is a good tip, as is setting up inside a door frame so that you can reach out to steady yourself, keep up a smooth cadence and you'll soon get the hang on it

Getting off: stop pedalling, unclip whilst wheels are slowing, put foot down on the above recommended step/block . It's genuinely like riding a bike, don't overthink it.

You will probably fall off once or twice while getting use to it.

Honestly, you probably won't.

I cant see many tips to avoid floor poisoning

Lol

I adapted pretty quick, didn't realise until after a few sessions that I had the front roller far too far forward, puts too much weight on the back wheel which then tries to 'jump' off rollers.

Tyre pressure helps, as does clearing a space around the rollers, if you do come off the only issue seems to be careering into things like lawnmowers and other bikes that are nearby!

Don't hang your towel over the bars as you might on the turbo, ends in disaster!

I'm nowhere near taking hands off bars yet, one hand is fine, two hands no. Getting started without a wall or something is also tricky, literally just getting on the bike and getting first pedal stroke.

Standing up is coming on well though...

It's harder than it looks, but easier than you probably think.

I've got my turbo setup it the conservatory (a narrow lean to one) which has two old sofas facing each other across it so I've got a step/soft landing either side!

Do use flat pedals or trainers on road pedals for the first few hours until you've got it nailed, the wobble of clipping in and out is the hardest bit! And if you're not clipped in you don't need a wall or doorway, they actual makes it harder as you're trying to correct a lean/wobble from the start. Easier to just fall off and put a foot down and just start with the bike upright and your foot on the step/frame.

You can't start slowly and speed up as you get better, if anything it's the opposite, start in the biggest gear you can sustain then shift down. You need to get on and upto speed ASAP. There is no momentum, if you "crash" with the wheels at 47km/h or 7km/h it's exactly the same, except at 47km/h you wont crash.

Don't try videos or zwift, I just end up riding off the side on every virtual corner. Just stick with films or documentaries.

I'd disagree with sbtouring though. Riding rollers is a piece of cake. But even taking a hand off the bars takes a bit of practice, let alone taking a jacket off!

oh yeah, don't watch bike videos with folks going round corners...It'll end in tears...

If you come off them and crash into the kitchen wall, subsequently cracking said wall and the wife finds out a few days later. Then yes, you may be at risk of death.

😀 Thanks all! I will try to keep all of this in mind tomorrow.

Hopefully a little peddling will lift my sprites. I really miss my cycle commute and the long weekend rides!

Dont look down is the one piece of advice I would pass on, look ahead like your out on a ride

Look at a spot in front of you and focus on that, put your palms flat on the bars with finger tips point forward (helps to prevent death grip situation!). The more relaxed the better, pump tyres to max allowable pressure.

I'm a recent roller. Can't stand turbos but quite enjoy the rollers. Probably because it's more like riding a bike, you can't relax too much and it also works your core.

I struggled at first and had to ask on here for help.

Best tip I found was put your phone, tablet, TV in front of you at eye level and stare at it. Having a fixed point really helps. As soon as I look down I wobble.

I have something to hold onto for starting and stopping.

Mine doesn't have any resistance but I find I need to go pretty fast to stay upright. I can't go in 22nd gear at 90rpm for very long. I'm usually in 20th gear give or take.

I'm sure you'll be able to make an omlette while on the rollers in no time.

Important thing to remember is that if you come off you don't go flying forwards like the Ferarri in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. There is nowhere near enough momentum in bike wheels for that. You just stop.

Yes.

Dont look down is the one piece of advice I would pass on, look ahead like your out on a ride

Weirdly I'm the opposite, I have to keep glancing at the front roller or I wobble. Trained myself to look up by watching films. Weirdly I now fall off if I look inbetween at the skirting broad.

Yes.

If not hamming it up for youtube I suspect he could have nailed it in the 5 minute video.

I have no idea how folks manage to take a jacket off.
I can, it turns out with the aid of planks ride onto them, I can ride right on the edges and move around the rollers easily and ride really slowly but absolutely no way can I ride them no handed.
Maybe one to learn for lockdown boredom.

He'd have done it in four minutes if his saddle wasn't at such a stupid angle!

I haven't deaded yet!

Arrived 8.45, looked at manual ( well I was on a video conf call until 10! ), built it and just had a few trial goes ( with slippers and jeans ) and its okay, I needed the wall at first, but after a few minutes I was a little wobbly, but looking forward ( ie not at the wheel ) seemed to help ( target fixation I guess ) and all is okay !

So next step after lunch is a little pootle in the garden with it! Less walls and more stone slabs, but fresh air and sun!

Thank you all with the above advice, its all been really really helpful ( as always ! ).

Cheers

I’m sure you’ll be able to make an omlette while on the rollers in no time

Pfft

Also the same 8 year old will teach you how to get on without a wall.

well I was on a video conf call until 10!

That's no excuse, you can ride and conf call at the same time.