Indoor riding nowhere

[Carl_Williams]

Hi Beaconites,

I'm trying to return to cycling after years of long-Covid & CFS. I'm currently using a set of rollers and wondering if there is much difference good/bad with going for a smart trainer.

Rollers are great for balance and not adding any stress to the frame but I can spin out my biggest gear without being able to simulate any climbs.

Thanks,
Carl

[AdeR]

Hi - all the best with the training. I use rollers but have never used a smart trainer so unable to help compare. Is there a specific training goal?

[AlanW]

Hi Beaconites,

I'm trying to return to cycling after years of long-Covid & CFS. I'm currently using a set of rollers and wondering if there is much difference good/bad with going for a smart trainer.

Rollers are great for balance and not adding any stress to the frame but I can spin out my biggest gear without being able to simulate any climbs.

Thanks,
Carl

Hi Carl,

Rollers are indeed very good for your core skills, but IMHO you can do a much better and more structured training program utilizing a Smart trainer. You can now get a Smart trainer for less than £200, the Tacx Flow is one that immediately springs to mind.

The Tacx Flow is a great entry level trainer at a low cost, I used one in the beginning and couldn't really fault it to be honest. Be warned if you look to get a second hand one, only buy one from someone that you know and you know how much use its had, as some of the early models had a few issues.

That said, you can use your rollers on any of the virtual programmes, you just need a HR monitor, cadence and speed sensors to be able to connect to the app. But, and from experience, using rollers on Zwift (for example) is very hard work and not very realistic. Much better to spend a couple of hundred quid and a whole new world opens up before you!

There are lots of third party virtual aids to choose from these days, TrainerRoad, Zwift, Rouvy etc, all of which require a monthly subscription. But IMHO its money well spent and you can cancel them at any time. There are also a couple of third party virtual apps that are free, at least at the moment they are.

[Carl_Williams]

Hi - all the best with the training. I use rollers but have never used a smart trainer so unable to help compare. Is there a specific training goal?

Hi Ade,
Thanks yes the goal is Gent-Wevelgem 140km sportive at the end of March. Hopefully I'll get out on a few club runs before then but while it's dark after work midweek indoor is the best option to gradually build up some fitness.

[Carl_Williams]

Hi Beaconites,

I'm trying to return to cycling after years of long-Covid & CFS. I'm currently using a set of rollers and wondering if there is much difference good/bad with going for a smart trainer.

Rollers are great for balance and not adding any stress to the frame but I can spin out my biggest gear without being able to simulate any climbs.

Thanks,
Carl

Hi Carl,

Rollers are indeed very good for your core skills, but IMHO you can do a much better and more structured training program utilizing a Smart trainer. You can now get a Smart trainer for less than £200, the Tacx Flow is one that immediately springs to mind.

The Tacx Flow is a great entry level trainer at a low cost, I used one in the beginning and couldn't really fault it to be honest. Be warned if you look to get a second hand one, only buy one from someone that you know and you know how much use its had, as some of the early models had a few issues.

That said, you can use your rollers on any of the virtual programmes, you just need a HR monitor, cadence and speed sensors to be able to connect to the app. But, and from experience, using rollers on Zwift (for example) is very hard work and not very realistic. Much better to spend a couple of hundred quid and a whole new world opens up before you!

There are lots of third party virtual aids to choose from these days, TrainerRoad, Zwift, Rouvy etc, all of which require a monthly subscription. But IMHO its money well spent and you can cancel them at any time. There are also a couple of third party virtual apps that are free, at least at the moment they are.

Thanks Alan,

I'd kitted my bike out with cadence & speed sensors on the rollers but found I needed more of a workout so after trying a Tacx Flow then bought an Elite Suito as it's the most portable to get from home to work. Currently preferring the free trial of ROUVY after a free trial of Zwift.

I think I'll measure my increase in fitness by the amount of sweat I've produced! It's certainly a harder workout than rollers.

Hopefully a few more weeks indoors then I'll get out and ride some Worcestershire bergs in prep for Belgium...

[AdeR]

Hi - all the best with the training. I use rollers but have never used a smart trainer so unable to help compare. Is there a specific training goal?

Hi Ade,
Thanks yes the goal is Gent-Wevelgem 140km sportive at the end of March. Hopefully I'll get out on a few club runs before then but while it's dark after work midweek indoor is the best option to gradually build up some fitness.

See message about the BOCC reliability ride in 'other rides & touring'