So I prefer rollers but cant use them for most of my workouts as I simply cannot erach target wattage.
I use a set of Roodol compact with 2.5’’ rollers, Id go to 2.25’’ kreitlers but they are silly money and I dont think theyd make a huge distance.
My FTP is set at 290 so id have to be spinning to 140 for minutes at a time to reach some targets which although I race track is all but an impossible ask, and stay safe!!
Im in the UK so some makes of ‘resistance’ rollers I just cant get here (was particuarly interested in the rollers that increase resistance as you spin faster but no one stocks them UK)
I have the 2.25" kreitlers and have no problem ranging from ~100W to 400W keeping the bike at a comfortable speed (<50km/h) and with standard road gearing I don’t have to be doing much over 100rpm.
Recently added the headwind fan and this gets me a comfortable ~150W-600W without changing fan setting, the only struggle is anything that calls for >1000W as even with the fan open full the back wheel is all over the shop, though cadence is still manageable.
For reference, I’m ~70kg and keep my tyres at 90-100 PSI.
I have Tru-Trainers w/ a flywheel and can hit power targets ok (similar FTP). Previously used cycleops with a magnetic bar. Both work, flywheel feels a bit more natural.
Also, trainer tires and a bit lower pressure add a few cogs worth of resistance in my experience (and are quieter, which is why I have them). If you’re close that may get enough resistance to get by.
I’ve been meaning to build a DIY mag bar (tru-trainer used to make them but I believe they were told to cease making them by Saris).
It might, but rollers aren’t popular. I picked up /am doing all my training on an old set of cycleops rollers with a manual resistance bar which I picked up for 40 pounds from 5 minutes walk away. I think Chad has the same ones hacked with a control for the resistance, but mine are fine set to number 1 or 2 depending on the session
I’m having the same problem (using old school Performance Bike rollers). Ordered a second band to go on the opposite side, hoping that gives me some more resistance. Do the Kreitler products work w/ any set of dumb rollers?
eBay? I found a set of Feedback Overdrives from the US (apparently the same thing as sport crafter version, Feedback licensed the design I think). Shipping to the UK does look expensive but might be worth looking at. I really like mine, but I’m still not sure about full on sprint efforts? IE - my skill set more than the rollers. I would be in the highest gear and high (for me) RPM to hit very high numbers like above 600w.
This is a great thread, I need to see if I can get more out of my Tacx Rollers, they’re great for Z2 and up to about 300W. Would love a set of resistance adjustable or “smart” rollers at some point.
Using elite e-motion rollers with 3 stage resistance. On 2nd step 50-12@110rpm is 400w on gp5000 tires. With slower tires and on 3rd step it can get over 600w. But generally do sprints outside makes a lot more sense imo. Everything else is fine on rollers.
I use an old yoga mat which does help with the noise but as I found out yesterday moves a lot while Im doing sprints!!
so much so I had to stop to put it back in place
That’s where the fore-aft (surge motion) base helps a ton. That spring return float can allow those harder efforts and balances the forces better than a fixed setup. DIY based are a nice solution if your are game for a project.
