There are many inconveniences when it comes to going out with the bike for a walk or playing sports. Bad weather is, without a doubt, one of them, but we can also mention the danger that exists when sharing some routes with motor vehicles. Also, the lack of time or the comfort of being at home often tempt us not to go out and stay enjoying this necessary tranquility. Whatever your case, we can offer you a solution to knock down any of the previous excuses: the bicycle trainer. It is a tool that brings you closer to cycling while eliminating any unforeseen event that may arise when you have decided to ride a bike.
A bicycle roller: what is it
A bicycle roller is a very practical element that gives anyone the opportunity to fix this vehicle so that it can be used as if it were an exercise bike. These rollers allow you to use the bicycle inside the house while carrying out a training very similar to that which would be carried out on the road. You will not find any reason not to train, even if it rains, you hardly have time or fear external factors that may affect your safety on the bike.
However, taking into account that there are many models , choosing the one that best suits your needs is not easy. There are high-end or complex models and others that are simpler. In addition, bicycle rollers are divided into two large groups: easel or fixed and roller or balance . The former can be subdivided into various types depending on what type of pedaling resistance system they use, while the latter have a frame in the shape of two inverted Vs.
Types of bicycle roller
There are bicycle rollers whose operation depends on a system of magnets. However, others have more advanced technology such as an automatic regulator or an electronic scoreboard. Likewise, there are other characteristics that should be paid attention to when purchasing a bicycle roller of any type. Among them are the noise that it produces during its operation, the price, the electronic screen, the data that it is capable of storing and the number of training sessions .
magnetic bike roller
If you are looking for the most economical bicycle roller , this is yours. In fact, it is one of the best sellers. It is a fixed roller in the form of an easel, in which the rear wheel of the bicycle is fixed. They also stand out because they are very comfortable when it comes to storing them , as they fold.
This bicycle roller works with a system of magnets . In this way, it creates friction on the wheel, causing the resistance that is sought when pedaling. The resistance level can be adjusted depending on the effort you want to carry out at any given time. Simply use the lever located at the bottom of this element. In addition, it has a fan.
On the other hand, it is a noisier product than others that fulfill the same function . This fact must be taken into account at the time of its acquisition, since it can affect the people with whom you live or those who are close to you.
balance roller
Regarding the balance roller , it must be said that it is the simplest that can be found on the market. It is a horizontal frame that has three rollers on which the bicycle is placed and rests directly on the ground. In this way, its operation depends on the balance and the ability of the cyclist who uses it .
This device offers an experience very similar to that experienced when traveling by bicycle on the road . Also, keep in mind that it does not have a resistance regulator. In this way, it does not give the opportunity to carry out series training, only warm-up.
fluid roller
It is a bicycle roller very similar to the magnetic one . Now, the resistance to pedaling is not developed through the magnets, but through a fluid that is in the roller itself. The usual thing is that it is oil, although some rollers, in this case, have water. They are called hydraulic training rollers .
Likewise, among the differences that exist in relation to the magnetic roller, it is found that it does not have an adjustment lever. For this reason, it is the athlete himself who is in charge of regulating the resistance through his own pedaling .
direct drive roller
In this case, we are talking about fluid bike trainers . Now, in this model, the wheel is directly attached to the bicycle chain. Thus, the resistance is more realistic. Your system is very quiet. What’s more, the sound it produces is very similar to that made by the pedals and the chain when driving on public roads. On the other hand, keep in mind that it is not foldable , so it is more difficult to store.
smart roller
It can be either a fluid or direct drive bicycle trainer . The difference is that it boasts a digital connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi that allows its use through an app or with any electronic device for sports. In this way, saving the history with each of the workouts will be very simple . Taking into account the above, the price is higher than the rest of the models.
