BICYCLE ROLLERS

'Bicycle rollers' are a type of bicycle trainer which makes it possible to ride a bicycle indoors without moving forward. However, unlike other types of bicycle trainers, rollers do not support the bicycle. They normally consist of three cylinders, drums, or "rollers" (two for the rear wheel and one for the front), on top of which the bicycle rides. A belt connects one of the rear rollers to the front roller, causing the front wheel of the bicycle to spin when the bicycle is pedaled. The spacing of bicycle rollers can usually be adjusted to match the bicycle's wheelbase. Generally, the front roller is adjusted to be slightly ahead of the hub of the front wheel.

Contents

Riding on rollers

Construction

Rollers

Frame

Variations

Roller Racing

References

See also

External links

Riding on rollers

Balancing the bicycle without riding off the rollers is an extra challenge for the rider and requires much more balance and attention than other bicycle trainers. Some find that this helps them focus on the workout, while others prefer the stability of a trainer. Bicycle racers use rollers to finely tune their balance, a skill needed for drafting (racing) or the close quarters of a peloton.
Novices often start by placing the bicycle rollers in a hallway or door frame where there is a nearby wall for support in case of a fall. Removing sharp and dangerous objects from the area is a must, and bicyclists often wear a helmet, even though they are indoors. Beginners quickly discover that is easier to maintain one's balance by focusing on a point a few yards ahead, rather than looking directly down at the front wheel. For the same reason that it is easier to ride a narrow straight path when riding faster, it is also easier to stay on the rollers in a higher gear, hence causing the wheels to spin faster, because smaller steering corrections produce quicker lateral movement of the wheel contact patches. Fortunately, one has no forward momentum while on bicycle rollers. Should a rider ride off the rollers, he will not fly into his television at 30 mph, though he may leave some nasty scuff marks on the carpet. However, gravity is still in effect.

Construction

Rollers

The rollers themselves may be made from wood^[1], aluminum, or plastic. Aluminium is usually a better choice as plastic rollers tend to bend and misshape from their regular cylindrical shape after use. Some rollers also have a concave cylinder shape to help keep the rider in the center of the rollers.

Frame

The frame may be made from welded steel or extruded aluminum. The frame may fold in the middle for storage or transport.

Variations

Rollers are available in different widths (from 10" to 15") and diameters (from 4.5" to 2.25" for higher resistance).^[2]
Resistance may be added by having the spinning rollers driving some additional mechanism such as a fan.^[3]
It is possible to remove the front wheel and mount the front fork in a stand (usually sold separately) to duplicate the stability of other bicycle trainers.
Some bicycle rollers use two front drums or cylinders instead of just one.

Roller Racing

Rollers may also be used for roller races (goldsprints). Two bikes are placed on rollers side by side, the rollers are connected to a large clock with two hands. Each hand represents the progress being made by one of the two cyclists and the first cylist to get their hand to go all the way around the clock (representing 500m) wins the race. Roller racing was popular in 1950s Britain, often preceding films at the cinema or taking place in between dances at dance halls. ^[4]

Roller Race - Shoreditch Townhall (Ben Brown)

Roller racing still takes place in Britain today with London's bicycle messenger community organising events going under the name of Rollapaluza.
^[5]

References

1. Bike Works NYC Bicycle Roller Racing Machine
2. Kreitler Roller
3. Kreitler Roller Accessories
4. Rolling the Night Away. Therese Bjorn
5. Rollapaluza VII

See also

★ Bicycle trainer

★ Goldsprint

★ Exercise bicycle

External links

★ Rollapaluza - Roller Racing in:London