Indoors: Rollers vs wind/mag/fluid trainers

[Alex Simmons/RST]

So if you were making a set of DIY motion rollers eg Coffs Gals set with 80mm aluminium rollers, what sort of watts could you expect to get from them. I have a KK road machine at the moment on loan and its nice, but i think the rollers would be better for technique etc. Would making a set of rollers as mentioned be any good for doing intervals eg 10 min (AT) 90 - 95% HRM or should i stick with the KK?

I believe you'll need some kind of resistance unit to do intervals. I don't think CoffsGal's rollers have a resistance until. The E-motion rollers do have a mag unit, but are over $1K AUD. Maybe you could make a CoffsGal version for about $400, then get a secondhand mag unit off Ebay and somehow graft it on. Then you could post an article here and show us how it's done.

Also if you do decide to buy a KK Road Machine, make sure you grease the threaded rod as I've read this is the place they wear out after years of use.

Adding a Killer Headwind fan would be the way to go. and you can add a flywheel as well:

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/killer_ ... nd_fan.htm

[Nobody]

Thanks Alex. Interesting.

I think the hard part will be trying to get the headwind Fan and flywheel grafted onto a moving frame. Anyway, that can be something for Snedden to figure out and let us know.

[snedden9485]

What are the fans worth?

[Nobody]

Looks like $216 AUD + shipping at current exchange rates. I think the free shipping listed would be local.
http://www.worldclasscycles.com/kreitler_rollers.htm

[Nobody]

On currently on eBAy in US:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KREITLER-BIKE-TR ... 1|294%3A50

[snedden9485]

Yeah pretty cheap. I think the KK trainer will suit me best at the moment with the training plan im doing. I need a trainer where i can do some solid intervals and some strength training when the weather is bad. I think rollers are a good general workout, but i dont think they will provide me the intensity i need at the moment. They would be a nice supplement to the KK though if i come across a cheap set.