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A bike roller, whatever type it is, is always an excellent choice for those who love cycling and need to stick to their training plan. It is a device that became very popular during the pandemic -since it was forbidden to leave home-, however, before that they were already widely used and still are to date by many cyclists (professionals and amateurs). They allow you to use your bike without having to leave your home and in virtually any space, so your professional training will not be limited on bad weather days. In addition, they save you a lot of time to better organize your other tasks, as they allow you to make the most of every minute – without having to organize routes, set up the GPS, prepare the equipment… – and all this without forgetting that they are very compact and small devices that take up little space and can be stored almost anywhere.
There are several types of rollers on the market, each offering different features. Our aim in this article is to clarify what the difference between a curling or stationary roller is and which one suits you best. Read on!
What is a bike roller?
The roller rollers, also known as bicycle balance rollers, are a type of rollers that are quite light, compact and easy to assemble (and disassemble), without the need to touch anything on the bike -note that some rollers require disassembling the rear wheel of the bike in order to connect the motion transmission system to its resistors-. This is not the case with bicycle rollers, in fact their main purpose is usually to warm up before any competition -which is why they must be easy to assemble-; although they can also be used in any other situation -since they adapt perfectly to any surface-. Balance rollers for bicycles have over time become a training tool with a wide variety of approaches as time has gone by and their performance has been improved. Today these rollers are available in many different models, although most commonly they are rollers with no dynamic resistance beyond that provided by the bike (or the rollers) itself.
It is also important to note that the balance rollers for bicycles are very stable, since they have a lightweight steel structure that provides robustness and stability, and also adapt perfectly to all terrains, even if they present irregularities – at least the most modern and sophisticated rollers in the sector, as is the case of the ZRoller roller. However, as the name suggests, it is important to learn how to keep your balance while using them. In addition, they are called roller rollers because they have three rollers (two for the rear wheels and one for the front) that offer resistance to the two wheels. On the other hand, and as we explained above, they are very easy to transport, which is why they are mainly used in warm-ups prior to any competition. The roller models are foldable.
What is a fixed roller for bicycles?
This is one of the most popular rollers and one of the most used by professional cyclists. They have the shape of a stand to which the rear wheel is attached, and they are also known as magnetic resistance rollers since they have a band that offers resistance to the wheel by means of a system of magnets. This type of rollers have the advantage that the resistance is adjustable, which allows us to obtain a more realistic experience in our indoor cycling session by adjusting the parameters to the slopes and the resistance that we would find on the ground. This resistance is generally adjusted by means of a lever installed on the handlebars. The main disadvantage of the rollers in question is that they generate more noise -at least, many of the models currently on the market, although there are others such as the ZPro roller that has a special ventilation system that reduces it to a minimum-. This type of stationary bike roller, like the balance (or roller) bike roller, is very easy to store.
All in all, these rollers offer great stability thanks to their telescopic trestle-like legs, plus the simulation experience is very realistic as the resistance can be adjusted. On the other hand, they allow you to experience a training sensation suitable for all levels, without the need for great cycling skills.
Which is better: roller or fixed roller?
Now that you know what a fixed bike roller and a roller bike roller are, let’s briefly summarize the main differences between the two types of rollers. If you are looking for a fixed or roller, keep the following in mind:
- Curler rollers are mainly used to warm up before competitions.
- Roll rollers do not offer dynamic resistance.
- Roll rollers are the most economical choice.
- Roll rollers require some practice to maintain balance, whereas fixed rollers do not, thanks to their telescopic legs.
- The rollers can be folded for storage and are very easy to transport.
- The fixed bike roller is designed to be used mainly at home or indoors (it can also be folded).
- Fixed rollers have a magnetic resistance that can be adjusted.
- Fixed rollers are usually noisier.
- Fixed rollers offer a more realistic simulation of the terrain without having to leave the house (thanks to the adjustable resistance, among others).
- Fixed rollers are suitable for all levels, no practice is required to maintain balance.
Which bike trainer to buy?
If you are thinking about which bike trainer to buy, our recommendation is that you consider very carefully what your objective is and what use you are going to make of it -whether at home or to warm up before competitions-. We also recommend that you take a look at the features of the latest models, as they are designed to avoid the disadvantages of the more traditional models (such as the lack of balance of the rollers or the noise generated by the fixed rollers).
