Tag: trainers

Crafty Power Rollers

Rollers are an excellent way for cyclists to stay in gear through the long winter. But many roller systems tend to be fairly passive and only offer a little actual resistance. But SportCrafters looks to make riders work a little harder with the new patent-pending power bicycle roller system, which utilizes magnets in the roller drum. All produced is quickly dissipated as well, so there is no worry about the drums getting hot. Additionally, as this is magnetic based there is no friction, no fluid and no fans.

As such there is also less noise than traditional resistance trainers and nothing to wear out, with no calibration or adjustment. And no maintenance. The entire device also offers less weight as well. And should less resistance be desired the user can reverse the drum. This progressive resistance roller drum can be installed on any SportsCrafters, CycleOps Bi-Fold and even older Nashbar bi-fold rollers. Let the good times… roller!

SportCrafters Official Website

Hands On: Rock and Roll Trainer First Impressions

At last month’s Interbike we saw a number of products that were designed to help riders train through the winter season. These trainers came in a many varieties including stationary bikes, rollers and the basic rear-wheel trainer. The latter category has plenty of basic devices, a few even seem quite similar, but one in particular caught our eye at the show – the Kinetic Rock and Roll by Kurt. At first glance this trainer resembles the basic rear-wheel configuration where the back end of the bike is attached by clamps while the rear wheel is allowed to spin freely, rolling against metal drum that is attached to a resistance device, but the Kinetic Rock and Roll has more to offer.

It is a simple device, and has the benefit of being easy to transport, easy to store and easy to set up. Unlike a stationary bike it is compact, and lets users actually ride their own bike. Rear-wheel trainers tend not to offer the road-like feel that rollers provide, but unlike rollers there is virtually no chance of riding off of a rear-wheel trainer. This style of trainer is good in that it allows riders to mount their own bike easily and has the resistance device that rollers often lack, but a rear-wheel trainer does not have the road-like feel of rollers (especially while out of the saddle) or allow the rider to have the opportunity to ‘train’ their bike handling skills while getting a workout. Continue reading Hands On: Rock and Roll Trainer First Impressions