Bicycle rollers
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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, you want the front roller to be slightly ahead of the hub of the front wheel.
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.
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[edit] How to start bicycling on rollers
- Adjust the rollers so that the front roller is slightly in front of the hub of the front wheel of your bicycle.
- Place the bicycle rollers in a hallway, door frame, or near a wall so that you can catch yourself if you start to fall.
- Remove sharp and dangerous objects from the area, in case you should fall.
- Wear a helmet, even though you're indoors.
- Understand that if you should fall, you have no forward momentum. You will not fly into your television at 30 mph, though you may leave some nasty scuff marks on the carpet. However, gravity is still in effect.
- Place your bicycle on the rollers and clip into the pedals.
- Start pedaling while you have one hand on the wall or door frame.
- Note: It is easier to start in a higher gear.
- Note: The faster you pedal, the easier it is to keep your balance.
- Let go of the wall or door frame and trust your balance.
- Do NOT look down. Pick a point a few yards ahead and focus on that.
- Relax and enjoy the ride.
[edit] Construction
[edit] Rollers
The rollers themselves may be made from wood, aluminum, or plastic.
[edit] Frame
The frame may be made from welded steel or extruded aluminum. The frame may fold in the middle for storage or transport.[1]
[edit] 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.
[edit] Roller Racing
Rollers may also be used for roller races. 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 racing still takes place in Britain today with London's bicycle messenger community organising events going under the name of Rollapaluza. [5]
[edit] References
- ^ Bike Works NYC Bicycle Roller Racing Machine. Retrieved on December 19, 2006.
- ^ Kreitler Roller. Retrieved on December 19, 2006.
- ^ Kreitler Roller Accessories. Retrieved on December 19, 2006.
- ^ Rolling the Night Away. Therese Bjorn. Retrieved on February 10, 2007.
- ^ Rollapaluza VII. Retrieved on February 10, 2007.
[edit] See also
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