Elite Nero Smart Rollers:
The Ultimate Training?
Training rollers: Designed for tightrope walkers?
Cyclists are often impressed by training rollers.
Accustomed to seeing pros warm up with this type of training base during races, we tend to think that it requires very significant skills, and the most common thought we hear is: "I'd be afraid of losing my balance and falling, it's not for me!"
Here, we will demystify the use of rollers and discuss their advantages and disadvantages compared to a traditional training base, as well as introduce you to a choice model: The Elite Nero.
1. Shapes and Configuration
Rollers, as their name suggests, are composed of 3 independent cylinders connected by a belt. Their use is ultra simple and only requires adjusting the length according to your bike's wheelbase.
Set up requires no assembly/disassembly, unlike traditional training bases. No axle to change, no cassette to remove: just place your bike on it to start training.
2. Realism
Training bases have evolved a lot. Manufacturers compete in ingenuity to increase realism and try to reproduce the feeling of riding outdoors as much as possible: climb simulator, rear axle vibration, and smart fan…
But if you want to get as close to reality as possible, the training roller is the solution that comes closest.
Don't let her age fool you... this young champion has an impressive balance worthy of the most experienced cyclists on rollers!
3. Different but Complementary Work
It's well known that cycling isn't the sport that works the upper body the most, but the abdominal muscles are heavily engaged, especially to maintain a good aerodynamic position.
The advantage of the roller is that it allows you to work on balance and proprioception. Deep muscles are engaged. In addition, the pedal stroke must be well-rounded and complete.
As a result, after a few months on the roller, you'll be happy to see improvements in your performance on the road. You'll notice an anaerobic gain, as well as a better pedal stroke and additional balance skills (like perhaps putting on your raincoat without getting off the bike ;-).
4. Connectivity and Performance
Many training base models are now "connected," allowing you to train with software like Swift or Wahoo System .
The software installed on your tablet via Bluetooth sends information to your base, which adjusts resistance in real-time. As a result, very advanced and personalized training can be carried out.
Until recently, the only way to train virtually on rollers required a power meter on your bike and coupling it with the software. Although effective, you did not benefit from any automatic resistance on the roller or incline reproduction.
The Elite Nero is, to date, the only roller that can connect to the smart training software on the market. It can simulate a 7% incline and 840w of resistance. It's THE model we highly recommend!
What about the budget?
Clearly, the roller is the big winner. It is inexpensive and requires no accessories. The highest-end connected model (mentioned above) is priced similarly to mid-range traditional trainers.
Our Advice for Getting Started
As mentioned in our video above, you will see that riding a roller is not as difficult as one might think, and the learning curve is very fast.
If you've decided to take the plunge, congratulations! Here's a reminder of an effective and easy technique to get started:
- Lean your roller against a wall, and on the other side, set up a step stool.
- To get on your bike (placed on the rollers), use the step stool. Being close to the wall allows you to use your hand for balance when you start pedaling, and most importantly, to stop and dismount very easily.
- If you feel unbalanced, lean your hand or shoulder on the wall, and you're good to go. At any time, you can also unclip and place your foot on the step stool.
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Two other popular models in the training rollers category: The Elite Quick Motion and the Tacx Galaxia T1100 .
It's your turn! All that's left is to get started, and soon you'll be able to tell your friends you're riding rollers like a pro.