The choice of one bike trainer or another is something that has a considerable influence when it comes to indoor cycling. There are different options on the market that adapt to the needs of professional cyclists and those who are new to this type of training, and these vary in the way the bike is used on the trainer and in the pedaling sensations they offer. It is for this reason that they explain what their characteristics are and offer their recommendations for choosing one model or another of trainer.
The cycling roller or bicycle roller has become enormously popular in recent years due to the advantages it offers in terms of training performance and the different options available, which allow cyclists to choose between one model or another according to their needs. The roller, cycling experts explain, is a device in which the bike is adapted to train at home without having to go out. This brings with it a lot of advantages, apart from being able to practice cycling at any time and, above all, when the weather is bad. But also because of their qualities to help improve pedaling technique, to improve endurance and, ultimately, to improve the efficiency of training. In addition, smart rollers considerably enhance performance by providing accurate training data and can even be used in cycling simulators.
To choose a professional cycling trainer, professionals recommend, first of all, to consider what models exist and what features each one offers. And also consider other important aspects such as budget, brand and reviews.
Types of bicycle rollers and their most important features
The types of cycling rollers vary depending on how they work and how the bicycle is installed on them, offering different pedaling sensations in each case. This is a determining factor when choosing between one model or another, say the professionals, who differentiate between three different models: direct drive rollers, smart rollers and roller rollers. Of course, there are different brands that are responsible for manufacturing each of them, although most professionals focus on one in particular, which is the one that has gained the most popularity in recent years and has become the preferred option for professional cyclists. This is ZYCLE, a Spanish brand specializing in indoor cycling equipment and with a presence in major cycling competitions through highly recognized sponsors.
ZYCLE has a direct drive roller (ZDrive), a smart roller (ZPro) and two rollers (ZRoller and its latest addition RooDol by ZYCLE). All of them are available in the web catalog: https://zycle.eu/en/rollers/. The direct drive roller is so named because of how it works, and that is that to use it you need to remove the rear wheel and engage the bike through the axles. ZDrive is a roller that also offers great compatibility with wheels from 26“ to 29” inches. In addition, it stands out for the realism it provides when pedaling, in fact, it is able to simulate a slope of up to 20% while training with the bike, without forgetting that it can be linked to the main cycling simulators. Its magnetic resistance, braking system and state-of-the-art attachment have made it one of the top selling cycling rollers today.
The smart roller stands out for its design with telescopic legs that allow the rear wheel to be fixed to it, without the need to dismount it. It is one of the most stable designs for cycling at home and therefore one of the safest. In addition, the ZPro model features an automatic resistance that provides one of the most realistic cycling experiences when using cycling simulators, since the user does not have to perform any action to adapt the resistance to the route and its unevenness. This cycling trainer is also one of the most compatible and can be used on wheels from 20“ to 29” inches.
Finally, there are the roller rollers – or balance rollers, as they are also known. The latter tend to be the most commonly used because of their simplicity, their ease of transport and because they can be assembled and disassembled in just a few seconds. In addition, they adapt to the unevenness of the terrain, allowing cyclists to warm up in the moments before a route or competition. These rollers, as their name suggests, stand out for their design with rollers. Specifically, they include two at the rear and one at the front. The ZYCLE models are the ZRoller and its latest addition, which is giving much to talk about, the RooDol by ZYCLE. The latter is available in different models that vary according to the color and dimensions of the bed (TRACK, COMPACT and OFF ROAD). It can also be customized according to the material of the roller (PVC or aluminum) for a different cycling experience in each case and depending on the use of the roller. Roller rollers are very useful for working on balance while cycling, according to cycling professionals.
Other determining factors in the choice of a cycling trainer
Apart from knowing the type of roller and its characteristics, experts recommend paying attention to other aspects that can be decisive when choosing between one model and another. First of all, they recommend paying attention to the brand or manufacturer and the reliability it offers. To do this, they encourage you to consult verified reviews and opinions about the product, but also to check its presence, for example, in major competitions and its use by professional cyclists or fitness instructors. Experts advise, likewise, to pay attention to the budget and emphasize not to opt for the cheapest option, since it usually gives poor results in terms of material resistance, wear and tear and service life. In addition, many of the low-cost rollers lack the technological innovations and features that the most advanced models incorporate, such as connectivity, USB ports and the possibility of linking to the main cycling simulators.
