Rollers and smart trainers

Training and Performance Fundamentals
1

Hi there

Looking for advice from this community. I have for a while now used rollers with my wahoo bolt to do workouts (e.g. sweet spot, 20/40s, russian steps etc.). I do like rollers but I find it a bit limiting as it is difficult to hit higher watt numbers in bursts as I can’t stand to achieve this.

Does anyone have any suggestions / experience they can share. Should I consider upgrading to some smart rollers or should I move over to a smart trainer? I want to continue doing workouts (I am not interested in the Zwift racing etc.)

2

A friend of mine has the Wahoo smart roller and I have done a couple of sessions on it.

I rate it highly. Very good.

Previously she used a Wahoo Kickr. She still owns that, but it is sat gathering dust now, as she prefers the roller.

I am sure there are other people that prefer a smart trainer to a smart roller.

If you have nearby retailers (or bike fitter) that sell such things, go and try both and see which you prefer.

3

I’ve used rollers in the past doing different types of workouts as well. While they’re great for long, steady efforts like Zone 2 rides, I find doing intervals on them really difficult because my focus is split between hitting the target power and trying not to crash. One time, I got derailed while doing a high-power interval — the wheels were spinning fast and I crashed straight into the fan in front of me. I even ended up cutting one of my fingernails. After that, I switched to a smart trainer, and it made my training a lot less mentally taxing.

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4

If the main training and not virtual races, it is better to switch to a smart simulator. It is more stable and allows you to calmly perform intensive intervals Leave the rollers for technique and the simulator for serious work