What are Bicycle Rollers?

November 14th, 2008 • Comments Cycling/Fitness
Tags: cycling, rollers, trainers, training

In my previous post on winter cross-training, I mentioned that I enjoy using bicycle rollers as a form on indoor training. However, after posting that article it occurred to me that some of you motocross-minded readers may not be entirely sure what bicycle rollers are.

Roller Basics

Essentially, bicycle rollers are a form of bicycle trainer used for indoor training by cyclists. However, unlike the standard bicycle trainer where the rear wheel is fixed into a frame, on rollers the bike is completely free to move. Rollers are made up of a metal rectangular frame holding three metal (they can also be wood or plastic) cylinders. Two of the cylinders are close together at one end of the frame while the third is on the other end of the frame. The rear wheel of the bike is placed in between the two close cylinders while the front wheel is placed on the front single cylinder. The front roller and the front roller of the back pair are connected by a (normally rubber) belt which causes the front wheel to spin as you pedal the back wheel. Because there is nothing holding the bike laterally, you are free to move from side to side, and possibly, right off the side of the rollers. Normally, the front cylinder has the ability to be adjusted from front to back in order to accommodate a wide range of bike sizes and wheelbases.

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Planning for 2009 (Step 1): Winter Cross-Training

November 11th, 2008 • Comments Cycling/Fitness
Tags: 2008, 2009, cycling, motocross, rollers, training

Note: This post is the first in a series following me as I prepare for 2009. Check back often or subscribe to the RSS Feed so you don’t miss any of the following posts in the series.

-Photo by Swisscan.

The 2008 motocross season is over, as is summer, and it is time to start planning for 2009 as winter sets in.

Why Cross Train?

The winter off season provides the perfect time to cross train for motocross. A lot of riders ignore cross training as part of their motocross program, and I believe this is a mistake. Nothing can replace riding motocross in order to perfect your skills, however, being in good physical shape can do wonders for your riding. The winter off season is the perfect time to get this done because of the break from racing. The winter break gives riders time to take a needed mental break from riding in order to improve their physical condition. Come springtime, it is much easier to get back into the swing of motocross if you are in top physical condition as opposed to a lazy, out of shape lump after doing nothing all winter. This winter will be one of my first where I stick to a rigorous training schedule, and I am hoping that I will definitely notice a difference come February when I begin riding again.

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