Trainers and Rollers

Maybe it’s just me but why is it that the past few weeks, very time I go out for an early morning training ride, I would see dark and angry clouds over the horizon threatening my routine? To make matters worse, 30 minutes after I made up my mind that I won’t be going out, these clouds would suddenly scatter away, giving way to Mr. Sunshine. And my day is done.

But the past 15 years, I don’t spend my early morning sulking over dark clouds or heavy rains. The bicycle trainer came to my rescue. There are two types of “treadmills” for bicycles. The turbo trainer is an equipment in which the rear wheel, via the skewers, are clamped tight. A single drum, presses the tire which provides resistance every time the pedal is turned. The harder you turn the pedal, the harder the resistance.

Rollers, on the other hand, are a different animal. In this case, the bicycle is not clamped on the equipment but is placed over three horizontal rollers, two for the rear and one for the front wheel. A belt is attached between the front and one of the rear rollers allowing the front to rotate as the rider pushes the pedals.

You don’t need balance to ride trainers but with rollers, it’s a prerequisite. Otherwise, you’d end up kissing the floor at home. It’s one reason why I don’t own a roller but they say that rollers improve one’s bike handling skills and it can also improve cadence (RPM of the pedals). A friend of mine, the manager of Cycle Logic at Park Mall, Toto Iral, said that you’re not a real cyclist until you can ride on a roller!

The great thing about these equipments is that you can utilize them without ever minding the traffic or the weather. You can also train more efficiently, with regards to time and quality.

However, most of those who have used it don’t like it since you can’t cruise on it. You’re either pushing the pedals hard or your stopping. It’s so hard that riding on trainers for 30 minutes is like doing a race simulation for an hour. The reason is that riding indoors is different from outdoors. Just like any machine, the body, without a coolant, can overheat. The coolant in this situation is the electric fan. Without a fan, you wouldn’t last long.

Another reason why trainers are difficult is riding without a plan. You must have a training program, and it doesn’t have to be complicated, to avoid boredom. Watching TV or listening to music is another way of getting over boredom.

Excessive sweating also comes with trainers and having a supply of cold water or an energy drink is a must. Finally, place a rag under your bike, I’m sure your wife won’t be glad to wipe your sweat when you’re done.

Finally, will have a new World Champion today. Yesterday was the last day for the World Road Cycling Championships in Valkenburg, Holland. Although the men’s road race is a “lottery”, the champion still needs to strong and smart to win it all after 267K’s and 7 hours of racing. My favorite to win would be Slovak Peter Sagan but he doesn’t have a team to help him so I chose Philippe Gilbert of Belgium who I think has the strongest team, to win……Don’t forget this weekend’s Tour of Smiles in Tacloban!