Summary: These things are awesome, I really didn't know anything about SportCrafters rollers but they rock! They are sturdy and well made. I suggest buying the additional magnetic resistance unit if you want to train hard. When the resistance was on level 0 I was holding a 28-30mph average which is fun and all but I don't think was making me stronger. When I put it on level 3 I have a hard time staying over 20mph and my legs are burnin, feels more like riding on the road.
Strengths: Quiet, sturdy, well made.
Weaknesses: None yet, just be careful when learning how to use them. It takes a while to get accustomed to the roller setup.
Similar Products Used: None
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Bike Setup: Litespeed Ghisallo M/L
Full Campy carbon record
Mavic Open Pro rims
Michelin slicks (training rims & wheels)
American Classic Carbon rims & Vittorio Pave Tires (for race use only)
15.5 lbs. with the AM Classics
Summary: First, let me say I used Kreitler Poly-Lytes for 2 winters (they were a friend's that I borrowed while he was over in Iraq). When he came back, he wanted his Kreitlers back which meant I needed to get a set of my own. I couldn't afford $305 (with shipping) for a set of Poly-Lytes, so I looked at the ZRO's. Let me say, if you're into the Krietler brand name, well, that is your business, but these ZRO's are just as smooth running, fold a little easier and cost about 40% of what the Kreitler's cost. From a strictly utilitarian standpoint, there is no reason to purchase the more expensive Kreitlers. I'm very happy with the investment. My only concern is longevity, but the ZRO's have machined aluminum end caps which the Poly-Lytes lack, so I think they will be better in the long run.
Strengths: Price & smothness
Weaknesses: non
Similar Products Used: Kreitler Poly-Lytes
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Bike Setup: Giant TCR C-1 (composite frame, Ultegra). I'm happy with my bike, too! I weigh 150, btw.
Summary: I've been a happy owner of these SportCrafters for about three years, but unless I'm not in shape or drop my tire pressure, it's hard to feel like I've gotten a "real" workout. (Lowering your tire pressure, by the way, ups the resistance but also wears your tires.) I recently installed a SportCrafters magnetic resistance unit on my rollers, and it is awesome. I did a roll this morning on the #3 (of 5) setting and didn't even get onto my two smallest cogs. I would highly recommend the mag unit, and I echo the other reviewers' praise for the rollers themselves. Front of the Pack, where I bought the mag unit, also had nice things to say about the company owners. If you get the unit, keep in mind that you'll need a 9/16 open end wrench and a crescent wrench (or a second 9/16). Also, don't be afraid to give the connecting plate a good shove to get the slot around the roller's bolt. Installation was not difficult.
Strengths: Roller is quiet, smooth, and it folds up. Mag unit adds a good amount of resistance. Quality.
Weaknesses: It would be great if the mag unit were adjustable on-the-fly, but then it would probably cost half again as much. Not a big deal at all. So far, there has been enough range in my gearing so that I don't need to change the resistance setting during the workout.
Similar Products Used: None.
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Bike Setup: 2006 Pinarello F4:13
Full Campy Carbon Record
Ksyrium ES
Polar S725
Summary: Short review: These rollers are the best I've seen - I will never buy anything else and will never recommend anything else
Long review: I purchased these rollers several years ago with the intention of using them in my winter training with my stationary trainer. After over 3000 miles on them, earler this summer the drums began to wobble a bit and was pretty noticable at speeds of 25+ MPH. I contacted the manufacturer to see if I could get them rebalanced - the personalized response I received was amazing. I knew these rollers have a lifetime warranty, but while many companies that offer such a warranty will do the bare minimum to repair the problem in the most cost effective way and the problem ends up marginally resolved and likely to return, this definately wasn't the case with SportCrafters. They immediately offered to ship me brand new drums at absolutely no cost to me - I even offered to pay for the shipping and they refused! When is that last time that happened to you?!? Anyway, these new drums have been redesigned since my original set with 3 features that make them sure to last several thousand miles more than the last set:
a) the cap is now polycarbonate rather than ABS, which is 2X as rigid and not susceptible to relaxation over time.
b) They've redesigned the extrusion with very slight ribs down the ID which "grab" the cap under torque loads, and won't let it slip.
c) the press fit is tighter.
Ok, so I received the new drums about a week ago and due to some things going on that were preventing me from riding outside, the new drums already have about 220 miles on them and are incredible! The ride is unbeliveably smooth and quiet. I even set the magnetic resistance unit to minimum and cranked the speed up to 40 MPH for a few minutes and had absolutely no vibrations. Interval workouts are extremely consistent for the resistance - and I love the fact that more resistance does not make the ride louder like many stationary trainers.
Anyway, these rollers are top notch, and the incredible lifetime guarantee (even if you purchase them from eBay!) is undeniably the best I've ever seen. If you are looking for a great ride, and a company that knows their customers - look no further.
Strengths: Magnetic Resistance unit is awesome!
VERY smooth
Low noise level
Large drums that are spin balanced
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!
Weaknesses: After over 3000 miles of riding on SportCrafters rollers, I honestly can't think of any reason I would ever consider riding anything else
Similar Products Used: Cycleops Aluminum Rollers
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Favorite Ride: anywhere along the colorado front range
Bike Setup: Specialized Roubaix Pro
Dura-ace drive train
Ksyrium SL wheels
Summary: I couldn't be happier with these rollers. I bought these rollers more than 3 years ago to help improve my pedal stroke and conditioning in the winter and I have loved them ever since. The engineering is sound and flawless. The rollers are smooth and quiet and maintance free. I have not needed to replace the belt even though I have used them extensively. I have not tried using 2 belts as other reviewers have, but I think that is an interesting idea. These are the first rollers I have ever owned and I have not tried other products, but I can't imangine a better set of rollers out there. I have been very pleased with them.
Strengths: Solid and stable.
Smooth glide to rollers.
Quiet.
Excellent engineering.
Maintance free.
Weaknesses: None so far after years
Similar Products Used: None
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5 of 5
5 of 5
