[e39540is]

I was wondering if any of you have made your own rollers, and if so, would you mind sharing the materials used?

Or is it just better to go buy some. I like DIY stuff, and they don't look very complicated.

 

[Kerry Irons]

DIY rollers

I was wondering if any of you have made your own rollers, and if so, would you mind sharing the materials used?

Or is it just better to go buy some. I like DIY stuff, and they don't look very complicated.

Such projects have been reported here. For the rollers, people have used PVC pipe. Some have done wood end caps that they could turn on a lathe. Getting the bearings dead center and in a tight fit is obviously critical. Likewise turning the end caps for a perfect fit in the tubes to prevent any oscillation.

By the time you buy a roller belt, buy the bearings, and put in the labor of buidling a frame and the end caps, it's not obvious that you come anywhere close to saving money and the chances for a quality set that would last years seem slim.

 

[e39540is]

That makes sense. I have seen them come up on c-list in my area from time to time. When looking for used rollers, what do I want to look for, or out for?

I would guess that aluminum rollers are better them plastic. How about diameter of the roller, is it the bigger the better?

Also, earlier when I was searching for instructions on building rollers, I saw a guy that put what looked like a skate board wheel perpendicular to the front roller, to keep the front wheel from running off the roller. Wouldn't something like that be very beneficial to a beginner on rollers?

 

[rx-79g]

That makes sense. I have seen them come up on c-list in my area from time to time. When looking for used rollers, what do I want to look for, or out for?

I would guess that aluminum rollers are better them plastic. How about diameter of the roller, is it the bigger the better?

Also, earlier when I was searching for instructions on building rollers, I saw a guy that put what looked like a skate board wheel perpendicular to the front roller, to keep the front wheel from running off the roller. Wouldn't something like that be very beneficial to a beginner on rollers?

For what you're going to pay for used rollers, why worry about which kind they are? All of them will be nicer than what you could have bought, and no one is making rollers that don't work. Buy whatever you find for cheap.

 

[danl1]

Check out the rollers from Performance or Nashbar. Quite serviceable stuff, and usually pretty cheap. Hit one of their 'rare' sales (only 300 or so days a year) and they're even better.

As for skate wheels: I don't have them but to me they don't seem like a great idea. They probably save some flirting with the edge, but they likely cause a 'trip' instead of just a 'stop' that coming off otherwise means. I'd rather just stop than actively fall over. But I'm just guessing, and could be wildly wrong. More importantly, it just isn't a big deal. Even if they work well, you'll think them important for the first week of use, then they'll just seem dorky.

If some 'help' is to your interests, check out tapered rollers, such as on Tacx Antares. More money, but the times I've played with a borrowed set they seemed to make a real difference.

 

[PlatyPius]

I think I've seen homemade rollers out in front of the trailer, next to the washing machine and to the right of the 3-legged rabid dog...

 

[Mike T.]

Just be done with it and look for a used set of Kreitlers. The Rolls Royce of rollers.

 

[cxwrench]

i've got a set of performance rollers that are probably close to 20yrs old, they still work fine. i also have a set of kreitlers w/ the 3.0" drums. the perf. drums are plastic and prob 4.5"? the kreitlers are alloy and take a little more effort to spin. they are a bit smoother, but i never notice the others being a problem.

 

[makeitso]

The biggest issue that I see is that you're going to need to source a trio of rollers with good bearings designed to handle loads of say 100+ lbs (needs leeway for 'impact' and wiggle room) each and smooth enough of a bearing to take ~5000 rpm for at least a few hundred hours for 3" diameter RPM. The rest of the build is pretty easy.

That being said, if you wait around and try to grab a deal you can pick up a set of brand new rollers for <$100. Or you can pick up some of the nicer rollers with lifetime warranties for under $200. Another benefit of these is they're expandable to accommodate any amount of power you can develop.

 

[the_gormandizer]

Also, earlier when I was searching for instructions on building rollers, I saw a guy that put what looked like a skate board wheel perpendicular to the front roller, to keep the front wheel from running off the roller. Wouldn't something like that be very beneficial to a beginner on rollers?

The e-motion rollers have this feature. E-motions are floating rollers for dummies like me. By allowing forward and aft motion of the rollers, you are less likely to ride off them when you stand. If you Google around you will find some projects to turn conventional rollers into floating rollers.

 

[Peter P.]

Kerry Irons is right: it's not worth the money unless it's a school woodshop project or you're s stubborn, cheap, Yankee-like me!

What to look for: I wouldn't ride plastic rollers; they tend to develop static charges which lead to nasty sparks when you climb off the rollers-they're painful! I recommend the 3" diameter rollers because the smaller rollers offer a measure of resistance which is sufficient for most cyclists and builds a measure of power. The common, larger 4.5" diameter rollers will have most cyclists near their top gear after a few sessions.

The plastic end caps of Kreitler rollers are the exception; Kreitler is the legendary name and you can trust any of their products. Seriously consider watching eBay for the 3" models; they were formerly called the DynoLyte or PolyLyte for the plastic end cap version. I see them on auction many times a season.

If you want to buy new, I recommend the Kreitler Compact 3.0 because they sit lower to the floor. Consider whether you need the ability to fold the rollers for transport or storage. Kreitlers are whisper quiet and smooth. I've had exception customer service from Kreitler. They last a lifetime with only occasional belt replacement and I consider the prices extremely reasonable.

The little bumper rollers you describe are hardly necessary. There's a learning curve, but it's brief. And even when you fall off rollers, there's sufficient seconds to unclip and put a foot down. Contrary to popular belief, you won't take off like a rocket. Be sure and put a mat under the rollers if you ride on a carpeted floor because you will burn a hole in the rug if you fall off, not to mention dripping sweat.

And don't forget to wipe off your frame with a wet rag after sweaty sessions, as I do. Sweat leads to rust, particularly with steel frames.

For a comprehensive comparison of rollers, read this report here.

The TruTrainer and eMotion rollers mentioned also have detailed reviews on the site. These two brands are the Cadillac of rollers but quite expensive and usually not the first pair of rollers someone buys. To see how each brand works in real world conditions, do a youtube.com search by the respective brand.

 

[Kerry Irons]

Wow!

I think I've seen homemade rollers out in front of the trailer, next to the washing machine and to the right of the 3-legged rabid dog...

Now THAT is funny! I sometimes chuckle at comments on this board, but this one truly got me laughing and I had to go tell my wife. She's laughing too! We ride by that place on nearly every one of our routes

 

[rubbersoul]

you mean some roll your owns?

 

[frdfandc]

I think I've seen homemade rollers out in front of the trailer, next to the washing machine and to the right of the 3-legged rabid dog...

Don't forget about the hopper being on the front porch.