The roller bike trainer has the simplest design of the different indoor trainers that you will encounter. It comes with a set of three rollers, two occupying the rear of the trainer, while one occupies the front. Due to the lack of mechanics in these trainers, they can be quite noisy, however the benefit is there is no upper limit to the amount of resistance they can provide. Unlike other types of bike trainers, there is no stabilization mechanism, so you’ll have to ensure you’ve got your balance before you hop on or have some way of stabilizing yourself on the trainer. Because of this some would suggest that they are not the best choice for absolute beginner cyclists.
Parabolic versus Straight Rollers
Firstly, we should clear up the difference between parabolic rollers and straight rollers, as we cover both in this article. When starting out using a roller bike trainer, parabolic rollers are easier. They’re easier, because you never ride off the edges as you can do with straight rollers if you’re not careful. Another difference is the size. Parabolic rollers are, on average, smaller than their cylindrical counterparts. This means they will heat up the tires of your bike more quickly.
Right, now that’s out of the way…
If you are looking to purchase a roller bike trainer, there are many great options available. To help you choose the best roller bike trainer for your needs, we have put together product overviews of some of the most popular models.
Conquer Indoor Cycling Roller Trainer
These are parabolic rollers, and therefore are excellent roller bike trainers for those getting started on rollers. The bearings used are sealed, this allows you a smoother ride with very little resistance, and a small diameter of just four inches. However, the trainer is only capable of taking either 27” or 700c wheels.
Pros
- Great for those starting out on rollers.
- Good value for money.
- Very little rolling resistance, due to their smaller diameter.
Cons
- Smaller diameter than straight rollers, due to their parabolic design.
- Some customers have criticized the insecurity of the foot-step for mounting your bicycle.
- Better suited to bikes smaller than a 29” mountain bike, (not large road bikes), as these might push the fit-limitations of this particular roller.
Premium Indoor Roller Trainer
The Premium Indoor roller bike trainer is the perfect mid-price indoor trainer for both the entry-level cyclist or the seasoned professional.
It comes in a sleek red and even comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros
- Has undergone extensive factory-testing to ensure quality-assurance.
- Perfect mid-level trainer for the beginner.
- Comes with a handy carrying-case for travel.
- This indoor trainer comes with a five-year warranty.
Cons
- Some consumers have reported that the stand is handy, but could feel more sturdy, However the rollers themselves work well.
Kinetic Z Rollers
This product is probably the one you’ll hear the most about in terms of rollers, simply due to it being made Kurt Kinetic. Kurt Kinetic is a household name in the cycling-trainer industry, along with CycleOps and RAD. True to Kurt Kinetic form, this trainer is exceptional. It’s your typical green, the company has stuck with the bright eye catching green colour for years. It’s adjustable wheelbase (fitting anywhere from 38.2 to 43.3 inches), folding ability and left or right-side dismount are what make this trainer so great.
Pros
- Left or right-side dismount.
- Fully adjustable wheelbase.
- Folding trainer, making it easy to pack away and store.
- Unconditional lifetime warranty included.
- Extremely quiet.
Cons
- Better suited to road bicycles than mountain bikes.
Roller TacX Galaxia
The TacX Galaxia roller bike trainer is a premium-quality roller bike trainer. It is also very unique in that it is the first trainer ever to offer such versatility to the rider. The trainer operates via kinetic energy. It’s this generation of kinetic energy that allows the trainer to move backwards and forwards as the rider accelerates or decelerates. This feature is so unique it has been patented by TacX.
Pros
- Optimum versatility and adjustability. An industry-first.
- Consumers report that the trainer is very quiet, despite the constantly moving parts.
Cons
- Only fits 26”-29” wheels (unless you buy a new training wheel).
Elite Arion Home Trainer 2016
Parabolic rollers make their second appearance on our list with the Elite Arion Home Trainer 2016. This indoor trainer features an added step to allow easy mount and dismount of your bicycle. The frame is made from tough thermoplastic, and folds down nicely for easy storage. Unique to the Arion amongst our roller selection is that it is compatible with third-party software such as Zwift, allowing the rider a more immersive virtual experience than the view from the kitchen or lounge.
Pros
- Compatible with third-party virtual-reality software.
- Added step to allow easy mount/dismount.
- Tough thermoplastic frame means it will distribute weight more evenly.
- Sleek inconspicuous design.
Cons
- Some consumers did report a slightly elevated noise-level at high speed.
CycleOps Rollers
The CycleOps roller bike trainer is made from non-corrosive aluminium, meaning it runs smoothly and silently. The rollers lie on a solid steel frame, ensuring both unit and rider stability.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Two storage methods – fold-flat or stand on end.
- Five levels of adjustable resistance available.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Steel-framed support system, stronger than their plastic counterparts.
Cons
- Premium price point. There is however a cheaper model that uses PVC instead of aluminium as it’s roller-material. PVC Rollers, while more economical, will limit you to indoor riding only.
Roller Trainer Comparison Chart
| Roller Trainer | Ease of Setup | Noise Level | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conquer Indoor Cycling Roller Trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | Check Price |
| Premium Indoor Roller Trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★1/2 | Check Price |
| Kinetic Z Rollers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★1/2 | Check Price |
| Roller TacX Galaxia | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★1/2 | Check Price |
| Elite Arion Home Trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★1/2 | Check Price |
| CycleOps Rollers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★1/2 | Check Price |
Most of the above-reviewed rollers stack up well against each other in most categories. So if you’re looking for one that leads the pack, you’ll need to look hard to find it.
If you are on a budget, you could try a set of Conquer rollers, if not, then the Kinetic or CycleOps are good options. If you want something completely unique, go for the TacX Galaxia rollers. Ultimately the best roller bike trainer for you is the one that suits your budget and has the features you need.
Find a Bike Trainer by Type
Not sure what type of bike trainer you need? Then check out our guides to the best bike trainers by type.