How To Ride The Rollers - A Beginner's Guide

[@rayacosta3510]

Thank you GCN Team, I started watching you channel about 6 months ago. I got my first road bike in July and when I'm not riding I'm watching your channel from training tips to bike maintenance. I even started doing the indoor training and diet. Now it's been 6 months and I have you guys to thank for helping me loose 50 pounds. I still have a long ways to go but I know with your tips and encouragement will help people like me who loves cycling in to a better shape and life style.

[@leafster1337]

nice

[@edthelizzard]

I have been training on rollers for about two years now. What a difference in skill, concentration and technique it has been for me! Had a turbo trainer but the ride feel was awful so I sold it and got an Elite Arion V-Mag with 3 levels of resistance. I learned to balance myself on the bike, I learned to relax myself on the bike, I learned to pedal better (work in progress) and my concentration levels have improved also. In addition it is a great tool to custom fit the bike, you can adjust the measures and test them out immediately. All in all, it has been huge boost to my performance. I may still be a rubbish rider but I am so with a lot more confidence. Keep up the good work.

[@chriswitek9455]

matt youve genuinely impressed me, as someone who only picked up rollers a few months ago there absolutely is a learning curve. clearly your many years of pedaling and developing a good pedal stroke and good balance between legs has lead to a fairly easy time learning rollers! keep it up! old dogs can learn new tricks after all.

[@sebastianfejsoe]

Just me or was that new PB for Matt off clipping in!?!?

[@lhotse1716]

He was definitley reaching for the wrong rail at 5:31

[@Arfadezz]

💀

[@memybikeandfriends]

Wood floors + bike cleats? I'm never getting off that roller.

[@4879daniel]

How do I get one of those GCN cushions? I never fall off my rollers, just fancy one for the living room.

[@cammykinnis]

Step 4: setup your rollers in front of a poster of a dragon to channel your inner fire breathing demon

[@HexseCow]

basic knowledge

[@Someone-nt8wz]

@@HexseCow Wooo

[@l3gendgam1ng44]

Smart

[@mirandahacket729]

😂😂😂😂

[@lw47]

If you have very little clearance on standover height, you might find it tricky getting on the rollers the first time. Putting a fat book or wood block down in between the rails to step on will help with confidence on getting going. Just make sure your pedals/wheels clear it.

[@Frostbiker]

It's the first idea that came to my mind. I can't believe that a short step isn't integrated into the design of the rollers.

[@simonbowler5036]

I love the rollers, but when I started, it was like Bambi on ice! Mine have resistance which means I can do some proper intervals too. And now I can ride no handed too, which really helps with core, and looks cool too:-)

[@hughiealonso]

matt's reaction when he nearly falls off is fantastic!

[@DrMcAwesome]

Love my rollers! Have been enjoying the gcn indoor sessions with them. Sometimes run out of gears on the low cadence sections but nothing a handful of brake lever can't fix. Chris Froom style!

[@robertmartinlooby]

Matt has used rollers before,look at the hair on him

[@martinaxe6390]

Just used my rollers for the first time. Took me 5 minutes and a fall, but I got the hang of it for the most part. I bought some parabolic rollers with lips on the edges of the rollers which keeps the bike wheels from popping off the rollers. Sort of like training wheels but for rollers. Those did save me a few times in my first 30 minute ride. It was scary changing hand positions but he's right when he says to use those core muscles to help prop yourself up and put less when on the bars. I'm very glad I spent the money on rollers.

[@martinhalsall8629]

Dan, you normally play it so cool but your concern for Mr Stephens was completely adorable.

[@madmattcopple_777]

Learned how to ride rollers on a fixed gear track bike doing sprint intervals. One heck of a workout! An easier way to get on and off than a wall, would be to set a chair next to you for something to hold onto getting on and off till you get a little more comfortable with the whole thing.

[@simonaggar7014]

Matt you are a legend. Best KZbin clip on gcn and a bloopers section all of its own. Took me a couple of attempts to get used to rollers but I love em

[@jefft6782]

Awesome job Matt! Clipping in first time, never mind the rollers...

[@robertmagadan495]

I bought a set of Elite-it rollers before watching this video. I had a very hard time learning how to ride on them 🤯. I saw this video, I followed the directions and with 30 minutes, I was rolling baby! Thanks 🙏 GCN amazing video!!!!

[@usman5140]

Had my set for about 2 months and use them 1- 2 times a week. They're not boring as I've heard standard trainers can be. I still need to start next to a wall and cant do 1 handed yet, but I can use them well enough for a quality workout. You will sweat even outside in the winter, and you will fall occasionally. You'll get use to them, nothing to be scared of.

[@spinme100]

I have to say I would never have viewed that episode if Matt was not the one riding the rollers. Pure gold.

[@Timbosch]

Quite possibly the best outtakes of any of your videos

[@jayhenryrules]

Great video, I just got a set of these and after a brief 10 minutes of use I feel like I will NEVER be able to use them. After watching this video I have a little more confidence and will try again tonight!

[@grawe87]

Those Videos are the best after a workout session! Perfect cool down time plus great tun! THX guys!

[@litojaylonip2062]

Matt's bloopers are really quite priceless. I think gcn needs to make Matt's bloopers a weekly thing. 😂😂

[@josech]

I recently discover that type of rollers and I'm absolutely fascinated with them! Way more fun than fixed ones.

[@neilrw86]

it was nice of Dan to help Matt get off.

[@JoelSzymczyk]

I'm the only one in 3 years to get the sarcasm....... :D

[@CubeRunner1000]

brilliant. top bloke Matt for having a go. I reckon that there may be a whole film of bloopers!

[@swil1116]

Best way to improve form. I was surprised to see Matt pedaling squares so badly. As mentioned above saw a few roller races too-1k sprints and 3-5000 m races. Those were crazy. Guys doing 200+rpm bouncing all over the place.

[@Maxmaxz]

You did spledidly, Matt. Bloody well chapeau!

[@swil1116]

Thanks Matt! Next test is to try it with a few pints. I ended up mangling a wheel when I drove off the roller in between the roller and post used to when the rollers were folded for storage.

[@matcawth1]

Really useful - many thanks to the presenters and also to the contributors in the comments below. Now winter is a-coming, all I have to do is grow a pair and get that set of rollers...

[@nickersonw10]

I just got rollers for Christmas, so this is great!

[@alainbellemare2168]

wrists protectors like the one used in rollerblading can be interesting, at the beginning do it often for shorter periods to trigger your nervous system more often without getting exhausted , giving it the opportunity to create the balancing motor skills, a little foot stool to get off the bike is handy

[@craigpaterson5085]

For me a twelve year old that has been rollering for 2 years and I love them can do no hands.I would advise not pulling breaks to slow down just free wheel and place your hand onto a chair or rail. But I agree they are great for warming up before a race

[@00bikeboy]

+Craig Paterson Yup, don't use breaks. Just coast to a stop and you'll be fine.

[@chriswitek9455]

+Craig Paterson i feel like applying the brakes keeps your wheels from rolling while getting off though. if youre already leaning against the wall the brakes wont do any harm honestly

[@ernestantonioching]

00bikeboy why dont use the brakes

[@00bikeboy]

While your wheels are turning your bike is more stable, due to the gyroscope effect. That stability comes in handy when you're dismounting from rollers. Just something learned through experience. You could certainly apply the brakes and stop the wheels from spinning before you dismount, but keep in mind the bike will be less stable.

[@ernestantonioching]

Chris Witek ohh ic

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

Back when men were men and women could ride bikes made for them instead of smaller men's bikes these were awesome...and still are! MATT IS THE GREATEST!

[@klempo13]

Its extreme corner in the making! Chapo Matt!

[@helenstevie]

Another thing to do is have a bar next to you so instead of leaning to the wall when stopping grabbing the bar is alot easier I think

[@FrekeOne]

buy one with resistance, have something on both sides to lean against. Put a stick out in front to get a quick aim at to see if You are in the center. Do this and You will have no problems other than the first 5 min of the first try.

[@flor.e.cultura]

Suggestion for the next video: How to CUT YOUR FORK!!!!

[@watcher24601]

+Flor.e.Cultura I can understand wanting to reduce the stem height (on non-sponser cycles), but why would anyone want to cut their forks?

[@WmCRobison]

Matt is such a great sport.

I place a yoga matt under the roler, helps with the grip when I get off the bike

[@miguelsantiago1580]

Thanks for the video

[@watcher24601]

Wow that was amazing, I didn't know Matt could clip in so quickly!

[@tywang]

Fastest clip in from Matt, well done!! Still hasn't saw off that steerer though!!!

[@razordimeback]

You should have mentionned that if you want to apply the brakes for stopping, to do it ever so gently, because braking too hard will just send your bike off the rollers. I usually just lean on the wall while still pedaling, then just slow down until the wheels stop turning. I was surprised at how fast Matt clipped in, maybe the rollers will make him a better clipless rider ;)

[@Phaidrus]

Well done, Matt!

[@HaldunSayi]

One of the funniest GCN record 😂🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@gcn]

haha!

[@williamlucas7600]

I made my own rollers out of wood and used a bike chain and rear meck to allow adjust-ability on the front... No.1 hardest thing to ride.. Not to mention the loudest set of rollers you'll ever see.

[@werdsmyth]

A bottle 3 feet in front of you? I put a laptop screen 3 feet in front of me. And use it to watch the GCN Show. #2birds1stone

[@flourcitybread2898]

I could watch every second of the outtakes from this video. Hilarious.

[@swissjonesy]

A crate or box at the side makes mounting and discounting much easier.

[@mattmik2545]

now that it's been awhile, did Matt keep using rollers? any noticeable benefits?

[@sherwinsalvatori6997]

I did it a couple of times before tack meets and they dam difficult to master not to mention I been on 2wheel since well the dawn of ages , I tell you lads while I using this dam contraption whole time am one handed holding on to something.

[@nlesshyper]

this is the fastest clip in from matt good job!

[@barefeg]

hey guys, would it be possible for you to put your workouts in cycleops virtual training? It would be really cool.

[@kojie333]

Yeah I use virtual training by cycleops with my iPad and your workouts would be great there @Global Cycling

[@nickgardener2990]

Yet again another great video from Matt and Dan, plus couldnt stop laughing for two reasons 1. Matt nearly ending up in a pill on the fall but . . . 2. Matt almost catching the wrong leg !!! Pro Tip: Not the one in the middle !!!

[@davidhakes5141]

You need some kind of platform under the crankset area of the roller trainer.

[@ljk5708]

Do you need training tires like you would on a home trainer?

[@samspade2399]

Is it easier to balance on the rollers on a MTB or a racing bike?

[@javorgeorgiev6130]

I thought I had the measures wrong, but it seems that I was getting on the rollers with my weight all the way out forward, which drove the bike backwards underneath me and right off the rollers. It was a lot harder than I expected to get on it for the first time. I might need to step on something first before getting on, because my seat is quite all the way up and I can't help but tilt forward when getting on to reach it. It's going to be a good few weeks before I try riding with my cleats clipped in. I'm not worried about myself. I don't want to damage the bike. Unlike me, it won't heal on its own without costing me anything extra.

[@kratkidokumentarci224]

Make long rollers to glide to the side like 10 meters :) that would be cool.

[@34979Charlie]

Hmm... Huge Jackman and Lyle Lovett have taken up cykling

[@ljk5708]

What’s the ideal psi while using rollers?

[@00Bagged]

@5:31 what exactly were you grabbing for ? trying to keep Dan upright ...?

[@m7deline]

kinda sus there

[@traderz13]

Can you do an indoor session especially for rollers, maybe get trotty or Jo to do it.

[@sheeeeesh9173]

Will it make you stronger in cycling??

[@gracci01]

If only all the videos were un-edited like at the end. Less posh pro and more real world joe

[@sssamcz]

Much easier to stick it in the big ring! You seem to relise this by saying it's easier when the wheels are moving faster - but then handicap him by putting him in a low gear, perhaps it was intentional ;-)

[@00bikeboy]

+Sam Singular Cycles Agreed, good advice.

[@chriswitek9455]

+Sam Singular Cycles easier to get a smaller gear rolling initally though, the first few pedal strokes are the most difficult after all

[@sssamcz]

Chris Witek YMMV but I've not found that to be a problem as the resistance is pretty low. Depends a bit on tyres and pressure though.

[@chriswitek9455]

Agreed somewhat. Depending on roller size. These aren't 4.5 inch drums, they're a bit smaller so the resistance is higher. That being said it's easier to concentrate on leg speed and moving at a lower required power output. Especially at first go. I find that speed is important in general at the lower end. But once you get above 15 to 17 it's all gravy unless you fuck up. Faster then that probably won't make you much more stable.

[@stephenlehane312]

Mmmm that bottle making me thirsty im gna take a drin.....how ppl die on rollers 😂😂

[@apriswajaya]

Can't even shift without falling

[@BillEvans1956]

Any views on using parabolic rollers? More suited to the beginner? More stable?

[@MVProfits]

Do I have this right? For balance, quickness of use, no need for extra tyre and cassette, etc = Rollers. For standing up, sprints, intervals = high quality turbo trainer

[@bike_lain]

I thought you're going to cut your steerer tube, Matt? :)

[@dpham-g5i]

+alainlim12 they probably filmed this bit and was recently edited and put out before Matt did his bike showcase

[@edthelizzard]

+Matt Stephens Make a vídeo of it: "How to cut your steerer tube".

[@omarkhan9410]

Whats the difference between cheap and expensive rollers?

[@TobiasDahlhaus]

Don't forget youth races where there is a sea of rollers. Really popular amongst younger guys to get the cadence up to increase ability due to gear restrictions.

[@BW_87]

Will there be any vids for roller training session ideas?

[@Andromeda.2077]

Why dont you just simply remove front roller and ride with front wheel stabilized? No wobbling that way. Anyway, thanx for the tips. 😃

[@firerose01]

I ride a moutain bike with 2.25 inch wheels can I still use this on that?

Matt achieved a brand new record for clipping in.

[@heavybiker1472]

I am noticing that one leg's push down stroke is stronger than the others resulting in a continous "turn" or swing of the front wheel to the other side on the rollers. Is there any way to strengthen the legs or stretch so that leg strengths and the push:pull are equal on both sides? I am sure biking on rollers would be more enjoyable if so.

[@ritchardmedina9845]

Does anybody have advice where I can find a basic roller for not so expensive?

[@insanelax78]

What shoes are they wearing in this video?

[@ichiroku]

is this at the GCN office or someone's swanky den? though that cheesy dragon does make it look like a man cave.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Good to see Dan taking care of Matt there. Ninja reactions stopping I'm from falling. The Way of the Dangon.

[@davidverbrugghe]

wow clipping in in record time. he an still learn some tricks! the student may become the master ...

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Awesome Apt.!!

[@tuncaymirik9135]

How is the frame measured?

[@benhenning575]

Try riding with down tube shifters

[@oliviaolivia7011]

I just got a new rollers , my front wheel is not spinning ... any idea why .?

[@__Cake__]

I'am doing your indoor cycling workout with roller which makes it more intense

[@tts80]

I was wondering if rollers would give a better approximation of how it would be to ride on the road (in terms of the resistance and effort required to go at a certain speed) compared to a trainer?

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

+tts80 You can obtain the data in respect of how much power is required, at a given speed, in relation to the resistance settings offered on the rollers. Most will replicate riding on flat (ish) roads. My own data escapes me at present, but there is quite a difference in wattage required (at say 20mph), between the different resistance settings.

[@Scoop940]

Crikey Matt did really well there considering how often he falls off out on the road ;-)

[@markdavidsonjewell]

Why do you wear spandex kits inside?

[@kevinhawker2946]

matt is the cycling world's Everyman.

[@twisted_witch]

That maybe a PB for clipping in but has Matt had an off recently 2:56 is that a recovering skinned knee? Did no one check Dans rollers were oiled at the beginning, or was that just his old joints creaking.

[@twisted_witch]

+Matt Stephens ah, yes 'the cousin of the log' incident. Say no more.

[@cal873]

What size is Matt's bike? I have the same set of rollers, but even on the the furthest roller position my front wheel is still too far forward.

[@sudocreme5080]

I normally don't disagree with GCN, but on this occasion I have to. To star of just put your hand on the wall, start pedalling until you feel comfortable, then gently take your hand of the wall and put on the handlebars. And to get off just freewheel and your hand against the wall. Far easier than leaning and braking

[@usman5140]

+Isaac McAuley I never start braking. I put the back wheel on, get on the bike and clip the foot closest to the wall, hold on to the bars while leaning on the wall, start riding and clip the second foot in. To get off,I just unclip, slow, then put one foot on the ground.

[@sudocreme5080]

+usman I can lean to start, but it isn't my preferred choice. I normally am in a door frame. I clip both feet in, holding with one hand into the door way, i start pedalling until I feel comfortable then carefully take my hand off the wall.

[@stevenanderson22]

How does the resistance work with rollers?

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

+Steven Anderson It`s usually a magnet, which moves closer to the rear roller by turning the dial accordingly.

[@theninjapizza33]

I see matt is really getting the maximum aero advantage with that helmet

[@gwille4life]

Spent about 500 miles on it and so far so good. kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA Pros:1. Very light2. Solid quality build3. Fast delivery: It arrived 5 weeks earlier than expected.4. Easy assemblyJust a few cons but nothing major:1. Cheap tin tubes and had flat on first day... but not a big deal. I replaced the tubes.2. Seat is a bit uncomfortable but that's pretty much the same situation with most bikes.3. Seat post is a bit long/high for a smaller size 48 bike - had to saw 2 inch off to fit properly. The lowest setting is too high. The post locking system does not seem to hold well (perhaps because I saw 2 inch off).4. wheels are not tubeless compatible (from what I can tell)

[@stuh6712]

Thanks for this video guys. What tyres would you suggest using?

[@edthelizzard]

Normal ones, without any sort of tread on them. Helps keep the noise level down.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

+Stuart Haddow I just use my end of season road tyres. Buy new one`s for the coming year, and stick the old ones on the trainer bike. Get the pressures well up high, sorted!

[@billbarnes543]

2 tips: 1. If you have a flywheel connected to your rollers, do not use your brakes to stop. 2. Don't lean into the corners while watching training videos!