TACX Galaxia Rollers: Unboxing, Building, First Ride Review

[@kathleenbaran475]

Watched the video, put my rollers together, then put it in a doorway hopped on using a small step stool. Wow! Took about 15 minutes until I was able to remove my death grip on the door jam. Then I was able to ride non stop for an hour! Love it! Thank you Mr Video man for all the really good info!👍👍

[@darrenellis1241]

Thanks for this, bought a set 2nd Hand without instructions and mistakenly believed you just got on the bike and rode. Didn't get on too well so popped em away. After watching this I dragged them out and found they weren't even close for my bike length, after downloading manual I set em up and faired a lot better. Thanks.

[@timstr.436]

Brilliant -not only as a review, but also because it is reassuringly informative. I'd got a set of these before I saw this and wasn't particularly enjoying the experience because I thought I was doing it all wrong! Persevered after watching this -now I'm a happy bunny!! Thanks!

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

After 3-4 months I have been using this rollers I can say I am pretty satisfied. I learned how to enjoy them standing on the pedals and now I am missing only to go without my hands. The right length size plays an important role: with my cx I can't stand, the bike will go out the rollers...with my road/race bike I can do it without any particular attention. They are really helping me with this long winter...

[@dinos7185]

I'm still using my MTD rollers from 44 years ago....they work great....

[@CarlForde]

Rollers are great for teaching you to ride in a straight line and improve smoothness. Straight and smooth is faster than wobbly and jerky. Also safer in a group

[@glennoc8585]

I see your point but after riding on my fixed trainer i can now climb too much in a straight line. It's stil just a bad weather training aid no substitute for getting on the roads.

[@Dak3y]

I enjoy rollers over a standard trainer because it's more interesting, but also because you just throw your bike on without having to take anything apart.

[@NVGTO]

Me too, I really love them, so easy to "set up", really can't be asked to take a wheel off, deal with the chain, etc.!! Plus it's great for balance and it really is a fantastic mental exercise. I've read it's good for your core too, but to be honest I must be doing something wrong because I don't feel that at all...and I doubt I have a rock solid set of abs!!

[@rein2523]

Step up tip. Keep te bike off the rollers while stepping up. (Front wheel in front of front roller rear wheel in front of rear rollers). When youre over the top tube pull your bike back on the rollers and youre good to go.

[@robertdore9592]

That was nice presentation Shane, very clear and concise.

[@beyond990]

Always love rollers, additional bonus when using is your core is very active keeping your balance 😁 I also find that i can spend longer on rollers before I get uncomfortable on the saddle, probably because the bike has some movement and is not locked solid.

[@beo303_3]

I often do cadence sprints on my rollers. My maximum Rpm was 205. they are perfect for cadence Training.

[@urit67]

I built floating rollers 10 or so years ago using my current rollers some 2x4s and skateboard wheels and a bungee cord, and got the same effect as the rollers in this demo for $30. The rollers would float back and forth 2-3 inches and made for a more forgiving and realistic ride.

[@gplama]

Tony Hawk Pro Rollers! ;)

[@martinmacmahon4542]

James Kistler i did the same but I have two resistance rollers from sports craft. I don't need a bungee cord. I am not a strong rider but in the 53*11 can easily squeeze out 600 briefly at 90 rpm

[@Grillmouth]

Rollers are great. I've been using them between a doorframe to lessen stacks. Got into a zone though and it reminded me of carving on a snowboard. Heaps of fun once you get the balance down.

[@nickpink25]

Just bought some had a test ride I was riding almost straight away I love em 😀👍🏼will be using these now every day uk winter terrible I think there absolutely brilliant I followed your tips cant recommend enough cheers great video 🚴🏼👍🏼💪🏼

[@Indomitable_Imperative]

Thank you for the thorough, detailed, informative, and entertaining video.

[@danielpass5315]

Love rollers too! I ride both Kreitlers (standard) and Elite e-Motion (ERG) rollers. Thanks Shane!!

[@scottbacci8933]

Just purchased these. Thanks for the review. Will be a good compliment to my H2

[@steventownley271]

Killer review! Thanks I’m shopping these rollers for sure! Love your videos 👍

[@johnbertelsen1144]

I have been riding a set of these for about 2 years. Controllable trainers are the rage because of Zwift and Rouvy. To make these work I increase the gearing to simulate hills.

[@davidlack6655]

First time, interesting but within two attempts got the hang of it. Really good work out, using 1-2 minutes in each gear, same cadence. Feels more real than turbo. Can't wait to let my son have a go - he he!!! Thanks for great set up.

[@james007harvey]

Great video Shane. I LOVE my rollers :). Aluminium drum & 5 neodymium magnets gives me more resistance than I need!

[@stephenschwartz5240]

@james I just bought aluminium rollers as well. What did you use for magnets and how did you set it up? szs at telus.net

[@kona6812]

Cudos! Shane, your riding like a pro on the roller! 😎

[@1975lap]

I think I will bring out my rollers that picked up second hand and never learned to ride.

[@larrywhite8590]

Love rollers and the Galaxia's are certainly a nice riding roller!

[@frankj242]

Many Thanks, very helpful review. I must have one now. Hello from Stuttgart Germany

[@xxangxr]

Been hearing a lot from my fellow korean zwifters that rollers are one of the critical traininig that helps you perform better in racing competitions :) going to find out why soon

[@ryandowney5798]

Next Swift Zwift Tip: Running on rollers. Logging miles.

[@devonrager3651]

Meta humor.

[@iang7007]

Thanks for showing how the belts go on the rear to then go on the front ;)

[@danteocampo9191]

Nice job, Thats what I wanted to see... DATA! Now I'm sure rollers are adecuate foto cassual use. 200w riding is fine to burn some fat and have fun. Thanks for all the information!

[@thato3094]

You made me change my mind so quickly on getting rollers😅😅

[@ollyole4560]

Session #6: Got cocky and fell off

[@glennoc8585]

Reminds me of 8 ball or snooker, that.

[@redsoxfan5240]

For me, that was session 3. Got too cocky after doing pretty well on session 2. So by session 4, I was back to being slightly afraid again!

[@quiltedwithlove]

I'd fall over, knock myself out and end up with a concussion for three days the first time I'd use it. Been there, done that, with clipless pedals. Awesome to see you ride the rollers with ease though.

[@thankyoujesus2836]

Nice! I get so excited when you post. Cant wait to see you try the smart rollers!

[@kargi42]

I use my Elite Arion Mag rollers and 4iiii power meter for Zwifting. I never fall, because I ride them my shoulders aligned inside to the door of my room and with Shimano plastic platforms on my SPD pedals. Since they are parabolic I can watch or even type while riding. My FTP is below 200, so 0 setting in magnetic resistance suits me fine. I have room for improvement as setting 2 is up to 500W. I definately recommend them, but I have never used a trainer, so I am not an expert :)

[@daveknott4563]

LOL @ 4:10. you are an articulate man and that's what we like about you!

[@craigpaterson5085]

Warm up for youths races are a no brainier on rollers , high cadence easy to transport and you can just jump of and straight onto the track or circuit. Also you can play a game of who can hit the highest cadence . Can just about manage 180rpm

[@hornetluca]

Hello Shane, I have a smart trainer wheel-on and I wonder whether or not the right tire pressure affects the power delivered. Do you think it does?

[@gplama]

Yes

[@the_neanderthal_cyclist7460]

Would you recommend rollers for improving pedalling form and avoiding knee injuries?

[@Neonbike000]

Super video, I want more video on similar simulators. Thank you, I liked it very much.

[@ionteo941]

Got 1. Fall off 5 times first ride. Second, much better - 35 min training. For me, best choice 👍

[@Niala8419]

Sound great for Z2 stuff, re the upper power limitations you mention.

[@23chrischen]

I'm confused, supposedly the shape of these rollers helps you stay in the middle, but the crown rollers you reviewed earlier which have the opposite shape also help you stay in the middle, how is it possible that the two opposite shapes do the same thing? I have the feeling that one of them is actually doing it wrong, sort of how oval chainrings nowadays are essentially the opposite of the old biopace chainrings. Am I understanding these two seemingly "opposite" rollers incorrectly?

[@gplama]

They're not opposite shapes. One is a flat-ish roller with lips on each side to stop you riding 'off' each side, the other a parabolic shape that keeps you centered due to physics and greater resistance as you veer off center.

[@23chrischen]

@@gplama as I understand it, the crown rollers' convex shape work have greater resistance away from the center because the diameter of the rollers there is smaller, and so the wheels get pushed back to the center with a larger diameter. If you begin to drift off of to the side of the tacx rollers, the diameter slowly increases since the lip is fairly gradual, so shouldn't the wheel get pushed farther out towards the edge by the same principle as the crown rollers? (I love the content by the way, just trying to understand better what's going on)

[@chinarello2928]

There are third party magnetic resistance units that could help push watts higher.

[@seove1]

Chinarello . That's what I have... And squirrel cages, and a flywheel.

[@geoffreyanderson4719]

You can burn up the mag units if you do high intensity intervals. Ask me how I know.... You can also force the belts to slip and squeal. ROllers are just not the right tool for very high watts. BUt yes you can get a fan unit or a mag unit for many rollers and it's good for many kinds of workouts. I use a fan unit for resistance on rollers. It depends on the brand of rollers.

[@PascalKolkman]

My Tip or cheap hack to add extra resistance to the rollers. In my case tacx antares. Place a towel or cloth rolled up softly under the (rear) blue drum gently touching the blue drum but still letting it be able to rotate. The contact of the roller with the towel will acts as a little brake and costs almost nothing since most people will allready have a towel at home. Happy days .

[@Cyclingchoice]

The HUNT wheels look beautiful in the video.

[@brianho6625]

I also bought one recently, hope to get used to soon

[@mariozombie2843]

Can I use rollers with normal tires or do I need trainer tires?

[@carmandamato5494]

You can use normal tires with rollers. In fact there is very little wear from rollers, unlike some trainers.

[@serendilys5448]

Any tyres work, I started on cross tyres and I still did it, there just really noisy, then I put my road tyres on and it was just as easy withought the noise

[@cmlogisticsllc8795]

What do I need to connect to the TV program. Sorry for my stupid question but the rollers were a gift from my brother and I never got to use with the tv

[@gplama]

A power meter on the bike, or a speed sensor. Then something to run Zwift (or whatever software). It can be a little tricky knowing what you need. Drop into any good bike shop and they'll likely have something setup in store they'll talk you though and sell you what is needed.

[@alexanderwendelbo1447]

Hi Shane. Thanks for a Nice video! Take a look at Lionel Sanders, he does all his training on an elite smart roller on zwift, in his aerobars! Crazy!🤪

[@YUTfan2]

Can we adjust the rolling speed or can we make it the roller tight or loose by adjusting that string?

[@chrisr.2371]

Hello Shane, How does this role work with Swift? Which sensors must be present so that a connection to Swift can be implemented?

[@gplama]

You need either a power meter or speed sensor.

[@willitstandthetestoftime228]

First time using fell off nice 9inch bruise on my thigh... what are you watching or using on the tv whilst using the rollers mate

[@downlaw]

Is there anything new in rollers? Is this still a good option? Where did you get the TV stands? What brand are they?

[@gplama]

Basic rollers haven't changed much. Crown Roller did something interesting more recently. TV stands: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYbVd2dnjcx5q9k

[@clarencegautiza2691]

I ride many time on bike roller and the only things is missing that actually riding up hill is front hydraulic at front roller just like you're running on treadmill with elevation change

[@julier6969]

The distance between my axles is 37 inches or 94 cm. Does the Galaxia allow this dimension.

[@TheCrowler]

I was wondering: Is it possible to use this roller with a mountain bike that has tires with some profile or does it only work (smoothly) with a street bike? I am just looking for something to keep some base fitness over the winter that is affordable and doesn't take up much space. This roller would be awesome in both regards, but I wonder if this could work with my type of bike...

[@gplama]

The MTB tyre tread makes for a horrible experience using rollers.

[@TheCrowler]

@@gplama Thanks for the info. I was afraid so.

[@TheCrowler]

@@gplama Quick update: I bought the Galaxia roller and so far I used it with my standard MTB tires (not too rugged though). I have to say that it's not too bad actually. Main issue is the noise they make, but apart from that, riding is kind of smooth. I also bought some slicks to put on my wheels now for the winter, hopefully reducing the noise quite a bit. However, for people who are not too concerned about their training sounding like an air raid siren (or use noise canceling headphones): you can quite decently combine the Galaxia with an MTB. 👍

[@cptbrncls7050]

I got given one of these and shortened it to fit my wheelbase but now there is not enough belt tension for the rollers to work properly. How is belt tightened?

[@karlc9773]

Ive just bought normal rollers to learn whilst in lockdown, should i just stick with what ive just bought or is an uograde worth the money, really enjoying the roller experience

[@gplama]

If you're happy with what you have, keep riding them.

[@khemshet]

5:45 is a straight up magic trick

[@zerocooljpn]

did your box smell horrible too? mine did. I think it was the ink on the box, but I'm not sure. those springs were so hard to move (on the antares model, which has the same assembly instructions as the galaxia... very confusing). I really think this product has a lot of improvements to make on the setup/adjusting process. It was very useful seeing your video, it was a lot more explanatory than the manuals at least.

[@gplama]

I can't recall any smells being out of the ordinary. Thanks for the comments on the video. This is why I make them, in the hope they'll help others.

[@thebrowns5337]

Two qustions: Do rollers give more of a core workout that trainers the bike is fixed in to? You are balancing more after all. And can you use them with gravel tyres? Not super agressive mud tyres but some short tread blocks - not slick.

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

Hi, thanks for your great reviews. Which model would you suggest between this and the Tacx Booster? I would like to buy this with the free rollers system but some people suggested me rollers with the rear wheel fixed. Since you tested both of them, what's your opinion? Would you suggest to buy also a set of wheels + tires just for the rollers? Thanks !!!

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

I bought them, today I tested it for the very first time. First 5-10 minutes I had to learn...once I understood how to do it, I put on a movie and my bluetooth headphones and I enjoy the rollers for more than one hour!!! They are great! I still have to try without hands, at the moment I can drink and use just one hand or tape quickly my phone. I need to understand what I need to link them to Zwift.

[@akosnagy8662]

how do you store the drive belt if you are on vacation (or when you are not using it)? is it advisable to loosen the drive belt?

[@ΘάνατοςΧορτοφάγος]

I'm thinking of getting either a basic trainer or rollers. I'll use them only for my warm up / warm down for cyclocross and maybe some low intensity endurance work. Which will be the best choice

[@gplama]

If you can find clear ground, something like these will work. Also see the Feedback Sports Omnium.

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

I'm really enjoying this rollers, except for when I try to ride my bike standing...I can´t really pedal, as soon as I do it in a "normal" way the bike tries to jump forward and goes out the rollers. The real wheel start making small jumps untill the entire bike makes this step forward...Has anybody else the same issue? Just for info my bike is really big (I set the rollers on the longest position )...I don´t know if that is anything to do with it. Any idea how to solve it? I will try with other bikes, at the moment I am using my CX...thanks

[@gplama]

Standing or sprinting on rollers will never work. Some people can do it... but it's a party trick. There's no way to get enough resistance or push back from the bike to elicit any real training benefit for riding out of the saddle on standard rollers. Sorry dude. :)

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

@@gplama thanks for your answer. I understand that standing doesn´t give any benefit for training but would definitely help my ass :-)))) But my question was more how to do that without jumping with the entire bike forward. In this video I see you stands and you can actually ride in that position. So what´s this trick?

[@gplama]

It's just that.... a trick. Ditch the rollers for a smart trainer.

[@serendilys5448]

why ditch rollers!!??

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

Seren Jones what do you mean?!

[@numberreyes]

How is the resistance? Is it the same as riding on flat roads?

[@gplama]

Yes...ish. With no wind, so you can max out the gearing.

[@amr9347]

I know This vídeo is old but is it a good roller to warmup before a Race on the road with a slight up or a downhill? Or os better buy the version without the "wheels"?

[@Triumph765rider]

Hi just watched your video on the tacx galacxia rollers can I use Zwift and garmin speed 2 and garmin cadence 2 sensors together Thanks

[@gplama]

Yes

[@PavelMisar]

Hi, I want rollers but don’t consider between Tacx Galaxia or Elite Arion Smart. Tacx has swing system and Arion have connection to ZWIFT and FE-C protocol. Any recommendations?

[@henryahlemeyer4408]

Any tips? I have to do 110 rpm to hold 190 watts. Anyway I can up the resistance? Perhaps my band has stretched as I bought them second hand? 65kg riding with tires at 90psi.

[@gplama]

Lower tyre pressure is one way.

[@drazenpranjic5399]

I have minoura mag resistance unit on it and you can simulate (12 % easy) hills with no problem. Sorry for bad english ✌

[@cjSamuil]

Is it worth buying a rubber mat for Galaxia rollers? They are quite noisy when you train indoors.

[@gplama]

Depends on your flooring I guess.

[@cjSamuil]

@@gplama linoleum flooring, tried to find more information about the Tacx mat for rollers, but unfortunately it's more used for turbo trainers

[@aarongerrard6798]

I have the same rollers also. The make a horrible loud gronking sound and are almost unusable. Googled for hours and read forums. Seems a common problem with these and seems to be no real answer of how to stop the noise

[@ianstephenson650]

What is the dimension of the box that the rollers came in? I am thinking of taking it on an airline unboxed.

[@gplama]

I'm not sure sorry. The dimensions should be on the Tacx website.

[@jugiholic4388]

Do you see a new to use trainer specific tyres for rollers as with wheel on trainers?

[@gplama]

No. They're not as hard on tyres as the rear tyre is spread across two rollers, not just one.

[@kasmavc8221]

I want to take roles in my house. I've read various products that are compatible with zwift. If I buy any product from tacx, can I fit it into a zwif like antares or galaxia?

[@josephabraha5779]

What kind of tire pressure can you have, lower than usual`?

[@gplama]

Depends what resistance you want. I’d go with normal pressures.

[@sharontaylor5138]

Are these any good for mountain bikes? Thanks

[@jspaceman71]

I have a set of Galaxia's too. Where you riding them with 90psi in your tires the whole time? I don't use my rollers often, but when I do I run them at 110psi and I'm wondering if a lower tire pressure would make it a little more stable.

[@gplama]

Lower pressure gives more resistance.

[@eugeniuprocopi3478]

Loved the video. How you would connect to train on Zwift if you use this Trainer? Thank you

[@gplama]

With a power meter or speed sensor on the bike.

[@3DKiwi]

Me on rollers. Call the ambulance as it would be just a matter of time before I fell off.

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

i'd be curious to see the "rocker" tech + Elite smart rollers, though from the pics it looks like the Elite has standard flat rollers

[@elidouek5438]

that's going on my "want to buy" list

[@cambostrongbo]

Hi Shane was wondering how the noise level compared to direct mount trainers, something like the direto. Don't want to hack my housemates off at uni if I start training on these.

[@gplama]

They're pretty quiet. Depends on your tyres I guess. I'd grab a loaner set or try them in a store if you can.

[@Aniara64]

I'm using normal rollers for Zwift. Is it worth the cost to upgrade to "smart" rollers?

[@gplama]

It depends if you need power/etc. I haven't had a chance to try smart rollers to comment further... stay tuned! :)

[@t_rex8767]

so the only bike i have atm is an unicycle...cause im "smart" cough, so wonder if this works with it

[@filippobosio133]

This roller are smart or you use the cadence sensor?

[@gplama]

Non smart

[@Pokkel2305]

Hi Shane, have you ever tested the Elite Arion B+ Smart Rollers. Considering buying one, but don’t want to splash the cash if there’s anything better out there. Had a KICKR, but don’t want to use my new BMC on a trainer (voids warranty...🤨). Thanks!

[@gplama]

Video on those coming this week.

[@jenslundberg410]

Hi Shane, the rack that you use for you big screens.. do you have a link to them? Seems like something I need :)

[@gplama]

Allcam. Here's the video on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYbVd2dnjcx5q9k

[@gesmondfarrugia1109]

Can I use this roller, for my Mtb

[@xabilarranaga4672]

Great video! Could anyone explain how to connect the rollers to zwift or any other software?

[@gplama]

Using a speed sensor (or power meter) is the best way to connect non-smart rollers. Similar to this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3m5n6uujK90b9U

[@lucasfalcao3d]

Hey thanks for the video Shane! Do you think the movement back and forward makes a huge difference in how nice it feels the rolls?

[@gplama]

Not a huge difference, no.

[@lucasfalcao3d]

@@gplama thanks for the fast reply.

[@johnnyitalia1]

dear shane hello I can make a choice between 2 tacx trainers tacx flux and the tacx genius which would you take? i have software from tacx neo on my pc so help me please? best regards johnny

[@gplama]

I don't know enough to tell you which is best for you. Maybe drop into a local bike store and have a chat to them about what bike you're using, what training you're doing, what level you're at, etc.

[@Asgertj]

Thx for the video. One question. How did you get it to work with Zwift?

[@gplama]

With either a speed sensor or power meter on the bike.

[@tmeservey2723]

I can't get a smooth roll going. It feels like the wheel is sticking to the roller.

[@SR14s]

noticed the rotor pm has disappeared? is there a reason for this or did it just have to go back?

[@michwoz]

I think it had to be swapped to Shimano HT2 crankset in order to do Watteam Powerbeat testing.

[@SR14s]

ahhh yes that makes sense, interested to find out how the watt team pm is as its very affordable for the average cyclist looking for a pacing number

[@Itseme3]

Aren't there also trainers with resistance? I think Lionel Sanders is using them and he's certainly able to push over 500 Watts on his rollers

[@gplama]

There are, yes.

[@paulbrownlee3144]

I'm currently using elite Real E-Motion B+ rollers, they are great max grade 8.5 not super steep but OK for good training sessions they all so have an app which allows you to record a ride and reproduce it on the trainer, complete with actual ride footage in real time, down side they are a bit expensive @ 2k

[@devilss5493]

How these rollers are connected to Zwift ? is there sensors built in ?

[@gplama]

Sensors were on the bike.

[@mrbigglesworth_Official]

Can you use a hybrid and or mountain bike on these rollers ?

[@gplama]

Sure... but you'll want smooth tyres on.

[@kilti1]

very good video.thanks

[@alainbellemare2168]

how much air pressure should you keep in the tyres

[@gplama]

Same as the road is usually a good starting point for rollers.