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Rollers
A treadmill-like device for riding a bicycle indoors. Consists of a framework with 3 rollers. The front wheel rests on top of one of the rollers, and the rear wheel sits between two of them. The front roller is connected to one of the rear rollers, so that as the rear wheel turns its rollers, the belt makes the front roller turn with them. This allows the bicycle to be "steered" within the width of the rollers, and allows the bicycle to be balanced as if it were being ridden on the road.
Compared with a stationary trainer, rollers have the advantage of forcing a cyclist to ride in a very smoothly, and generally improve form and smoothness on the bike. For most riders, however, a stationary trainer allows a higher intensity of riding, since it requires no mental effort to stay balanced.
Mastering roller riding is tricky. It is helpful to start out with the rollers in a doorway, so it is possible to lean against the door frame to prevent a fall.
It is also useful to have a full-length mirror straight ahead, so that you can observe your form.
If you are having trouble learning to balance on rollers, make sure that you are looking straight ahead, not down at the rollers. It is much harder to balance if you look down.
It is also a very good idea to set up a fan to help cool you off, as the slipstream does when riding outdoors -- or to set up your rollers in a cold place. That is often easy to arrange, as rollers are typically used for winter training..
