Training bases guide

This is the classic training system. It consists of three cylinders, two of which are connected by an elastic band or belt. These cylinders can be made of polymers or aluminum. Some systems are foldable and easy to transport. This means you can take them with you to warm up before an event or even to train at your hotel. With practice, you can stand up on the pedals and feel like you're moving along the road.

Often inexpensive, rollers are ideal for practicing balance and doing flexibility exercises at high speeds. They are easy to move and store (often telescopic or foldable). If you want to improve your technique and develop a consistent, fluid pedaling stroke without large bursts of power, this is the perfect tool. And apart from the belt, which sometimes needs to be replaced, they are extremely durable.

If you are training with power, you will need a sensor on your bike. Also, beginners will find it difficult to find their balance during their first few sessions (tip: fix a point in front of your front wheel, not the wheel itself). As for those looking to do high-intensity intervals, a traditional roller may not provide enough resistance for them to achieve their goals.

In order to address certain shortcomings of traditional rollers, more sophisticated versions of these cylinder systems have been developed that require the cyclist to maintain balance. They often feature a resistance system that allows for much higher power levels while maintaining smooth pedaling. Several models are also equipped with spring rails that add forward and backward movement, guardrails (in the form of front wheels), and additional rear wheel supports that add stability and prevent us from falling Socks roller in the event of a false move. Some also have a system that allows you to use training software that controls resistance remotely via Bluetooth or ANT+, or simply adjust the resistance level (often with a magnet) using a remote control that attaches to the handlebars.

With its bumpers and stabilizers, this type of base very effectively replicates the effects of the road. You quickly learn to stand up on the saddle and can sprint at over 1,000 watts, allowing you to do the same exercises as with a conventional roller, but with added performance. Many of these bases are made from simple, durable materials that are easy to maintain.

More expensive, these rollers require a Power Meter be used with software such as TrainerRoad. They are more difficult to store and heavier too. Adding an electronic system to use them with Zwift is quite costly.

Don't want to rack your brains or break the bank? The simplest training bases may suffice if you don't have any major requirements. Most allow you to attach the rear wheel axle to the frame, usually made of steel or aluminum, and then adjust the brake to provide resistance. If you just want to ride while watching TV, without worrying about anything or doing any structured exercise, these gadgets are perfect. And they're now available at rock-bottom prices.

Easy to use. Inexpensive. Simple to set up and requires no special skills.

Few adjustments are required, but you will need to purchase a drive tire that can withstand the heat generated by friction with the resistance brake. These bases can sometimes be heavy. Their use is very limited.

These training systems have undergone a real revolution in recent years. So much so that product ranges and costs vary considerably. Some of these bases also work with a tire resistance brake and are linked to a computer system, but a growing number of them allow the rear wheel to be removed and the bike to be placed on a freewheel cassette that provides resistance. The motors are becoming increasingly sophisticated and provide an increasingly realistic experience with high-quality pedaling... provided you're willing to pay the price. In these cases, you can connect your trainer remotely to a smartphone on which you have downloaded the manufacturer's proprietary app or an external app such as TrainerRoad, Zwift, Sufferfest, etc.

Very plug-and-play, they don't require a Power Meter the bike, and with the top-of-the-range models, the realistic feel of the resistance and freewheeling is absolutely remarkable. With training apps (at Vélo Cartel, we offer programs that you can use with TrainerRoad), you can train very effectively and in a structured way, with the certainty of obtaining consistent, high-quality measurements. These bases are also increasingly quiet, and some models can be folded and stored away in no time at all.

Older models are heavy, and those that still use the brake system on the tire are much less stable. Most models are also static, which makes the experience more monotonous than with rollers, but several manufacturers now offer mobile versions, some of which even allow you to change direction, which is useful for certain training software that includes this feature. Finally, let's face it, most of these bases are very expensive.

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