The 6 Best Bike Rollers from Budget to Resisted Ones with Tips on How to Get Started

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This is my selection of the best bike rollers with and without resistance based on in-depth market research and reviews from riders worldwide.

It includes budget, mid-range, and even high-end interactive rollers with resistance for the most demanding riders.

Continue reading to learn how to choose rollers, their types, and how to get started with rollers.

What Are the Best Bike Rollers?

All rollers on this list are adjustable, so they fit bikes of various wheelbases. They are also foldable, improving their compactness and portability.

Best Budget

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Best Overall

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Also available at jensonusa.com

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Best with Resistance

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Also available at competitivecyclist.com and performancebike.com

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Tacx Galaxia (Best Overall)

Tacx Galaxia are the first rollers I had, and honestly, I think they are the best rollers for the money you can buy. Let me explain why.

They were designed differently than other rollers. The Tacx patented swing system ensures the rollers move forward when accelerating and backward when slowing down. Some riders don’t like it, but I found it helpful.

This feature contributes to a more natural feel and a better ride experience. It’s also much easier to sprint out of the saddle on these rollers. It just takes some time to get used to it. But don’t worry; you will master it after a few riders.

Galaxia rollers have concave cylinders that help you stay centered and prevent you from riding off them. Thanks to this detail, they are more beginner-friendly.

Unlike other rollers on this list, like the Elite Arion, Galaxia are retractable (not foldable), taking even less space.

Overall, they provide high-quality and extra features for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, they are not available as an option with resistance.

Also available at performancebike.com

Elite Arion with Resistance (Best with Resistance)

Elite Arion are popular bike rollers available in two options: with and without magnetic resistance.

The version with resistance will allow you to set one of three resistance levels that max out at 520W. Therefore, Arion rollers are suitable for riders who need to train hard intervals.

The cylinders are concave at the ends, so you have more space to ride (unlike on Tacx Galaxia, which are concave along their entire length).

You can connect them to third-party indoor cycling apps (like Zwift or ROUVY) thanks to the Misuro B+ cadence and speed sensor (not included). It makes your indoor training more engaging.

Arion rollers are super easy to set up, so you won’t waste too much time. You can also fold them to make them more portable or store them in a closet.

So, which one do you choose? With or w/o resistance?

Rock Bros Rollers (Best Budget)

If you are looking for affordable rollers, Rock Bros do the job. They are simple but functional.

One of their main advantages is that they are lightweight and portable, perfect for pre-race warm-ups and cooldowns.

The cylinders are not concave, so you must be focused and practice not riding off them. But once you get confidence, you won’t have any problems with this.

Remember that these rollers only fit bikes with wheelbases between 970 and 1090mm. So make sure to double-check your bike’s wheelbase in advance.

They may require some maintenance from time to time (tightening screws, etc.) but considering their price. They are pretty hard to beat.

Elite Nero

If you are looking for advanced rollers, Elite Nero are the ones that should catch your attention.

They provide up to 830W resistance (enough for most beginners and intermediate cyclists) and interactivity elements.

Once you connect it to your favorite indoor training app, the rollers can adjust the resistance based on the gradient you ride in the app (up to 7%). This will improve your engagement.

Thanks to the nature of rollers, your indoor training sessions won’t be boring anymore because you will have to focus on the watts you need to put out and your balance.

The clever design allows you to fold them, so they don’t take up much space. Yes, they are heavier than most rollers, but you will easily fit them into a closet, for example.

The main disadvantage of Elite Nero rollers is their price. It is similar to the cost of smart bike trainers. But if you don’t want to lose the benefits of rollers, Nero are worth it.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and performancebike.com

Feedback Sports Omnium (Best Portable)

The Feedback Sports Omnium rollers differ from other rollers on this list. They have a mount for your bike’s front fork (compatible with QR or thru-axle) to keep your bike fixed.

These rollers are popular for indoor training because they don’t require as much concentration as standard rollers, so you can focus more on your performance.

Riders also like them for their portability. They fit into an included carry bag, so they are perfect for pre-race warm-ups or traveling.

They exist in two options—Zero-Drive without resistance and Over-Drive with resistance. The Over-Drive features progressive resistance, so the more you pedal, the harder it gets.

Feedback Sports Omnium rollers are also pretty quiet if you don’t sprint. You won’t disturb your neighbors or loved ones during your training.

The answer is no if you are curious whether the two cylinders are too narrow. Your rear wheel won’t slide off them.

There are two main downsides due to the fixed fork – you won’t be forced to use your core muscles as much, and you won’t benefit from improving your pedaling technique as on standard rollers.

My Verdict

The best budget rollers are Rock Bros rollers. They offer they are affordable, quality, and suitable for beginners or advanced riders.

The best bike rollers overall are Tacx Galaxia (also available at performancebike.com). Their unique design allows forward and backward movement and provides a more natural riding experience.

The best bike rollers with resistance are Elite Arion (also available at competitivecyclist.com). With up to 520W of resistance, they are suitable for harder intervals.

How to Choose the Best Bike Rollers?

When choosing bike rollers, you can consider foldability, resistance, weight, etc. Below, I explain what you can expect from rollers available on the market.

Type of Rollers

Resistance

Rollers without resistance are the simplest type of rollers. They are affordable and meet the demands of most riders. However, due to their limited resistance, they are not suitable for harder intervals.

Non-interactive rollers with resistance are ideal for riders who don’t want a bike trainer and prefer rollers. They allow you to train at harder intervals.

Interactive rollers with resistance are the most advanced rollers. They can adjust the resistance based on indoor cycling apps, adding an interactivity element to your training. Thanks to their resistance, they are also suitable for hard training intervals.

Foldability

The ability to fold (or retract) the rollers is important for people with limited storage space. Riders who use rollers for pre-race warm-ups or post-race cooldowns also appreciate better portability.

Most rollers on the market are foldable or retractable. If they are not, they are more suitable for dedicated training space.

Cylinder Concavity

The cylinder concavity influences how easy or difficult it is to keep your balance on rollers. Riding rollers with concave cylinders makes it easier to stay in the middle, and you are less likely to ride off them.

There are two types of cylinder concavity. Some rollers have cylinders concave along their entire length (so they keep you more centered), while others are concave at the ends only (they are better at preventing you from riding off them).

NOTE: Cylinder concavity is also called “parabolic rollers” by some manufacturers.

How to Get Started with Rollers?

Rollers are challenging for beginners. When I tried them for the first time, it took me a few rides to learn to stay upright and relaxed. So, here are a few tips that will help you get started.

Step 1: Setup the Rollers

First, you have to make sure the rollers are properly set up for your bike’s wheelbase. When placing your rear wheel on the two rear cylinders, your front wheel axle should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind the front cylinder axle.

Step 2: Place the Rollers in the Right Place

The best place to place the rollers is on a flat surface – for example, in a doorway. If necessary, you can lean towards it, and you don’t have to be afraid that you will turn over and fall.

A good alternative to the doorway is near a wall or a large closet. It helps if you need to regain your balance. You can put a mat on the other side in case you fall.

Step 3: Use Non Clip Shoes and Prepare the Right Gear

First pedal strokes on rollers are much more manageable with non clip shoes, so you don’t have to be afraid you won’t clip out on time.

Once you get more confident on rollers, you can put on your cycling shoes and start practicing with them.

Before you jump on your bike, prepare the right gear. I recommend a gear in the middle of your cassette. Too easy gear is not suitable because you would have to spin fast, and vice versa. Too hard gear won’t allow you to start to spin your legs easily.

Step 4: Jump on Your Bike and Start Pedaling

Alright, now you have your bike on rollers, so you have to jump on it. Hold the rear brake to prevent your rear wheel from spinning. Lean toward a wall or doorway to get some extra balance points.

Look ahead (don’t focus on your front wheel) and start pedaling. Be relaxed. Focus on your balance point and smooth pedaling. Don’t overreact if your front wheels start to wobble. Do minor steering corrections or start pedaling faster (switch to a harder gear and increase your cadence).

Step 5: Practice

The last step is to learn how to get safely off the rollers. Stop pedaling, apply your rear brake, and lean toward the wall, doorway, or closet. Then clip off and get one foot on the ground (be aware not to slip off if you use cycling shoes).

Now, you know how to start riding rollers. All you have to do is practice. Mastering rollers is easier than it seems. You just have to know how to do it.

Bike Rollers FAQ

Preview picture source: Saris