The long weekend is over, and the road race season is in full swing. Are we CRC members, myself included, looking ahead to the winter CX season even as we put in the miles for the summer? June is the rainy season, so when you can't get out for a ride or just don't have the time to head outside, a trainer (rollers) is a convenient tool to have. I try to ride outdoors as much as possible, but I do use rollers when I'm short on time or the weather isn't on my side. They are also essential for warming up before every race once the CX season starts.
With that in mind, we've just received products from "Sport Crafters," a brand that is changing the concept of bike rollers and enabling training at a higher level!
Sport Crafters has been making rollers in Indiana, USA, for 20 years, staying true to their "Made in the USA" roots. They originally started with OEM production for brands like CycleOps, but after developing their proprietary ARC Power Modulation Technology, they began creating products that utilize this system. By maintaining close communication with suppliers, dealers, and customers, they have achieved a balance between high quality and a quick production system.
Now, about that ARC Power Modulation Technology...
What makes Sport Crafters bike rollers different from all others is this patented technology. Strong magnets placed inside the roller drums move closer to the outer edge as input increases (the faster you go). This creates resistance. Moreover, this resistance increases and decreases non-linearly in response to your input. In other words, it is a system that provides resistance matched to your input at both low and high speeds, allowing for training that feels close to riding on the actual road.
Sport Crafters “Cadence Rollers” ¥31,000 (excl. tax)
These “Cadence Rollers” are the most basic set of three-drum rollers and do not incorporate the aforementioned ARC Power Modulation. The heavy-duty steel frame is, of course, foldable. With these, you can get in a solid workout even on a rainy day. If you want to increase your training level later, you can swap them out with the optional OverDrive Drum (special order item) to get the same performance as the “OverDrive Pro Rollers” introduced next.
Sport Crafters “OverDrive Pro Rollers” ¥41,000 (excl. tax)
These “OverDrive Pro Rollers” are a high-performance flagship model built on the fundamental philosophy of robust design and innovation. In addition to a highly realistic ride feel, the ARC power modulation allows for training at a higher level.
Sport Crafters “OverDrive Handcycle Trainer” ¥34,000 (excl. tax)
Sport Crafters “OverDrive Trike Trainer” ¥26,000 (excl. tax)
Sport Crafters is also actively developing trainers for para-cyclists and recumbent trikes. Not only are they lightweight and easy to carry, but the ARC power modulation allows for solid resistance in actual riding positions. The Handcycle Trainer can be easily adjusted to match the width of the footrest, while the Trike Trainer requires no assembly or maintenance, and has the feature of providing lighter resistance by changing the orientation of the trainer compared to using it in the forward direction.
And among the Sport Crafters products, this one is particularly recommended:
Sport Crafters “Omnium Trainer” ¥47,000 (excl. tax)
The “Omnium Trainer” is a revolutionary trainer capable of everything from warming up at race venues to home training. At first glance, it looks like a set of three-drum rollers, but you remove the front wheel and fix the fork to the main unit for stability, allowing you to focus on training without any anxiety. Also, unlike typical tire-drive fixed trainers, it provides solid resistance without damaging your tires, and it can be packed compactly enough to carry in a bag. (55.9cm x 17.8cm x 15.2cm when folded)
*Size comparison between the Omnium and myself when folded.
In fact, the Hunter/SimWorks CX Team, Yatsugatake CC, and the Speedvagen CX Team (supplier) used them in last season's CX races too!
They aren't bulky when traveling, and of course, you can get a solid, high-resistance workout thanks to the ARC power modulation. Personally, I recommend these even to those who aren't very good at riding standard rollers. I definitely recommend these to cyclo-cross riders. You can also test ride this “Omnium Trainer” at our shop, so please feel free to contact us.