The prologue was held in Kansai last weekend, and it really feels like the cross season has finally arrived in earnest in Nagoya as well. For those of you thinking, "Shige has been too distracted by camp touring this year, so he must be undertrained!"... yeah... you're right...
But whether you are fast or slow, there are many ways to enjoy cycling. And, as you know, my competitive nature means that when I do something, I want to aim high.
For me, how I spend the next month is the key. When it's time to perform, I perform. Please be gentle with me, everyone.
Racing is about competing with others, but it is also a challenge against yourself. Everyone figures out how to make the most of their limited time, but when riding outside is difficult, there are times to incorporate a trainer. They are especially important tools for warming up before a race in cyclocross.
Personally, I am an advocate for riding outdoors all year round (the initial impulse that made me feel cycling was fun is that, with my own engine, I can go anywhere I want. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friends to share it with—that hasn't changed). However, there are still times when I use a trainer due to weather or time constraints.
Sport Crafters trainers have been introduced several times before. I have been using one since this spring, but today I would like to reintroduce the “OverDrive Pro Rollers.”
Sport Crafters “OverDrive Pro Rollers” ¥41,000 (tax excluded)
The OverDrive Pro Rollers, the flagship model from Sport Crafters, are a set of three-drum rollers with a resistance unit equipped with their unique patented ARC power modulation technology.
With ARC power modulation, powerful magnets located inside the roller drums move closer to the outer edge as input increases (the faster the speed), creating resistance. What’s more, since this resistance increases and decreases non-linearly in response to input, it is a system that allows for training with a sensation close to actual road riding, providing resistance tailored to your input at both low and high speeds.
Generally speaking, while some three-drum rollers allow for a resistance unit to be added later, very few come equipped with one from the start.
Furthermore, the ability to obtain resistance tailored to both low-speed and high-speed input is a noteworthy point of Sport Crafters’ “OverDrive Pro Rollers.”
And regarding "quietness," which is likely a concern for everyone, especially for indoor training, I compared them with general three-drum rollers.
Elite Arion from Toyoshige Ikeyama on Vimeo.
This is the Elite Arion I was using originally.
Sport Crafters from Toyoshige Ikeyama on Vimeo.
And this is the OverDrive Pro.
Since they are heavy-duty drums made of aluminum, you might imagine they make quite a loud rumbling sound, but in terms of quietness—though it depends on what you are comparing them to—you can consider them to be about the same level as general three-drum rollers.
While quietness is important when choosing a trainer, the reason to choose the OverDrive Pro is above all the high-quality training you can get through ARC power modulation. You don't get that "spinning out" feeling during high rotations, as it provides proper resistance, and you can also feel solid resistance at lower speeds. This allows for training with a high level of real-road feel, and I believe it also helps with pedal stroke awareness.
Sport Crafters “Omnium Trainer” ¥47,000 (tax excluded)
Also, the “Omnium Trainer,” which is equipped with the same ARC power modulation and allows for focused training by fixing the front fork in place while also being very compact to store—making it extremely useful for race trips like cyclocross—is back in stock for the CX season. If you are thinking about starting to use one this season, please get yours early.
Sport Crafters “Omnium Bag” ¥5,800 (tax excluded)
Please use this Omnium Bag when transporting your Omnium for race trips.
Sport Crafters “Training Mat” ¥8,800 (tax excluded)
And finally, our first shipment of the Training Mat. This training mat, which can be used with all Sport Crafters products including the OverDrive Pro and Omnium, is highly durable and, of course, excellent in terms of soundproofing and vibration dampening.
We have an Omnium Trainer available for test rides at the shop, and I will be bringing it to CX races starting this season, so please feel free to say hello at the venue if you would like to try it out!