Jet Black R1 Training Rollers + App

The JetBlack R1 Training Rollers are an excellent bit of kit for training at home or warming up/down at races or time trials. They spin quietly and smoothly, and the frame is adjustable and sturdy.

JetBlack uses a traditional layout: a square section steel frame and spun alloy rollers. The frame is adjustable for length, so it can accommodate a wide range of bicycles. Simply unscrew the two plastic knobs from the frame, slide the frame to suit the wheelbase of your bike, and screw the knobs into the frame to lock its length.

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Rollers are the original static cycling training device, letting you pedal your bike indoors. For the uninitiated, training rollers consist of a rectangular metal frame with three rollers of 80mm diameter, which are fitted with roller bearings so they can spin with very low friction. One roller is placed at the front of the frame and two at the rear. The front roller is attached to the nearest of the rear rollers with a rubber band.

Bike and rider are freestanding, unlike on a turbo trainer where the bike is rigidly fixed to the equipment. Riding rollers is often seen as the black art of cycling, but although it does require balance and a little concentration, it isn't difficult.

The JetBlack R1 rollers spin smoothly and quietly, although just how quietly depends on other factors such as tyre choice and pressure, and the floor surface of the room you're in. Generally, rollers spin quietly. With full slicks on your bike, you could ride on the R1 in the next room to someone sleeping and not wake them. A gentle hum, changing in tone as you flick through the gears, is the only noise. My new(ish) LG washing machine, which is right next to it, makes more noise on an economy wash cycle.

Swap to treaded tyres, such as the Schwalbe G Ones I've been using recently, and they create vibration and a high-pitched buzzing. This will probably annoy those in the next room.

The stability of the R1 rollers is excellent. The stiff frame means there's no flexing or movement as you turn the cranks, even if you get out of the saddle for a sprint (yes you can spring out of the saddle on rollers). The rubber feet are height adjustable, and it'll even work on wonky flagstone floors.

> Check out our guide to the best indoor trainers and rollers

For the first few hours of use the aluminium cylinders did leave a silver colour on my tyres, but this has since stopped. Similarly, the rear rollers picked up some small spots of rubber from my tyre, though these too have self-cleaned through persistent use, the rubber warming and peeling off the alloy surface.

And if you can't live without your smartphone – or even ride some rollers without one – the JetBlack R1 rollers are supported by a dedicated JetBlack R1 app (free at purchase of the Rollers or any JetBlack trainers). Download this to your smartphone and it'll allow you to monitor your fitness progress by pairing with whatever Ant+ or Bluetooth devices and sensors you have. The app can be configured to upload all data directly to either Training Peaks or Strava accounts as required. It's a simple set up process backed up with a short video. 

Personally, I prefer rollers to a turbo. I'd rather spend 20 minutes being fully mentally and physically engaged on rollers than being sat on a turbo for an hour; rollers make me feel like I've ridden my bike, not just trained indoors on it. In six weeks of testing, I've put in somewhere between 30 and 35 hours on the JetBlack R1 rollers and I have zero complaints so far.

Verdict

A cheap and effective way to work on condition, form and leg speed or to warm up/down for races