Originally developed by Inside Ride, E-Motion rollers are designed to improve rider sensation and security by allowing the cyclist and machine to move around relative to the floor while the rollers are in use.
The important part of the concept is the mounting of the three rollers – one for the front wheel and two for the rear as in conventional practice – on a carriage that is free to slide back and forth, albeit within a limited range, on the main frame of the mechanism. Springs at each end keep the carriage positioned roughly centrally as it moves.
In the Elite version, licenced from Inside Ride, a small side wheel on each side of the front roller prevents the front wheel from riding off the side and the rollers themselves are shaped with a curved flange at each end that is designed to have much the same effect. As always the front roller is adjustable for reach to accommodate cycles of varying wheelbase.
Elite’s E-Motion rollers also incorporate a three-setting resistance unit acting on the rear rollers that helps recreate a realistic riding experience.
In use, the E-Motion rollers do indeed feel different from a convention fixed design. Whether they are easier to ride is hard to say; the writer is accustomed to riding rollers and had no problem either starting off or staying on board. The concept does make riding out of the saddle, as demonstrated by several users, safe and easy to master, but perhaps more important is the enhanced control and ride comfort undoubtedly experienced at high levels of effort and high pedalling cadences.
Elite E-Motion rollers are priced at around £650 and distributed in the UK through Madison.
