DIY Bicycle Rollers

Bicycle rollers are the best way to maintain and improve your cycling technique during inclimate weather. Rollers are metal drums suspended on axles in a metal frame on which you balance and ride your bicycle when you can’t get outside to ride. As your wheels turn, they spin the drums of the rollers and allow you to stay upright because of centrifugal force and your own balance. It is possible to build your own rollers at home.

  1. The Parts

    • The first step to assembling a set of homemade bicycle rollers is to find the right parts. Many woodworking shops and home supply stores have alloy rollers used for table saws. In addition to the table saw rollers you also will want to gather up some pieces of alloy pipe, metal conduit to make a roller stand and a large rubber belt to tie the front roller and the rear rollers together.

    Assemble the Rollers

    • Once you have all of the parts, begin by taking the rollers from the table saw apart. You will be using the roller mechanisms, however, as the diameters of the rollers are much to small to use for bicycle rollers. Additional girth will be added with the alloy pipe. Pick three rollers from the table saw attachment and then slide the alloy pipe over each of them. Bolt the pipe in place at the ends to keep it from moving around under load. Do this for each of the rollers and make sure that the roller diameter is at a minimum 2 inches across.

    Mount the Rollers in the Frame

    • Once the rollers themselves are assembled, build a frame from the metal conduit that is 1.5 times as long as your bicycle. Place one roller at the very end and put your wheel on it, about 3 inches behind the front axle. Measure 3 inches behind the rear axle and put another roller in that location. Bolt them in place using wing nuts so that they can be moved if need be. Measure 6 inches forward from the rear roller and place the third roller on the conduit frame there. Slide the rubber belt over the end of the front roller and the closest rear roller. Place your bicycle on the rollers and as your turn the rear wheels, the belt will turn the front wheel and assist you in staying upright.