Elite ARION Rollers
Pre-race warm-ups and winter core work
I’m still quite new to the race world of cycling. I entered my very first race six years ago – just out of curiosity. I was deeply passionate about cycling and wanted to see what a competition actually felt like. Fast forward six years, and I’m now racing at elite level and proudly hold the title of National Vice-Champion in the Romanian XCM Marathon. I was also lucky enough to be chosen to race for the national road team, in the recent Tour of Romania – a real honour and surprise for me.
It has been, and still is, a long and challenging journey. Looking back at where I started and seeing how far I’ve come, I can only feel grateful and proud. However, there’s no rest and I have to be on tip top form when the racing begins – and, that means having the right equipment to help me. At home, I have a superb indoor setup from Elite. However, on race day, I need something more flexible.
Pre-race warm up kit
I still remember how, in the early days, I used to watch the top riders warming up before the start. They weren’t just pedaling casually – they had these devices where they mounted their bikes and spun endlessly, almost like little… hamsters. I was amazed at how they managed to stay balanced and how ready they were to launch into the race as soon as the start signal was given.
And now, after six years, thanks to my position as a writer and editor at Pedalnorth.com, and our relationship with world-leading brand, Elite; I can finally warm up like the pros pre-race, with the Elite ARION roller – making my pre-race routine more efficient and effective.
So, what is a roller?
Parabolic rollers guide your wheel towards the middle for balance and good control. Magnetic resistance and a simple adjustment on the side of the rollers provide 3 levels of hill-type work. Parabolic rollers, 85mm in the middle, 100mm at the sides aid balance, by helping you to ride central and to improve your pedal action as you get better and staying central. The roller surface is made from smooth, anti-static plastic that reduces noise and tire wear, too.
It may look like a simple device, but it’s absolutely crucial when it comes to performance, safety, and reliability. There’s more to than meets the eye; and the design has been developed more than you’d think. It takes some battering from all of those warm-up routines.
Yes, the Elite ARION roller is lightweight yet sturdy, offering excellent stability and a natural ride feel. Along with the Misuro B+ sensor, it transforms into a complete indoor training partner whenever the weather keeps you from going outside. Slotting easily into the side of the roller unit, the Misuro B+ reads data based on the type of home trainer being used. I can pair it up with the ‘My E-Training Software, and it turns your Elite ARION roller session into an advanced digital instrument that displays and manages fundamental training data. This has been useful in ensuring that I don’t over-cook things pre-race.
Light and portable for flexibility
One really great aspect of the Elite Arion rollers is the practicality and ease of transport. Being light and easy to carry, it is quickly foldable with a single movement, reducing storage space by up to 50% when not in use, and tucks neatly into the car alongside race kit and bikes.
Riding mainly mountain bike, but also training on the road, I like that the ARION is compatible with both road and MTB wheels. The ARION’s front roller can be adjusted in 10 different positions, ensuring perfect alignment with your bike’s frame – voila!
Riding with balance
Thankfully, I have a strong core from racing; however, the rollers will help you to improve your core, whilst helping with your cycling balance. It can be intimidating at first though – ‘will I fall’ is the obvious question! Thankfully though, it’s easy to pick up the technique, and you can practice at home by putting the Elite AXION in a doorway and testing it out. This way, with your elbows out, you can use the close proximity of the door frame for reassurance.
Once you’ve gained confidence, you’ll be riding the rollers freely like a pro.
Whether at home or trackside, Elite ARION is the perfect partner for warm-ups – preparing your body to perform at its very best when the race begins. It’s also a great short training session in itself, with the music playing, just to pedal away freely at home. Riding the AXION is a great way to develop your pedal technique and efficiency. The smoother your technique, the more in the centre of the roller you stay!
As we head into winter here in Romania, and the snow starts to fill the mountain roads, I’ll be retreating indoors more and more; and whilst the fixed bike set-up will be taking the strain, my Elite ARION Mag rollers will be helping out too, ensuring that I work my core and balance on the bike too! Riding the rollers is something that all cyclists can benefit from – from Elite racers to those beginning and who simply want to improve balance and core strength on the bike.
The ARION Mag rollers from Elite are ideal for everyone, and will last you for a long time, helping you to be the better cyclist to tackle those personal cycling challenges. Now, isn’t that what we all are aiming for!
