I was wandering around that rabbit hole that is Reddit.com and stumbled upon the video below. Having played on a trainer for a while now, I have always wondered about rollers, but have never really had the inclination due to the damage it would do to my hip pocket. When I saw DIY, the inner tinkerer in me went into a high state of excitement.
I contacted the bloke who put the video up, and asked him to get in touch, which he did with in a few hours. His name is Nick and he seemed happy to help.
I explained that I would like to feature the video on the blog and get some background information. Talk about delivering the goods. Nick got back to me with a stack of information. What a guy.
So, enough of the back story, here is the video and Nicks terrific email.
__________________________________
Some details about me:
My name is Nick Arend. I live in Portland, OR and am 32 years old. I have been cycling now for 6 years. I raced for 1 season but didn’t care for the amount of crashing around me. Crashing by yourself is frustrating, but someone causing you to crash is even worse! I started on a Bianchi via Nirone and rode that for a year till I felt I was ready to upgrade. Got a deal from a friend of mine on the Ridley Scandium you see in the video. I currently ride a Cannondale Supersix which has been my project bike over the last 2 years to get as light as possible. I’m currently at 15.12lbs (6.85kg), which I am happy with (for now lol). Hoping to see a Cannondale Evo in my future, maybe as early as next summer!
Just needs more blue and orange!
How did I think of this:
I am a fair weather rider. I don’t enjoy going on a ride and getting soaked head to toe. Living in Portland, OR it rains a lot, which means my riding can go weeks without riding. I tried a trainer but the excitement of having one wore off within a month. I sold it and went back to staring out the window wishing I could ride during those cold raining days. The thought of rollers always scared me since I had seen so many videos of people falling off, so I never gave them a second thought. 2 years later, a friend that works at my local bike shop (Rivercity Bikes) had told me about these motion rollers, which make it easier to ride on. All of a sudden I was excited about the possibilities. That is, until I found out how much they were! I wasn’t about to pay $700+ on rollers. Few months went by and I started doing some research about DIY motion rollers. I saw a couple really good ones, but looked way to complex for my handyman abilities. The rest seemed very cheap and not well thought out. Keep in mind I own maybe 3 tools in my garage, so the thought of building something on my own was a bit intimidating. I knew I would have to keep it simple, but it had to work if i was going to spend the money. I went to my local home depot and had an hour conversation with an old man who turned out to be a hardcore cyclist back in his day. We drew up 2 or 3 blueprints, but it still seemed way to complicated. I knew there was an easier way to build it, I just had to think about how to do it. Finally after a couple days of thinking, I came up with this design. Nothing fancy, nothing too expensive, just something that I felt I could build without cutting off a limb. First things first, I had to get some rollers. I hunted CL and local forums like crazy and one night was lucky to find a guy in Seattle who had some Performance brand rollers for $50. He was coming down to Portland that weekend for business and he agreed to bring them down with him. I bought them and brought them straight home. I figured I would give them a try without the DIY motion contraption first to see just how difficult it was. I tried for 20 minutes, but couldn’t get my balance. At that point I decided to get to it. I built them in a couple hours (still have all 10 fingers BTW) and figured I would video tape myself on my first attempt so I could see how I improved over time. It took me maybe 2 minutes to get the hang of how to balance myself while holding the wall and my front brake at the same time, but once I started it was easy as pie. What you see in the video is my very first time riding on rollers, No lie! To know that I was able to stand out of the saddle and crank it out like that on rollers was exciting. It felt so real, unlike the trainer I had years back. Before I knew it, I was out every morning riding when it was snowing, raining or to dark outside.
Since putting this video on Youtube, I have emailed 1,547 people the blueprints to these DIY rollers! It has been exciting to hear from others that they found this design to be easy for them to build, as well as be very functional. If you have rollers and want to improve your indoor riding experience or have simply been wanting rollers but weren’t sure if you could stay on like me, Give this a shot. It truly is amazing how much easier it is to ride on!
Here is the detailed Build list:
-I started with the rollers first and installing the wheels on each foot.(IF the feet of your rollers are flat it will be easy, if they are cylinder shaped, BE SURE TO DRILL THROUGH STRAIGHT AND LEVEL! if not, your wheels will not be straight and will not roll with ease). I used roller blade wheels so the diameter of the wheel was deeper than skate board wheels most people were using. (I think the roller blade wheels are smoother) whatever wheel you go with be sure to use something with a bearing. My first attempt I used casting wheels with no bearing. problem was when you tightened them down, since there was no bearing it locked the wheel. Loosen it a bit so the wheel could move and it didn’t role straight.
-Using the rollerblade wheels I measured 1/4 inch from the bottom of each leg. Started with a 3/32 drill bit, then 11/16 then 21/64 drill bit for the holes. be sure they are even otherwise your rollers wont be level.
-I used roller blades from my wife’s rollerblades (she still doesn’t know that ) so I also used the bolts that were on the blades to keep them in for my middle wheels. not sure what the technical name is, but it was basically the axle. one was long and hallow and the other part of it screwed into it. I used a 1/4″ washer on each side of the bearing. place the wheel on the outside of the leg. for the front and rear you need (4) 5/16-3 inch hex bolts (1 per wheel). 4 fender washers and (4) 5/16 hex nuts and (4) 5/16 nylon lock nuts. install in this order:
Starting from the outside:
3 inch 5/16 hex bolt, 1/4″ washer, wheel, washer, (leg), 1/4 washer, hex nut, FENDER washer (your bungee hook will go in between the fender washer and the leg of the roller here and the fender washer is large enough to keep the hook from falling out), finish with nylon lock nut tighten down.
Repeat with each corner wheel.
After your roller has the wheels installed you can work on the frame. (I say work on the wheels first so you know how wide to make your frame.
2-2×4’s (8 foot)
-cut them 24″ longer than the length of the rollers. (1 foot for each side.) (some brands are longer than the others)
I bought an aluminum L shaped rod that was for the wheels to role on and keep in line. I cut 6 one foot sections (because the wheels shouldn’t really travel farther than that)
After you cut the 2×4’s the length needed, mark the center. measure the center of the rollers and lightly mark that as well. line up your 2x4s put the rollers on them and adjust the width of the 2×4’s so they are about an 1/8 inch wider than the rollers. Measure the width at both ends of the 2x4s to make sure they are equally spaced.
-with the rollers on the 2×4’s mark where the wheels are and lay down the aluminum L rods that you cut down on the 2×4’s placing them all the way to the outside edge. I used 2 1/4″ screws on each end to screw them down. Once all 6 are screwed in take the remaining wood of the 2×4 and cut them the width of your rollers. I used 4 corner braces on the insides to bolt them together.
-I used 2 5/16 “half eye” bolts. On my receipt they are called “clothline” bolts. Pre-drill with a 21/64 drill bit through the center of the end 2×4’s. the clothline bolt should slide through. put on a fender washer on the backside of the end pieces and tighten down a 5/16 nylon lock nutt.
-use 24″ bungee’s (1/end). Put rollers on frame (wheels should be just inside of the L shape guides you installed). Connect the hooks in between the inside of the leg and the fender washer and then attach around the half eye hook. Repeat for the other side.
bumpers:
I used a 21/64 drill bit (pre-drilled with a 13/63) through the top of the frame about 1/4 back from the middle roller drum. slide from the bottom up a 4 inch 5/16 hex bolt and tighten down with a nylon 5/16 nut (put 1/4 washer in between the frame and nuts. Then use a nylon 5/16 hex nut and screw it down about an inch from the frame. Your wheel is going to sit on this nut and act as the bumper. tighten down with nylon hex nutt. (Its important to use nylon lock nutts or else they will vibrate lose and move. You will want to play with the height with how far down you put your bumper. I helped a friend build a set a couple nights ago and he put his bumper to low which caused an issue. I was hitting in between his rim and tire and almost gripping the tire and wedging it to a stop. I would set your bike on the rollers next to the bumper and try to position it around the braking surface. DON’T go to high or else it will hit your spokes and you will be screwed.
so install in this order:
bolt, 1/4 washer (frame),1/4 washer, nylon nut, (space), Nylon nut, 1/4 washer, wheel, 1/4 washer, nylon nut.
Repeat on other side.
Go to it!
__________________________________
I would like to thank Nick for his generosity.
Interesting – I prefer rollers to a trainer, but I hadn’t seen that concept before.
Nick,
The video os awesome and I would love to have a set of blueprint instructions for the free motion rollers. Please send to me by email.
THANKS,
Steve
did you get the blue prints for the free motion rollers and if so can you pass them along or give me a link to get them
thanks in advance
Hey Nick, just watched your video, very well done. I would love it if you could email your blueprints, can’t wait to get started. Thanks so much.
Bruce
Great video, would love the blue prints if available. Thank you so much, take care -Ryan
Nick
These rollers look awesome. I’d love to have the blueprint instructions.
Thanks,
Jeff
Nice job man, could you please send to me the blueprints by email. Thanks.
Hi Nick,
Nice job, well done. please send me the a copy of the blueprints for building one myself.
Many many thanks.
George
Bloody hell Nick, this video was awesome.Is there any chance you could email me the blueprints please.Many thanks.
Hi there, I am currently looking at building one of these. Could you possibly send me the blueprints? Cheers.
hi. i have reviewed this site and im interested in getting the blue prints for this free motion roller. I would like to build one as im on budget and dont want to spen the big bucks to purchase a roller. please advise me if this is possible and thank you in advance.
Great video. Fluid! Could you send me the blueprints?
Thank You
John
Hello! I’m currently looking forward to building one of this! Could you please send me the blueprints?
Thank you!
Mauricio
This looks interesting! Would you be able to send me the blue print for the roller. I would very much appreciate it. Thank you.
Very cool idea. I live in the Portland area and I agree that rain does get in the way. Please send me blueprints, I def want to get this built asap. Two questions;
1. How do you start and stop with clip ins?
2. Have you or anyone reading this have any idea on how to make this safer?
I have never see this before, and I have a trianer that I love already! I have been looking for a new project for a bike roller and this idea is so amazing! I would love a copy if the blue prints if u can send it to my email it would be much apreciated!
Ronald
Hi there, I am currently looking at building one of these.
Could you please send me the blueprints?
Thanks
I have to trainer stands but want to get more realistic motion in stationary riding. Please send me a copy of your plan. Thank you!
Tom
Hey Nick, your roller looks awesome!
Iโd love to have the blueprint instructions.
Thanks!
Steve
Hi, those rollers look perfect for a wintertime project. Could you send me a copy of the blueprints?
Thanks Colin.
Hi Nick,
I saw your video and liked your exercise rollers. Could you send me a copy of the blueprints for this machine?
Thanks.
I’ll jump on the wagon, if you will send out blueprints I would love to make a copy of what you have here. Thanks again.
Where did you buy the rollers? What site
Great job! Still willing to send blueprints? I’d love to try this as winter starts to rear its ugly head. Thanks!
Ok, that’s some sweet build you got there! I love the bungee system you have on that. If the blueprints are available, I’d love to get ahold of them and try this myself. I used to live in Portland so I know exactly what’s being said about the weather and its ability to impede activities for a long period during the year. At this point, it’s simply the amount of daylight I have available to me to get my riding in.
Thanks for the inspiration and innovation here!
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for but like you i dont have a spare thousand burning a whole in my pocket. What little money I have goes on my bike and if you think you get a lot of rain where you are…come visit me in Devon, UK hahaha I would be very grateful for a set of blue prints, I’ll post a video of the finished product too
Thanks
Absolutely love this idea especially the price , would appreciate a copy of your blueprints so i can get started , just cant be bothered taking the bike on and off the trainer
regards
Uel
Really love what you did and would love to have the blueprints, I HATE my trainer!!
Thank you!
Hello Nick;
Thanks for the video. it’s very impressive. Can you send me the blueprints?
Thanks a lot.
Huseyin
Awesome. Would you please email me the blueprints? – Chris
Nick, Place me in the BRAVO category! Would also like to ask for a set of blueprints/plans to be sent to my email address.
Thanking you in advance,
Happy New Year!
Wow! I just came across this – what a concept! I’ve been struggling with rollers off and on for nearly a year now, and every time I get on them it’s like starting over (we don’t have non-rideable weather too often here in SFO). This looks like it would make it so much easier! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I’d love to have a set of plans myself, please, if possible.
Nick,
Please send me your blueprints. Thanks.
Matt
Nick, this is awesome!! Please send me some blueprints if its not to late.
please email me the blueprints .. thanks Richard
Hi,
I would like to have a copy of the blueprints and where can i buy a roller if you know a website to buy it. Thanks.
Great video and instructions. If you are still sending out blueprints please send some my way.
Tom
Super job, if you will send me the blueprints I would love to make a copy!
Thanks
Hi! Awesome idea! Your first ride on the rollers seems like you’ve been doing it for ages! Brilliant stability for your first time. I’m impressed with the roller you’ve built. Can you please send me the blueprints by email? Thanks!
You said your rollers are a performance bike brand? Were the little feet on your rollers flat or where they cylinder’s? I have a set of rollers from performance bike, but the little feet are cylinders. Do you think I can still drill holes in them so I can attach the roller blade wheels?
I have the rollers with the cylinders for feet just make sure youdrill them straight
Hi. Awesome build! Would love to have bluprints, please.
Brilliant in its simplicity….can I please get the plans? Thank you!!
Nick, I’d love a set of the blueprints, too.
Thanks very much for sharing.
Best,
C
WOW
Yes please send me more info…
Can you please send me the blueprints by email? Thanks!
Gary
great idea, looks awesome, can you please send me some blue prints
Hi. Can you please email me a copy of your bluprints?
I love the design and I’d love a set of the blueprints. Thanks so much!
Nick, Thank you for the video. If it is not a burden could I get a copy of the blueprints?
Thank you!
Awesome design, what a great concept. Hard to believe the video was your first ride on rollers, great balance. I love the fact you can get out of the saddle with such ease and stability. I would love to have a set of the blueprints via email if possible.
Thanks for the inspiration.
B.
Hi there, do you mind to share the blueprint to me too? Would love to give it a try. Thank you so much anyway. ๐
Hi Nick.
Could you please send me a copy of your blueprints for this brilliant idea. I have considered buying commercial rollers but this looks like an excellent alternative that gives you a more realistic feel of natural riding.
Best regards Paul
Man, this is fantastic. How can I get a copy of the blueprints?
Amazing idea and execution Nick! Please send me the blueprints – this will be so useful.
Fascinating article, I’d love to give it a shot. Would you mind sending instructions? Thanks!
I just came across your vid about the roller~ ITS AWESOME~!! is it possible to send me the blue prints of your roller?? very much appreciated~!! Thanks
Great project Nick! Please do email me the blueprints.
Many thanks in advance.
David
Looks awesome. Can’t wait to try it out ๐ Would love to have a copy of the blueprints please. Thanks!
Great build Nick …
I’m from Germany and I want to build it the same way.
Can you send me a copy of your plans.
I would like to make the roles myself, can you tell me the length and diameter.
Thanks in advance.
Great build Nick …
I’m from Germany and I want to build it the same way.
Can you send me a copy of your plans.
I would like to make the roles myself. can you tell me the length and diameter.
Thanks in advance.
This is awesome! I’m a mom with littles and have had to put biking on the back burner because I hate the trainer. Would love the blueprints! Would you send to my email address, please?
Hi Nick.
Greetings from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Boy this brought back memories of my youth. I had a set of rollers when I did competitive Track and Road Cycling in Rhodesia in the 70’s. I started Mountainbiking about a year ago at the age of 56 on one of my 19 year old sons old bikes! He’s very competitive in Mountainbiking and the Road. My old set of rollers were made by my trainer using PVC pipes and lasted for years. Anyway, I’d love to make my Son a set of rollers based upon your plans, and was wondering if you would mind sending me a copy of the blueprints. Please let me know if there are any costs involved, which I will gladly pay if need be. You’ve done a truly marvelous job here, and thanks for sending me down memory lane. All the best to you and Bless you. Cliff and Nathan(Son).
Bro, this is terrific! this roller is awesome! Is it possible to send me the blue print how to build this roller?
Many thanks and Happy Cycling man!
These are amazing Nick. Would love to have a try at building these.
If you’d be able to send the blueprints I’d be really grateful!
Cheers
Paul
Hi Nick,
Accidentally saw your video. You are wonderful. I am sure a lot of people who is interested in rollers would love to have a blueprint from you. Including myself.
I love to have a copy and happy riding !
Thx, Louie
Hi Nick! This was a really cool video! I’m actually trying to build this for a school project. Could you email me the blueprints please? I would really appreciate it! Thank you!
Wow! This is really awesome! Never saw something like that before!
I Would love to have a copy of the blueprints! It looks so great!
Please email me those if possible!
Thanks!
Nick this is great idea of yours, is it possible to send me the blue print for the build of the free motion rollers.
Thank you and you are greatly appreciated.
That’s an awesome set up! I would like a copy of the blueprints as well. I am just beginning cycling and would like an alternate method for when the weather won’t cooperate.
Thanks
Kris
What a concept. I always wanted to try rollers, because It get’s old clipping my bike into the trainer. Could you please send me the blueprints for for how to build the roller?
That is by far the best rollers I’ve ever seen. They totally kick ass!
Thank you in advance brother cyclist! Many happy miles on your rollers…
Hi Nick,
Great idea, Looks simple, yet stable and effective. Please could you mail me a set of blueprints? I have a youngster that adores cycling, but the streets are not always safe by himself.
Many thanx
Hi Nick,
Thanks for posting this wonderful video. Very cool concept!
Can you send a set of blueprints please.
Thanks
Hey-o Nick,
Could you please email the blueprints? I love riding! Unfortunately, I’ve been involved in two hit and run accidents. Just trying to get the courage to ride again and train. Thanks again!! ;D
It is a great way to ride a bicycle and get the training you need. I would greatly appreciate it if you can send a copy of your plan. Thank you!
Just saw your video and this looks like something I would like to build. Could you please email me the blueprints?
Thanks!!
Hi great video can you please send me the blueprints
Thanks
Hi Nick,
Wow! What a great idea! Any chance you could email me the blueprints.
Thanks!
This looks better than even the $350.00 rollers iv seen.
Could you please send blue prints?
Thanks!
Very, very cool. Would go a long way to help my cyclo-therapy. ๐ Please email the blueprints, if still available. Thanks much.๏ปฟ
Awesome video and instructions!!!
Please email me blueprints!
Cant wait to build this!
Thanks!
!!!
Would love to get blueprints as well. Thanks a lot and great video btw.
Hello,
Love the trainer. Is it still possible to get the blueprints?
Thank you,
Keith
Hi Nick,
This looks like a great fall project prior to getting shut in for the winter. Can you send me the blueprints?
Thanks, JP
Nick this is great idea of yours, is it possible to send me the blue print for the build of the free motion rollers.
Thank you and you are greatly appreciated
Nick ..this is awesome. Thanks so very much for sharing it with the rest of us. Would it be possible to send me the blueprint instructions? Thanks so very much. Have a great day!
Nick
Great video like your design I would love a set of blueprints. thanks!!
steve
Hi, that looks awesome! can you sned me blueprints also? Thanks in advance and happy cycling!
Hello Nick,
Just saw this video. Great. I’ve been looking for a way to improve my training rides.
I’ve been using Trainer for years (Cyclops). Time to move on. Could you please send the blueprints.
Thanks
Tim
Hello , this is incredible, I really appreciate if you can share the blue prints by e-mail.
Thanks
Very well done and interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Could you please email the blueprints?
Kind regards,
Philippe
Nick,
Just watched the video, pretty sweet. I would appreciate your sending me a copy of the blueprints. Thank you. Safe cycling.
Norman
Having just spent 20 minutes on my rollers, I’m straight away looking to improve them.
I’ve seen your video before and am now after the blue prints please.
Just need to find some old roller blades now ?
This looks awesome Nick. I was just about to purchase a stationary trainer when I came across your video. Would love the blueprints to build one. If you could email I would sure appreciate it.
Cheers,
Matt
These rollers look awesome is it possible you could send me the blueprints and I will construct them. The weather is terrible at the moment and I’m sick of my turbo trainer
Great video and build.
I got my rollers last year and they have greatly improved my road handling skills and endurance even without resistance.
I was actually researching how to add resistance to rollers when I came upon your video.
Please email your blueprints as I am anxious to start my build.
I already ordered the roller blade wheels with bearings.
I would love the blueprints.
Randy
I would love a set of blueprints for the roller.
Randy leavitt
You want blueprints? You can’t handle the blueprints. The article and video literally show you how it’s build. It does, really.
Nick, this is great design. I would like to get access to the blue prints. Do you have a link or email them to me. THANKS
What a great idea!
I’ve been interested in purchasing a set of rollers but would definitely like to give this a try. Could you please send me a copy of the blueprints?
Much appreciated,
Chris
This is genius! I was looking into bike trainers then came across rollers… then stumbled upon your video. I would absolutely appreciate it if you could email me a copy of the blueprints, if you are still doing so for those who want them.
Thanks so much!
Jaemy
Pure admiration!
Kudos for your initiative and your generosity!
As everyone, I kindly ask you for your popular roller blueprints.
Thank you,
Pablo
Absolutely love this idea especially the DIY aspect and the design, well done Nick.
I would love a copy of the blue prints if they’re still available. Can you send it to my email it would be much appreciated!
Dear Nick,
Please email the blue print, its raining outside and I would like to build from your plan.
Regards
Karel
Hi,
This looks fantastic and I am really interested on building this for myself. Would it be possible to get the blueprints emailed to me please?
Many thanks
Mate that is an awesome design, I have just been toying with the idea of building some rollers as I too cannot justify spending all that money. Could I please get a copy of your blueprints.
Hi, that looks awesome! I really appreciate if you can share the blue prints by e-mail.
Awesome. Great job Nick!
Looking for a rainy day project. Would love to build from your plans.
Kind regards
L
I loved your bike rollers and would appreciate it if you could email me the blueprints please.
In anticipation, many thanks, clever guy! ๐
I’d like to make a set of these. please can you email me the blueprints, many thanks.
David
Nice work Nick,
Can you please email the blueprints please? I like to build a setup like yours.
Cheers
Such a cool project!! i would love to recive the blueprints please??
-Pernille
Any chance I can get the detailed blueprints? Thanks in advance.
can you please send me the blueprints ?
Best regards from Portugal ๐
Nick,
Great idea especially for people on a budget. Would you be kind enough to email me a copy of the blue prints.
Thanks!
I would love the blueprints!
Really cool concept. Would you mind emailing me the blue prints too?
Thanks.
Hope your not tired with this yet ๐ Could i please have a copy of the bluprint emailed too?
Thanks in advance.
love your design.
Hi Nick
Love the idea and love the thought of people like you sharing.
Would love the blueprint, just getting into cycling at 55 and would benefit my fitness in house.
thx
Daz
Really nice vid,
can you send me the blueprints pls?
thanks a lot
cheers
Jan