Useful for people with one really nice bike that want to use on the trainer. I ended up buying a dedicated trainer bike but everyone has that flexibility or money. I see the placement just not me :-)

Thanks for the review. $800 is too much since it doesn't have a power meter. That by itself makes it marked off the list as a possible purchase. Road feel isn't something I'd consider for a stationary trainer nor would I want to move backwards to wearing out tires again while indoors.

@michaelferguson7371

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed without power meter makes it quite expensive

@Acyclistandhockeysnob

8 ай бұрын

This actually doesn’t wear out your tires like other trainers do because of the 2 rollers instead of only one. Weight is dispersed evenly over the tire and keeps the rollers and tires cooler.

@Acyclistandhockeysnob

8 ай бұрын

But I def wouldn’t spend $800 without a power meter. But it just dropped to $599 and I had a $250 credit so $350 is $$ well spent.

As usual, love the review and content. I don't understand the market for the ROLLR but assume Wahoo have done their market research!

@manuelschmidt1081

11 ай бұрын

Here at our home the RollR is the better product. The chain is not very clean the most time. So installing the bike to a kickr leads to dirty oily fingers. In addition to the time for installing ist. That lead to some kind of "know, not today". My wife and I are riding different shift systems. So we would also have to install different cassettes. With the RollR: Riding Outdoor: get the bike out of the door Riding indoor: put the bike onto the rollR

I just ordered this thing and can't wait to try it out. My main problem with my direct drive trainer is that despite using the exact same cassette model as I have on my bike, the alignment on it is probably a bit different and this causes my shifting on the trainer to be inaccurate and extremely irritating. In addition I like to be very flexible about indoor/outdoor riding based on the weather etc so the smart roller is really a no brainer for me!

@toomj9850

7 ай бұрын

Hello, I would like to have same flexibility as you mentioned, Have you tested it? Are you satisfied of buying such trainer, do you recommend it?

Quality content as usual. I'm looking for something my wife and I can use but we don't have power meters and we have bikes with different components (SRAM 12sp and Shimano 11sp) The Kickr Snap was an option until I learned about the adapters needed to mount each bike and the potential need for a training wheel (now with 2 diff cassettes...). The direct drive trainers are attractive but changing cassettes is a non-starter. Now what's left are the smart bikes (Kickr Bike and Neo Bike) or two separate trainers (not enough space!). This Roller seems enticing and could be acceptable if I buy 2 power meters for our bikes...

Love the review. Also reflect my thought when I first saw this was released. The only positive is super easy to take the bike in and out... and that's about it. With all the negative you have listed, for me another important one is it defeats the whole purpose of having a roller over a direct drive/turbo trainer since you don't need to balance anymore. For the price it is asking it gets very little to offer.

putting aside the price point, this is pretty perfect for me. I live in southern California so I gave away all my rollers/ trainers when I left the midwest. I am interested now just to have something I could do a controlled ramp test on and always hated the lack of road feel on trainers. As others have pointed out, it would be easy for my wife to throw her bike on it too. :)

Great review as always! 🙏

Hi Ray, awesome to see your channel continue to grow. / (Edit: was only repeating his conclusion....)

Learnt from Wahoo this is the only indoor trainer that will fit my Basso Diamanté due to the wider than standard rear thru axle. Thanks for the review… still on the fence even though I’m running a dual sided power meter

I love using the Kickr Rollr with my track fixed bike using the Bkool velodrome app

Another awesome review - thanks mate.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

Thank You.

Hi, nice video. Does the bike sit level on the kickr roller compared to the ground? I'm asking this to understand if I need to do any height adjustments on the roller to use it for a bike fit purpose?

I really like the concept. For me, I have a power meter but it's usually fitted to the bike I'm riding outdoors. I.e in the winter it's fitted to my winter hack and my best bike will be on the trainer indoors. I don't have a power meter per bike!

OK, about the bouncing. I coach “true beginner” adult triathletes, primarily to get them safely, comfortably and enjoyably into the sport and particularly racing. I squarely target the “triathlon lifestyle and community” first, last and always. If they start to get “serious” about PRs and advanced technique, I promptly hand them off to other coaches. One of my favorite “true beginner” bike drills is to have them go all out in their lowest gear on level ground, preferably a parking lot. In part, this is for our shared amusement, as the ensuing jiggling and bouncing can be beyond hilarious. Primarily, however, it is to introduce them to “360 pedaling”, why it’s important, and how to achieve it. Most specifically, this drill clearly illustrates the need to “unweight the pedal” on the upstroke. Even elite athletes, especially after a sprint or fast climb, will slide back on the seat and go close to “dead legs” on the pedals. Their hard tires, thin saddles and bony butts can hide the bouncing, but a discerning eye can easily detect its presence. And it would seem trainers like the ROLLR also amplify its presence. My guess would be due to the small roller contact patches making the tire work more like a bouncy-ball or BOSU disk. The fix? Just “spin down” gracefully and transition back to flat riding more gradually. I recommend starting this a few seconds before the end of the peak effort, gearing into a higher cadence and gradually reducing effort, rather than abruptly ending it. And bounces will be gone!

If you have a bike you don’t want touching the mounting on the kickr core then it’s pretty likely you already have a power meter. I’m buying this thing and just came by to see the review before I do. Thanks!

To add: This is the beauty of DC and his honesty - you know there will be some KZreadrs jizzing over this thing with thumbnail click-bait saying "The Death of the Turbo Trainer????" and then bigging this up and some poor sod will buy it not realising they need a power meter and be sat with a set of dumb rollers that they can't even fall off of in comedic fashion ..

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I appreciate it!

@USMC7178

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure he mentioned that…

Any Chance you can try to use a specific home Trainer tire. Changed a Lot for me in regards to sound

Possibly a good option for a family or couple who have different sized bikes that ride their trainers daily, but that's about it. Even the storage appears to be niche market- at least my Snap folds up and can be easily moved out of the way. On this thing, if you've got a bed to slide it under great, other than that, it's bulky and awkard. No power meter, lower grade %, etc- seems like more money for less.

Any concerns about torque on the front fork/headset when sprinting or riding hard?

Would this cause the front wheel to go out of true if used repeatedly without removing for a long period of time?

I just bought one its great

Great review as always, Ray. This product suffers from component price asymmetry in the powermeter, which is its downfall. A powermeter on a flywheel probably costs Wahoo $20 or thereabouts, so taking it out of one of their systems doesn't bring down the price much. However, a powermeter on a bicycle costs a rider many hundreds of dollars. That's the asymmetry. When you take it out of the trainer, the rider expects the Rollr price to be much lower since they've had to shell out several hundred dollars to install a powermeter on their bike, but because it's a cheap part for Wahoo, the Rollr price is still high, and the rider is left shaking their head. The Rollr should appeal to people with one bike, like me, who both train and ride on the same bike, and who, like me, HATE having to take the bike on and off the trainer several times a week. Add that I'm a mountain biker, meaning that I have to wash my bike almost every time I ride, and the process just gets worse. So, this system would appeal to me if a) my bike fit in the Rollr, and b) it had a powermeter, cos I don't have one on my mountain bike and don't have the cash to get one, either. But the Rollr doesn't have a powermeter, so it doesn't appeal to me or people like me. In the end, the way I solved my problem was by taking my very old mountain bike from the early 2000s and putting it on the trainer permanently. Not as comfortable as my 2021 mountain bike, but I avoid the hassle of taking my bike on and off the trainer several times a week. Also, somebody needs to wash their mountain bike. And that someone is Ray 😛

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, I agree on all fronts. Especially the MTB fit aspects. To me, that would have been super useful. But given my MTB didn't fit (nor my wife's smaller 650c triathlon bike fit), it sorta lost the key areas that it's really best for. As for my MTB, it probably need a wipe or two, though, I think it adds character. :)

@lexville12

Жыл бұрын

like me with one bike which i plan to use both on the road and on this... i cannot since i dont have a powermeter and i dont plan on getting one separately unless i upgrade my bike and get a totally different model which will not happen in the near future. i like that this trainer is convenient and all and easy to use but since i dont have a powermeter then it's too bad for cyclists like me. i wonder what my other options are?

I guess it is comparable with the Elite smart roller, the sprinting issue will happen on any roller when you drop down from a high cadence.nice idea but definitely shooting themselves in the foot with the powermeter requirement, at least an estimated power (not accurate but at least saves the initial cost)

Niche use case, but this is one of, if not the best option for people who are looking to ride a track bike on a smart trainer. Although a few options exist to modify something like the KICKR CORE (expensive, and modifies the trainer) or using the SNAP, I think the ROLLR is a much better option.

I was sold until you got the part about ERG mode. I use ERG mode 100% of time using TR, and I only use TR. I have a 2016 kickr that I feel like is nearing the end of it's lifespan, and since I already have a PM this was going to be a perfect replacement. Almost. Bummer. Great review though!

Any idea on tire wear v wheel on?

Great review. This is perfect for someone like me who HATES putting my bike on the Wahoo Kickr. I also don't do many sprints while riding. I may get one and try it out, put power meter cranks on my bike over the winter. Should work out nicely. Anyone want to buy a Kickr?? LOL

@raymondwebby2441

Жыл бұрын

👍🏽

Nice review, it's really expensive but the choice I have to put a track bike on a trainer for Zwift is really limited and this could be an option for my gf and me. Scared about the bumpy feel as we will probably be riding high cadences

Glad you explained why it doesn’t have a built in power meter. Still a bummer.

Do you really need a power meter on the bike to use it?

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

😂

@hectorkidds9840

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, because without you wouldn't be able to factor in the hugely variable tyre/rolling resistance, unless you did a warm up, then a spin down test.

@cricanwa

2 жыл бұрын

@@hectorkidds9840 you really did not understand it...😑

If they pointed a shrink ray at it then it would be ideal for using with a Brompton.

Will a crank base power meter work?

What's a good budget power meter that will work with this?

if you have cadence sensor and speed sensor by garmin on your bike already paired to rouvy and zwift, why do you say you need a power metre or it wont work? wont work accurately for power ? but should still work the same as it has for past 2 years as nothing on my bike changes?

So it's worse than a Kickr Core, but it's also more expensive since you need a separate power meter. Or you could get a set of real Kreitler rollers with the resistance fan for about $850 (or other decent brands are much cheaper).

is the bounce fixeable with high tire pressure?

What has your guys' experience been with the Wahoo ROLLR? I've been thinking about buying one. I want to bike indoors for the most part of my IRONMAN training. I'm using a tt bike. Do you have any problems with the actual exprience itself, or with the fact that your back wheel has constant pressure on it etc.? Is it good or bad? Thanks for the feedback! :D

Normal rollers do the bouncing if you stand up and then sit down. Seated acceleration also does the same thoughtout the effort

I’ve been waiting for these to release since seeing them in the Nationals last year. I train indoors exclusively on rollers, so this might be something I “upgrade” to for a more immersive workout experience.

@gustavosalvini1827

2 жыл бұрын

Dude spend the extra $100 to from this to the kickr core. I made the jump from roller to trainer earlier this year and it’s so much better for training.

@Yoitsseb

2 жыл бұрын

@@gustavosalvini1827 I would like to purchase the kickr however my gravel bike is an 11-34 Cassette and the kickr only accommodates 11-28. This is a viable option for me. Do you have any recommendations?

@gustavosalvini1827

2 жыл бұрын

@@Yoitsseb lock the cassette at the 28t when you put your bike on the kicr, that should work. I have a friend who does Mtb on the trainer all the time and from what I remember he told me that’s what he does

I have the kickr snap. I go numb I believe due to the inability of the seat to move. Do you think this rollr will solve my issue?

Even if Wahoo gave you the option for estimated power excluding the rolling resistance that you would lose (eg enable from their app) it would at least cover more of the market. I'm not sure how much rolling resistance is typically (5% maybe?). So I'm down on power a bit and it varies but that's still better than faffing around with a wheel on roller trainer like the kickr snap which never feels that accurate. Still mildly crippled as you can't get cadence though. Painful for us users of the Apple TV with its limited bluetooth connections. It would be good if you could pair a cadence meter to it and have that combined like they do with the power meter.

Nice content. But, isn't that Trainer a step back after developing the smart (direct) trainers as you have no Watts getting lost through the rollingresistence of the tyre using tham instead of this one? 🤔

Will it work without a power meter? Asking for a friend.

Will a 63cm Cannondale Supersix fit on it? Didn't seem to a lot of adjustment when you put yours on. FYI my wheelbase is 102.7cm. I'm scared it won't fit within the 2 back rollers...

doesn't this put a strain on the front end -> fork/wheel when pushing in the watts?

Rollers might not shred tires like a clamp down on wheel trainer does, so maybe no need for trainer tire?

Yeah that pricing is crazy given its limitations. Should be priced like the snap and both should be priced $399. What good is ease of use if it isn't useful?

@ProfessorSteez

2 жыл бұрын

It’s got plenty of use for dedicated racers, and is plenty portable. Anybody who’s hauled around a Kurt Kinetic or Cyclops fluid trainer in the days before smart trainers knows the struggle! Should definitely be priced like the Snap though!

@Michael-cj9uo

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorSteez wouldn't you just have cheap rollers if you need portable to warm up or whatever?

@ProfessorSteez

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael-cj9uo sure, I could spend $300 on a decent set of rollers. With a $1200 Kickr + $185 AXS cassette + $70 Xdr freehub body for wahoo I’m out $1755. Where’s the value in that? I do my racing on the road and don’t need a 10% grade or more than 1500w resistance for an indoor trainer.

@Michael-cj9uo

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorSteez Yeah its crazy, $300 set of rollers is all you need.

@ProfessorSteez

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael-cj9uo Yeah it’s crazy, you’re illiterate 😳

Great in depth review. way overpriced!! Love the colour ordinated bike, clothes and water bottles!! what is the make of your fan? looks sweet!!

Great review, very simple way to train, love the front wheel & stability of it…great work Wahoo.

@michielfm

2 жыл бұрын

Really? Great work? Why would anyone prefer this over the Kickr Snap? You probably even need an indoor tyre on this one as well, no?

Do you know if it accepts all Power meters? Or just wahoo ones?

Try increasing tire pressure to reduce the post sprint bounce

Is this better for the knees?

Hi! 47/622 tire is good in it?

Can you use this without a power meter?

May i ask, what wheelset is on that Canyon?

Thank you' and, Wow' your a really good biker!🚴👍

It might not be practical but I'm taking this to a TT race next month! 😂 Ok, 100% agree with you on the price. So tricky to price this at $800 when yesterday the Kickr Core was $750. I will give Wahoo some credit, inflation is real. Manufacturing is a nightmare and there's a shortage on everything cycling. So maybe this price is justified 🤷‍♂️ I don't know, I'm stretching here. Still between me and my wife, this product will get some good usage. Great video as always Ray! 👌

@thesqueakybrake

2 жыл бұрын

It’s not, just get a core from REI when they go on sale or something else. These shouldn’t cost this much.

@mlegrand

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesqueakybrake - Good suggestion on waiting for a sale. I wonder how this product will do for Wahoo. It'll be interesting to hear how it sells at this price point. It is fun to use.

May I know how tall if it is folded. I'm wondering if it is going to fit under my sofa. Thanks

How different is it from riding dumb rollers on zwift?

Work well

This can be useful in any kind of public setting where quick bike in&out is important. If you have three riders at home, running a gym or a bike shop, organizing a race event, etc. As Ray said, I think this is decent but I'm not its target market.

@thesqueakybrake

2 жыл бұрын

Feedback has the same thing, better and cheaper.

@red00tl

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesqueakybrake I see your point, and those kind of rollers are widely available already from Minoura and others. But Wahoo’s version is better for public use because it doesn’t require you to remove the front wheel. Any beginner who never rode a trainer before can use this roller quickly, easily, and safely. I think that’s what Wahoo is going after.

Everyone seems to be getting this wrong. You don't need a power meter. The unit by itself can't talk with apps like zwift on its own, but all you need is a speed and cadence sensor and most apps can figure out your power based on those units alone. Is it as accurate? Not as accurate as a good power meter. But it still works well enough that people interested could still have a good time.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

It would depend on either Wahoo or Zwift creating a profile for it (power curve). Wahoo says they have no intention of creating a profile, because in their testing, even shifting your butt on the saddle was shifting the power 25% alone because of weight shifts. So we're not even talking close on accuracy here.

@nic22m

3 ай бұрын

We’re not so close on the accuracy of the statement that « it won’t work without a power meter » too… It will, but with some withdrawals… Some people are just looking to put some miles during the winter with ease of usage instead of being accurate on performance data.

great video :) do you think the tires would worn out after a while?

@Penalist

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

@hectorkidds9840

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, and quiet quickly

Hey Ray. I do bike fitting and this trainer would be sweet to not have to worry about axles etc and therefore save me a bunch of time in an appointment. Just wondering if there is a way to level the bike out on this trainer, or if you feel there is any need to do so? Thanks!

@Dcrainmaker

8 ай бұрын

No method to do that, but practically speaking, the two sides are left, so it should be level.

In the video you mentioned that about 8 inches of clearance would be needed for under furniture storage. Do you have an exact height dimension for the fly wheel, what appears to be the highest point, when the trainer is collapsed? I cannot find this measurement anywhere from Wahoo.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

It’s 20cm - the height of the top of flywheel, which is inclusive of the slight gap over the ground, but you have to include that because the frame sits below it. The flywheel itself is physically the same as the SNAP.

I'm sure some people will buy this, but not many. It's going to end up on sale for $599 or less by fall.

@stevem2132

9 ай бұрын

You were correct- now $599

I guess it would work with a single sided Powermeter just fine compared to a dual sided Powermeter?

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, correct.

Will it fit 5'6"?

Definitely was interested in this, but the erg mode issues are a dealbreaker for me.

I could imagine bike shops using one for "test rides" and possibly bike fitting but for home training this seems a bit pointless.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, a good use case indeed!

It would be nice as a second trainer for some variety if you have the money and space. I would be interested to hear how dirt, water and sweat effects it over time. If you don't keep your tires super clean what would that do to this thing?

Would it still track distance and speed if you paired it with your elemnt bike computer without a power meter?

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yup!

I'm considering the ROLLR over the KICKR to avoid having to get an adapter and extra cassette for SRAM 12sp.

@dalejones146

Жыл бұрын

Me too. Same situation.

@stevengraham7627

Жыл бұрын

@@dalejones146 I got one btw. With the desk and fan. Really nice setup.

I have just had it. I don’t use power pedals ut when I ride at 70-80 watts it so heavy legs while everyone can do 200-250 watts easily. Can anyone tell me the reason? Thanks

I have just had it. I don’t use power meter but when I ride at 60-70 watts it so heavy legs. Can anyone tell me the reason why because I see everyone can ride around 200-250 watts easily? Thanks

Random question but what TrainerRoad workout was that you were testing on?

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Hello. It's Goddard -4. Cheers!

F1 Pitstop style bike changes.

Can I ask. I use a Tacx flow and have for about 2 years. I tried a direct drive but I only have 1 bike so it’s on and off and the alignment was a nightmare Is there tech wise going to be better than a Tacx flow? Accuracy and tracking wise?

@jonathansale7138

8 ай бұрын

I also have a power meter already on my giant propel

Are you sure the sprint issue is the trainer and not bad form? I always found rollers helped my track form because it encouraged smooth spinning instead of a choppy stroke.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Other reviewers found the same issue.

I am not quite sure, you know, because, I do not have a powermeter. Would this be a good choice for people without a powermeter? Maybe you could elaborate on that a bit more?

@dmv4554

2 жыл бұрын

No. You’d have to send at least another $500 on a power meter

I'm trying to see that value in this at all. Basically it is just rollers, if you want cadence and power you have to get their pedals for another $900. A Kickr core makes more sense from every standpoint. If you need rollers with a captive frontend, feedback sports has theirs for far less.

so factor in another say £600 on top of the cost of the rollers ?

Nice, how are the Wahoo PowrLink on your bike performing? ;-)

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Ask and you shall receive: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c5d8yY-FoqnLicY.html

Good morning

Nice set of Wahoo POWRLINKs you've got there. Can't wait for the review of those.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Already up! Go forth and enjoy! kzread.info/dash/bejne/c5d8yY-FoqnLicY.html

great review would this work with a garmin vector pedals as power source is it compatible?

Great review, as always. This is not rollers. I don't understand the market for this.

Would higher tyre pressure help with the bouncing issue?

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe? I'm running I think like 95psi or so, so reasonably high.

@terryg652

2 жыл бұрын

That's what I was wondering too. But 95psi in a 28mm is pretty high. Maybe a stiff trainer tire at 100psi would help. That bouncing is crazy.

@garethjohnpugh7194

2 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker You always have to have your tyres rock hard for normal rollers (do you ride normal rollers? that might put this device in context for you). ....

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

@@garethjohnpugh7194 I do ride rollers from time to time, though that’s definitely not the target audience for this unit. The fact that it has a roller is really more of a byproduct of them wanting a way to attach a bike without clamping.

How have they got the cheek to call it ‘smart’ if it doesn’t have its own power meter?

*Very good at least I like it*

so... you can't start with a sprint and continue with a seated sprint because you're bouncing about and watts are jumping around?

Not sure this is a solving a problem that doesn't exist IMO. By the time you buy a basic crankarm PM ($400) + Rollr ($800), you might as well get a high end Kickr. I don't understand the benefit other than quickly plopping your bike in quickly and riding. The plus side of getting a Kickr is you don't wear out your tire or put unnecessary wear and tear your rear wheel. I don't see this as a big seller. Great video though DCR. Love this stuff you put out.

@ProfessorSteez

2 жыл бұрын

If you buy a crankarm PM you can ride outside too? And not buy a $75 cassette for the kickr, mess with freehub body compatibility, be able to use it to warm up before races, not have to take your wheel off/on before races. There’s plenty of upside if you’re not a dedicated zwifter that doesn’t touch road.

I'm sure the rest of the video is excellent (as always) but at 2:00 (Need for external power meter) there was just no reason to continue watching. Shame as it would have been the perfect trainer for my children to swap their bikes and use. Odd choice for Wahoo at that price-point. The hunt continues, thanks DC!

@Chuckolicious

2 жыл бұрын

I did the exact same thing, except almost earlier when he said max 10% grade.

@cohoonatube

2 жыл бұрын

@@Chuckolicious Agree. Didn't catch that till I was comparing specs on Wahoo's website. Maybe version deux will be better thought out :D. Still love my Kickr!

@ProfessorSteez

2 жыл бұрын

@@Chuckolicious I can almost guarantee this thing wasn’t made with Zwift warriors in mind, it’s a niche product.

@Chuckolicious

2 жыл бұрын

@@cohoonatube I bet that a roller style just can't handle greater grades without slippage.

@Chuckolicious

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorSteez I dunno, my opinion is that is specifically who it's targeting. Certainly a power user, since it's for someone that regularly takes the bike off to ride outside, yet wants a full smart trainer for whatever platform they are using. But I do thing the grade thing is more a matter of physics, can't have much more grade without slippage. Power meter, that's annoying, IMO, unless there's an engineering issue with that too? I guess it wouldn't be as accurate as a direct drive due to the less robust contact of just rubber on rollers.

I’m still on my 8 year old Kurt Kinetic Road Machine. Easy setup, quiet, built to last, never a problem. And it’s smart with the inRide sensor. I don’t see the benefits of the Wahoo Rollr.

But why this instead of a Tuo?

The bouncing is going to happening with every set of rollers after sprinting then just dropping your arse on to the seat. The problem is you need to be smooth both with your pedal technique and sitting back on the seat to stop the oscillating from the tyre.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I kinda put this in the same category of rocker plates: If I have to change my riding style to accommodate an indoor device, then the indoor device isn't really doing it's job at nailing the outdoor experience. And sometimes that's fine, but it's still unfortunately a downside.

I tuned out when it required a power meter

I would recommend just getting a regular set of rollers. First, they are less expensive, second, they have no wires, no chips, no displays, and lastly, nothing else comes close to improving your balance and pedal stroke. Seriously, borrow a set for a day, spend a an hour or two learning how to balance on them, then go out for a ride. You’ll notice an improvement as soon as you start moving. Don’t bother with rollers with flywheels, fans, double front rollers, or gimmicks that add resisteance, just get a standard set with large drums. You can add or remove resistance just be shifting up and down through the gears.