roller with resistance...good workout?

Can you get the same workout on a roller with resistance compared to a trainer? I have and used a trainer for a long time and I do get some good workout on it. However, I want to get to also practice my skills if I can with a roller+resistance. Does anyone tried a roller+resistance? Also, I'm looking at a Kreitler or Cycleops. Both manufacturer have a resistance option. Any comments would be helpful. Thanks

I use a set of Kreitler Dynalyte rollers with a headwind unit. Great resistance. I can get my HR as high on the road and at lower mph with the headwind wide open. My routine in winter is to set the rollers up in front of my computer and run old Tour/Giro DVDs for entertainment. Works great and my bike handling has improved.

chris
ne iowa

__________________
I bike therefore I am.

Thanks for the reply. Does your tire wear out fast when using the roller? I know a trainer does eat your tire fast. Thanks

The tire wear is pretty much like the road, maybe less. I usually go into the winter with a well-used tire on the rear and don't have to change it. Compare that to the tire dust I would leave the carpet after using my Cyclops Fluid and I think the wear with rollers is negligible.

chris
ne iowa

__________________
I bike therefore I am.

This past winter was my first experience with rollers. I put scrub tires on because I was worried about wear, but I also found the tire wear was very good. My bike handling skills improved dramatically and I found it more interesting to ride rollers than my other trainer, so I stuck to it better, and now I am in better shape than I normally would have been in at this time of the year. It really improved my technique.

Thanks for all the replies. I liked my trainer a lot but it's just a hassle to swap wheels/tires when I use the same bike for riding outside and on the trainer. Also, now that they've added resistance to roller, I think it is better that a trainer since you improve your skills and at the same time a good workout.