Elite has not reinvented the free reel, but it has given it a big polish: As far as we know, the "V-Arion" is the first free reel with adjustable drag. The magnetic brake is located in the rearmost roller, where the resistance can also be adjusted, with three selectable levels. Using a power meter, we determined resistances of around 160, 195 and 270 watts in the three levels with a gear ratio of 53/17 and a cadence of 80 revolutions per minute. This makes the Elite roller suitable for both endurance and light strength training. With a little practice, you will even be able to pedal in the cradle after a while. The "V-Arion" weighs 8.7 kilos and is based on a foldable plastic frame that allows the device to be folded to 75x47x30 centimetres.
PLUS: Free roller with adjustable resistance; quiet
MINUS: Resistance not adjustable from the wheel
Reference/Info: Elite, telephone 0180/3035483 (9 cent per minute), www.elite-it.com
Price: 359 Euro
Photo: Matthias Borchers
