Hi there,
A couple years ago, I remember seeing a picture of an indoor trainer that consisted of two large turntables, each about four feet in diameter, that you'd ride your bike on, with one wheel on each turntable. As you pedal, the turntables spin. Steering towards the outside edge of the turntables would lighten the load and steering towards the centres would increase the load. Apparently, it was the closest simulation to riding your bike on a road without actually being outside on a road.
The unit cost something like $10,000 and was about eight feet long and two or three feet high.
Has anyone seen this machine and know what it's called or where to find a picture?

Thanks.

Wouldn't the turntables have to be coupled together somehow? If the front wheel doesn't turn then you'll fall over. I know from past experience when my roller's belt broke.

I think the bicycle treadmill, also $10,000, is the closest thing to riding on the road. It can actually simulate climbing unlike simply elevating your front wheel on a trainer.

the bicycle treadmill:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/machine_back.jpg

It looks more like a road than some of the roads around here.

That's the inside-ride Treadmill. They don't produce it anymore since they are busy with the e-Motion rollers. and it cost 60k, not 10k. I have ridden it myself and it's the best indoor training I have ever done. Just like riding outside.

There also is a German-made treadmill for cycling, but I haven't seen this one in reality yet.