Originally Posted by
bautieri
Riding the trainer is certainly harder than riding a comparable distance on flat to lightly graded terrain. It certainly doesn't compare to workout you described above though. For Mr. Beans it is not a compareable workout as he thinks he must be part Billy Goat, for others it may be. You can't ride and glide on a trainer. Because of that a trainer workout on it's hardest resistance level is similar to riding up a slight grade. Toss in sprint intervals and yes you get a good workout.
It's what you make of the trainer work out, I say count the miles (and watch your rear tire, keep it at max PSI)!
Can't glide on a trainer? That's silly!
....The mtn pic was just to show the difference of outdoor and indoor riding. C'mon, on the road one must balance, use the arms, be alert, watch for obstacles, fight the wind etc. On a trainer, you sit on your but and move the pedals, that's about it!..oh, besides switch the channels from Scooby Doo to Days Of Our Lives!
Yes, on a trainer, you can do intervals to make it tough. But do intervals on the road. Which would requires more attention and skill? Which is more demanding? Yes, good answer! Therefore the road is harder! On the road requires more coordination and skill, or you fall on your face. I can go to sleep on a trainer!
