I am an avid, but relatively new mt biker, having started racing and training last year seriously. I am in the process of buying a road bike to train also, and perhaps an indoor trainer too to power up my legs. I only have a mt bike now, and with the short days and weather, its hard to get the miles in.
I have been riding the LifeCycle stationary bikes at my gym a few times a week, using a heart monitor, and noting the power output on it's computer screen. I monitor and change RPMs, my heart rate, and Power, and the numbers seem to be getting more effecient.
Question is: Is this type of riding a decent substitute until I can get out on the road or get the appropriate equipment for home? How does this equate to road riding (I am not a roadie yet, but aspire to add that to my cycling repotoire (sp))? How does this equate to siting on your road bike and using an indoor trainer?
Am I wasting my time? I DO feel that some spinning of my legs is better than none.
Thanks for any assistance!!
bikerdave
01-14-03, 02:47 AM
The stationary trainers are better than nothing, but doesnt beat getting on the road or even on a trainer where you have the perfect setup of the bike.Sometimes on the stationary trainers they saddle setup, can only go up in set increments and marked by numbers, better ones have a tightening clamp that can be set to finer increments which is better.
I usually jump on the stationary trainers in my gym, just after I have worked out the legs, but you dont get the same pedal stroke wCan you not get on the road at night?Iith the toe clips, as you would wearing shoes with cleats, and also the saddles seems to be to big too.
Get you not get lights and get on the road at all at night?If you get the chance of some well lit fairly quiet streets, and have some lights on your bike, reflective gear and good clothing.
Even if it means doing laps of a certain area, a lot more fun than the stationary bikes
MichaelW
01-14-03, 03:40 AM
If you are looking for a bike to train on the road, then a competition racing bike may not be the best choice. Most serious roadies have a training bike, usually an older frame with hand-me down or mid-range components, which can take the abuse of daily riding. In wetter climates they often have tyre clearance for 28mm wide tyres and fenders, to keep the rider dry and clean on wet roads. For winter riding, people sometimes fit slightly lower gears than a typical competition bike, and for poor light conditions, a lighting system is essential. These training bikes make excellent commuter transport as well.
Airborne
01-14-03, 08:28 AM
Originally posted by MichaelW
If you are looking for a bike to train on the road, then a competition racing bike may not be the best choice. Most serious roadies have a training bike, usually an older frame with hand-me down or mid-range components, which can take the abuse of daily riding. In wetter climates they often have tyre clearance for 28mm wide tyres and fenders, to keep the rider dry and clean on wet roads. For winter riding, people sometimes fit slightly lower gears than a typical competition bike, and for poor light conditions, a lighting system is essential. These training bikes make excellent commuter transport as well.
wadda 'bout a cyclocross bike? any good?
Airborne
01-14-03, 08:30 AM
Originally posted by MichaelW
If you are looking for a bike to train on the road, then a competition racing bike may not be the best choice. Most serious roadies have a training bike, usually an older frame with hand-me down or mid-range components, which can take the abuse of daily riding. In wetter climates they often have tyre clearance for 28mm wide tyres and fenders, to keep the rider dry and clean on wet roads. For winter riding, people sometimes fit slightly lower gears than a typical competition bike, and for poor light conditions, a lighting system is essential. These training bikes make excellent commuter transport as well.
yeah i hear you on the racing bike. i dunno how my a** would like the relatively new, different, and flinty ride compared to the mt bike. i was thinking steel personally, under 1500.
Airborne
01-14-03, 08:31 AM
Originally posted by bikerdave
.
Get you not get lights and get on the road at all at night?If you get the chance of some well lit fairly quiet streets, and have some lights on your bike, reflective gear and good clothing.
Even if it means doing laps of a certain area, a lot more fun than the stationary bikes