Road Cycling - training question

i'm just getting into cycling again after 30 years away from the sport and my question is this: is it better to concentrate my training in the beginning on the stationary bike at the ymca where i can work on pedal technique, cadence speed, monitor my watts, heartrate and other important information, and not get injured by any road mishaps for the first few months, or get out and start biking. actually, i've been to the ymca the past couple of weeks doing this, but should i continue spending all my training there. i eventually would like to start racing asap, i'm not doing this just to get back in shape. thanks.

I have just returned after 25 years. Started back during late winter, although the weather is not bad in Southern NM. Set a goal of doing a Century in early April with 7 weeks to prepare. I would suggest getting out on the road. The feeling is great and dealing with weather conditions (wind in my case) makes spinning @ the gym seem tame. You have to take on the challange sometime so why wait. Good Luck! (best thing I ever did and loosing 15 lb. didn't hurt)

You've got to get out there and ride!

A stationary bike at the Y is nothing like the experience you'll get on your real bike. You can work on pedal technique, cadence speed, and heart rate on your bike- get a trainer to work on one legged exercises, and get a bike computer that also has a heart rate monitor for the other stuff.

If you can't get a trainer, you could still do the one legged training on a stationary bike, but that's about all the benefit I can see from that. Real training will come from getting on that bike and riding outside.

Koffee

Ride, Ride,Ride!!!:D

You'll get a lot more than just the physical benefits by actually getting out on the bike.

rollers :)

they improve your ability to handle your bike

Another vote for rollers - cheaper and simpler than regular trainers, and they work and skills and technique.

Originally posted by markevans999
on the stationary bike at the ymca where i can work on pedal technique, cadence speed, monitor my watts, heartrate and other important information, and not get injured by any road mishaps for the first few months, or get out and start biking.

Just do it. Scr*w technique, cadence, yada yada. If you take that approach, you'll hate cycling before you even get out there and do it. There'll be plenty of time for the Y next winter. If you're worried about traffic and all, get a mirror.

Get out and ride, and get into a group. Technique, HR, and watts don't matter until you want to race.

Technique, HR, and watts don't matter until you want to race.

All that does matter. Just because we choose not to race, doesn't mean we can't work on good form, consistent, fast cadence, etc.

Riding around with your saddle too low and knees flared out to the side, spinning at low cadences, etc. isn't going to do you much good whether you're racing or not.

Koffee

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
All that does matter. Just because we choose not to race, doesn't mean we can't work on good form, consistent, fast cadence, etc.

Riding around with your saddle too low and knees flared out to the side, spinning at low cadences, etc. isn't going to do you much good whether you're racing or not.

Koffee

Sorry, thats not really how I meant it..Everything he was mentioning sounded a little overboard for wanting to get back into cycling. Plus, the initial gains are so fast that all that will just hold him back. I should have made myself clearer, my first post was mis-leading.

The things you mentioned are important, but I would leave them aside few just a few weeks. There are a couple things more important to beginning after a long break.

As Koffee mentioned, Bike fit is paramount, don't head out until you have had a shop help you fit your bike to you. Equally as important is hydration and a source of energy. Your body may not be adjusted to burning fuel efficiently at first, so you will probably want to bring along an energy bar/banana..Something along those lines. For hydration, a bottle of water, and a bottle of half-strength Gatorade works well. Gatorade is important for the NaCl and potassium that will help you stay free of cramps.

It's my opinion that you don't worry about numbers too much for awhile. You will progress very quickly few the first few weeks of riding. Set a goal of miles per week or something, and work towards that remembering to take rest days. When you feel like you aren't making substantial gains anymore, then start using numbers and going to spinning classes..etc etc.

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
All that does matter. Just because we choose not to race, doesn't mean we can't work on good form, consistent, fast cadence, etc.

Riding around with your saddle too low and knees flared out to the side, spinning at low cadences, etc. isn't going to do you much good whether you're racing or not.

Koffee

Right on! I like to ride fast so i need form and power. I used to race (6 years ago) but now just ride for fun and fitness.

i would certainly agree with koffee. i think some people misunderstood my question. for example, when i started to learn the sport of skiing, i progressed much faster by learnng the proper technique and by practicing certain drills to improve my stength and balance, instead of just going down the hill in just any old style. i just wanted to know if in the begining it would be easier and safer to learn proper technique and not develop bad riding habits on a stationary bike. thank you all for your input.

Originally posted by markevans999
i would certainly agree with koffee. i think some people misunderstood my question. for example, when i started to learn the sport of skiing, i progressed much faster by learnng the proper technique and by practicing certain drills to improve my stength and balance, instead of just going down the hill in just any old style.

I would tend to disagree with you! When I started to ski I did just that. Went down a little hill.

No technique and on old secondhand skis. Thren after some time I got bored and got myself a decent pair ok skis and went out to justify the investment.

I started looking at the good skiers and picked up all the technique I needed.

Then I left off for seven years and took it up again this year. Now it's all about "carving". This is a new technique to me but I got it after a few runs. I skied frequently with my 23 y.o. son and had no problems keeping in there.

The main idea is to enjoy what you are doing and if you need to become "expert" there should be no problem.

I have been cycling for 45 years and my style is good enough for getting from A to B and enjoying same.

Okay, here goes...[list=1]
A stationary bike at the Y probably has such poor geometry that you'll be hard pressed to transfer any form that you develop to a decent bike. In fact, you might be better served by getting your own stationary trainer and practicing with the bike you'll be riding.
If you want to make form, cadence, etc. priorities, why is a stationary bike any better than d-d-doing it on the road (sorry lotek ;))? It sounds like you're expecting to ride somewhere with a lot of distractions (like traffic, intersections, whatever). Why not find a place to ride where there are open roads and less traffic? (I hope this is an option where you live.)
Form, cadence, etc., are things that develop naturally as your body adapts to the exercise. Plus, if you spent significant time doing it before... it's like riding a bike! Good or bad, your old techniques will come back. What do they call it? Body memory?
Maybe it's been a long time, or you've never spent a lot of time on a stationary trainer. It gets old pretty fast (significant understatement). Wind in your face and scenery are good things.
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My $.02. Whatever feels right to you, probably is. :thumbup:

The main idea is to enjoy what you are doing and if you need to become "expert" there should be no problem.

Yes, and you can enjoy it a lot more if you had better form and technique.

There are those who are satisfied with just going through the motions without caring much about how they achieved what they did.

For those who have a little more concern, form and technique will only help you become a better rider. And it is true that as you ride more, you will naturally adapt and learn on the bike, which is why he needs to get out there and ride....

Of course, it's all moot, as it looks like markevans999 is going to get out there and ride as we all suggested. Good going, and let us know what your progress is.

Good luck!

Koffee

ok guys, i'm out the door riding asap. note, if i crash and burn it's all on your heads.

Ha! Bring your cellphone and text message us if you run into any problems!

;)

Koffee