Training & Nutrition - Stationary Bike VS Trainer

In January of this year, after several years of not riding my bikes, I decided that sitting around and gaining weight was not what I wanted to do. I used to ride a lot with both of my sons but since they have grown up and moved I didn't have anyone to ride with so I just sorta stopped riding. I've finally just said the heck with it and started riding again, by myself. Anyway, I have a stationary bike that I have been riding since January to get into shape and have toyed around with the idea of getting a trainer instead of using the stationary bike. I've been riding the stationary bike a minimum of 3 days a week for 60-80 miles and often more. I live in upstate NY and so far this year, have been pretty limited as to when I can get out either on my road bike or mountain bike because of the weather. I've noticed that when I go from the stationary bike to the road/mtb that it is a completely different type of ride. My question is, would I be better off buying a trainer and putting one of my bikes on it or continue just using the stationary bike for indoor workouts? Which would be more beneficial?

Here is my .02. When I ride my bike on a trainer, my speed is only 12-14 mph. I ride for an hour resulting in only 12-14 miles. On my bicycle, I can ride from 14-16 mph (winter speed). On a stationary bicycle at Bally's I can ride for 20-30 miles in an hour. I work up a mild sweat at the club, but my legs don't get sore. At home on the trainer, I am sore, and my legs hurt. I think a bike on the trainer is harder than outdoor riding. A stationary bike is okay, but don't believe the mileage.

I used both last winter - the trainer in the home, and the LifeCycle at the gym.

The trainer at home was not too effective unless I used training videotapes (for example www.spinerval.com, and others). Using those conscientiously, combined with a HRM, I good a pretty good workout. No, it definitely is not the same as actual riding, but it does keep you in shape.

Using the LifeCycle, I used my HRM, and set goals for myself in terms of heart rate, increasing it during each session in 5 bpm intervals tell I got what I wanted. Also, the LIfeCycle has a "variable" feature which does simulate hills, etc.

Both are actually boring as heck compared with real biking. Both are effective in not totally losing your fitness during the winter. It really depends on how you use them and how much you challenge yourself. I guess if I had just one, I would use my bike on the trainer. BUT, being in the gym on the LifeCycle is a much more social experience, and there is less "isolation."

It takes a lot of discipline to keep up the trainer/cycle for several months during winter.

Off topic - just curious - you list yourself as "old guy." Just how old is an "old guy?"

Thank you for your responses. I think I'll probably go with the trainer. I guess also, by using the trainer with the road or MTB I'll be riding in the body position that I would be when riding outside. I do notice a difference in body position on the stationary bike.
As far as being an old guy, I'll be 50 in July.

If you use your MTB make sure you don't have knobby tires. It makes a heck of a lot of noise that way. I know - I tried it. :D

As far as being an old guy, I'll be 50 in July.

You need to change your statement to "Young Guy."

You aren't any place close to being "old."

Take it from me, I am 64, my wife 66, and we both think we are young! So, if we are young, you must be a mere child! <G> :D

Have a great day!

I was thinking of trying rollers but cant find alot of info about them. I have heared that they are close to being on the road as you have to keep your balance and riding or you fall off.you may want to take a look at them, I'm still looking into rollers for the winter and when it rains. not much help....sorry (by the way...tried a trainer and couldn't stick it)