Dorsilfin

Ok! So im torn right now being a new rider as of this summer.

Do I spend money on winter gear for riding in the elements of the north east, and just tough out the winter

OR

Spend the money on a nice trainer, and go Man Den style.. and just hunker down and train inside all winter while watching dvd's and sweating while looking outside now and then at the snow and sleet and other nasty stuff that the cold weather brings.



A co'worker of mine who has been riding about 10 years, says nothing beats the road and woods.. even in winter, and that id get bored of the trainer.

Any thoughts on on the subject?

tollhousecookie

I have a indoor trainer and cold weather gear. Trainers are not all that fun but necessary. Then again I don't live in the North East.

garysol1 

I try to ride outdoors all year but there are times when the man cave is a necessity. Remember....No matter how nice you have it indoors.....it still sucks!
My man cave......

waterrockets 

It depends on your goals. Personally, I can't stand training indoors. In Colorado, I was out training when it was below 10F. I even managed to get some people to go with me sometimes.

Here in Austin, I trained through the week of rain and 35F temps we had -- that was actually tougher than 10F and dry.

If you'd rather watch DVDs, then have at it on a trainer. I'd at least give it a try outside though.

The Carpenter

BOTH! It's always best if you can ride outdoors. But there will be times when you just can't bring yourself to do it. Then you need an indoor alternative.

patentcad

johnny99

Take up some winter aerobic sports (like XC skiing). Or move to a snow free city where you can ride all year long.

kudude

+eleventy billion

Dorsilfin

That is one PIMP Man den... Very much sickness..

The thing is, Ive dropped plenty of cash already getting started, shorts, bibs jerseys , all the startup gear.. so im trying to cut back some now that Im into the sport. Thus the ongoing battle in my head... Ride inside in comfort.. or ride in the elements and see what happens

bidaci

Mountain bike. Less wind chill, no wet leaves, plenty of challenges and a change of pace. Eventually you will probably need to go indoors.

roadiejorge 

I like being outside even when it's inhospitable. I've tried the indoor trainers and while they're fine for me riding is great because you're outside. The only time it's rough not having one is when you get prolongued periods of snow but otherwise the cold temperatures don't bother me.

RoadToNowhere

Party at ModGary's house!
.
.
.
.
and trainers suck.

Beth

ckelly49

Riding trainer is definitely not comfortable, IMO. Since there are four seasons, why not get some some winter gear and consider it part of your start up cost?

substructure

Try it in your kids tiny, bright pink playroom. There's pictures of Disney stars on the wall. Fluffy, stuffed animals littered about. Couple the pain and agony of stationary interval training, the hardcore gabber blasting through my mp3 player, and the decor, it's like doing X - only without the punk arse kids twisting and writhing about with swinging glow sticks.

patentcad

I'm not a fan of trainers, but Gary does have a very schwag set-up.

botto 

macmansion?

patentcad

McMansion.

I have a computer network with 6 Macs, so Casa CAD is a MacMansion.

ThinLine

I just starting riding year round here in the northeast (Eastern Pa), and really enjoy it. The key is the right clothing for the elements. I go out many times in negative wind chill numbers and it is tolerable.

I have found Assos to be the best (although terribly expensive) line of winter clothing as far as comfort, durability and technical features. Have rode many times in 27 degree temps with just their base layer winter jersey, gloves and their airjack 851 jacket. Toasty warm.

Of course many other brands offer same protections....I just like the fit of assos.

garysol1 

Mac average with a nice basement