When I rode only recreational, I bought a $200 fluid trainer and proceeded to never use it. When I started racing, I hated the trainer, but needed to get in shape by the spring, so I used it. By now, starting my third season racing, I am fairly indifferent to the trainer. Not as fun as real riding, but more convenient, especially when the days are short and I cannot get out in daylight after work.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --
the tiniest sprinter