After a few tries at spinning, I sold my spin bike and decided I'd just HTFU and ride through the winter. Not only is riding in the winter not as bad as spinning....it can actually be quite nice- especially when the sun is shining and if the wind isn't too bad. I'm now very happy that I ride in the winter. So in my book, that is what spinning is good for: To motivate you to ride in the winter. And if I ever have a "bad" riding day in the winter, I just remember the horrors of indoor spinning, and quickly start feeling good about my ride!