friday1970

There is something to be said about the above quote. In my case, two examples:

First example, I bought my magnetic turbo trainer three years ago just as winter got started, about the same time I picked up my first recumbent. Anyone who rides a recumbent knows there is a adjustment period before one gets their "bent legs". When I first picked up the recumbent, I felt slow, and every ride outside left my muscles hurting. After a cold winter and time spent solely on the trainer, my first ride outside was incredible. No real pain, and I was much faster too (19mph avg vs 16mph). All due to spending time on the trainer during winter.

Second example. Ever heard the phrase "To increase your pedaling efficiency, hire a profession bike coach, or simply buy a set of rollers". I bought my first set of rollers before the winter of last year. I spent most of last winter on them, and found them to be a more intense and enjoyable workout for my road bikes over my turbo trainers. But it was on the outside road that the rollers seem to pay off. I found my cadence and pedaling was smoother, better balance, and though probably not any faster, I could go longer distances without tiring as fast. Winter indoor roller riding definitely made a difference in my outdoor rides, especially for the longer brevets in my area.