Better for next spring, riding the trainer or riding in the cold/snow?
11-30-14, 06:37 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Hannibal Mo.
Posts: 93
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD 9, Cannondale Super 6, Cannondale CAADX disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Better for next spring, riding the trainer or riding in the cold/snow?
Considering everything being equal (having the proper gear of winter) what is everyone's opinions on putting the bike on the trainer and riding on the random nice days during winter or gear up and ride? I know many people's thoughts that trainers are boring but are they better for getting in shape for next spring?
I've been riding outside as long as I can, 14 degrees was the lowest I've ridden but I know I should be good to around 0.
I've been riding outside as long as I can, 14 degrees was the lowest I've ridden but I know I should be good to around 0.
11-30-14, 06:53 PM
#2
A tiny member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Riverview, Florida, U.S.A.
Posts: 202
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Allez
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I go to the gym and ride the stationary bike I feel that I actually get a better work out, perhaps because I can focus more on the workout. I am not looking at the scenery and not distracted by other things that might distract me while I am out riding the bike. But I ride the bike for way longer than I can stand the stationary bike so that is probably a better work out as far as calories burned.
Last edited by bikeguyinvenice; 11-30-14 at 07:17 PM.
11-30-14, 07:11 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Des Moines, Ia
Posts: 158
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2, Trek 520, Surly Straggler, Trek Roscoe 8, Fisher HK2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do as you mentioned, use the trainer and still try to get out if the weather is good enough. There are some nice training videos that help reduce the boredom. I have found that minute for minute I get more of a workout on my trainer cause I don't coast.
enjoy and lets all hope for an early spring.
mike
enjoy and lets all hope for an early spring.
mike
11-30-14, 09:17 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
A trainer isn't better, but it is different.
You can really focus on specific power levels on a trainer or rollers. For example, 180 +/- 10W. It's much harder if not impossible to do that outside.
For me, since I'm a pure endomorph with nothing but fast-twitch muscle fibers, trainer time really helps develop long-term aerobic power as it's possible to ride a trainer for hours with literally no stop to my effort. Boring as hell, and rough on the taint, but possible. I've noticed I make my best FTP gains when I spend a lot of time on the trainer in low z2. It feels too easy - until I start on that third hour without a single break...
But yeah, I get outside whenever I can during winter.
You can really focus on specific power levels on a trainer or rollers. For example, 180 +/- 10W. It's much harder if not impossible to do that outside.
For me, since I'm a pure endomorph with nothing but fast-twitch muscle fibers, trainer time really helps develop long-term aerobic power as it's possible to ride a trainer for hours with literally no stop to my effort. Boring as hell, and rough on the taint, but possible. I've noticed I make my best FTP gains when I spend a lot of time on the trainer in low z2. It feels too easy - until I start on that third hour without a single break...
But yeah, I get outside whenever I can during winter.
11-30-14, 09:37 PM
#5
Uber Goober
If the trainer's so boring you don't use it or the outside cycling is so miserable you don't do it, neither one does you any good.
If you hurt yourself riding on ice, you defeat the purpose of riding outside.
If the terrain is appropriate, consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing as alternate activities to keep in shape.
If you hurt yourself riding on ice, you defeat the purpose of riding outside.
If the terrain is appropriate, consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing as alternate activities to keep in shape.
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MinnMan
Fifty Plus (50+)
25
03-18-15 04:21 PM
