Im getting back into cycling after 10 years and have a question i am pondering.

Would you think I could benefit more from dedicated exclusive on bike training with Trainer road starting now, where i could ride however the program prescribes in a controlled environment. Or should I take 8 weeks and get in a good leg focused cycle at the gym and let my time on the bike be what it will be, I would still ride a few times a week to build mind/muscle connection and stay on the bike.
I am fine with either way of training as I love the gym as much as the bike, but Im not sure which method would benefit me more?
Im leaning toward staying on the bike almost solely, thinking that i would benefit from consistent time in the saddle, but im wondering if that thinking is correct? My other hangup with 8 weeks at the gym means i wont get in much time doing exact/specific workouts once spring hits and im outside again.
Do i try and control each aspect of the training and stay on the bike/trainer? or do i build overall strength and sort it out on the road in the spring with structured training.

I just completed my first ever ftp test, and it was pretty dismal at 198 watts, which at 183lb puts me at 2.38 w/kg. Im a 42 year old male, at 6’1” i can probably get to about 175lb by summer. I started riding again in October and managed 900 miles before heading inside. Just enjoying riding my bike again, not real structure. I know there is plenty of improvement to be made, and gains could come relatively quickly as im new to riding, but I am trying to do it as “smart” as possible. Thanks for any insight/advice.

Depends where you're at, and what your goals are. From what you've described it sounds like raising your aerobic capacity will pay bigger dividends than leg strength.

Ride your bike more.

Awesome that you’re getting back on the bike. What’s your goal? If it’s bike fitness I’d say start Trainer Road asap and follow a plan. Structured training on the bike is the best and fastest way to get bike fit. Put in your current FTP and their workouts will scale to where you’re at.

Also, the Trainer Road podcast (Ask a Cycling Coach) is really good and motivating.

I got back on the back last year throughout spring and summer and did a fair amount of riding. Now with the weather cold and I do not have extra funds to buy some cold gear; I am trying to find a resource for weight training program for getting back into shape for spring and might help my form.

Any advice on a thread that talks about this?

Rollers will help form.

You want to get better on the bike, you gotta spend time on the bike.

Disagree. Rollers help you to ride on rollers. Much more difficult to do workouts on, though, and pretty archaic compared to what's available now.

If indoor training for improved performance is the goal, then a trainer is the way to do it, and a smart trainer can make things even more interesting when paired with third-party programs.