Roadlearner

I work 8-5, and this time of year it's just too dark to ride after work for me. So, I've been going to spin classes a couple times per week, 45 minutes each, and I'm beat afterwards. They obviously won't help building base miles, but I like it a whole lot more than riding my trainer in my living room (boring).

Some of the intstructors are actual riders, and some are more along the lines of aerobic instructors, but it's nice to change around.

What's the general opinion towards spinning to help with road cycling?

mrfix

over the years I've tried it all, I found the only thing that helps you keep your conditioning through winter is a cyclops fluid 2+, it's the closest thing to being outside, I ride rollers once a week for balance and smooth spin and the cyclops every day I don't commute to work because of weather. I find the cyclops does build strength, works your cardio and does present that road feel.

Kev

I can't find the info on it right now, but Performace sells a computer program and trainer that work together to create a realistic cycling environment. Anyone actualy try it? I know it is around $400 if I remember correctly.

mrfix

I tried it, it feel like a cheapo mag trainer. try a cyclops, you'll like it.

Roadlearner

I have a Kinetic trainer, and I really do like it. However, I just get bored, so that's why I go to the gym for spin classes.. a good work out, and the scenery usually isn't bad.

Sailguy

I enjoy the spinning classes. Some of the instructors I have do some exercises on the bikes that focus on muscles I don't activly try to develop while riding, but having them helps.

Tonight I am doing my commute from work straight to the gym to do some spinning. I think its pretty fun, and if you get a good instructor, its all the better.

I find that hit helps with my climbing, and with keeping power through the dead zones.

jlisota

I can't speak for spinning classes but I second the thought on the Cyclops Fluid 2 trainer. I've been riding mine 2-3 times a week and it is a great workout. If you want to make trainer/roller workouts more interesting get a few of the Spinervals DVDs. I just got four of them a week ago and man what a great workout. If you like spinning class you'll enjoy these workouts. Plus you are on your own bike.

IowaParamedic

I love going to spinning classes. I am going to miss it in another month and a half, when the weather turns nice. I don't plan on going when I can ride outside.

I rode last weekend, and I noticed a few things different about my riding. I spin more, and I spin faster. I can run my heart rate up and keep it in a good range without dying. I have an effective sprint. (sprint, I never had one of those before)

My lungs and heart are much better than at the end of the season last year.

EagleEye

Generally, the spinning I've gone to are more for aerobic than anything. There was one instructor that did strength workouts, but he no longer teacher the class I go to. The other instructor focuses purely on aerobic workout.

I found that spinning classes didn't get me or keep me in better biking shape, because they work on muscles that I don't normally use when riding a real bike. However, I was in better aerobic shape and that helps get back to my biking level quicker when I return to the real bike.

Roadlearner

Thanks for the responses everyone. .

It definitely varies a great deal depending on your instructor. My instructors change weekly. . one in particular really focuses on strength, which has helped my riding a great deal. Others focus on aerobic, which is good, but they add some things in like "jumping" that I don't care for at all. As a whole though, I enjoy it when I can't go outside.