So...

I've been deliberating for what is probably too long now on picking up a trainer for the Winter. I have a tons of pros and cons in my mind. Biggest pro is that my wife and I just welcomed our second child 3 weeks ago and our first is three years old in December.

Now, I have a very cool and supportive wife, but, I can't help but feel like I should be available for her and help out with the little ones; especially early on. Being at arms length and still being able to spin has its advantages in the short/near term.

But, then today I went riding out in a normal PacNW rain, got soaked, and loved it. I love everything about riding in the cold and the "really" wet...there is something primal about it and totally satisfying in my mind.

I should have the ability to ride during the day in the upcoming months, so the concern of light isn't so much.

My question is...Is there anybody else in a similar situation in the past, and did you make the conscious decision to skip the trainer and HTFU? Were you able to stick to your guns and accomplish your goals. If not, why not?

I'm going to do rollers for the bad days this year. Rain and snow don't bother me, but the ice wind is awful. When it gets cold enough to make my knees hurt, I don't go out that day.

Dude, if you buy an indoor trainer you can still ride outside when possible.

Buy the trainer. You answered your own question.

Buy a trainer. Happy wife = happy life right?

I'm looking at a trainer also just for the times when I can't get out and ride (ice, dark, life, etc.) I don't want to lose all the fitness I gained over the winter just to start all over again in the spring...again.

I figure if something comes up and I can't ride outside at least I can get an hour in on the trainer. That's my plan at least...lol

I say get the trainer and you can ride if the kids are resting or you'll be able to get on the trainer after helping out with the kids. The wife I'm sure will appreciate the help, I know mine does.

Get a trainer AND HTFU...

I can't comment on your domestic situation and requirements, but from a purely cycling point of view, I say, HTFU. You'll feel pretty good about yourself if you brave the elements and learn how to cope with different conditions. My goal in XC skiing is always: ski whenever I can, no matter what the conditions are. I'd like to get to that point with cycling, but there are practical limitations. I guess there are with skiing, too (i.e., hard to ski if there's no snow). In a typical winter week, I'm happy if I can do both.

Get a trainer. I live in SoCal where there should never be an excuse not to HTFU and ride outside. I have it for a little bit of rain or nights when I don't want to get all garbed up and go ride. So far I have almost 200 miles on it and it's been awesome for cadence and cardio. Going for a long outdoor ride this morning and we'll see how it worked out.

Bonus - I stream Netflix movies as I ride and my son has been watching them with me. We watched Revenge of the Nerds from start to finish yesterday. I got in an hour and a half of training, burned 700 calories, rode the equivalent of 30 miles, and laughed and talked to my son the whole time.

Win-Win.

What would Jens do?

Have a couple more kids?

Jens wakes the sun up when Jens wants to ride his bike.

I much prefer riding like everybody but trainers are great for days the weather doesn't cooperate or you have time constraints.

Might as well get rollers instead of a trainer. You can also get a box fan, and do it on the porch to simulate the wind and cold. We have a small house so I do it in the barn instead which is unheated and has a lot of drafts. Get a roller with small diameter rollers as they are harder. When I do not have the time which is most of the time, I do it in the evenings before sleep and shower.

And yeah sacrifice for the wife and try to be close. She just had a baby come out of her and that is never easy.

PS. I do commute so I get my biking in but I still do the rollers some evenings or when the weekend is booked up.

when you ride the trainer instead of riding outside, do you wear a skirt and ride side saddle?

Hmm. I did not know you were a dragracer. Con-drag-ulations.

don't mind me. I'm just an internet tough guy. i don't ride when it is cold and miserable outside.

that will change this year. i swear.

I can achieve as much boredom in 30 minutes on a trainer as most people can in an entire life in prison. That's a pretty strong motivation not to use it. Plus, I really like to feel as if I'm flying, moving at speed, cornering tight curves going down hill, seeing what's changed in different neighborhoods, or what's blooming in a particular garden this time. Plus, I have excellent gear: wool base layers, goretex pro shell jackets, waterproof pants, etc. I ride outdoors because that's what I enjoy ... no HTFU necessary.

You can buy a trainer and still ride outside. In fact, from your OP, I'd guess that's what'll probably happen.

^^this^^

I'm thinking about WTFU (weakening the f up) since I can ride rain free about 340 days per year.

I've contemplated on getting a trainer but i live in So Cal so i just HTFU and ride no matter what the conditions are, we don't get rain here often and snow doesn't exist where i ride so i'm fine. Just have to battle the cold on early morning rides but nothing leg/arm warmers can't handle.

What do you watch when on the trainer?

Well here's what I streamed this week on the trainer:

Godfather I
Godfather II
Dog Day Afternoon
Documentary on Hiroshima
Revenge of the Nerds

As a bonus I actually got outside today and rode into the mountains. Finished in 1 hour 43 minutes breaking my personal record of 1 hour 46 minutes. Hmmmmm.

the trainer works great for me and my girl loves when im on it.... the sound of the trainer puts the baby to sleep like no other...try it out

for me, winter riding is really fun. it is, however, a lot more technical and will not replace a training regimen.