Bike trainer vs biking outside

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2012-01-18 12:55 PM

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Subject: Bike trainer vs biking outside

Any opinions on training mostly on a bike trainer versus getting most of your biking in outside?

For some background, I have done a few HIMs the past 3 years, but am training for my first full this year.  I used to live in the Adirondacks where there was beautiful biking but have since moved to Long Island for school.  My first month I was here, on my last long bike ride before a HIM, I got hit by an SUV while biking (while in the bike lane...).  Since then, I've been doing 95% of my bike training on a trainer, with the occasional organized long bike ride.  I have a strange schedule because of grad school, and have little time to bike outside when traffic isn't bad.  Most of what I read on this topic was that a trainer was actually a more efficient use of time because you don't need to slow or stop for traffic etc, but was wondering if anyone had any experience or opinions on this topic.

Thanks!

2012-01-18 1:44 PM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside

Like you, I have done almost all of my riding on the trainer since I broke my collarbone in a crash a year and a half ago. For a little while after the crash I was spooked about riding outside in traffic, but by the time I got over that I had come to really appreciate the efficiency and the controlled environment of trainer rides. I think that this has been almost entirely positive for my bike fitness. I ride consistently year-round, and the trainer is unforgiving in telling me how hard I'm riding.

The only caveats to that would be:
(i) Handling skills. Not a worry on the roadie, as I'm plenty experienced with that, but I do find that I need extra time outside with the tri bike, which comes much less naturally to me.
(ii) Long rides. I'm a wimp when it comes to going longer than ~2.5 hours on the trainer. So I think for an IM I'd need more outdoor riding. (But I did ride a century this fall based on 100% indoor rides.)
(iii) Core etc. I find that outdoor riding works my core, back, neck, etc. in ways that the trainer does not, so I get sore when riding outside in ways that I do not inside.

2012-01-18 1:51 PM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
This slow guy named Andy Potts does all (most?) his training for the bike indoors. He does okay for himself ;-)
2012-01-18 1:57 PM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
I would say that I do about 90% of my biking indoors on a trainer. I am scared of getting hit by a car and have seen one too many bike vs. car accidents. I think you will be fine.
2012-01-18 2:00 PM
in reply to: #3997698

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside

bradword - 2012-01-18 1:51 PM This slow guy named Andy Potts does all (most?) his training for the bike indoors. He does okay for himself ;-)

Snerk!  Where's the like button?

2012-01-18 2:47 PM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
In case anyone here wants to read about Andy Potts and his indoor training.

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/06/training/the-endangered-out...



2012-01-18 2:49 PM
in reply to: #3997710

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside

dmbfan4life20 - 2012-01-18 2:57 PM I would say that I do about 90% of my biking indoors on a trainer. I am scared of getting hit by a car and have seen one too many bike vs. car accidents. I think you will be fine.

... and you're a cop, right? So you know all about the quality of the drivers out there.

2012-01-18 3:41 PM
in reply to: #3997698

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside

bradword - 2012-01-18 1:51 PM This slow guy named Andy Potts does all (most?) his training for the bike indoors. He does okay for himself ;-)

And he's far from the only one to do it too.

2012-01-19 8:54 AM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
I'd agree with the above, just make sure you're getting out enough to be comfortable with handling, taking nutrition on the bike, etc. But for the most part, yes, indoor training is more effective because there's no coasting.
2012-01-19 10:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
If you can stomach it there are a lot of gains to be made on the bike from doing the majority of your sessions on the trainer.  Like others have said it is in many ways a better workout since their is no coasting involved.  If you are able to utilize a power meter you can take your training to a whole different level by being able to track exactly what you are doing and see your progress.  I do almost all of my offseason and in-season interval work on the trainer and will be doing IMTX training exclusively on it.  I have a Cycloops Powerbeam Pro which allows you to build your sessions to whatever wattage or range of wattage you would like.  Its tough, expecially mentally when you're on there for 4 or more hours but when race day comes around I promise it will be easy comparatively.  I don't really do anything shorter than 2 hours on it and when I'm racing a 70.3 it seems like the bike is over before I even realize it.  Its a wonderful tool and allows you to log a ton of hours without the worry about cars that's often involved with riding on the road.
2012-01-19 11:11 AM
in reply to: #3997544

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Subject: RE: Bike trainer vs biking outside
agree with what everyone has said. plus you have the flexibility to ride whenever and wherever you want. i did it that way last year for my HIM. did long rides outside on weekend. we'll see if i can stand 2-4 hour rides for IM training this year.

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