Why is the trainer so different & unpleasant?

It's really because your bike has it's own spirit.  It's like a child, tell it to do its homework and it'll move slow and difficult because it doesn't really like homework.  Well, the bike would much rather be outside playing than inside all hot in one spot basically getting nowhere.  Thus, it makes it much more difficult for us poor folks that have no choice but to move inside when the weather gets terrible.

Chris.

PS:  I guess it could really be the steady resistance, no wind to cool you off, and all that other stuff as well.

I think that the bigg est thing that makes the trainer harder than outside is the lack of momentum. When you are on the road you can coast briefly and not lose speed. you have the chance to ride the ups and downs of the terrain. This is lacking on the trainer.

Also, because there is no wind blowing over you, thr trainer is hotter. Not only is it hotter, but sweat tends to pool up around you rather than evaporate off into the atmosphere.

I don't know the answer, but I totally agree that the trainer experience is highly unpleasant!! I hate that thing! I was just on mine last night and couldn't manage more than about 13.5 mph and 85 rpm. I feel totally sluggish when I'm on the trainer. (Not that I'm any kind of speed demon outside, either, but it at least feels a lot better.)

So, sorry no answers, but plenty of sympathy.

Ah, but just because it's hard and unpleasant doesn't mean that it's not good!!  Heck, nobody ever said training was going to be easy!!

I have a 5-hour trainer ride on my schedule in the next few weeks for my IM at the end of November.  It hurts just to think about that!!

I'm the same way kathy.  I can't set on the bike on the trainer for more than 20 min. without coming out of the aero position.  When I'm on the road, I can ride for hours aero.  Last winter I took to watching movies while I rode.  I also rode with just my HRM and disconnected by bike computer.  I was just looking at those rides as long slow rides for building base.  I didn't care how far I went, all it was, was time in the saddle.  Maybe we should all meet with our trainers and do a "group" ride.

Chris

I think the trainer hurts more because you dont get the oppertunity to coast... EVER. And as weird as it sound the vibration of the bike and the subtle changes in position when climbing, decending, or cornering really do give you some relief from the pain that would otherwise be in your rear.

Spin is good, and I have done it, but nothing is better than your own bike in my opinion.

Finally, Spinnervals ROCK!

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!!

I have been riding on the trainer a lot lately. I think we have had 12 or 13 days of rain out of 18-19 days with another 4-5 days straight rain forecasted.

My coach gave me some great workouts for the trainer that really does help me work hard at things I need to work at and as I spend more time on the trainer it is getting better. My number one goal now is losing fat. My coach put my next four weeks together with that being number one. He gave me some tough bike workouts....hard gear 5 minutes at 65-70 RPM, 2.5 minutes easy 90 RPM...that will be tough for me...now my ratio has been 5 minutes with 5 minutes easy. Plus on non-bike days I am going to ride 30' at night 11-12 RPE to get excercise. I worked on one leg drills tonight. I have improved a lot since last spring when I last did them on the trainer.

Seriously though, I don't get why my bike feels less comfortable indoors....hard to stay aero...biggest difference plus my cadence seems lower by 5-10 RPM on the trainer. I do use a fan, bring a cool wet washcloth to wipe my face/neck when I get super sweaty. Perhaps I'm bumming since the outdoor riding season is dwindling here in MA.

I agree with someone said that spin classes had a different goal....and the ones I have attended were not in line with what my cycling goals are.