This is only my first winter season using an indoor trainer / TR but it already feels so worth it. I’m also just training for fun, but the few outdoor rides I’ve done since I started TR about 3 months ago have felt great. I just feel more solid, less fatigued, and noticeably faster.
I enjoy riding my bike, so being able to ride while watching netflix and build my fitness is awesome. I live in a tiny NYC apartment without a dedicated space for the trainer, so I have to set it up / break it down every time I ride, but it only takes maybe 5 minutes to go from couch to riding. When it’s cold and snowy (like this week) that is hard to beat.
I will say, one huge caveat is that you have to be self-motivated. Interval workouts can be physically taxing, and endurance workouts can be mentally tough. If you’re ready for that, I think it’s worth it.
TrainingPeaks pushes workouts to Garmin 840. Made my own libraries of workouts taken from CTS/Strava plans, FasCat plans, my FC coach, and BaseCamp plans. I’m lucky enough to live in a flat area, in between mountain ranges. That said, I don’t have issues executing workouts in rolling terrain.
Not who you tagged but I’ll throw my answer in too.
I use a Garmin 840. If it’s a more complicated workout or one with a lot of laps I’ll make the workout in Trainingpeaks and then export to the garmin. Otherwise I just remember it and press the lap button (I don’t need a fancy set up to do 3x20 @ SS or whatever). Then I’ve got a PM on my bike (I’ve used stages, quarq, and P2M).
The terrain kinda depends. If where you live is typically very pitchy (like 7+% descents) or have a lot of stop signs or lights then it gets harder to find a place to do outside workouts (longer intervals more specifically). But rolling hills are fine for almost any type of workout. Yes you have to shift a bunch and your power won’t be 100% perfect but it can be more than close enough to be good enough.
I’ll echo what others have said above. In general, I like riding outside better, but sometimes it’s not a great option so my trainer is indispensable…
I do most of my riding in the morning. Several months out of the year it’s too dark to ride outside safely and effectively at the speeds I go
I live in a place with a ‘real’ winter. But even in warmer months I prefer to stay inside if there are howling winds or raining pretty good. Partially a comfort issue, partially to not have to deal with cleaning and maintaining gear, and partially since it’s safer.
if I’m time crunched in the morning before work I know a 45 minute indoor ride is going to take 45 minutes. If I’m trying to sneak an outdoor ride in there is a chance something could delay me causing me to be late to work (ie an ill timed flat tire).
if I’m at home by myself with the kids I can get still get a ride in
if I there is a show or movie I want to watch I can kill two birds with one stone
I do structured workouts outside and it’s ok. But (depending on the workout) it’s easier to do them and nail them when inside
Probably some other things I’m forgetting as well. I rode for years before getting a trainer and when I finally bought one (a Kurt kinetic road machine was my first one) I was wondering why I didn’t do it sooner. The ability to ride inside is a great compliment to riding outside. You can get pretty good trainers for pretty cheap (compared to how expensive a lot of bike stuff is these days). A lot of trainers also fold up pretty quick and easy. So unless your budget is super tight, I think it’s a no brainer
Didn’t see this till after my message. Good choice. A dedicated trainer bike is really nice as it makes it faster an easier to ride either indoor or out since you don’t have to switch your bike back and forth
