Variability…
Sometimes I wonder why as well.
Joe
Not my experience… have to be replaced far more often when only riding indoors in my experience.
Also killed two bikes in 20 years due to trainer use damage.
Its a total pain to take the bike off the trainer and clean it and put it back on the trainer. Dont do this and well see point above.
Outside rides… quick clean, can get to all the bits you need too, ready for the next epic ride.
Why should you have a bike?
Go to a gym, even less hassles for you. Not taking up space, no cleaning, can use the gyms showers and body wash.
Thinking about it I’m selling my trainer.
Can you elaborate more on these? Indoor rides don’t take life off brakes, tires, can use a different/cheaper rear cassette.
No dust, dirt, mud, etc.
The only really villain is sweat and you can easily put a towel over your stem and such or just wipe it down. Sweat is going to happen outside as well.
Honestly, outdoor rides are WHY I ride. They are the reason I like cycling. Indoor is training to stay in shape when the weather is bad. If I could only ride inside I would likely stop cycling.
Indoor rides for the body (training). Outdoor rides for the soul.
Thats the main issue. Sweat.
Killed the first bike as didnt have a cover / sweat catcher. It gets into the bottle bosses cable stops and is very difficult to clean if it does, prevention is better.
*Almost never sweat onto the bike outside… it evaporates.
Cassettes quicker as I tend to use less sprockets. Chains I assume because more constant tension. Although I started waxing chains so not really an issue anymore.
I don’t do any structured/systematic training outdoors either. I ride outdoors because that’s what I want to do. The only training I do is indoors on the trainer due to WX or other circumstances, and I only do that in support of riding outdoors.
Outside of the benefits of nature, fresh air, etc.
Training/riding on an indoor trainer will get you better at pedaling a bike.
Training/riding outside will get you better at riding a bike.
If you are super time crunched and only care about your ability to pedal, then sure go 100% inside. But bike riding is more than just pedaling.
When I train outside I get 95+% of the benefit with at least 5x the enjoyment. Even in spite of the crashes, flats, etc.
Main issue with gyms is the lack of fans.
I took power pedals to an exercise bike and did some TR workouts but nearly died of heatstroke. Then there’s all the weird looks from gym goers - which also tells you how hard people work out in gyms. Perhaps interestingly though, it didn’t effect my RAMP test results - same as at home, it’s the RPE that’s the issue really.
They won’t let you bring your own fans in either - trip hazards.
Imagine living in a place like Bentonville, Denver, Bend, Asheville, etc and only riding a trainer. Everytime I travel to these places I don’t even want to go inside except to sleep, and 5 hour rides seem too short. Low traffic, amazing scenery and weather, basically a playground for two wheels. If you live in downtown LA or somewhere like NYC, sure go ride a trainer, otherwise
With such a fan base as yours I’m sure enough would be there to support you at the gym.
“Go Joe, high five for a powerup”
PS, you could get them to blow on you as well, maybe, or a step too far?
Needs repeating… nice!
Which let’s face it, are once in a blue moon occurrences.
Bluetooth connections not working indoors would be a big irritant you don’t get outdoors.
A portable AC is the best indoor training accessory one can buy. They are also cheaper than a smart trainer and you can probably buy one for $50 right now in the middle of winter.
I vote this topic as best troll post ever!
Let’s face it. Cycling is not the greatest exercise for being healthy. You sit on your butt for hours and hours. Some kind of elliptical or climber or a treadmill is probably the best pure aerobic conditioner. I love my Concept 2 rower for an all body exercise though you are still sitting.
Probably doing a variety of exercise - some aerobic, some resistance, walking, hiking, skiing, swimming is better for health span for cycling.
I agree but wasnt brave enough to post that.
Hear me out…take the trainer outside…best of both worlds.
I ride outdoors to show off my look in lycra