I can't be the only one...

[Owlie]

...who thinks riding on a trainer is harder and more uncomfortable than the road, right?
I'm fine for three hours on the road/trail. Fifteen minutes on the trainer is about my limit. Part of that I can put down to not having ridden since it got cold, but gah! I'm getting saddle-related discomfort and overheat way too easily. I must remember to get out of the saddle occasionally and open the window before I start.

Okay, done whining now. :D

[radacrider]

Nope, I can't do more than maybe 45-50 minutes, which includes warm up and cool down periods. To survive:

Use a fan
Drape a towel over the handlebars to catch sweat
Only used trainer to do intervals - 3 minutes top hard effort, 3 minutes cool down effort, repeat about 5-6 sets
Used for single leg spinning practice, switching legs


Could never do just pushing gears, no amount of tunes or TV could keep me on the trainer. :D

[yetigooch]

I agree, trainers are hard to ride on. I think it's the sheer boredom of not going anywhere that's tough. When riding, the scenery, the wind in your face, etc makes riding longer easier.

[Mr. Bloom]

I keep a Y membership for wintertime use...at least it offers a hubbub of interesting people to break the monotony of "stationary motion". I've never to taken to either of my trainers...

[LivetoRide]

I have to agree, Owlie! I get worse hot spots on the trainer than the road (hot spots have always been a thing for me while cycling) and and I can't stand the trainer for more than an hour. This year I've been doing my inddor riding at the LBS's indoor trainer times, and riding with friends does help with the boredom.

I second radacrider's suggestions and I have to add that I'll sometimes get off the bike a time or two and stretch. For me, it helps with breaking up the time and it helps with my tight hamstrings.

[OakLeaf]

It's no different from riding in the flatlands ... if there are no elevation changes and no turns, you never change your position on the saddle and it gets uncomfortable pretty quickly.

Lots of LBS's have group trainer/roller sessions in the wintertime, helps break the monotony anyway, and you get to ride your own bike instead of those ill-fitting things they have in the gyms.

[ibike2]

I agree - Trainers are NO FUN!!

If I can make it to a 1/2 hour without getting off, the 1 hour is usually alot easier.

Do you ride in the same gear the entire time?

[malkin]

On rollers, I think the element of imminent danger keeps me engaged and requires little muscle shifts to keep balance, but still it's not like real riding.

Listening to music is even a trick, because if I get too involved in the music, it's a crash for sure.

[Tri Girl]

you're definitely NOT alone on this one. I have ridden my trainer for 2 hours once this winter (and had a huge saddle sore to show for it afterward). My limit is about 1 hr and then I want to strangle myself. ;)
I wish I could love it more. Definitely better than the spin bikes at the gym, but hardly by a huge margin.
It's a necessary evil, I'm afraid. Even tho it's supposed to be 60 degrees today, I get to a certain point of winter that even THAT feels cold (well, that and the wind is supposed to be 30 mph).

I want spring/summer back...

[Jo-n-NY]

This is my 8th winter riding the trainer. I do it now just to keep my legs in some kind of cycling shape so when March or April roll around I have not lost all my leg fitness. I try not to think about it ahead of time and keep in my mind I will ride for 30 minutes which usually ends up being more. Kind of mind over matter since 30 minutes while watching tv isn't all that bad.

I always ride longer when my friend joins us and my bike shop will resume spin on our trainers sometime this month now that the holidays are over. That ends up being a real push session.

Just keep in mind you don't want rubber legs when you hit the outdoor pavement.

[Selkie]

I confess to having survived 5+ hrs on the trainer (Spinervals Hardcore 100). I usually ride more than an hour/90 minutes at a time on it, but I'm always doing Spinervals while on the trainer. Don't enjoy it half as much as being outside but I don't want to lose my cycling fitness over the winter. I've found that slogging it out inside on the trainer makes me a stronger rider and improves my technique. Credit goes to Coach Troy, though. Without Spinervals, which provides ready-made workouts, I couldn't put in that sort of time on the trainer.

In addition, I'm still able to swim throughout the winter, which really helps, and this year, I've rediscovered a love of Powerstrike (I have several of the DVDs).

I understand why people are loathe to ride on a trainer, though. Winter's a good time to crosstrain---try rowing, kickboxing, focus on weight training, etc. I really can't wait for warmer temps/clearer pavement. There is so much salt still on the roads that I'm putting off riding outside until after a good rain washes some of it away.

[HoosierGiant]

I hate, hate, hate winter in central Indiana! :( (But then, I'm one of those people who isn't warm until it's 80 degrees outside.) I do, however, eagerly anticipate the ice-covered, grit-smothered roads because then I can use the trainer. I love, love, love my trainer! :)

Just spinning doesn't do it for me though, and that's where evil Coach Troy comes in. We own quite a few of the Spinervals DVD's, so I have plenty of 'poison' to pick from. The two- and three-hour workouts are my favorites -- obviously I have issues, so perhaps you might not want to trust anything I have to say. ;) For inspiration I also like to ride during telecasts of Hawaii Ironman.

If not using a DVD, I'll do one-legged drills, intervals, or a simulated hill workout -- anything to change things up.

We own two trainers, so DH and I will ride together sometimes -- reduces the monotony and introduces a little competitive spirit. A cycling friend of ours brings his trainer/bike several times a month, and we even added a fourth cyclist once. It was a little crowded, and we had three fans running, but it was a blast!

It also helps to have a long-range goal in mind to entice me to use the trainer. We do RAIN (160 miles) every July, so I have to maintain my distance base over the winter months. We do Michigan Mountain Mayhem (130 miles of hills) in early June, and there's no way I'd be ready for that without some gut-busting workouts on the trainer.

I must agree though -- trainer miles are hard miles -- but it's oh so easy when the weather cooperates and we can hit the roads!

[ridebikeme]

Like Selkie, I have spent many hours on the trainer. I have also been riding a trainer for 25+ years... it seems to be life in the state of Maine.;)

With that said, I would definitely use a fan to keep you from over heating... and perhaps two if you should feel that you need it. If you have a room, basement, garage that is a bit cooler, then perhaps that would be more comfortable. With the shop offering trainer classes for awhile now,; I've noticed that people are way more comfortable if the room isn't above 55 degrees. It may be a bit cool to start, but it isn't long before you are warmed up and needing a fan.

Now for the motivation piece... some people watch tv/movies etc... Some use training DVD's . Personally I can't use tv, because I find myself pedaling too slow. I do watch lots of pro races on DVD'S, and lots of training DVD'S. I also have set my trainer in a room where there are lots of trophies, medals, and those will guilt me into riding. ( and yes there are days that I need that HA!)You can do the same thing with great photos, race numbers etc... I find the first half hour is the hardest, but it gets better after that. Do you have a goal for the upcoming season? Race? Tour? Charity ride? Those can be the carrot at the end of the stick for motivation as well. Write down in a log or the computer, how long you rode, time, how you felt,sleep the night before, and other things going on at the time... are you working late? Didn't get enough sleep? How's your diet? Writing things down can be a way for you to track yourself, but also it tends to give people that extra encouragement that we all need from time to time. And lastly, play games with yourself on the trainer... how long can you stand? Pedal with one leg? etc... Do you have any friends that you could train with from time to time?

Good luck with your training! If you are able to stay on the trainer over the winter, you will be grateful in spring, and be rewarded for your hard work!



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Mr. Bloom]

I hate, hate, hate winter in central Indiana! :( (But then, I'm one of those people who isn't warm until it's 80 degrees outside.)



After a month below freezing and with snow on the ground for the last two weeks, TOMORROW IT WILL BE 61! I'm going for a ride...rain or not!

Tell Mr. HG I said "hi"

[arielmoon]

I totally agree. I detest mine. I much prefer the rollers but even that is not like the road. I am looking forward to some weekend riding with warmer weather!!

[HillSlugger]

It's no different from riding in the flatlands ... if there are no elevation changes and no turns, you never change your position on the saddle and it gets uncomfortable pretty quickly.

Lots of LBS's have group trainer/roller sessions in the wintertime, helps break the monotony anyway, and you get to ride your own bike instead of those ill-fitting things they have in the gyms.

I discovered this summer how truly hard it is riding in the flatlands, but at least there is some capacity for coasting and the bike moves around under you to move the pressure points around a little bit.

[loopybunny]

...who thinks riding on a trainer is harder and more uncomfortable than the road, right?
I'm fine for three hours on the road/trail. Fifteen minutes on the trainer is about my limit.

Werd...

I was thinking that same thing yesterday. There is no natural shifting of position while on the trainer (like you'd shift when climbing) and I become very uncomfortable very quickly.

[rubywagon]

I just spent a very painful 45 minutes on the trainer. Why do I always feel like I'm going to barf, like I am working so much harder on it? Awful, yet not as bad as not riding at all.

[marni]

since I got a trainer, which I requested, for Christmas, I was relieved to see some positive comments among all of the negative comments. I did an hour the other day and didn't find it too boring, but that is probably because I did the same thing which I do at the gym to work on cardio which is to plug myself into a podrunner intervals podcast, close my eyes and go with the music. I will probably eventually find a way to set up a portable dvd in the garage so that I can do some spinnervals along with the race day video which came with the trainer.

I requested the trainer because due to life changes, I no longer have three or four days free to ride outside. I go in for a training 2x a week, as does my FIL wihci takes up four mornings leaving me one weekday plus the weekend which is usually occupied with chores, taking care of dad etc. Add to that the fact that the weather around here has been really terrible and was terrible all this summer and I am hoping that the trainer will allow me to add an hour of extra work on the short gym days and inbetween things on the weekend.

Time will tell, but one of my new years resolutions is getting the last 15 pounds (for a grand total of -140 pounds) off and keep it off. Since I am reaching the age (63) when the energy seems to drop and muscle loss begins, I am fighting that as a double edged sword as well.

[Miranda]

Think I bought my trainer around xmas 2007. I have ridden it twice maybe:o. Was just sayin' to someone, I'm going to set it back up again. Just for maybe some shorter spins.

I have a couple DVDs. Yes, you need fan. Rollers would be better, but I fear crashing on my bad wreck shoulder. I'm not getting re-injured "inside", of all things lol.

I teach Spinning at a couple gyms. My current winter schedule is 6 classes a week. I have a lot of students that are outdoor riders and runners this time of year.

I know the spin bikes are different, but there are positives....

When I am riding as a student, I enjoy just closing my eyes, getting into the music, and picturing my favorite road. Sometimes I tune everything out, and just focus on my pedal stroke. No cars, dogs, etc. You have company, and hopefully a motivating great instructor.

I love teaching:).

[malkin]

Crashing on (off?) rollers isn't like crashing for real.
You haven't got any momentum, because you aren't moving, so you don't really come down hard like you do on the road.

There's some awkwardness and a tremendous clattering, but really it's about like standing in the garage straddling your bike and then dumping the bike over, except that everything is a little higher, because of the height of the roller. The extra height is in an advantage, because it gives a bit more time to clip out. I've never gotten actually hurt falling from the rollers, a few scrapes, a bit of embarrassment, but that's really it. I always ride in the hall, with the wall quite close on the right. I rarely need it, but I know it's there and I can touch it if I want. The few times I've gone off, I've gotten a foot down and the bike just has tipped over and I end up straddling the bike and rollers and with a little reorganization, I'm good to go.

One time I was in the bath when Brewer crashed off the rollers in the hall and it sounded like the roof had fallen in, but he was laughing, and just got back on.

We've ended up with skid marks on the wall a few times, but they clean off rather easily.

[OakLeaf]

Also a hole burned in your carpet, and/or a flat spot in your tire (btdt) :p


Been a long time, but I don't think I came off but maybe three times learning to ride rollers. Still, if I had an unstable joint, I might be leery too.

[Catrin]

After a month below freezing and with snow on the ground for the last two weeks, TOMORROW IT WILL BE 61! I'm going for a ride...rain or not!

Tell Mr. HG I said "hi"

I think that the roads today in Indiana are going to be full of cyclists. I am SO looking forward to it!

[limewave]

On the trainer you tend to sit in one position for a longer time than if you were outside, it makes it more uncomfortable. You also never get a chance to coast.

Our LBS has computrainer set up with 4 bikes. It's free for club members. I do that once a week. It really helps having friends to ride with. We usually do a 25-30 mile course.

Starting next week I'll be doing group trainer ride with another club taught by one of the local pro's. That should be fun (more fun than riding alone in my basement anyways).

My last ride of the week (I try to get 3/week), I watch a movie and pedal easy. I'm trying to increase my time on the bike. I have yet to do a 2 hr trainer ride.

[pll]

This is the first winter I'm seriously trying to use a trainer consistently. I find it much harder than riding outside, as many of you have mentioned. I have been watching some movies and I also bought the Suffer Fest videos, which were recommended in another thread.

Since the summer, I have been trying to increase my cadence, but I still cannot keep it up above 90 for more than 15 min without an effort that leaves me breathless. Any advice on how to improve on that dimension? Some kind of interval work, perhaps? Not being able to maintain a high cadence makes it hard to follow the Suffer Fest workouts.

Anyway, this morning I was thinking that it would be great if someone came up with wiring/sensors that enabled people to use the trainer with simulations (say a Wii cycling game). Found this, which is not exactly what I had in mind, but it gave some hope: http://usbrider.com/index.htm Wouldn't it be cool if a game console was able to pick up on cadence and gear changes for a game? <of course, being a bit of a luddite, I don't own any game consoles...>

[chicagogal]

I second everyone who said it is so much better to ride indoors with friends/family. Longest trainer ride for me was 3hr 45min, on a computrainer at the LBS. I get in a 3+ hr ride once per week all winter. No way I could do that at home alone. 4days per week total on the trainer for a combination of intervals and endurance rides. Great gains can be made, so it is totally worth it come spring.

[jelee1311]

I do hate the trainer, I feel kinda like a hamster on it. It does allow me to focus and do intervals I wouldn't do outside so I work harder on it. I havnt used mine much this winter but I plan on doing a few days a week after the new year. I have rollers and havnt learned the magic password to make it so I can ride for more than a few mins with out falling off them (even in a hallway). Crashing on them still hurts but is very funny!I plan on mastering rollers by next winter. My DH likes to prove it can be done by riding no handed showoff. I guess trainers and rollers are better than not riding at all but I still don't like them.

[LivetoRide]

I was wanting to ride today but I just got back from a quick trip to Cincinnati tonight! The plan is to do a short ride with some friends tomorrow but the weather isn't supposed to be nearly as nice. Hope you all that got to ride had a nice time.

[Owlie]

I did half an hour on the trainer today--I put an episode of The Thin Blue Line on and just pedaled, with a break to grab water. Whew. It's a problem when you're squirting yourself with water...I had my fan on full-blast too.

I'm wondering if trainer riding means that things that are comfortable on the road aren't and vice versa. Some of the muscles immediately around my knee weren't happy (and this was at a relatively low resistance), and I'm finding that on the trainer, I'm more comfortable in the drops than I am on the hoods. On the road, it's the opposite.

Equally, though, it could be a function of fiddling with saddle position...

[Bike Chick]

I hate the trainer too and DH and I both have one set up in the basement with training DVD's, a fan, towels.......I just have to make myself go down those steps and get on the bike 2-3 times a week. It's sort of like running on a treadmill---UGH! They are both great for training when you can't get outside; better than nothing.

[Seajay]

IMO There is really no reason to be on the trainer nearly as long as on an outdoor ride.

There is no coasting, braking, downhills, stop signs curves...all those things that give you a little break throughout a ride. Try to figure out how much of your outdoor rides are ACTUALLY spent at a given level of effort. It's not the whole time.
An hour on the trainer is generally more than enough.

[featuretile]

Anyway, this morning I was thinking that it would be great if someone came up with wiring/sensors that enabled people to use the trainer with simulations (say a Wii cycling game). Found this, which is not exactly what I had in mind, but it gave some hope: http://usbrider.com/index.htm Wouldn't it be cool if a game console was able to pick up on cadence and gear changes for a game? <of course, being a bit of a luddite, I don't own any game consoles...>

That is exactly the same thing that I have been thinking! I was talking about it with my son who works as a video game programmer. Seems like it would be a giant undertaking and I wonder how many people would be interested. What would someone be willing to pay for such a system? The website you refer to is in German so......

In the meantime, I have set up a DVD viewer right in front of my bike/trainer. I was looking at the one video I have and managed to do the whole hour! But what I really want is something that makes me feel like I am in the scenery riding down the road. I have been looking at different companies that make videos, and I plan on getting some of the Bike O Vision dvd's. They seem to be just riding down the road in beautiful places like CA coast, Utah, Yosemite, etc.

I'd even prefer virtual reality glasses to go with this setup.

[LivetoRide]

Tacx trainers are set up kind of like you describe -- http://www.tacx.com/producten/vr-trainers/index.dot

[Owlie]

Tacx trainers are set up kind of like you describe -- http://www.tacx.com/producten/vr-trainers/index.dot

Anyone have a kidney they're not using? If not, perhaps a spare arm and leg?