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To me, time spent on an indoor trainer during biking season is time not spent on my bike - which to me is not a good thing. I do not believe that the same level of cycling fitness is gained by riding inside. It could be this is just my body's reaction to this type of training, but I really believe that riding outside is much more beneficial.
That said, if you're riding outside for fitness (in addition to or instead of for joy of cycling), you do need to focus on your fitness goals and make at least some of your rides a workout. You can focus on intervals, speed, long-slow-distance, etc.
If you don't already get the RoadBikeRider newletter, I'd recommend going to www.roadbikerider.com and signing up for their (free) weekly newletter - it is emailed every Thursday. You will see a lot of training tips there. Also, there are quite a few articles on the Carmichael Training Systems web site - click on New & Articles, and then Cycling Article Archives.
--- Denise
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spazz here...
I think that trainer time CAN be as beneficial as road time IF you are working at the same intensity on the trainer.
If you're training for an event and following a training program, make sure your trainer time is done within the same HR zones and training type that the program recommends on the road (i.e. if you're scheduled to ride 2 hrs with 1 hr of 3 min jumps, do it on the trainer at the same intensity you'd do on the road).
I find it's really easy to "dial it down" on the trainer. It's a challenge, but it can be done.
ride hard!
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Thanks, guys! All good thoughts.
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Trainers are great for hill training. I live out east where we have shorter hills. intervals work for training for Europe or out West in the US, but.... on the rainy days one can really do a LONG mountain pass ascent on the trainer. You need to crank it up, use a monitor, etc., but you can actually train better for moutains since you can simulate a longer hill than may be available.
Of course, it is not as fun!
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Hmmm, trainers
I hate them myself, :( you get so hot and don't see anything pretty
I find the best way to use one is with the stereo up full volume :cool:
As for fitness... well, I find it ok for building up endurance, and maintaining fitness.
My son says the only way to get good on hills is to climb them - he finds the trainer has not helped him climb at all.
I am afraid my strength will never be hills, :p but any riding has to be better than no riding...
