Like many others have suggested, I too, would recommend a trainer. There are many models out there, so pay a vist to your local bike shop and they can give you all the pros and cons, price points, etc...

I think if people truly pay attention to riding on the trainer, you generally learn a lot about shifting, heart rate, power(for those that have it) and position on the bike... what is comfortable and what isn't. Most of that you do NOT learn on a spin bike.

I watch Spinervals, race DVD's anything bike related... and that helps keep me foucused and esentially my mind off what I'm doing( like not watching the clock)

Good luck in your search!!