Newbie ....Pratice?

[Giulianna23]

Hi everyone.

This is my second post. I just decided after about 20 years to go back into cycling like when I was a teen. I purchased this steel Schwinn Traveler 10 speed for now...to get back into it. I have been practicing for the last week and a half or so...not too much but really impressed with myself after so many years.
Well ...I live and Indiana and the weather started getting cold..I think I can handle it for a few more days but I wont be riding unless the weather is above 45 degrees without winds. So I was wondering aside from a stationary bike at the gym where I have been going for the past 3 months...what else can I do to practice?...I need to get use to the bike the different pisitions and shifting..I really want to get in shape by the end of spring beginning of the Summer when I am thinking on purchasing a brand new real Road Bike... I have been searching and was thinking on getting one of those indoors bike tainers to use for the whole winter...never used one of those before and don't even know how it works or if its going to work with the bike I have.

Any inputs would be greatly appreciated....

PS: I regret not buying the Bike a few months earlier in the beginning of the Summer.

[pinsonp2]

I have a trainer set up in my basement year round for when I don't want to cycle outside. I have a TV and DVD player hooked up as well. I have several Spinervals DVDs in addition to other DVDs of interest from movies to bird watching. I think it is so valuable to me to keep at least a minimal level of conditioning in the winter, that Santa is upgrading me to a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine. Then, of course, Santa can have the old trainer to ride with me.

My 2 cents,
P2

[indysteel]

Welcome! I'm another TEer from Central Indiana.

Here's my differeing perspective: I sold my indoor trainer last year because I rarely used it. I found it to be incredibly boring, although there are certainly enough people who use them. Some like them, some grin and bear it. Honestly, I can't say that it mimics real riding enough that it will provide any more in the way of "practice" than a bike at the gym. You mentioned using a stationary bike. By that, do you mean you've been going to spinning classes or just using a stationary bike on your own? If it's the latter, then I'd recommend the former. I find spin classes to be much more fun than either the trainer or a regular stationary bike--but that's me.

If you decide to get a trainer, take your bike with you to one of the various shops in Indy and ask to test some out. In my experience, fluid trainers are quieter and "feel" better than magnetic trainers. But they also cost more.

As for riding outside in Indiana in the winter. It can be done, but it takes the right gear and some determination. While I hate the Monon as a general rule, it's not a bad place to ride when it's windy and cold out because it's much more deserted and the trees provide some cover from the wind.

[Catrin]

Welcome to TE, and I am also in Indianapolis. It is certainly possible to ride in colder temps as Indysteel mentioned, but it does take an investment in the right clothing/gear. Some people can ride in colder temps than others before needing the warmer clothes, I am not one of them

I just purchased an indoor trainer so I will have more options later in the winter than the 2 weekly spinning classes I take in the winter time. Spinning class is good, but it is short. Frankly I do not like to ride indoors at all, but I would like to maintain my fitness and, perhaps, improve it by spring. I need to ride more than 2 hours a week this winter in order to do that, hence the trainer. I also do strength training and use the Arc Trainer at my gym, but I like being able to do something at home when it is too cold to ride outside.

Eagle Creek Park is another good place to ride when it is cold/windy. Most of the roads there are at least partially protected from the wind and is my go-to place to ride when it is either very hot or overly windy. I love my open corn fields to ride in but the wind does pick up there...

[Owlie]

If you're self-disciplined and have a schedule that doesn't mesh with the gym's (or with riding outdoors), a trainer can be a nice thing to have. I've got a cheapy magnetic one because I'm a poor student. I've been alternating DVD time with intervals (organised according to the whims of my iPod.) Riding inside is pretty boring, but I'll take it over not doing anything.

I'm in southwest Ohio, so similar weather to what you all get. Yes, you absolutely can ride outdoors in winter. It just requires an investment in clothing (a number of layerable pieces is best). I simply choose not to unless it's significantly above freezing and dry, since I can't make that investment in clothing right now because of time and money...and because I'm lazy and don't want to clean the bike after every ride.

[Giulianna23]

I think it is so valuable to me to keep at least a minimal level of conditioning in the winter, .

My 2 cents,
P2

Agree... I am a very determined person when I set up a goal. But in this case I have never use one before so dont know if I am going to like it or just spend the money on something I am gonna end up putting away. But on the other side I wanna keep up working out.

Welcome! I'm another TEer from Central Indiana.
You mentioned using a stationary bike. By that, do you mean you've been going to spinning classes or just using a stationary bike on your own? If it's the latter, then I'd recommend the former. I find spin classes to be much more fun than either the trainer or a regular stationary bike--but that's me.

As for riding outside in Indiana in the winter. It can be done, but it takes the right gear and some determination. While I hate the Monon as a general rule, it's not a bad place to ride when it's windy and cold out because it's much more deserted and the trees provide some cover from the wind.

Hi Indysteel glad to see people from where I live in this forum. In regards of the stationary bike I mean the bikes at the gym I used to go to spinning clases before like about 2 years ago. I am unable to go now because of their schedule so I have to stick with the stationary bikes so thats why I was considering this method.

Welcome to TE, and I am also in Indianapolis. It is certainly possible to ride in colder temps as Indysteel mentioned, but it does take an investment in the right clothing/gear. Some people can ride in colder temps than others before needing the warmer clothes, I am not one of them

I just purchased an indoor trainer so I will have more options later in the winter than the 2 weekly spinning classes I take in the winter time. Spinning class is good, but it is short. Frankly I do not like to ride indoors at all, but I would like to maintain my fitness and, perhaps, improve it by spring. I need to ride more than 2 hours a week this winter in order to do that, hence the trainer. I also do strength training and use the Arc Trainer at my gym, but I like being able to do something at home when it is too cold to ride outside.

Eagle Creek Park is another good place to ride when it is cold/windy. .

Hi Catrin I been doing a lot of cardio an also weights and I would love to do the spinning classes but the classes are performed while I am still at work they have mornings and afternoon only I believe. Thanks for your input

Riding inside is pretty boring, but I'll take it over not doing anything..

I Agree....it is boring but its better than doing nothing....If I decide to get it it will be a cheap one...I don't want to take the risk of buying something somewhat expensive to put it away in a few days. I am also poor...and have 2 teenage boys and 2 dogs to support so ur not alone...I know the feeling .