Turbo vs road

[Andywinds]

I know this gets asked a lot but here we go! I've managed to use my turbo trainer 4 times since getting it for my birthday, and it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I either follow the simple programs that I watch on the dvd or play a youtube trainer video. What I am worried about is even though I push myself am I not getting the real road workout?
On the road I will push myself up a long hill for 10 minutes, but on the trainer i probably do 3 max on a hard level. Should I mix up with road biking even if the conditions are horrible and maybe not very safe?

Is there anyone that has gotten fitter from using turbo trainers?

 

[Sittingduck]

The advantage of a turbo is that you can work at a specific level of effort, without the variables you may encounter on the road (bad weather, traffic, etc)... maybe even more of an impact in the Winter. Personally I don't really get on with them and have tried a few tmes in the past. If you can build some structure around what you are doing and follow vids as you have mentioned that will help greatly. You're probably already aware of Sufferfest, Trainer Road, Zwift, etc. Mindlessly pedalling along at minimal effort for 20 mins probably isn't going to be the best use of your time. I am going to try and use Zwift a bit more this winter, especially when it's awful out there. Good luck.

 

[Leodis]

I am using the Turbo this winter for when we have real bad weather on the weekend, I spend enough time fighting poor weather Mon-Fri commuting without forcing myself out in it for 3-4 hours or when I cannot be bothered but want some miles.

 

[biggs682]

Road where ever possible but turbo is sat awaiting for use

 

[AyJay]

Road where ever possible but turbo is sat awaiting for use

That's me too. Would rather be out on the road in the fresh air when possible. Turbo is good when the weather is really bad or when time is limited.

 

[Andywinds]

The advantage of a turbo is that you can work at a specific level of effort, without the variables you may encounter on the road (bad weather, traffic, etc)... maybe even more of an impact in the Winter. Personally I don't really get on with them and have tried a few tmes in the past. If you can build some structure around what you are doing and follow vids as you have mentioned that will help greatly. You're probably already aware of Sufferfest, Trainer Road, Zwift, etc. Mindlessly pedalling along at minimal effort for 20 mins probably isn't going to be the best use of your time. I am going to try and use Zwift a bit more this winter, especially when it's awful out there. Good luck.

I've not heard of " Sufferfest, Trainer Road, Zwift" but will have a look, thanks.

 

[Andywinds]

That's me too. Would rather be out on the road in the fresh air when possible. Turbo is good when the weather is really bad or when time is limited.

I have fitted the mud guards but because of the turbo have not been out for two weeks. I would like to get motivated for the bad weather so I cam mix it up.

 

[MichaelO]

I've not heard of " Sufferfest, Trainer Road, Zwift" but will have a look, thanks.

I've enjoyed Zwift - "forced" into using a turbo for a month or so when I broke my arm in May. Now getting the odd hour in on days I don't commute - keeps the fitness topped up! The workouts are pretty good.

 

[AyJay]

I have fitted the mud guards but because of the turbo have not been out for two weeks. I would like to get motivated for the bad weather so I cam mix it up.

I've just got myself a "winter bike" with mud guards for that very same reason.

 

[Drago]

Not a problem from a fitness perspective. However, they do nothing for your roadcraft or bike control skills so don't be a Winter Wally and use the rollers alone during the dark dank months or your skills will degrade.

 

[Neilsmith]

Just do turbo and road I prefer to be out but have bought a turbo for the times I can't get out

 

[Andywinds]

Thanks all.

 

[Citius]

or your skills will degrade.

only if you suffer from memory loss....

 

[Drago]

No, they will degrade through lack of practice. Silly things like your brains inate ability to calculate the speed of an incoming car will slowly worsen if you didn't go near a road for long enough. That's why people practice things they want to be really good at, or remain really good at.

 

[Citius]

No, they will degrade through lack of practice. Silly things like your brains inate ability to calculate the speed of an incoming car will slowly worsen if you didn't go near a road for long enough. That's why people practice things they want to be really good at, or remain really good at.

Nah - riding a bike is a bit like, er, riding a bike.