Turbo vs road

[Andywinds]

When I purchased a MTB three years ago I was 39 I didn't have any issue with cars etc I just rode it. That was the first time I had ridden a bike since I was 15.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Road every time. A mate of mine rides his turbo a lot when he "doesn't have time to get out", my counter argument being that time doesn't change whether you ride the turbo or road, an hour is still an hour....

 

[MichaelO]

Road every time. A mate of mine rides his turbo a lot when he "doesn't have time to get out", my counter argument being that time doesn't change whether you ride the turbo or road, an hour is still an hour....

I have the exact same argument as your mate, all year round. I don't have the time to spend an hour out of the house in an evening, but I can find an hour to be on the turbo. Sleeping kids upstairs makes that a significant difference.

 

[Andywinds]

Road every time. A mate of mine rides his turbo a lot when he "doesn't have time to get out", my counter argument being that time doesn't change whether you ride the turbo or road, an hour is still an hour....

I would say time for me is a factor. On the turbo I can be changed and working with minutes. On the road I have to make sure lights are fitted and working, air at the correct pressure on both wheels, get dressed for the elements, make sure the house is secure and I have a key to get back in.

 

[Citius]

Depends why you have a turbo. If you have one to 'keep fit' in lieu of general road riding, then it's not much fun and not much use. As a performance/training aid though, and with correct use, it is invaluable.

 

[barachus]

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.

What if you continue to drive your car over winter, do you still lose the innate ability to calculate incoming car speeds?

 

[numbnuts]

It is horses for courses pissing with rain outside you could watch TV or go and use the turbo

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I have the exact same argument as your mate, all year round. I don't have the time to spend an hour out of the house in an evening, but I can find an hour to be on the turbo. Sleeping kids upstairs makes that a significant difference.

I get what you're saying. But I guess your issue is not time but the fact you can't leave the house.

 

[Andywinds]

Depends why you have a turbo. If you have one to 'keep fit' in lieu of general road riding, then it's not much fun and not much use. As a performance/training aid though, and with correct use, it is invaluable.

If I cannot be bothered to get wet and cold its better than nothing.

 

[Citius]

Definitely....

 

[Citius]

my counter argument being that time doesn't change whether you ride the turbo or road, an hour is still an hour....

The time doesn't change - but the quality of the exercise within that hour might.

 

[Hip Priest]

Depends why you have a turbo. If you have one to 'keep fit' in lieu of general road riding, then it's not much fun and not much use. As a performance/training aid though, and with correct use, it is invaluable.

I can vouch for this. First time I bought a turbo I just used to sit on it and pedal whilst listening to music. Largely pointless, and spirit-crushingly dull to boot.

 

[Buck]

Agreed.

Road cycling = enjoyment
Turbo Trainer = fitness when road isn't an option

 

[Citius]

Turbo Trainer = fitness when road isn't an option

or alternatively:

Turbo Trainer = targeted performance improvement, regardless of whether road is an option or not.

 

[Buck]

or alternatively:

Turbo Trainer = targeted performance improvement, regardless of whether road is an option or not.

Yes. With the right structured training programme it'd certainly be a key part of an overall performance development plan.