Hi all, looking for some anecdotal evidence on this one, would you say riding on the trainer is more effective (at fitness gains) than riding outdoors due to the fact that it will hold you to a wattage, more attention to cadence, no freewheeling etc? Or is cycling outdoors more effective?
If your head is compatible with indoor cycling, then yes, you can keep your effort levels where you want them with more accuracy.
Mine isn't. I've literally chosen to go for long brisk walks and cross country skiing runs in a snowstorm and in -15F weather despite owning a trainer and compatible bike.
You can’t scream with joy going downhill fast when you’re indoors
Depends on the workout, weather and the terrain you have locally.
I'm finally seeing the light in regards to indoor training. I have to go outside in the summer cause it's so short here but I notice it's really inefficient. Though it depends on what you're doing I guess. I've had a trainer since 2020 but I've barely used it and hated it, but I'm warming up to the idea cause I'm seeing how time efficient it is vs riding on the road.
Ex. If I go out for a 1 hr z2 ride I have to ride through traffic and stop and go a lot which really diminishes the impact. Usually I'm only in z2 for 75% of the time. On a trainer you can just stay in z2 the entire time. Once I hit the highway I can do the same thing but it takes about 15 mins to get there from my front door.
For intervals though I think outside is really similar. I just find a longer road and go back and forth on it. But still there's some wasted time. Of course it's much more engaging to be outside though.
I would say whichever gets you to train more consistently.
I hate training indoors. I get zero enjoyment from it. It is a necessary evil during snowy winters and temperatures below 40F/5C.
I cycle indoors only when i can't cycle outdoors. Even during Summer months if too hot (this hasn't happened this year) or too rainy (Northeast frequently pounded with heavy rains this year) i will ride indoors.
Indoor may be more efficient at some things (fixed watts in ERG zone 2), it nonetheless sucks. I'd rather settle in at a 200 +/- 15 watts outdoors for 3 hours than 1 hour inside
TL;DR: indoor is more efficient, but it sucks.
Ninety minutes on the indoor trainer is about my max. When I go outside I can log 2 hours barely noticing, and often go up to three. As a result my gains as a cyclist are much better outdoors.
Did over 12000km on trainer and can tell you it is definitely better for endurance training. Longest rides were over 8hours on trainer. Just binge watch your favorite series and let these legs spinning. Outdoor is fun as you can enjoy friends, nature and stops. But if you are living in a city and or have a job, trainer is the way to go. Did th PBP a few weeks ago and rode more than 760km in one go. Without the combined indoor/outdoor training, this wouldn't have been possible.
Inside more effective. Quicker to do. Less time needed. Outside more fun. Has cakes and coffee.