YOU ARE NOT IMAGINING IT: CYCLING INDOORS IS HARDER THAN OUTSIDE
Training is never meant to be easy, but for those who push themselves hard indoors and outside there is often a common observation: indoor training feels harder and invariably requires greater commitment and higher energy output.
Indoor or outdoor, that is the question... somehow indoor training always feels harder. Performance expert Daniel Healey tells us why that is, and how to improve it
I fully agree with the commitment part but can't speak to the energy part. I push myself to energy limit on every ride so I'm not sure what that difference might be other than shorter rides indoors than out. At least a 2 wheel bike on a trainer counts as a bike, peleton and all single wheel machines are exercycles or unicycles IMO 😁 Link says indoor cycling so I guess it's all inclusive either or and thing.............I might keep bikes indoors but the wife draws the line at me riding them indoors so I'm gonna stay outdoors.
Goes without saying, but there’s no coasting indoors. You can coast as much as 20% or more outdoors, but there’s no way to hide on the trainer. You’re also doing some kind of structured workout, which is likely more taxing than JRA.
I've thought about the coasting part quite a bit. I'll just say since we moved I've pretty much ridden solo ( and I feel it's paid off as I feel much stronger on a ride not being behind someone sucking a wheel ) and really don't get much coast time. When I feel like a need it ( a little coast) I grab a high gear, slow my cadence and grind a bit.
Road conditions on a trainer are prefect and NEVER and headwinds
Indoors is harder for me because regardless of the virtual cycling software and companies like Sufferfest, Zwift, TACX, and the list goes on......it’s boring to a degree. I like smelling the smells, feeling the air rush over me, being able to coast as well for quick heart rate recoveries at times and the list goes on.
For me, riding indoors is a chore.
Like Germanrazor^ there are countless reasons for finding outdoor riding more pleasurable.
One main reason i struggle with indoor riding (fixed trainer) is the minimal movement on the bike.
When I’m outdoor riding, i move with the bike and road as needed. Inside a rider can’t do it.
For me, riding indoors is a chore.
Like Germanrazor^ there are countless reasons for finding outdoor riding more pleasurable.
One main reason i struggle with indoor riding (fixed trainer) is the minimal movement on the bike.
When I’m outdoor riding, i move with the bike and road as needed. Inside a rider can’t do it.
That would help for sure.
Before i drop 6-7 hundred on that through, I’d save up and get a smart trainer. [emoji23]
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