Stationary Trainers

Stationary Trainers

Stationary trainers can be a cyclist's best friend.  It's not always possible to go outside for ride, but you can always go for a spin on a trainer.  Trainers also offer several other benefits that every cyclist should be taking advantage of.

Time

Going out on a for a 30-50 mile ride is great, but a long ride can take up half your day.  Instead, you can get on the trainer and ride for an hour.  It's certainly not as enjoyable as a riding outside, but at least it's something.

Weekdays

Ideally we would like to ride outside every evening during the summer.  However, that's not always possible.  Maybe you live in the city and don't want to ride in traffic.  Or perhaps you work too late to squeeze in an evening ride.  Consider using a trainer for short evening workouts during your work week.

Winter Riding

Riding outside in the summer is fun.  Riding outside in the winter is not fun.  It's a battle against the elements.  The answer; ride a trainer indoors.

Bike Adjustments

When you buy a new bike, the first thing that the shop does (or should do) is mount your bike on a trainer and adjust it to your body.  Having a trainer at home allows you to make adjustments as you please.  You can fine-tune your cleats, adjust your saddle, raise or lower the handlebars.  All sorts of things.

Getting Comfortable With Your Saddle

If you didn't ride all winter and you go out in the spring for a long ride, the first thing you'll notice is how sore your posterior is.  That's because your body adjusts to a bicycle saddle over time.  And when you don't ride all winter, you need to readjust all over again.  The solution - a stationary trainer.  Riding just a few hours a week, all year long, will keep you accustomed to the saddle.

Leg Muscles

Simply going outside and riding is okay, however you really won't improve unless you put in some harder effort, such as riding hills or sprinting fast.  Trainers allow you to do both.  You can increase resistance so that you're really working your legs.  You can also decrease resistance and concentrate on speed work.

Aerobic Capacity

The best way to increase your aerobic capacity is to climb hills or ride fast.  A trainer will allow you to simulate both scenarios.  High resistance will simulate hill work and raise your heart rate for aerobic benefits.  High speed spinning can do the same.

Getting Comfortable on Your Bike

On the trainer you'll be able to simulate riding situations, such as reaching for a water bottle; adjusting your shoe buckle while you're still clipped in; or grabbing something from your jersey pocket.  You can practice all of these moves without falling.

Repair Stand

The trainer will keep your bike upright for performing repairs and adjustments.  For example, you can adjust your derailleur, tighten brake pads or add a seat pack.

Watch TV or Read a Book

While you're on a trainer you can watch TV while you ride.  You can't do that outside (I think).