5kdad

Anyone else use a Schwinn Airdyne during the winter months to stay in cycling shape? I have been, just wonder how much good it translates into actually staying in shape for cycling.

Retro Grouch 

Anything has to be better than nothing.

spdracr39

Better than nothing. Cardio wise it will help but muscle wise it really does not translate at all.

Jackmen

Trainers without Zwift are extremely boring and very difficult to do long term. Since I got a smart trainer and got on zwift (one year ago) I now use my trainer on a regular basis during off season and stay in great shape year round.
This would be very difficult with a dumb trainer and watching videos or tv, as it is boring.

On zwift you ride with people from all over the world and compete in races. The competition causes me to push harder than I do in real life rides. Do some research on Zwift.com you will not be dissapoited.

Jaxjag

+1

Leebo

What is this off season you speak of? Real riders use wool, fleece, studded tires, fat bikes or some combination of them. And a big cup of HTFU. Todays 17 mile commute was 35 F and some sketchy black ice in the shadows.

Jackmen

I guess I am not real rider then. Much prefer riding inside on the Smart trainer in zwift.

Leebo

^^^ Not really riding, spinning in circles going nowhere? YRMV. I get not everyone like winter pedaling. Options exist. Hike, snowshoe, ski xc or downhill. Get out and do some cross training. Or best, skijoring.

ClydeTim

Training is what you make of it. I have a bud that rode zwift 25 mile races (?) for most of the summer . He did gain some speed and strength. But I and another partner were riding outdoors 50 miles.

Trading turns at the front it was actually a bit hard to keep up with him but once we hit 35 miles, he was toast!

If he had been training on zwift for 50 miler, he would have been that much better I believe.

So actually it depends on how you train and ride your trainer. One year I made some great gains by doing intervals on my trainer really concentrating on spinning at high reps over 100, and some time trial type intervals.

I do believe that one year I made some great gains as I was indoors working out vs outdoor on the bike shivering and thinking more of freezing my butt off not being able to concentrate on a workout.

So it is what you make of it!

jefnvk

I don't really see how any of those keep you in biking shape better than a trainer.

Leebo

Cross training. Mixing it up. Time off the saddle still getting exercise. Outside in the winter. Ever xc ski? Crazy aerobic and using all of your muscles. Nope, no good.

CrankyOne

I have a TACX that I ride in winter along with x-country skiing when weather and snow are good. We also ride bikes to lunch, dinner, grocery, etc. I've tried a variety of films, games, and competitions and for me the films do the best job of alleviating boredom. The city films (Paris, London, etc.) and road race courses like Amstel Gold and Flanders are my current favorites though I'll do a mountain climb like Ventoux occasionally.

Mostly keeps cardio in shape but also a bit a muscle tone and keeps flab down.

jefnvk

I used to XC ski three to four times a week before class when I was at Michigan Tech, which has an excellent trail system that regularly hosted various national championships. It is excellent exercise, but it in no way would keep me in cycling shape any better than working out at a gym, riding a trainer, or playing hockey.

In any case, in most of the country (even where I am at now in usually snowy Michigan), opportunities to regularly XC ski are hardly ubiquitous.

5kdad

I visited with an orthopedic surgeon tonight, who's an avid cyclist. I asked him my question about training with the Airdyne. He said it would built up my quads.

edawg55

What smart trainer do you recommend? Since I just bought a road bike not sure I can swing getting one unless I found a really good deal. I'll probably get a gym membership again so I can get the wifey working out again.

BelgianAlien

I just got a Bkool, loving it so far, I'm sure any smart trainer is better than a regular resistance trainer, and any one of those is better than nothing, if you are like me and don't like to brave the winter cold on 2 tires. How well it translates to real world training and staying in shape? Depends... probably not enough to stay in true competition shape, but good enough to stay in shape fitness-wise.

Leebo: You may not have intended your first response that way, but don't be a hater, man... Great for you that you embrace the winter elements and stay active outdoors, but that's not for everyone.

Jackmen

Last year I used the tacx Vortex, which is a smart trainer where you keep the back wheel on. I t works well and sells for 529 including shipping. If you look around you can get them with a performance 20% off sale ands get the price well under $500.

As far as getting you a good shape, I have to say I have better workouts on zwift in the races than I do in real life. The competition, just causes you to push more, so I actually get my heart rate higher and more consistent in zwift, than a real life ride.

Zwift is an amazing tool for staying in shape and keeping weight off.

coffeesnob

https://www.amazon.com/RAD-Cycle-Pro...1390319&sr=1-7

any thoughts on this?

bikejrff

Many cyclists including myself don't race. Why would we race on a trainer? ugh

12strings

I made great gains last winter doing interval sessions on a 30 ur old, "dumb", wind resistance trainer...sessions were only 20-30 mins each a few times a week, but it really got me stronger, cuz I was working at such hig intensity (all-out sprint intervals).

BelgianAlien

I don't race in real life... but I love racing on my trainer. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. Maybe it's the gamification aspect of riding on a smart trainer...

Jackmen

Not a smart trainer wont work on zwift.

Jackmen

I don't do a lot of racing in real life, but on the trainer in zwift, the races cause you to push yourself and get your heart rate up. Its a great experience, and you don't have to worry about any of the intimidation that you get in real life racing.

Jaxjag

I am also a Zwifter and rarely ride with anyone irl but ride in no drop group rides on Zwift. It pushes me to keep up but I don't feel overwhelmed or like I have to kill myself to stay with the group rather than coast or take it easy when I get tired. It just brings out some of the competitive juices I rarely enjoy anymore at age 64. I am "riding" with people all over the world. Its a great workout and very entertaining.