GeorgeBMac

Virtual workouts get a new spin | Video | Reuters.com

Interesting:
A three way interaction between the cyclist, the trainer and other cyclists...
... All without leaving your home...

There's a lot of potential here for some great training. The trainer could be a mass market, impersonal thing -- or it could be a one-on-one version. Then you add real time competition between cyclists and the possibilities are almost endless...

So who's going to retire their real bike and go virtual?

krobinson103

Not happening. I ride outside all year round. If it snows... then I ride an mtb with studded tires.

wolfchild

Virtual cycling ??. No way !!..I love riding outside, all year round, bad weather hasn't stopped me yet. I don't even own rollers...It's amazing to watch humans evolve and how they are trying to find ways to eliminate having to go outside , so as to avoid having to face a little bit of discomfort from the weather and eliminate physical activity. I wonder if future cycling is just going to become another video game.

Machka 

I could see it for winter cycling ... after all, already there are spinning classes (which are great), and I know of clubs who get together in someone's basement or garage and do a trainer/roller workout together.

gregf83 

If you want to focus on training, riding solo, indoors or out, is probably better.

If you want some social interaction it's better to get out in the real world than in your basement connected to others through a computer.

GeorgeBMac

For introverts, like me, this kind of virtual competition may be as much social interaction as we want... Actually, introverts need social interaction -- but they do better with limited, controlled doses. This could be ideal for them. You get the interaction when you want it and simply shut it off when you've had enough...

edit to add: My theory has always been that the best exercise is the one that you do regularly over an extended time frame -- meaning it has to be convenient and enjoyable. This virtual exercise may make it easier for some to find that ...

uByke

We are with you GeorgeBMac, and with the latest technology and equipment the possibilities are endless. Indoor/virtual training is not to replace traditional outdoor riding, merely aid in focus training and also something different for those of us who only have 45mins to an hour for a high intensity workout.