Riding on the road v Training on a turbo/rollers

[Big John]

Went out on the bike today for the first time in what seems like weeks. Up and down the country we've all had crap weather and like many on here I've retreated to the garage to retain as much fitness as possible by training on the rollers/turbo. I've been using interval session videos off Youtube, anything up to 90 minutes, and been giving it everything - or at least I thought I was.

Fair do's - today was windy and cold but easily rideable. I felt like a complete beginner (no disrespect to beginners). I'm 59 and race in TLI/LVRC races, though I'll be the first to admit I'm cannon fodder as opposed to being a thoroughbred like some of the guys who race. However, I came to the conclusion today that no matter how hard you train indoors on static equipment it's nothing compared to gritting your teeth in a wind or climbing hills out in the real world.

Am I doing something wrong? Or is there really nothing like doing the real thing? Or, god forbid, am I just getting old?

 

[HLaB]

Have you got power readings or virtual power. I've got the latter and I've been doing a lot of short gauged turbo supplementing my week end rides and it seems to be working for me. I've got mates older than you and they are doing similar, although they can get out in the week; doesn't seem to be doing them bad either, the one about your age has just picked up a 3rd place in a race and his 3rd Cat race licence.

 

[Big John]

No power readings, I'm afraid, just heart rate. I've not reached the 21st century yet. I'm still trying to work out how to use a mobile phone ;o)
All I know is that I'm hitting the heart rates I'm supposed to be aiming for. I'll be the first to admit I don't apply a great deal of science - just brute force and ignorance. I'm out of the Graham Obree mould, I think .

Maybe the intervals aren't long enough (longest one around 2 minutes) or perhaps the recovery times are too long. I just know that the ride out today came as a wake up call to tell me that the garage isn't working and more 'real' riding is needed. Roll on retirement - then I can get out in the week

 

[Citius]

A lot will depend on what you are expecting from turbo/roller work and what aspects of your fitness you are trying to train.

 

[huwsparky]

You've answered your own question. And I'm the same as you, the road is where it's at. Still a place for turbo work though IMO.

 

[400bhp]

It's all down to the plan. If you don't have a plan on a turbo then (given what your normal cycling week is) it won't increase your performance.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Did the same thing last winter. Thought I was training really well on the turbo through Nov - Feb. hit the road for the first time in late Feb. '15 and felt like sh*te!

The turbo is great for interval of varying lengths and intensity, but it has to be used in conjunction with outdoor riding a couple of times a week IMO.

From what I've read on other forums, the problem is that a turbo recruits the muscles in a slightly different way. This has to be relearned by your legs if you spend all winter indoors. Plus there's no wind, rain or gravity challenging hills!

 

[CaadX]

Look at it this way, if you'd ridden on the road all winter come the summer you'd be toast in a Zwift race !

 

[BSRU]

I've found the opposite, using a turbo during the winter has led to a great improvement in my overall cycling fitness.
Although my turbo sessions are more geared to long duration aerobic rides of 3+ hours with a 90 minute interval session each week.
Then again my main aim is to improve my aerobic fitness for the 100-120km rides I do when the weather improves.

 

[ayceejay]

3 hours on a turbo and you claim to be a human being!

 

[nickyboy]

I rode a few miles with a local Raleigh pro last week. He told me that his road riding is really for fun and relaxation. It is the turbo sessions where he does his real training because it is easily controlled and measured

So I think turbo sessions may be the most efficient IF the sessions are correctly structured to achieve particular targets

 

[BSRU]

3 hours on a turbo and you claim to be a human being!

I've never claimed to be a human being.
I think watching 5 day cricket in my youth was good mental training for improving my FBT(functional boredom threshold).

 

[ayceejay]

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