turbo trainer v outdoors cycling

[Binky]

I think trying to compare outdoor vs. Indoor is like comparing apples and oranges. It’s just different, so trying to equate them doesn’t make that much sense.

That's not what OP asked though. Only they can confirm but seeing as it was a coach quote I suspect effort required/training function was what they were after.

As I said earlier, if have pm on both then yes I'd say a meaningful comparison can be made.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

That's not what OP asked though. Only they can confirm but seeing as it was a coach quote I suspect effort required/training function was what they were after.

As I said earlier, if have pm on both then yes I'd say a meaningful comparison can be made.

What exactly are you measuring to determine if they are equal?

 

[Binky]

Watts. As I said I don't have a power meter but those that do can ride at say 200w inside or out and effort should be pretty close.

 

[Webbo2]

Watts. As I said I don't have a power meter but those that do can ride at say 200w inside or out and effort should be pretty close.

Riding at 200w should be exactly the same whether inside or out. So 15 minutes on the turbo is only equal to an hour outside if you are riding much harder on the turbo than outside.

 

[fossyant]

I just hate busy traffic filled roads. So that above screen shot would be a turn off.

You can just bugger off on your own on Zwift/My Whoosh - that shot is a 'race'. Turbo training is a tool.

You aren't going to get four days bike packing experience and the literal pain of hauling a loaded bike over rough terrain, hike a bike etc. That's proper training.

I also feel, you need to be a certain mindset or type of person to ride a bike on a turbo. Similar to those addicted to video games. I just get bored with it. It's not riding a bike is it. It's a way to keep bike fit when you may not have time for a real ride. My fix for that is to commute by bike (with added dangers).

 

[fossyant]

Riding at 200w should be exactly the same whether inside or out. So 15 minutes on the turbo is only equal to an hour outside if you are riding much harder on the turbo than outside.

Quite, I can be just as knackered on either. Real cycling gives a better body work out, especially MTB or gravel.

 

[Binky]

Riding at 200w should be exactly the same whether inside or out. So 15 minutes on the turbo is only equal to an hour outside if you are riding much harder on the turbo than outside.

Yep exactly my point. So riding indoors or out a meaningful comparison on effort can be made in right conditions.

From my point of view personally I hate the turbo and find riding outside so much nicer but that's a different story.

 

[Webbo2]

Yep exactly my point. So riding indoors or out a meaningful comparison on effort can be made in right conditions.

From my point of view personally I hate the turbo and find riding outside so much nicer but that's a different story.

I did make this point earlier in the thread when I mentioned doing intervals out side.

 

[Binky]

I did make this point earlier in the thread when I mentioned doing intervals out side.

Yes but you would need power meter to do so as I'm sure you know. Going on feel no good plus of course wind resistance etc outdoors.

 

[Webbo2]

Yes but you would need power meter to do so as I'm sure you know. Going on feel no good plus of course wind resistance etc outdoors.

As I don’t have a power meter on either the bike or the turbo I do go on feel.

 

[Binky]

As I don’t have a power meter on either the bike or the turbo I do go on feel.

Then no meaningful comparision can be made.

 

[Norry1]

I don't think there is a definitive answer to the OP question, and anyway it depends in what sense the Coach made the remark.

I assumed that he meant the "effort" or training effect is higher. I would say that this is true down to the specificity you can have on a turbo and the lack of anything that makes you back off such as you get in the real world - corners, junctions, lights, traffic etc. etc.

Having said that, a 4 to 1 ratio is a bit of an extreme view.

OP - can you give us more context?

 

[CXRAndy]

It really depends on how you setup your indoor rig to get the most immersive experience. Including gradient variations for riding position

I think the OP wanted to know why there seems to be the difference in perceived effort from indoors to outdoors. I explained it's the continuous pedaling that is the factor most likely to attribute to 'being harder'

Riding outside is often interrupted by junctions, other vehicles interrupting the continuous efforts.

That being said, there are obviously sections of uninterrupted road where a rider could put in a 20-30 mins effort to achieve a workout aim

I prefer, actually love indoor riding 😁

 

[Webbo2]

Then no meaningful comparision can be made.

I think after 40 years of doing intervals I have a rough idea of when I’m being a bit of a light weight.😉

 

[Binky]

I pretty much loath indoor riding but it's a necessary evil to maintain cycling fitness and in winter when I do most of my turbo riding I can sort of get into it enough to make it OK.

100% prefer to ride outside but I draw line at current shite weather hence yesterday was turbo. I've tried Zwift and it just doesn't do anything for me, just cannot get into it. I use downloaded videos from Youtube of real world rides coupled with training metrics and find that's good enough for what I need.