Cycling Indoors or Outdoors

Which is better? Cycling indoors on a trainer or riding outdoors on the street?

Both have their place in your triathlon training. But before committing to one, you should know the benefits and disadvantages of each so that you can make an informed decision.

Cycling Indoors:

• You can follow specific intervals and workouts to a T.
• It doesn’t matter what the weather is or the time of day, you can ride anytime.
• You’re in a controlled environment; You control the temperature and there are no stop signs, lights, people, or cars to slow down or stop for.
• You don’t work on bike handling skills.
• You don’t coast, so long rides are even longer from the constant pedaling.

Cycling Outdoors:

• You’re working on bike handling skills, without even realizing it.
• You must prepare for the weather and learn to handle different weather conditions.
• You use your core more for balance.
• You’re in an uncontrolled environment; You must be aware of and slow down or stop for cars, stop signs, lights, people or other unpredictable obstacles.
• You can coast, which give you some relief during the ride.

Riding your bike both indoors and outdoors has it’s advantages. You’ll get in a great workout either way. I like to include both in training to take advantage of the benefits of each and in order to be better prepared for race day. Wherever you decide to ride your bike, make sure you have good posture, use a smooth pedal stroke, and stay focused.

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