Turbo Trainer Distance Record

[The Bald Eagle]

1234567890

1234567890

 

[Christophe]

I don't think speed or distance measurements are meaningful when on a trainer or rollers -- it varies too much with resistance settings, the rolling surface isn't comparable to an actual road, there's no wind resistance, no variable weather conditions.

Effort applied on a trainer has measurable meaning only if you have a power meter, and it's well-calibrated.

 

[brianf7]

Its time spent in zones and time spent on the bike not distance never distance even on the road.

 

[Elegant Degenerate]

I think if you have a heartrate monitor, that's enough to go on.

I pulled out a few 3hr efforts this last sth hemisphere winter (long(ish) low-end intervals). Luckily the weather doesn't get that bad here, so you don't have to use the indoor trainer too much. It generally feels like twice as long as it actually is (and probably half as effective as real riding) but you've got to make do with what you can.

The indoor trainer is now (largely) collecting cobwebs for the next 4-5 months though, thankfully. Too bad for those of you heading into winter.

 

[Tapeworm]

.. It generally feels like twice as long as it actually is (and probably half as effective as real riding)...

Well that all depends on how much effort you put in. Watts is watts.

 

[forty four]

watts are watts yes but i feel on the road you use more core muscles for balance and cornering which involves more calories. also having to be more mentally aware cars/obstacles/squirrels etc... burns quite a few calories as well.

 

[Elegant Degenerate]

and let's face it - it's pretty monotonous on the trainer. So when i say 'it feels longer', i mean psychologically rather than physically. It's boring is all.

But yes - watts is watts.

 

[Tapeworm]

Ya no doubt. But the other plus of the trainer is the lack of needing to stop... for cars/obstacles/squirrels/coffee.

I will say that interactive trainers like the Tacx Fortius and the Computrainer make it so much easier to go for over an hour.

But yes the subtle movements on the road help for a better rider to make, group riding even more so.