Winter Cycling

Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 477 Location: Glasgow

What do you guys do during the winter for bike training? Man up and get out there or is it time for the turbo?

tin pot · Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 2592 Location: Bromley

Try to get a few long rides in when the weather is good per month. I'm set up for turbo training this winter so I might to some of that.
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Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 477 Location: Glasgow

FatPom · Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 5368 Location: My happy place

I've always done quite a bit of both but I also use my turbo year round. I haven't decided on my goals for next season yet but I have made a decision to cut back on the winter riding this year. More of a risk management thing with my back really.

Wheezy · Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 1860 Location: Sub 3 (elect)

Turdo in the week with a bit of commuting (only have a 2.5 mile ride to work so not much there but maybe an easy 15-20 mile spin home once a week if I can. The a club road ride at the weekend.
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explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15953 Location: Farthingstone

FatPom · Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 5368 Location: My happy place

Tony Stark · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 2483 Location: Milton Keynes

MTB/gravel bikes for most rides. Only set off when it is dry (don't mind somuch if it starts when I am already out). Warm waterproof gloves, socks and hat. Ass protection and keep your winky warm. Clear glasses. Puncture resistant tyres - tubeless, slime etc. so no messing about at the roadside. F*ck off giant powerful lighting sets. Ride with mates. Winter/Spring holiday abroad.

JeffB · Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 1331 Location: Middlesbrough

Try to get out but don't take risks if it is dangerous, bike has full mudguards and got some quality kit.

Longer ride at the weekend, possible lunch ride during the week, about 1 hour.

Also got an MTB now so might go over the moors\trails as long as it isn't deep with snow or mud.

Try and avoid the turbo or gym bike, but if I do it is usually short and sharp.

Jeff

iwaters · Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Posts: 438

I use the turbo for one session year round, my quality power based session.

I do my best to get out in the winter always, I can't stand the turbo for anything more than an hour so have to get out. Good mud guards, lights, thick gloves and rain coat and most of the time it is bearable.

Wouldn't go out if it was icy though.

Jorgan · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 8:48 am Post subject:

Again, TT Bike fixed permanently to trainer, but try & get out one lunchtime during the week from work, and early (subject to light) Sunday morning for 2-3 hours. I expect the arrival of my new disc-eqipped Canyon will assist with mojo Wink

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FoulOleRon · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 6682

Will move over to mountain biking a couple of times a month, and then aim to do a few turbos per week - usually Spinervals aero base builders.
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PCP · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 1959 Location: Manchester

TT on turbo all winter, winter bike for Sunday mornings. I try to ride in all but the absolute worst conditions but only really 2-3.5 hours over winter.

Whisk · Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 8691 Location: London

Apart from my short commuting rides, I usually do my cycle training indoors during the week (wattbike or spin classes at the gym) and then a long ride outdoors at the weekend. This is the same all year round.

The winter bike comes out when the weather turns. Snow is generally the only thing that would stop me riding. I tend to modify my routes for the winter and avoid the smaller lanes if it looks like it might be icy or if the roads are particularly wet. My Garmin was showing -8C one of my rides last winter and my bottles both froze solid, but the roads were dry and ice free.

Through the summer I usually ride on sundays, but in the winter I try to go for whichever day looks like it's going to be better weather. If the weather is particularly grim then I might cut things short. Setting out in the rain is never pleasant, but if I'm already out and warmed up then a bit of rain doesn't bother me too much.
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TRO Saracen · Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Posts: 1246

Going to go Big on the turbo this winter.

Suspect I'll only ride outside once or twice a month, so even the weekly long ride will be turbo'd most weeks, and all other rides.

2.5 hours on the turbo, all set up is equivalent to a 4 hour cold, windy, possible wet ride, with all the pre and post ride faff on top.

OK, it's boring but boredom trumps cold, wet and twice the time overall with all the faff in my book....
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