Winter Riding / Fixed Gear Bike
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1178 days
BrianMc posted 3 years ago.
Trainers and Spin class!! Nowhere near as much fun, but it makes you appreciate the open road.
I don't ride outside much during the winter (mtn bike from time to time), so I can't offer any advice.
Brian
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1236 days
BrettD58 posted 3 years ago.
Fixed gear bikes will improve your pedaling efficiency however you can get basically the same benefit from a spinning bike. I am planning to ride outside at least one day a week this winter rain, snow, or shine.
Good Luck!
Brett Daniels
USAT Level I Coach
www.thesportfactory.com
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1228 days
rb85cj7 posted 3 years ago.
one thing i have read about fixed gear is it helps you smooth your pedal stroke. seeing as how if you stop pedaling you stop moving.
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1566 days
smittycb10 posted 3 years ago.
Quote:
Fixed gear bikes will improve your pedaling efficiency however you can get basically the same benefit from a spinning bike. I am planning to ride outside at least one day a week this winter rain, snow, or shine.
I do not agree with this. I have spoken to a former cat 2 cyclist who told me that spin classes are only good for a cardio work out. Most spin classes involve speeding up and then short recovery sections. The whole benifit from riding a fixed gear is the fact that you stick to one cadence level. Also when a the cold weather arrives you want to get the best work out in the shortest amount of time a fix gear bike will force you to work at a constant rate and thus maximize your workout time.
Last winter I rode a fixed gear for rides up to 40 miles and rode rollars to increase my bike handling skills. This summer I rode my fastest bike splits. Riding a fixed gear will smouth out your pedal stroke and enable you to maintain a higher average cadence.
view my blog at: http://smittycb10.triathlonlife.com/
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trithis04 posted 3 years ago.
I've found good indoor trainer sessions are enough for maintaining a decent fitness level. I have only one tri-bike and when the first snow hits I won't take it out until the roads are clear of salt and debris. Indoor rides get old quick, but if you can put the time in you can maintain. I usually try and do a long(er) session on Sun. while watching the Eagles, helps to pass the time (considering I'd just be sitting around watching the game anyway). I do ride the MTB quite a bit during the winter months, although, trails only. Never done any single speeding.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
I live in Colorado, and admittedly we have mild winters, BUT I am wondering what folks in cold climates do for riding in the winter.
Specifically, we use Magnesium Chloride on the roads, and I understand that it is no bueno for my one and only road bike.
Do you ride an old beat-up road bike? (What size tires? 25, 27 larger?) Do you ride a mountain bike with slicks?
Finally, I have heard mixed things about fix gear bikes? Recently, I heard fixed gear was old school, and didn't really provide much in the way of a training benefit.
Many thanks on what others think!
mb