sch340 wrote:
There are probably more than 100 threads on here endlessly debating the merits of indoor vs outdoor training and the answer is ALWAYS, "it depends".
What does it depend on? Your goals, your tolerance for boredom, your physical location, and your risk tolerance, among others. There are so many variables here and no right answer. It's silly to chastise someone for getting off the couch and riding on a trainer even if the conditions are good enough to ride outside. ANY riding is infinitely better than not doing anything. So pick whatever motivates you to action and helps you enjoy the ride.
I have no problem with people that ride indoors, I do it myself. I understand it's safe, I understand it is efficient and I understand it can be an effective way to improve. I'm just baffled by how eager so many here are to sing it's praises every time it comes up. Let's try a different analogy:
Me: I like scuba diving
ST: Me too, I'm in the pool 3 times a week.
Me: That's not really what I meant, I like exploring open water
ST: But the pool is so much more time efficient, I just jump in and I'm scuba diving.
Me: True, but that isn't why I scuba dive.
ST: The pool is so much safer, no boats or sharks or any of that scary stuff.
Me: Again, true but that isn't really why I like doing it.
ST: But I can train in the pool every day and become a great scuba diver.
Me: Again, true...sigh...never mind.