I guess I have to respond…
Smitty, you are making some assumptions that are don’t hold true for everyone. First off, is choice of roads… I live on Long Island. I haven’t found a stretch of road I could ride for 15 minutes without hitting a stoplight. The long stretch of road I do have with few lights is completely flat with no corners (still not 15 mins at a stretch though). I’m new to Long Island and I don’t know any other triathletes, so I won’t be chasing anybody anytime soon. Aside from the fact, I’m not really interested in trying coordinates schedules with someone else. Lastly, I live in a place that can honestly be described as automobile anarchy. Every law you ever thought existed to make driving safe is not optional, it is completely ignored and there is no penalty or attempt to change this behavior. I’m talking speed limits, turn signals, stop signs, stop lights, double yellow lines, no shoulder driving, etc… All ignored.
You are correct, there are certain things that a trainer can’t do for you. However, things like out of saddle climbing, bumps, wind, and cornering are not my weaknesses. Leg strength, aerobic endurance, and saddle time are my weaknesses and for that a trainer is marvelous rain or shine, cold or hot, day or night… The only thing I feel like I’m missing by riding the trainer is the wind in my face and the sun on my shoulders.
In short, riding outside may be more beneficial than a trainer for some, but for me personally, I don’t see that being the case. During the summer I’ll usually get one long ride outside per week, the rest is on a trainer.
Lest we forget this is a 3-event sport, I still get plenty of time outside on all of my runs, and some open water swimming during the summer. I’m far from suffering…
As backup I’ll mention a 53’ 40K TT guy that I know who does most of his rides on a Computrainer, because in his words, “it just so damn efficient”. Works for him…
With all due respect, I believe a trainer IS the best training value for the time invested (for many people).