So I can only workout in the daylight on the weekends now. I plan to buy a cheapo bike trainer next week or so, but what does everyone else prefer, (weather permitting) trainer workouts road workouts in the dark?
trainer inside. outside only in the daylight
Outside in the dark w/front and rear lights on the bike. I hate the trainer.
I’ll ride outside, and it’s not even close. I’ve got a couple of HID’s mounted on my aerobars, a helmet mounted light, and a tail light.
Indoors for me. Spin or rollers.
clm
Outdoors, no question. This morning I rode at 5:30 and was happy to have a decent moon helping, in addition to my light. Indoors I start looking at my watch inside of two minutes and even 15 seems interminable. Anything I do on a spin bike has to be broken up in 15 minute segments.
Chad
yeah, i have to go with indoors, it’s just easier for me 
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Indoors. Much, much safer.
Computrainer. Always.
- Much Easier logistics.
- Less overhead time.
- Better workout quality.
- Safer
- Can catch up on podcasts, tv, movies
- More in touch with work (cell and laptop within reach).
- Can babysit neice/nephew while working out
Riding outside is for fun. Training is a different matter.
Official Trainer Hater" here…
As much as I despise the trainer I really dont have any other choice this time of year. However even if I could be outside I am just too scared of cars…Drivers are bad enough when its sunny and 75 and have had too many close calls to risk being out at night…even with good lights.
Rollers in front of my TV. I work on handling without getting run over by idiot drivers.
trainer
I’m scared of the dark
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I find the safety comments interesting. When I ride in the dark I follow the Clark Griswold Riding at Night handbook. I actually feel a little safer with all the flashing lights then I do in the middle of the day. I know whenever I see a cyclist riding w/ flashing lights they’re very noticeable.
I ride my trainer outdoors
jaretj
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Before the sun rises, twice a week class on a computrainer
After the sun sets, three nights a week on the rollers in the garage watching tv.
I learned last night that “weather permitting” applies to the garage as well. It was probably 25 degrees in there and when the roommate came home and pulled his car in a blast of -9 degree F air almost froze me in place (picture the helicopter crash in The Day After Tomorrow)
I’ll ride outside in just about any weather, hot, cold, wind, rain, etc. But always inside when it’s dark.
I find the safety comments interesting. When I ride in the dark I follow the Clark Griswold Riding at Night handbook. I actually feel a little safer with all the flashing lights then I do in the middle of the day. I know whenever I see a cyclist riding w/ flashing lights they’re very noticeable.
I used to feel the same, until one night while commuting home on my very well lit bike an UNLIT BICYCLE hit me head on, broke my scapula and set back my training ~6 weeks. Now all weekday riding until the days grow longer is on the trainer, weekends on the road. Just not worth the risk. Also, I think short workouts are better spent on the trainer than on the road. FWIW, I’d never ridden a trainer after many years of biking until this accident in November 2008.
I do agree that cars are less of a risk at night than many stupid bikers riding unlit on bike paths. Whats up with these idiots?
Official Trainer Hater" here…
Count me in that group to, but you can’t beat the trainer for both the efficiency of the workout itself and also the time management to get it done. Put the shoes and shorts on, clip in and go.
I LOVE riding outside and it’s something that I much prefer doing, but it’s a mega-production to get ready for an off-season outdoor ride in the dark - all the clothing, the lights, the extra gear, spares, pump. . . If you have the time - That’s awesome. Go for it.** **As much as I dislike indoor riding, it’s by far the better approach if you don’t have a ton of time each day to devote to your ride.
Computrainer for hard focused efforts. Outside for anything longer than 90 min.