Spin Class vs Outside Riding

krismurphydc

I am considering doing away with spin class. When I'm in class I make sure I increase the resistance for a good workout and to challenge myself. Class lasts an hour and when I'm done I feel like I've really pushed myself. The problem is that when I ride my bike outside after 15 minutes I'm ready to quit because it's so freaking HARD! Why am I having so much trouble riding my "real" bike? help lol!

panchango

Wind and hills will do it.

lishie_rebooted

panchango wrote: »

Wind and hills will do it.

Same phenomena happens with treadmill vs outside.


Spin is a controlled environment, you have no hills, you have no wind resistance, you have no dodging or cars/bugs/potholes.
You have to work harder outside.

cheshirecatastrophe

In addition to wind resistance, hills, road surface: what kind of shape is your bike in? If it hasn't been lubed or tuned up in awhile, you could be pedaling against all sorts of gunk slowing you down.

bathmatt12345

I find that rides can be boring if you are biking somewhere boring. I do mountain biking or biking in scenic areas, when I am done, I feel tired but enjoyed the ride.

0Seattleite0

Also, if you have a heavy mountain bike with fat tires it makes for a much harder ride than with a sleek road bike. I used to think I was terrible at cycling, could never keep up with my husband. But the first time we traded bikes and I took the road bike and he was on the mountain bike, I was able to zoom past him! People (myself included) often choose a bike with fat tires when they buy their first adult bicycle thinking it will be easier to ride (and more stable I guess?), but the skinnier your tires, the less friction with the road, the easier to ride...

swirlybee

0Seattleite0 wrote: »

but the skinnier your tires, the less friction with the road, the easier to ride...

Instead of going out and buying a new bike, you could just change the tires to a less knobby one. You can get smoother tires meant for pavement riding. That'll help out a lot.

krismurphydc

Good info. Thanks!

Robertus

I despise exercising indoors on a machine. It is so much nicer to be outdoors enjoying the scenery and fresh air. The fact that it is actually a better work-out is the best of all possible worlds.

KarenJanine

bathmatt12345 wrote: »

I find that rides can be boring if you are biking somewhere boring. I do mountain biking or biking in scenic areas, when I am done, I feel tired but enjoyed the ride.

I find that biking anywhere outside is more interesting than being inside in a gym class.

mwtmark

For me tire pressure is a big factor. 10lb change can make a big difference

DevilsFan1

The act of simply working to keep the bike upright requires more effort. When you ride a trainer or an exercise bike you don't have to worry about that.