Staying on trainer...even during good weather (Page 2)

On the trainer, you don't have the opportunity to be passed by very fit women wearing spandex. 

Outside you don't have the opportunity to watch porn movies on the computer

just kidding, just kidding, some of us don't watch TV/computer on the trainer, at least I don't.  I am suffering too hard through tough intervals to pay attention anyway.

Very true, but I fear that would significantly effect my fit.

Adamo perhaps?

I'm in sunny CA, and even during lovely spring & summer, due to scheduling, I do at least 50% of my bike miles on the trainer, with that number approaching 100% in the fall/winter due to a busy work schedule. I friggin' love (hate) my trainer!

It's really up to you. I can ride outside year-round here, but recently started using my trainer because I can get a more structured workout. There are a lot of hills where I live, so it's tough to structure intervals, etc. I still ride outdoors, too but mostly for my weekend group ride. It's still important to get out on the road, in the hills, etc.

I can't imagine doing a 2-hr ride on the trainer though. I'm using it for tempo rides and HIIT.

Couple of things to keep in mind:

1) Most "new" triathletes don't even have trainers.  They instead have to use a bike machine or whatever else their local gym has, so just having a trainer and being able to put time on your bike is a huge plus. 

2) Nothing will substitute road experience though.  Although most races will not have busy traffic, stop lights, and stop signs that you have to contend with, but most courses are only semi-closed, meaning they remain open to local traffic, so you need to get use to just riding in a somewhat limited area.  Also learning to deal with bumps, cracks, and potholes is a must. 

I think getting the best of both worlds is to do your core workouts on the indoor trainer and then trying to get road experience during group rides.  I would think you feel a little bit more safe riding with 3-5 other people (hoping drivers will see you)...and it does give you more of a race experience having bikers in front and back of you.  Of course, if you have a tri bike, you really can't group ride too close, but if you have a lot of space in between..it's fine. 

I do about half my riding throughout the year on the trainer even during nice weather. I do not worry to much about if it is indoors or out unless it is a race rehearsal or testing then it is outdoors.

Nicest day of the year here today and I was on the trainer. Hubby has to work late and the kids were napping. I put the trainer on the patio and still enjoyed the day.

Personally I need a lot of practice with bike handling skills so I try to get outside as much as possible. Even in the winter if I can possibly stand it.

I have rednecks and winter visitors in Florida. I much prefer the rednecks. 

I ride mostly on the trainer.  I have gone months at a time without riding outside.  Long rides up to 5 hours, short rides, recovery rides, interval sessions.  The trainer made me the rider I am .

Safer and more effective.

Less laundry.

More consistent intervals.

1/2 the tire wear and no flats.