General Discussion Triathlon Talk » MTB time instead of the trainer... Rss Feed  
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2014-10-05 1:49 PM


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Subject: MTB time instead of the trainer...
I recently purchased a decent MTB. I just started strength/winter training and wanted to do some bike training other than trainer time every bike workout. I love being on the trails along with the whole body workout. It is also a great for a mental mixup. Anyone else seen advantages of MTB mixed in?


2014-10-05 1:57 PM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

You will have MUCH better handling skills if you stay with it.  We never talk about how that translates to speed in a race, but I know it does on courses with a lot of 90's and 180"s.  And you'll be much better prepared for getting out of trouble when it comes......and it will.

2014-10-05 2:18 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

Lots of practice with decision-making and reaction time that you wouldn't get on a trainer. Plus, mtb rides can make interval work much more interesting! Get out there and enjoy

2014-10-05 4:00 PM
in reply to: 4agoodlife

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
My feeling is that road riding and trainers help Mountain Biking more than Mountain Biking helps the other two. The problem with Mountain Biking is that it's too much fun. It can make road riding seem so dull. I usually try to mix Mountain Biking in at least once a week.
2014-10-05 4:49 PM
in reply to: NeilsWheel

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

Originally posted by NeilsWheel My feeling is that road riding and trainers help Mountain Biking more than Mountain Biking helps the other two. The problem with Mountain Biking is that it's too much fun. It can make road riding seem so dull. I usually try to mix Mountain Biking in at least once a week.

Apparently you don't pay attention to how most people who do triathlon ride.

2014-10-05 5:01 PM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
I'd say absolutely !

MTB, for me, is what I look fwd to in off season.

Its a great way to make it more interesting and feel better when you need to be back on the tri bike.


2014-10-05 5:17 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Originally posted by NeilsWheel

My feeling is that road riding and trainers help Mountain Biking more than Mountain Biking helps the other two. The problem with Mountain Biking is that it's too much fun. It can make road riding seem so dull. I usually try to mix Mountain Biking in at least once a week.

I'm not sure how serious you are when you suggest that too much fun is a problem. Life's too short to avoid something because it's fun.
I agree with improved bike handling as a benefit. This includes learning to clip in and out, as well as learning how to fall. (I've had far too many mtn bike falls to count them all - fortunately the majority have occurred at slow speeds when I'm trying to negotiate obstacles.) And there are lots of hills on the trails in my area - there's nothing wrong with the workout I get on mtn bike rides.

Edited by donw 2014-10-05 5:17 PM
2014-10-06 7:15 AM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Absolutely! I hit the trails at least once a week from October through March. I also sneak in a few MTB rides during the season. I'd recommend trying a XTERRA triathlon if you get the chance...lots of fun.
2014-10-06 7:24 AM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

Originally posted by Left Brain

Originally posted by NeilsWheel My feeling is that road riding and trainers help Mountain Biking more than Mountain Biking helps the other two. The problem with Mountain Biking is that it's too much fun. It can make road riding seem so dull. I usually try to mix Mountain Biking in at least once a week.

Apparently you don't pay attention to how most people who do triathlon ride.

Hehe.

Also, riding a mountain bike is still riding a bike. Yes, riding the race bike is most optimal, but don't let "perfect" get in the way of better. Especially when it means you'll be riding more!

2014-10-06 7:54 AM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Definitely go hit the trails. I wish I had my own MTB to go hit the trails consistently. As the other posts indicate it great to be out on the trails.
2014-10-06 8:03 AM
in reply to: 5stones

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Thought I should clarify a little. It's harder for me to build a good aerobic base on my Mountain Bike due to the terrain I usually ride on. The area I usually ride my road bike in is somewhat scenery deprived. Your experience may vary. I included my last few rides with the speeds included to see what I'm up against.



2014-10-06 8:24 AM
in reply to: NeilsWheel

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

You don't need a consistent speed or cadence. You just need to work at about the effort level you're targeting at the time. Either one of these could work just fine. Closer into a race you would want to ride a little more on the one that more closely matches what you'll see in the race.

2014-10-06 8:24 AM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

I love the challenge of MTB. In order for me to get my heart pumping the same way on my street bike I have to do a lot of speed work. Plus, I just learned to bunny hop. So much fun. :-)

2014-10-06 8:32 AM
in reply to: #5056928


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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
The hill repeats were fun even with my legs burning. I am definitely going to get my money's worth out of my new bike. I 've known about the xterra events but didn't have interest til now. It's on my bucket list.
2014-10-06 9:23 AM
in reply to: zballinger


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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
I miss my mountain bike! Got stolen a year ago . . . I may start looking for one on Craig's list etc next year.
2014-10-06 9:29 AM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Monitoring bike cadence is a love/hate thing (don't really understand that it always tells you the same thing). Still I just recently installed a cadence sensor on my MTG & am delighted to know that I maintain a very similar cadence off trails! At a minimum, I interpret this to mean that my pedaling dynamics are similar across bikes so that, MTB really is like regular "bike training."


2014-10-06 10:08 AM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Definitely ride the MTB!!

I got passed by only 2 people in my last tri on the bike. There was a bad step in the road at the bottom of a ramp, they both flatted as I bunny hopped right over and passed them.(MTB skills can win the race for you)
2014-10-06 11:39 AM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...
Originally posted by MikeD1

I miss my mountain bike! . . .

Me too! I started tri with a mtn bike. When the frame broke I replaced it with a commute bike since that what I did with it most often but it's long past time for the "n+1 bikes" rule to kick in.
2014-10-06 2:47 PM
in reply to: Micawber

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Subject: RE: MTB time instead of the trainer...

Yes absolutely. I ride my road bike, mountain bike or track bike in the winter, never the trainer. If it is raining horribly then I have no problem grabbing the mountain bike over the road bike.

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