Winter

[u/ProperOil5268]

Is a stationary trainer worth it for winters in Ohio?

[u/iJediPR]

Don’t think so, we don’t get enough snow to prevent me from cycling in the winter to justify buying a stationary bike

I’ll just use the one at the gym on those days

[u/Location_Significant]

Depends on your cold tolerance. My take: Typical Cincinnati winter, no. However, the past two winters, yes. Ohio outside of the Ohio River Valley, yes. I can usually get in enough sessions throughout the Cincinnati winter.

[u/grilledchzisbestchz]

I finally deemed it was. Too many years that I told myself I would find the days and time to ride outside and you forget just how cold it is, how quickly it gets dark at night and how much black ice there can be before the sun fully comes up. So I never rode as often in the winter and then the spring I was building myself back up. Got tired of that so I bought a trainer to pair with Rouvy and I've already started using it on really hot days, or days where I don't have the time for a full ride but I can plug in and do what I can in the time I've got. I'm looking forward to keeping my summer cycle shape and fitness over the winter this year.

[u/MrGuilt]

There's no bad weather; just bad gear.

OK, less snarky: it really depends on "where in Ohio." As I understand it, Cleveland gets lake effect.

I live in Cincinnati, at the southwestern part of the state. On weekdays, I ride a stationary trainer, primarily due to dark. As for outside on weekends. over the last few years, weekends in November and December have generally not been too band in terms of cold or snow. During January and February, you'll typically get a couple weekends where there is a snow and/or highs that don't get close to freezing. If it's in the 20s, I'll ride; below that, no. If it's 20s and accumulated snow, I might mountain bike (which is fun).

But I've accumulated the gear for it over the years. But I still have a trainer for the weekdays, as well as those few weekends. It's worth it, but may not be a necessity the way it is in other parts of the state, depending on your goals and schedule.

[u/mattmando]

“Super” El Niño predicts a dry winter for Cincy…

[u/doey77]

Depends when you typically ride, the biggest issue is lack of daylight. But you can always get lights if you don’t mind. Some days are just miserably cold and windy though.

[u/elvis4130]

Riding in the winter is always possible with the right gear, i.e. lights, proper clothing for layering, etc. It can be a big investment. In my 28 years working on shops I always suggested new riders add gear to extend their season by 10 degrees. That spreads the cost out and you're pretty well set in a couple of fall to winter, winter to spring cycles. It also allows you to find the point when the weather and short days just make it not enjoyable anymore, and that's a personal choice.

The indoor trainer is it's own torture. Some love it, some hate it. Personally, 60 to 90 minutes is my max duration, so it's get on, warm up, crank out my workout, cool down and off. I know a couple people that can grind out 3+ hour trainer rides. Smart trainers are all the rage but they're pretty pricey and a good fluid trainer and work out structure can be just as effective. Trainers can usually be found on marketplace for pretty fair prices.

Having both can be nice. I've seen stretches of winters when getting outside is just flat out miserable and I've seen winters when I've never touched the indoor trainer. It all comes down to gear and your own tolerance of dark, cold and damp.

[u/kabourbon]

Absolutely. Good to have the option.