Off-Season Riding and Training for 2023

• Posted on 6 October 2022
• By KW
• Posted in bike trainer, indoor bike riding, Winter bike riding, Winter bike training
• 0

As I am writing this post, outside it's sunny and about 70 degrees, with a hint of wind out of the west.  The sun will set a little earlier than it did even a couple weeks ago, but I am looking forward to the ride home in this great fall weather.  Fall is my favorite season of the year, especially if I get to stretch the outdoor riding a little bit longer before my fingers and toes get too cold.  

But as we all know, after fall comes winter.  Ugh.  Cold, dark mornings.  Cold, dark nights.  Slush.  Snowbanks.  Fat bikes.  Wait, what?  Say that last one again??  It's fat bike season soon?  What else is good in the winter?  I've had a really good outdoor riding experience this year; what should I do to keep myself motivated and/or strong for next year?  Can MSBC help?  (*narrator* Once again the author has resorted to asking all sorts of questions.)

The most obvious, most fun answer to the winter training question is a fat bike.  Something that you can ride outside all year in all kinds of weather and terrain, a fat bike will give you a great dose of cross-training, especially if your usual summer whip is a road or gravel bike that has those skinny tires and such.  A fat tire bike is rideable in the snow, on the ice, and on the groomed trails (or even un-groomed ones, really, though fighting through the snow is a challenge sometimes).  Several trails in this area are groomed for winter riding, as a matter of fact.  The Lake Michigan shoreline is also an option, especially when the sand is frozen over.  And a fat bike, especially one with studded tires, will go where not many other bikes even dare to try.  You can check out our selection of fat bikes HERE.

In addition to fat bikes outside, you can do a trainer inside.  Setting your bike up on a trainer can give you a feel of riding that is pretty authentic, and you get to watch TV or read a book instead of picking icicles out of your face at the end of your trip.

Trainers come in all sorts of trim levels, from the basic Saris mag trainer for $199 to the Saris H3 for $799 (if you're paying attention, you'll notice that these are LOWER prices than last year...).  But what, exactly, is the difference from one of those to the next?  Let's keep reading!

The Saris Mag+ operates with a magnetic resistance unit that is smooth and quiet.  Resistance is changed either by changing gears on your bike or using the handlebar-mounted shifter.  A great entry into the winter training regimen, this is just the ticket for those on a budget or who maybe aren't going to ride a thousand miles from January to March.

Next up is the Fluid 2, equipped with a fluid resistance-based flywheel system.  This ensures a smooth, quiet ride while allowing the rider more freedom to adjust resistance by shifting gears.  

The M2 launches your off-season training into the next level of fun and excitement by being equipped with ANT+ sensors to interface with online training apps like Zwift, Systm, and Trainer Road.  These apps communicate with the trainer and add or subtract resistance based on either a real-life route or a training session.  

Finally there's the H3, a "direct drive" trainer.  This actually involves removing your rear wheel and mounting your bike directly onto the trainer, removing the tire to roller variable entirely.  This gives you the most real-life experience of all, and no power is lost between the rider and the tire resistance.

You can check out all of the trainers we offer HERE.  All are currently in stock and ready to go.  We will even assemble them for you and get you set up if you need some assistance.

Speaking of training apps, there are several options.  (N.B. - this is just a general list and does NOT represent recommendations or endorsements.  MSBC does not sell or benefit from these apps at all; we are listing them as a service.)  The "smart" trainers - those equipped with the ANT+ sensors mentioned above - will work with all of them.

ZWIFT - probably the most "social media" style app, Zwift allows you to race and ride with a group, competing for points, sprinting, etc.  Groups can be arranged in advance, or you can see who's on the app when you log in.  Here at the shop, Zwift is the most popular with the crew.

Wahoo SYSTM - the SYSTM app combines elements from the pre-existing Wahoo Kickr and Sufferfest apps.  With SYSTM you can set up an individual training plan, ride an actual route including video footage, and also includes cross training elements such as yoga and weight lifting.  At least one of us at the shop uses this one.  It's less competition-based than Zwift, but there are options to race other riders as well.

Other apps include Rouvy (Saris' entry into the fray), Trainer Road, and Wahoo RGT.  All have the same basic features and ideas; check them out via Google to see if you're interested in one of them.

As always, we are hear to help you, answer your questions, and even be your cheerleader if needed.  There is at least some talk of an indoor group ride on a weekly basis this winter, so be on the lookout in case that really happens!

Have a great end to the outdoor season (or don't let it end - up to you).  We hope you'll stop in and see us for all of your "off-season" needs!