Benefits of Riding Inside
Regardless of whether you ride with basic equipment or expensive top-end gear, riding indoors first and foremost provides an added element of safety. In many locations, roads are slippery during wet and wintery months. Training inside allows riders to focus on the ride ahead instead of trying to keep the bike upright. Also, for riders who don’t feel comfortable riding in congested areas or don’t want to battle with car traffic, riding inside takes the stress out of pedaling so you can focus on the fun, or the pain, the choice is yours.
Besides safety, indoor riding also delivers a level of consistency and control over your training that riding outside cannot. There are no unexpected stop signs, detours, or inclement weather to deal with. You are in control of how hard you ride, when to time your intervals, and you can make sure you won't get stuck on an uphill section when you’re supposed to be riding easy. You can ride exactly as easy or as hard as you desire, free of stops or distractions.
Finally, with no rain, snow, or dirt to contend with when riding inside, you can typically enjoy a reduction in cleaning and other routine maintenance. It’s still important to take care of essential tasks like cleaning and lubricating your chain to keep your bike running smoothly. It’s also important to wipe down your frame and components after hard rides when sweat likely dripped onto your bike and into its different parts.
