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Spin Bike vs Trainer

ieknoxieknox
in General Training Discussions

I've read through a few threads discussing the difference in watts indoors vs outdoors, but I haven't found one that quite addresses this question (just so you don't think I was lazy!)

I've done most of my testing, and 90% of my training, on a spin bike.  Now, as I'm quite close to racing season, I have an upcoming power test - and I recently picked up a wheel with a powertap.  So I'm wondering - I still likely won't be able to get outside to test (weather looks brutal) - so should I throw the trainer tire on the powertap wheel and test on the trainer?  I know there would still be the inside vs. outside issue, but would that potentially give me a closer test result than testing on the spin bike?

Thanks for any input.

Comments

  • Mark MaurerMark Maurer
    Hi Ian, Yes, definitely put a tire on the tire and put it on the trainer. I did all of my riding and testing this winter on a trainer and did my first test outside a couple of weeks ago. I didn't find that much difference (less than 5 watts) between the two. I had read a lot of folks saying they had a 10% difference but it didn't work out that way for me. You can always throw in a test when you get a chance to start riding outdoors.
  • ieknoxieknox

    Awesome - thanks Mark!

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