How to Adapt an Outdoor Touring Bicycle to Indoor

You just got in shape, just completed the autumn century you trained for all summer. You're feeling good, loading up the miles day after day. Then it starts to rain. And snow. And rain again. Ice covers the road. Riding outside is unpleasant if not impossible. If you find yourself in this situation you can avoid losing your fitness by moving your cycling indoors. You don't even have to buy an expensive spinning bike or join a pricey club. You can use the same bike you ride outside and work out at home.

Things You'll Need

  • A bicycle
  • $10-$1000
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the right trainer for your needs. A bike trainer is a stationary mount that provides resistance to your rear wheel using air, magnets, fluid or another mechanism to simulate riding outdoors. A simple bike trainer might provide only one level of resistance and no special features. Others allow you to select multiple levels of resistance. The most advanced trainers, such as CompuTrainer, attach to your personal computer and provide simulated environments on your monitor for you to ride through. They even allow you to ride Tour de France stages and compete against virtual cyclists or other indoor cyclists over the Internet. Another consideration is noise. Cheaper trainers tend to be noisier. Avoid these if you are easily annoyed. Evaluate your needs before spending your money.

    • 2

      Search for a bike trainer. Your local bike shop will carry several models. Online bicycle shops are another good place to look. See the Resources section for links to a few online retailers. Garage sales, Craigslist and eBay may have used models for as little as $10.

    • 3

      Prepare your bike. Bike trainers will quickly wear your rear tire where it comes in contact with the resistance roller. If your road tires are in good shape and you want to keep them that way, swap your rear tire out with a worn tire. Better yet, by a special tire made for indoor trainers. Such tires are made with a harder, tougher rubber than road tires. You can also keep your road tire on your bike if you plan to replace it before the next outdoor cycling season.

    • 4

      Wear a sweatband. Outdoors your sweat evaporates in the wind. Inside it drips down your face, gets in your eyes and drips on your bike, corroding your expensive frame. Stop it before it starts.

    • 5

      Entertain yourself. Indoor cycling has one major disadvantage compared to outdoor cycling: indoor cycling is boring. You can spice it up by riding with friends, watching videos or listening to music and audio books. If you're into reading, you can install a book holder on your handlebars.