For the past four years, a humble Craigslist bike has been the cornerstone of my cycling fitness, living exclusively on the trainer. It might sound basic, but this dedicated Trainer Bike has been one of the smartest cycling purchases I’ve ever made. With just a little maintenance – a tire pump every couple of months and chain waxing to keep things clean – it consistently delivers 2-8 hours of ride time per week, racking up over 8,000 virtual miles. A fresh handlebar tape yearly keeps things comfortable. For a mere $650 investment, the value and return on investment from this trainer bike are simply unmatched.
The beauty of a dedicated trainer bike lies in its simplicity and focus. Unlike my mountain bike, which is built for aggressive trails, this trainer bike is purely for indoor sessions. The geometries are worlds apart – my mountain bike is a medium frame with SRAM Eagle XX1, while the trainer bike is a large with Shimano 105. The riding positions are likely completely different, and honestly, I just set up the seat for comfort without worrying about mirroring my outdoor bike’s fit.
Despite these differences, the results speak for themselves. When I build strength on the trainer bike, that strength directly translates to my mountain biking performance. My outdoor and indoor Functional Threshold Power (FTP) are virtually identical, even when switching between entirely different bike setups. This highlights a crucial point: your aerobic system trains effectively regardless of the specific bike beneath you.
Therefore, my advice to anyone considering indoor training is straightforward: prioritize comfort and ease of use. If your trainer bike is inviting and simple to hop on for a ride, you’re far more likely to use it consistently. Don’t get bogged down in the details of replicating your outdoor bike’s geometry perfectly for your trainer bike. Your body and your fitness will thank you for the consistent effort, not the perfect bike clone. A dedicated trainer bike, like my trusty Craigslist find, can be an incredibly effective and cost-efficient tool to elevate your cycling performance.
