When it comes to indoor training, it may seem something that can be done very easily for quite a limited cost. And in essence it is; you use the same bike that you would use out on the road, whack it onto a trainer, and away you go. You can certainly do it this way, but more often than not there are a few hidden costs that can be classed into the following categories; necessary, comfort based, and performance based.
Necessary hidden costs
Regular new bar tape.
Indoor training has zero wind chill, and can build up in heat and humidity quickly. A consequence of this is increased sweating with very reduced evaporation both on yourself and you kit. Often bikes have aluminium bars, and sweat is a corrosive liquid. As the sweat settles in through the tape and onto the bars, you can get salt build-up which can eventually lead to bars becoming brittle. If you use the same bike outdoors, this can have serious consequences. Unwrap your bar tape to check your bars regularly, replacing the tape, and in some cases, the bars, more often than you would ever need to outside.
Nutrition.
Again, closely linked to indoor riding generating more heat, it is likely that you will need more indoor specific nutrition. This can be in the form of sports nutrition supplements, or just needing to buy more food and salts. As we train in elevated temperatures, out body does two things. We sweat more, expending more salt and liquid, and we use more carbohydrates for the same relative intensity. This means fuelling and hydrating indoor sessions is key, so even in winter using salt/electrolyte tabs and carb drink may be necessary. You can however, save some money and make your own.
Frequent kit washing.
You should always wash your kit straight after use for hygiene purposes…
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