Outdoor vs Indoor Cycling

Cycling is a hobby that many people enjoy, whether it's cycling outdoors and taking on different tracks, navigating traffic and enjoying the great outdoors or cycling inside as part of a home workout or a workout at the gym. Each type of cycling has its benefits and is suitable for different people. In this article, we take a look at both types of cycling and their pros and cons. This will help you decide what type of cycling is right for you. 

Weather conditions

One of the advantages of indoor cycling is the temperature can be controlled, and you have no chance of experiencing intense winds, rain, snow or ice. The opposite is true of outdoor cycling; you will be open to the elements and experience whatever the weather has to offer that day. This can be great if the weather is sunny with a slight breeze, but the weather can soon change, and cycling in the wind, rain, snow and extreme heat can be very uncomfortable. If the weather is poor or you want to stay dry, indoor cycling is probably the best option. Outdoor cycling will work well for those who love the elements and are happy to take the wind and cold along with the sunny, still days.

Traffic and pedestrians

One thing you don’t have to worry about when cycling indoors is traffic or pedestrians. No one will get in your way when you’re cycling on your stationary bike at home or in the gym. However, when you start cycling outdoors, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect yourself from the potential dangers of road traffic, other cyclists and pedestrians. Cycling outdoors on the road is much more dangerous compared to cycling indoors. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of the rules of the road and follow them at all times; failure to do so could result in an accident which could be detrimental to your life. If you plan to cycle outdoors, always familiarise yourself with the rules of the road, wear a helmet and ensure you have bike lights to help keep you safe.

Convenience 

In terms of convenience, cycling indoors wins; you can do it in the comfort of your home and don’t need to plan out a route. In addition, you don’t need to take a bag to store everything you need to fuel your body or account for potential bike issues such as a puncture. You can make cycling outdoors more convenient when you use a cycling energy gel for nutrition and stick to carrying only a small number of things. However, even with these changes cycling indoors is much more convenient; you can get on the bike for five minutes to get in a quick workout, which is easy when cycling outdoors.

Duel purpose

One of the many reasons people choose to cycle outdoors is because they can fit their fitness activities into their daily routines. For these individuals, cycling has two purposes, it helps to keep them fit and is a reliable, environmentally friendly method of transportation. Cycling has many benefits in major cities such as London; you can avoid traffic-congested roads, extra congestion charges and busy commuter trains. People often rely on cycling to get themselves to work and back with the added benefit of keeping fit and maintaining their physical health. However, cycling indoors only usually has one main purpose; to improve fitness and health. 

Cost

Both cycling indoors and outdoors can come with different cost benefits. If you choose to buy an indoor bike, you may pay more upfront; however, your ongoing costs will be reduced. The cost of a basic outdoor bike can vary significantly depending on what you’re looking for and the level of performance you need. When buying an outdoor bike, you will also need to factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance. Either option can be costly; it all depends on the spec of the bike you choose to purchase. 

Both cycling outdoors and indoors have their advantages and disadvantages. Some find the thrill and enjoyment of getting out in nature great, and the disadvantages that come with being outdoors no longer matter. In contrast, others find the convenience and safety of indoor cycling better suited to their needs and goals. Whatever you choose, cycling is a sport that’s enjoyable and fun for everyone.