HElp Center

What if I don't have access to my bike for training?

‍

Ultimately, you should be doing your training on the type of bike you'll be using in your race. And, there is no true substitute for cycling (for example, sessions on a rowing machine are far too different to create the appropriate training effect.)

But sometimes athletes just don't have access to their bikes. It could be due to travel or due to the bike being out of service, among other things.

Here are some suggestions that might help if you're temporarily without your bike.

1) First, figure out if there's a way to keep cycling.

• Can you rent or borrow a bike for a short time until you have access to your own bike again?  
• If you have a relationship with your local bike shop, it may be worth asking if they have a loaner you could use/rent for a few days or a week.  If not, they may know someone who has one you could borrow.  
• Ask around your local ride group!  Someone may have an extra they can loan you.

2) If that's not an option, do you have a stationary bike (Peloton, spin bike, recumbent bike, exercise bike) available to you?  

Obviously, stationary bikes found in most gyms are not set up like our road and tri bikes, but getting your legs turning over is the name of the game, so it could be a good short-term substitution.

Just remember, the geometry of spin bikes and exercise bikes are totally different than what you'll be riding in a race. So, when you're on something like a Peloton, for example, you won't be strengthening the same chain of muscles that will power you through a triathlon or cycling race. That's why we say this should only be a short-term measure -- we do not encourage using a spin bike or other exercise bike on a regular basis to do your triathlon/endurance cycle training.

3)  If neither of those options work:
‍

Remember that if you've been super consistent in your training, then missing a couple of bike workouts won't be the end of the world.

Obviously, we don't recommend it on a regular basis if you hope to finish well in the races you're training for, but if it's an occasional thing (say you have a week where you can't cycle at all), you could skip the bike days and do yoga, some light strength training, or even just go for some long, leisurely walks as an active recovery option.    

‍