I’ve been putting off adding cycling to my fitness routine for months. This week I finally pulled the trigger — but not on the bike I expected.

Why Cycling at All

I already lift weights 3-4 times per week. I completed a half marathon after 1.5 years of running. But running beats up my body, and I wanted a lower-impact option for zone 2 cardio.

The cardiovascular health benefits of consistent zone 2 training are well documented. I needed something sustainable.

Cycling also connects to something bigger for me — the camper van lifestyle. I have a VW California with a Uebler bike carrier on the back. The dream is loading up a bike and exploring roads in Norway, France, or wherever the van takes me.

Why Indoor First

Here’s the thing about my apartment: it’s a small top-floor place that turns into a sauna in summer. We’re talking 27°C for about four months.

But from December through March? It’s perfectly suited for indoor training.

Starting indoors gives me a few advantages:

  • Validate whether cycling actually becomes a lasting hobby
  • No €2,500+ commitment on an outdoor bike before I know I’ll stick with it
  • Immediate, weather-independent access to structured training
  • Perfect timing with the winter months

I’ve made expensive hobby purchases before that ended up collecting dust. Not this time.

The Rabbit Hole

My first instinct was the classic route: buy a gravel bike and put it on a smart trainer.

This sent me down a deep research rabbit hole:

  • Wheel-on vs direct drive trainers
  • Drivetrain wear from indoor training
  • The hassle of swapping between indoor and outdoor use
  • Steel frame requirements (essential for my frame-clamping Uebler carrier)
  • Frame sizing challenges at 190cm
  • Mechanical vs electronic shifting debates

The more I researched, the more complexity I found. I was solving problems I didn’t have yet.

Landing on the Zwift Ride

At €1,650, the Zwift Ride emerged as the pragmatic solution.

It’s a dedicated smart bike that just works. No trainer compatibility issues. No drivetrain wear on an expensive outdoor bike. No setup hassle.

What sold me:

  • Works with multiple platforms — Zwift, Rouvy (with their new virtual shifting support), and others
  • No software lock-in despite the Zwift branding
  • Dedicated indoor setup means no compromises
  • €1,650 is significant but much less than bike + quality trainer

My friend Anders validated this approach. He lives in Norway and winters through months of darkness. A dedicated indoor setup, he told me, makes complete sense.

What’s Next

If cycling sticks — and I’ll know within a few months — the Pelago Stavanger is my leading outdoor candidate. Steel frame, fits the Uebler carrier requirements, beautiful Finnish craftsmanship.

But that’s a decision for later.

For now, I have a Zwift Ride arriving soon and a winter of structured training ahead. The camper van bike adventures can wait until I’ve earned them.