Run / Ride

allen.coulson

In terms of benefit how many miles of cycling to a mile of running?

Benefit = Fitness or endurance, enjoyment, calorie consumption and getting rid of a hangover.

My guess is that for cardiovascular fitness 5 mls running = 30 miles cycling, Endurance probably the same or even more cycling. Personally I'll always enjoy cycling over even a short run. No idea about calorie consumption. Hangover goes quickest with a run....not an enjoyable one.

I know my analysis is not scientific ..any views?

theuncharmed

It's too difficult to compare the activities with just direct comparisons without any specific factors to measure against.

If you really want to know, grab a heart rate monitor that will give you a calorie figure and do a 5 mile run and then [on another day] a bike ride up until the point where the calories burnt matches the 5 miler.

Your own running / riding technique, gusto and route will determine what's more effective and better for hangovers.

My training takes in a lot of running because it's a very cheap and accessible option for getting very fit. Minute vs minute, there's little else that's as effective for such an accessible fitness activity.

Devastazione

Tough call on this one.

Been a runner for 5 years until I've got pretty much burned out on it.
Started MTB a year ago and I'm now in the best shape of my life. Here are the benefits and disavantages I've went through after switching from running to pedaling.

Benefits :

Managed to retain a lot more lean muscular mass.
Increased calories burnt.
Increased weight loss.
Aches and joint pains are gone.


Disavantages:
Lost a lot of lung and cardio capabilities,and I really miss that !!!
MTB requires a lot more time and equipments.



Bottom line I guess if you want cardio training running is your best bet. I may buy a road bike sometimes this year just to see if that brings back some of my long lost cardio power.
About weight loss I'm loving my MTBiking, it's a weight loss machine that shave the fat away and keep it away. Of course I'm pretty anal when it comes to my diet.