waste of money and mind numbingly dull
i disagree, i bought one last december after toying with the idea for many years and its one of the most useful bits of winter kit i have ever bought.
the real breakthrough for me was when i got a few basic spinervals dvds which effectively taught me how to use it.
over the winter i would either do one of the dvds or watch a surf movie or something but still more or less stick to a riding plan from the dvds.
yes i still outdoor rode when i could, but if it was sleeting down then trainer all the way.
the very best bit about the trainer is that if you have a very limited time you get a really effective ride. if i was really pushed (in between running kids to beavers, guides et al) and could only grab 30 or 40 mins it had to be better than sitting in front of the computer reading forums!