Are eliptical trainers any good for off-season cross training?

For X-Training, yes

The elliptical trainers are a great low impact cross training machine. But keep in mind that x-training is only what it is. It will keep your aerobic system in shape, but it won't improve your cycling. Your best bet would be to mix riding the trainer with the elliptical so you keep your bike muscles in shape, as well as your cardiovascular system.

HOWEVER--The cross trainers that you can buy for your home (like the ones at Dick's Sporting goods) are quite poor in comparison to those at the gym. The gym versions offer lots of adjustments, such as the "crossramp" and "resistance" levels. We tried a cross trainer for about $500 in our home for a year, and it just wasn't worth the money. It had a very "choppy" resitance feel and the entire machine was plastic, unsturdy, and hard to get your feet in the right position.

My advice--use the elliptical trainer at the gym, and use the bike trainer at home.

Perfect advice from EpicriderGMAC.

As a followup, I also recommend the elliptical at the gym as a great alternative to running. I love running, but it runs me down (yes, pun intended) if done too many days in a row. The elliptical is a nice, low impact alternative.

In addition, you can do both sprints and hills on an elliptical. I usually go for an all out 40-second sprint on a hard-to-do level (level 16-18 usually), and then take a minute or so off. It's a great interval workout.

But in the end, the only thing that will improve your cycling is....cycling.

Yes...

GotMojo? said:

I've been considering getting one of these eliptical trainers for something different during the off season. Anybody use these? And what do you think? I thought I read somewhere where they provide the best low impact full body workout.

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In my opinion, eliptical trainers are great for "something different" during the offseason. Like the others have said, they are not a substitute for riding, but I have done the eliptical trainer thing for several years now, and the transition to "full time" riding is much easier because the aerobic base is there. Very easy on the knees and you can vary incline and resistance to work different muscle groups. Mostly I like changing up the routine a bit (but still ride, although less frequently) in the colder weather, so the eliptical trainer really fits that bill.