Question: I’m 5-foot-4, 128 pounds and 55 years old. When climbing in the hills around Palo Alto, California, I keep up with younger, stronger riders until the grade gets above about 8%. Then I go backwards. This seems to be a strength issue and I’ve been doing low-cadence, big-gear intervals. Should I add weight training? —…
By Coach John Hughes “To be unbound is to be untethered and unrestrained.” (UnboundGravel.com) Riding gravel gives you many more options than pavement! You don’t need to do an organized event. Gravel roads go where fewer people go. Because there’s less traffic, gravel roads are safer and may be a better way to get from…
By Sue Rowland, PhD and Rick Schultz Price MSRP: $199.95: SALE $139.95 Where to Buy: local bike shops, Amazon, online Features: multi-usage, lightweight, all-weather How obtained: manufacturer’s sample Summary: Also works as a MTB shoe for flat pedal bikes.
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Exercising against resistance strengthens muscles and bones, but taking non-steroidal pain medicines such as ibuprofen after lifting weights may prevent bones from becoming stronger (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, April 2017;49(4):633–640). Aging weakens bones to increase risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. The most effective way to strengthen bones…
By Coach John Hughes There’re no such thing as bad conditions, just bad gear! I. Can I Bicycle in the Winter? Will asked, “I started riding this year and really enjoy it. I’d like to keep riding this winter but a trainer sounds boring. Is it reasonable to ride outside in winter?” I responded “Yes…
Our topic this week comes from a great question by RoadBikeRider reader David Stihler who wrote, “I have heard many times that you can’t/shouldn’t cross-chain. I was just on another ride where a modern bike with Shimano Ultegra components kept getting hung up (not able to shift) because the rider cross-chained. I ride a triple…
