Newsletter Issue No. 811
May 24, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Ask the Coach: How to Get Rid of the Aches and Pains of Aging
By Coach John Hughes
RBR Reader Paul writes, “Any way of getting ride of some of those aches and pains associated with aging? I’m only 50 and it’s really starting to get to me. There’s no real pattern to the aches/pains. Sometimes more when I first awake, sometimes starts later in the day. Sometimes muscles, sometimes joints, probably more limbs than trunk. Read more.
RBR Readers Speak: More Tips for New Road Bike Buyers
By Jim Langley
I’d like to give a shout out to all the experts who shared their advice to help new road-bike buyers get the perfect new ride. We kicked off this theme last week in part one of A Few Tips for New Road Bike Buyers. Today we’ll cover your tips with my thoughts, and in part three next week, we’ll conclude with guideline for those in the market for a used road bike. Read more.
Don’t Get Dropped! How to Hang On With a Group of Faster Cyclists
By Lars Hundley
After reducing cycling mileage and adding cross training to my routine over the past year, my cycling speed has suffered. I’ve been pulling everything I can think of out of my bag of cycling tricks just to keep from getting dropped on the hills or during the surges on fast group rides that used to be no big deal.
I emailed the RBR coaches with a description of what I’ve been doing, and asked if they had any additional suggestions. The suggestions were outstanding, and I thought they’d apply to anyone else who ever faces a similar situation of “riding above their pay grade” with a group that’s faster. Read more.
Ride of Silence
By John Yoder
On Wednesday evening May 16, I was part of a group of about 50 cyclists who rode slowly and quietly for an hour through the residential streets of my hometown, Goshen, Ind. As bicycle parades go, this was a very modest one: there were no banners, no police escort and no coordinated clothes to identify us as coherent group. What we did have was a common purpose. Read more.
Delta Cycle Bkin Flashing Daytime Bike Light Review
By Brandon Bilyeu
For more than 30 years, Delta Cycle has been making bike accessories ranging from phone mounts and rear racks to cup holders and stem adapters. With a stated mission to provide useful, innovative, and affordable bike gear Delta recently released a safety light, the Bkin, that falls right in line with their product philosophy. Read more.
Chamois Butt’r Product Line Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
As I wandered the CABDA exhibit hall in February, I came across the Paceline booth. I was thrilled to meet, Steve Mathews, founder, president and inventor of Chamois Butt’r. This man’s products have kept my southern region chafe free for years. I’m a big fan. After the show Steve sent me a little care package of Chamois Butt’r products including, Chamois Butt’r cream (Eurostyle, Her’s, Original) and Kit Wash. Read more.
How To Get Past a Fear of Descending
By Fred Matheny
Question: Am I really the only rider out here with enough self-preservation instinct to be afraid of going fast downhill? I’m a (shudder) descentophobic! Can you help?
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Don’t feel bad, Alice. Lots of cyclists feel apprehensive on fast descents. It’s not paranoia because bad things really can happen if you fall off while going fast. Some riders are naturally more aggressive than others and have a very good kinesthetic sense, so they descend fast and look forward to it. Read more.
Question of the Week
What’s your take on going downhill on a road bike? This week’s question is How Fast Do You Go Downhill?