Newsletter Issue No. 812
May 31, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Cramping, A Case Study – The Perfect Storm
By Coach John Hughes
Four people contacted me in the last week about cramping problems. RBR reader Tom J. e-mailed an excellent set of questions on cramping. Part 1 discusses his problems, which are common to many roadies, and what scientists know about cramps. Part 2 will discuss the role of supplements and other ways of preventing cramps. Read more.
Tips for Buying a Used Road Bike, Part 1
By Jim Langley
No discussion of bike buying is complete without a look at the used bicycle market. Because not everyone can afford to buy new and there are awesome used road machines to be had. So this week, let’s get into some tips for buying previously owned road bikes. Then, we’ll wrap up next episode with how to inspect used road bikes you’re considering to be sure you don’t buy a lemon (and, you don’t need to be a mechanic). Read more.
A Miserable Ride on a Miserable Day
By Stan Purdum
In the lead during the pouring rain, Dave suddenly swerved his bicycle to a stop. I pulled in behind him. “What’s up?” I asked.
He looked miserable. “My feet are swimming,” he said. With that, he sat down on the metal guard rail at the edge of the highway and began removing his shoes. I stood shivering as the steady hard rain continued to drench us. Read more.
Don’t miss the newest ebook from Coach Hughes:
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process Available Now
Anti-Aging describes the physiological changes that take place as you age, how to assess your current fitness and the training principles that apply to older roadies.
Anti-Aging explains how to get the most benefit from your endurance rides. It has sample training plans to increase your annual riding miles and to build up to rides of 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-mile rides. The book explains why intensity training is important, the pros and cons of gauging intensity using rate of perceived exertion, heart rate and power. It includes how to do intensity exercise and different intensity workouts. It integrates endurance and intensity training into an annual plan for optimal results.
Knee Pain, Knee Alignment and Pedal Stance Width
By Coach Rick Schultz
In a previous article, I wrote in-depth about crankarm length and how crankarms that are too long can cause knee pain.
In this article, we will be concentrating on pedal stance width, and why it is important. This article focuses more on road bikes and triathlon / time trial bikes. These style bikes have close to the same bottom bracket shell widths and use the same or similar cranks. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, offer different crank widths (q-factor) such as 168mm, 175mm, 176mm, and even wider. Read more.
Review: New Pearl Izumi Dirt Collection for Men and Women Great for Commuting
By Sheri Rosenbaum
This spring, Pearl Izumi launched a new Dirt collection for both men and women. The new Versa casual gear is just as trendy on a MTB trail as it is on a bike path or on your commuter bike running errands. To get a feel for the line, Pearl Izumi sent me some key pieces from the collection to test. They performed very well, incorporated thoughtful touches, had an earthy vibe, as well as reflective elements to keep you safe. Read more.
How to Solve Saddle Sores
By Fred Matheny
A saddle sore can ruin a ride. Even a tiny zit can begin to feel like you’re perched on a golf ball. Nearly as painful are crotch abrasions caused by shorts that bunch or have an irritating seam. Most medical experts say that saddle sores are actually boils caused by skin bacteria that invade surface abrasions. Remedies have come a long way, and here are some that we suggest. Read more.
Question of the Week
Some people only buy new bikes, and others prefer used. What about you? This week’s question is Do you usually buy new or used bikes?