Newsletter Issue No. 813
June 7, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Cramping: A Case Study – The Perfect Storm, Part 2
By John Hughes RBR reader Tom J. e-mailed an excellent set of questions on cramping. He has a history of cramping on the bike, which he can usually prevent with a mineral supplement prescribed by his physician. However, “6 to 12 hours later I seize up big time! … Pure agony.”
In Part 1, I discussed his problems, which are common to many roadies, and what scientists know about cramps.
In his e-mail he asked, “We know that Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, sports drinks, pickle juice and other things help alleviate, reduce, or squelch cramping, correct?” Read more.
Tips for Buying Used Road Bikes part 2: How to Inspect a Used Bike Before You Buy
By Jim Langley If you read part 1 of this series, you now know how to assess your used road bike needs and how to find previously owned pavement pounders. This week, we’ll cover inspecting used bikes to make sure you don’t get a lemon.
I’m assuming that you’re shopping for a nice used road bike that’s reasonably ready to ride. You might not mind having it tuned up or replacing a worn part, but you don’t want to have to deal with expensive repairs such as new wheels or drivetrain components or a full bearing overhaul. Read more.
Got Problems? It Might Be Your Bike Saddle
By Sheri Rosenbaum Most cyclists have no problem asking another cyclist’s advice about gear or route suggestions. But when it comes to discomfort in the southern hemisphere, folks aren’t so willing to talk. Especially in a male dominated sport, women don’t always have another woman to talk to.
Being female, approachable, and a seasoned cyclist, many new and veteran cyclists have asked me about saddle sores or discomfort on the bike. I truly feel honored that people feel comfortable enough to talk to me about virtually anything, even when it’s a very personal part of the anatomy. But seems like I need to decode the question in order to determine what is actually going on. Here are a few common issues that might resonate with what you’re experiencing. Read more.
What Makes a Good Bike Fit Pro?
By Rick Schultz Based on half-a-dozen recent clients ‘bad bike fit’ stories, several asked me to put a short article together discussing this topic. I discussed with them their increased risk of injury and that, as they get older, all of these micro injuries will eventually catch up with them.
Basically, my belief is that a bike fitter should do no harm. This means that if the fitter doesn’t know what he is doing, he shouldn’t be fitting. Read more.
Want to Learn More About Good Bike Fit?
Read the Book. Newly updated for 2018!
As a bike fit professional, Schultz has heard legion horror stories about “professional” fittings that have gone bad − leaving riders less comfortable, in more pain, and disillusioned about the whole bike-fitting industry. Simply put, that should never happen, he says. He wrote this eBook in response to ensure that a “bad fit” doesn’t happen to you. Learn more.
Which Items Should You Carry in Your Seat Bag?
By Fred Matheny
Question: Some of my riding partners carry only a spare tube and tire lever for emergencies while others haul a whole bike workshop. What should I have for rides up to 100 miles in rural areas? — Javier G.
Coach Fred Replies: It depends on your comfort level! Read more.
MINT Cycling Socks Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Can Socks Really Get More Kids Riding? The answer is a resounding YES. In April a new sock brand was launched, MINT, and for every pair of socks sold through their website, $1 goes to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
The concept behind this new company is a minted collection of three fresh designs is introduced quarterly with models being archived once sold out. Read more.
Question of the Week
What has your experience been getting a professional bike fitting? Was it good, bad, or truly ugly?
More Information from Our Bookstore
Reaching the finish requires successfully solving potential showstopping issues involving equipment, nutrition, weather, ailments, injuries, discouragement, and more. In addition, this eBook is a valuable primer on topics such as riding comfort, training and riding skills. Stop Cycling’s Showstoppers contains memorable examples and anecdotes from the author’s riding career and those of roadies he coaches. He makes his advice universal — applicable to roadies of all interests, from commuting to club riding to centuries to touring. Learn more.
Coach Hughes’ eArticle bundle will teach you what you can do to prevent pain in several areas. He reviews the general factors that contribute to discomfort on the bike including your choice of a bike, anatomical issues, bike fit and technique. He covers in detail the different causes of saddle sores, numb hands and hot foot, what to do to prevent these and how to treat each if necessary. Coach Hughes explains why your quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles are the most likely to cramp. He describes what you can do to prevent cramping. With photos he shows you how to stop a cramp and how to prevent it from recurring. He also covers nutrition and psychology. Learn more.