Newsletter Issue No. 820

July 26, 2018

PDF version for Premium Members is here.

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Learning from the Pros: Heat and Hydration

By Coach John Hughes

During the 175 km stage 12 of the Tour de France, which culminated with the climb of L’Alpe d’Huez, it was 28C (82F) in valleys and 21C (70F) on top of climbs. The stage featured two Hors Catégorie climbs, each over 2,000 meters (6,500 ft.), before the finish on L’Alpe d’Huez at 1,950 meters (6,060 ft.). About the earlier climbs the Cycling News live blog commentator said, “It is so warm today that capes and gilets (vest with windproof front and mesh back) are not needed.” Read more.

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Prestacycle TorqRatchet Deluxe and T-Handle Ratchet Review

By Jim Langley

A torque wrench is important to have on hand today with so many light bicycle materials and components. If you guess when you tighten things, it’s easy to mistakenly overtighten, which can damage and even break parts. I’ve seen brake levers that were only slightly too tight cut right through a set of $300 carbon handlebars and too-tight seatpost bolts that snapped the seatpost collar. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration and money by getting and using a torque wrench.The TorqRatchet is the smallest torque wrench I’ve seen and it couldn’t be easier to use. It’s a big step up from what you’ll find in hardware stores because ordinary torque wrenches are usually oversize for bicycle work and clumsy to use. Read more.

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5 Fit Related Cycling Problems and Their Solutions

By Rick Schultz, MBA, DBA

Do your calves cramp up? Do you have trouble riding in the drops? Knee pain? Coach Rick Schultz covers these issues and others and explains why a bad bike fit might be the source of your problem.

Read more.

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Summer Cycling Bundle

The summer riding bundle includes:

• Cycling in the Heat, Part 1: Ride Management, 19 pages
• Cycling in the Heat, Part 2: Hydration Management, 21 pages
• Preventing and Treating Cramps, 10 pages — A detailed look into the causes of cramps, prevention techniques, and tips for breaking and flushing cramps.
•  Eating and Drinking Like the Pros, 15 pages

The cost-saving bundled 65 pages of eArticles Summer Riding are just $15.96 (a $4 savings) and, as always, just $13.58 for our Premium Members using their member discount.

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CEP Ultralight Short Compression Socks

By Sheri Rosenbaum and Lars Hundley

Several years ago, I reviewed CEP compression socks, the style that comes just below the knee. I liked how the compression helped support my muscles and kept my legs from getting tired. I only wear them in cooler temps because they are too warm for me in the summer. That’s until now when CEP introduced a shorter sock for cycling. When the rep reached out to us for testing, I was curious how they’d work. Both Lars and I have been testing them these last few weeks providing a male/female opinion. Read more.

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ROKA Sunglasses Models SR-1X, SL-1 and Halsey Review

By Brandon Bilyeu

ROKA is a well-known and respected brand on the triathlon scene and while triathlon gear is very sport specific their sunglasses easily cross over to general cycling. I had the opportunity to test out a couple different styles of their cycling specs and came away very happy with the performance and quality that is on par with the giants of cycling eyewear like Oakley, Smith, etc. With limited retail locations, ROKA has made trying on their different styles easy with the ‘Home Try-On’ program. This allows you to order up to four pairs shipped to your home, try them out for 7 days, keep the one(s) you want, and ship the rest back with free shipping. Read more.

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Chain Fell Off in Front? How to Get a Dropped Bicycle Chain Back on the Crank

Clink. Clank. Oops. Dropped your chain off to the right while trying to get on the big ring just as you are beginning a downhill? Possibly a poorly adjusted front derailleur, or you made to hasty a shift. Either way, you can recover without grinding to a stop on the hill.

Read more.

 

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Question of the Week

How do you handle hydration when the weather gets hot?