Newsletter Issue No. 831
October 11, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
This Sturdy, $147 Bicycle Has Changed the Lives of More Than 420,000 People
By Stan Purdum
When Road Bike Rider published its List of Bike Brands from A to Z, we invited readers to use the comments section to add any brands not included in the list. And readers did, which was reminder of how wide the field of bicycle makers is.
One reader’s suggestion was a surprise: “Buffalo bikes. Made for African backwoods.” Read more.
Ask the Coach: Lesson from a Did Not Finish
By Coach John Hughes
I started coaching my client Pete last March for the Hoodoo 500 in August 2018 in Utah. Hoodoo is a qualifier for the Race Across AMerica (RAAM). Pete had to finish in 48:45 hours including both riding time and time off the bike. He DNF’d in Panguitch at mile 380 after 38 hours of racing. After the race he wrote me a very thoughtful e-mail and allowed me to share it with you.
The lessons Pete learned apply to all roadies, even if you’re not planning to ride an ultra event. Read more.
Unboxing Park Tool’s Impressive New BX-3 Rolling Big Blue Tool Box
By Jim Langley
Partly because I’m in need of a new travelling toolbox, among the most interesting products I heard about during the hub-bub surrounding the 2018 Interbike bike show last month were Park Tool’s new toolboxes. One is an upgrade to their tried and true briefcase-style box, which looks much improved. But the one that blew me away is their all new BX-3, which is significantly larger and has more features than I’ve ever seen in a pro wrench box. Read more.
Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0 – 6000 mAh Portable Charger Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
When I look at my bike gear I’m amazed by the number of items that need charging…headlight, taillight, Garmin, Di2, and iPhone. Some folks may also have a headlamp, GoPro and/or a camera. If I’m traveling, on a multi-day rider, or even a long single day ride, I’ve often wished I had longer battery life. On a recent century ride my Garmin battery almost died because I was using the Course feature and it was constantly pinging the satellite.
I noticed my friend Hollie who rides 200k and 300k brevets carries a charger in her bento bag and it got me thinking. So when I received the sample from Outdoor Tech, I was eager to try it. Read more.
Learn More From Coach Hughes
This bundle will keep you riding strong by helping you learn to prevent or handle common ailments that can otherwise cause you to drop out on an important ride. Avoid the dreaded DNF (did not finish).
Learn the different causes of saddle sores, numb hands and hot foot, what to do to prevent these and how to treat each if necessary. Find out how to avoid cramps, and what to eat on a ride to stay fueled. And you’ll also learn the mental skills to deal with problems when they do occur.
Try These Cycling Intervals to Get Faster on A Bike
By Lars Hundley
Ever wondered about the very best interval to improve your cycling fitness? Unfortunately there’s not a single interval method that does it all. It depends on which aspect of your fitness you are attempting to improve. Instead of getting hung up on trying to determine whether a particular interval is “the very best one” to make you faster, consider this — which type of interval training are you doing right now? Read more.
Should I Powder an Inner Tube?
By Fred Matheny
Question: What’s the scoop on using talcum powder when installing a new tube? Is it necessary? — Lorri L.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Powder applied to a tube or the inside of a tire makes a slippery interface. Read more.
Junk Food Raises Cancer Risk
By Gabe Mirkin, MD
Results from the huge EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) confirm that eating a lot of junk food increases risk for many cancers. Researchers in Paris followed 471,495 adults in 10 European countries for an average of 15.3 years, and the participants developed 49,794 cancers. Those who ate more of the harmful and less of the healthful food components were at significantly greater risk for developing cancers, particularly cancers of the breast, prostate, colon-rectum, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, lung and liver. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you have stomach issues related to eating and drinking when cycling?
An RBR favorite from Coach Hughes:
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process
Anti-Aging explains how to get the most benefit from cycling. 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.