Newsletter Issue No. 839
December 6, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cycling Endurance. Interview with Halo Neuroscience
by Lars Hundley
A few weeks ago, I came across a Facebook post about a product called Halo Sport that looked like a set of headphones that was purported to increase athletic performance and improve endurance. When I clicked through out of curiosity to read more about it, I saw that it had been used by USA Cycling, former pro cyclist Andrew Talansky, the US Ski Team, as well as several professional sports teams. I emailed the company to ask some questions about the device and how it worked.
Halo Neuroscience’s chief marketing officer, Mark Mastalir, who qualified as a runner for the Olympic Trials in 1992 and was also an All-American at Stanford in Track & Field, was kind enough to answer my questions. Read more.
Avoiding Weight Gain During the Holidays
by Coach John Hughes
The holidays are filled with temptations! A friend of mine with a Ph.D. in nutrition once told me, “I never met a calorie I didn’t like.” Put differently anything in moderation is okay. Enjoy that piece of pie, fruitcake or a couple of holiday cookies.
Learn More From Coach Hughes
The 4-article Cycling Past 50 bundle includes:
Healthy Nutrition Past 50, The timely Off-Season Condition Past 50, Healthy Cycling Past 50 and Performance Cycling Past 50.
These articles apply whether you are just taking up cycling and exercise or you’ve been a cyclist for years and intend never to stop. The 95-page set is $15.96 and only $13.57 for our Premium members with your 15% discount using the premium member coupon code.
Tools for Fine-Tuning Tire Pressure
by Jim Langley
This week’s technical topic is in response to a reader named Paul’s question. He read our review of the Silca Pista floor pump, which has a bleed valve built into the chuck… (a pressure release button).
Topeak JoeBlow Twin Turbo Floor Pump Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
The first thing I noticed when unpacking Topeak’s new JoeBlow Twin Turbo floor pump was the weight and construction. Weighing in at 6.61 pounds (3 kg) this pump means business. The base and barrel are made of aluminum, so you know it’s going to be durable and provide years of use.
Another Sort of Cycling Adventure
By Stan Purdum
I noticed three things almost simultaneously about the mountain bicycle leaning against the earthen bank: It was a Cannondale, it was an adult-sized bike and it had a sign on it reading “FREE.”
I’m primarily a road cyclist and have all the bikes I need for that pursuit, but I’ve been looking for a mountain bike to use on the 70-mile-long Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail that runs right through our New Jersey community. Read more.
Determining Cycling Intensity Without a Power Meter or Heart Rate Monitor
Question: I’m confused about how to judge riding intensity if I don’t use a heart rate monitor or power meter. Can you give me some advice? — Allen B.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: With a little practice, it’s possible to gauge workout intensity with RPE (rating of perceived exertion). And once you get the hang of it, your RPE numbers should fairly closely track intensity readings that you might get from an HRM or power meter. Read more.
Ask the Bike Fitter: Common Bike Fit Questions
By Rick Schultz, MBA, DBA
Here are several questions I get asked quite often related to bike fitting, related to which changes you can make to your bike that might require a refit, and recommended cycling shoes.
Want to learn more and be able to ride better, and more comfortably? Check out our comprehensive book, Stretching & Core Strengthening for the Cyclist. It’s a 57-page eBook, with with nearly 50 different stretching and core exercises (including variations) that is just $14.95.
Amy Schultz has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, is an accomplished cyclist and has done extensive research on athletes and injury prevention. Amy demonstrates the proper form for all the stretching and core exercises in the eBook. Most of the exercises are easy to do, with more difficult ones labeled. All are clearly illustrated, with actual photos demonstrating the proper technique.