Newsletter Issue No. 841
December 20, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
13 Trainer Workouts with Maximum Value
by Coach John Hughes
According to last week’s Question of the Week, about two thirds of the respondents ride indoors. To get the maximum value out of a trainer ride, it should include a warm-up, a main set with specific purpose, and a cool-down. It’s not just turning the cranks for a certain amount of time. These 13 workouts include main sets to work on endurance, climbing, power, strength, VO2max and cadence. Read more.
Upgrade Your Road Rocket With Some Custom Bling
By Jim Langley
For this Tech Talk, I’m letting my friend, Bruce L Ross take a pull. He wrote me recently with some fun bike bling ideas, which seemed very appropriate for this festive time of year.
Bruce lives just a short ride from me here in Santa Cruz, California. Read more.
10 Cycling Training Tips to Improve Your Riding
by Peter Wimberg
I’ve had the benefit of almost 40 years of riding, with 22 of those years racing and 12 of them training athletes one on one, as well as presenting clinics and teaching group classes. I’ve learned a lot about what has worked for me and other endurance athletes in making the most of training time and subsequently achieving goals. Are these 10 of my top tips open to debate? Of course. And for that reason, I look forward to your thoughts. Read more.
Get Ready for Next Season With Help from Coach Hughes
My eArticle Productive Off-Season Training for Health and Recreational Riders explains in detail what you can do to become a better rider this winter. The article includes:
• A 12-week off-season exercise program to keep you healthy during the winter months.
• A 12-week, more intensive off-season program for recreational riders to build your endurance, power and speed, preparing for base training.
The 28-page Productive Off-Season is just $4.99.
Why Use a Smart Trainer? 7 Reasons to Consider
You’re a roadie. You love cycling because you enjoy going outside, discovering new places and riding with other riders.
So why would you ever want to use a smart trainer? Here are a few reasons that you might not have considered.
Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 Road Shoes Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum
I am new to testing Fizik products, so when I read about their new Tempo Powerstrap R5 road shoe describing the foot-wrapping Velcro closure design and the “enveloping fit,” I was eager to try a pair. Yep, from the first time I slipped it on I can honestly say that’s exactly how it feels… enveloping. Fizik uses two Velcro closures but not in the traditional sense where two sides of the shoe’s upper are pulled together. Instead the Powerstrap uses a ribbon configuration wrapping around the foot, which is both supportive and secure. Read more.
3 West Design Halcyon Saddle Review
by Lars Hundley
The Halcyon is the latest saddle design from 3 West Designs, which launched its first saddle after successfully raising money on Kickstarter in 2016. It turns out that the founder, Jon Marceleno, lives in the Dallas area. He brought me the saddle in person and explained the development of the Halcyon, which is a follow up to the first saddle from 3 West Design, called the Reprieve. Read more.
Question of the Week
Are you happy with the comfort of your road bike saddle?