Newsletter Issue No. 856
April 4, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Showstoppers I: How to Avoid Bonking while Cycling
By Coach John Hughes
You’re riding along under a blue sky and all of a sudden your brain feels like mush. You’ll be depressed and discouraged and may also feel anxious, irritable, or confused. Your legs suddenly can’t turn the cranks. That’s bonking! Read more.
NAHBS Virtual Show Part 3
by Jim Langley
This is the third and final installment of our coverage of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, that took place March 15, 16 and 17 in California’s capital city, Sacramento. We’re wrapping up with a selection of the beautiful and innovative creations that make this show so unique and wonderful (everyone is welcome to attend). Read more.
What’s the Advantage of Internal Cable Routing, Anyway?
Question: Other than providing a “clean” look, what is the advantage of internally routed cables? I was under the impression that putting a hole in a tube weakened it and it let in water. I also thought that standing water in a tube, no matter the material, was not a good thing.
Thanks, Larry H . Read more.
Castelli Nano Flex Arm Warmers Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum
If you don’t have a pair of arm or leg warmers as part of your cycling wardrobe, consider this small investment. Both types of warmers extend the season of your summer kits by giving you the option to add warmth and protection. On cool mornings, slip on a pair of arm warmers, then as the temps improve shed them for stowing in your jersey pocket. Or, if the weather may change mid-ride, take them along and slip them on as needed. Read more.
Quick Fix: Keep Bugs off Your Bicycle When You Use a Roof Rack
PROBLEM: You carry your bike on your vehicle’s roof and it gets blasted with insects and other airborne stuff.
SOLUTION: Use a “bike bra” to keep the front of the bike covered and protected. There are multiple brands available for your road or mountain bike. Read more.
Eat Right and Ride Strong Longer!
The principles and recommendations for eating before, during and after a ride apply to all roadies. These are explained in the eArticle from Coach Hughes, Nutrition for 100K and Beyond. Although written for roadies riding 100K and farther, all roadies can learn from it. Coach Hughes shows you how to calculate how many calories per hour you burn. He compares the nutritional value of bars, cookies and candy. Both Peppermint Patty candy and Fig Newton cookies have a higher percentage of carbs than any of the sports bars! He also discusses hydration and electrolytes. He concludes by discussing what you should eat every day to ride your best. The 17-page Nutrition for 100K and Beyond is just $4.99.
Are Road Cyclists Arrogant Snobs?
A recent Google search for road cyclists gave me some very interesting autocomplete suggestions. After the pages based on my earlier browsing history, the first two autocomplete suggestions were “road cyclists are snobs” and “road cyclists arrogant.” Read more.
Four Questions for Joe Friel
Joe Friel is one of America’s top known cycling authors. He has written several renowned books, including The Cyclist’s Training Bible and Fast After 50. A top coach for many years until he retired, he worked with elite and recreational cyclists as well as triathletes. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you stretch before or after your bike rides?