Newsletter Issue No. 895
January 2, 2020
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
5 Ways to Improve Your Riding This Winter
By Coach John Hughes
The top contenders in the pro peloton are all very fit and winning races requires more than fitness. Team Sky uses a strategy called “the aggregation of marginal gains.” The coaches identify different ways riders can improve slightly, which when taken together produce better performance and more wins.
Here are five simple things you can do this winter to improve your performance. Read more.
Tips & Tools for Chain “Quick Links”
By Jim Langley
One of the best technical developments recently has been that most chain companies are now providing special connecting links. They’ve become known as “quick links.” That’s because they can be connected by hand. Which makes them quick and easy compared to the days of old when the only way to install or repair a chain was by pushing out and driving back in a tight-fitting pin with a chain tool. Read more.
How Can I Keep My Face From Freezing During Winter Cycling?
Question: I don’t mind bicycle riding in cold weather, but I can’t keep my face warm. Shoe covers work for my feet and heavy gloves keep my hands toasty. But my chin and cheeks freeze. I wear a “skull cap” under my cycling helmet. Any ideas? — Barry M. Read more.
Bontrager Velocis Women’s Stormshell Cycling Jacket Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum
This past fall, the top question people asked me was, “Which packable rain jacket do you recommend?” I had yet to find a packable rain jacket that was also breathable until I tested Bontrager’s Velocis Stormshell Jacket. Rated for 50-70 degrees F, this jacket can take you from spring through summer and into fall. It can also be used in the winter as an outer wind barrier layer, which I tested on cold winter night trail rides. The fitted design prevents fabric from flapping in the wind, but you may find it necessary to size up if you plan to layer underneath. Read more.
Off-Season Bundle: Productive Off-Season, Year Round Cycling, Gaining a Mental Edge
Off-Season Bundle, by Coach John Hughes, includes includes the eArticles: Productive Off-Season Training, Year Round Cycling and Gaining a Mental Edge, which teach you how to make the best use of your available time this winter.
Quick Tip: Duck into a “Warming Hut” on Cold Bike Rides!
If it’s so cold in your area that riding borders on dangerous, you can still get out on the road for safe workouts.
Simply adopt a skier’s trick and stop in “warming huts” to combat the chill. Read more.
Question of the Week
How many miles did you ride in 2019?
More Cycling Stuff to Read
NY Times: E-Bikes and E-Scooter Rentals Won’t Be Allowed in N.Y. Anytime Soon
Outside: I Loved Bike Touring, Until I Got Paid to Do It
Bicycle Retailer: Garneau promotes ‘Don’t text and drive’ campaign
End Notes
Hope you all had a great holiday season and new year!