Newsletter Issue No. 914 b

How To Choose Cycling Shorts

You should choose road-cycling shorts based on the quality of materials and construction. But also crucial is how well they conform to your unique anatomy. Sometimes a relatively inexpensive pair may work better for you than a high-dollar model. Shorts, like saddles, are tough to recommend because of differences in butts, crotches, seats and riding positions. Every rider has to try on shorts, buy the model/size that fits snugly but comfortably, then hope for the best on the bike. It’s hit or miss, and some luck is involved. Just as with saddles, there is no universal answer. Read more.

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Quick Tip: Warming Tires Makes for Easy Mounting

This QT comes to us from Brian Becker, an Aussie roadie, who writes:

“After finding the easy way to mount tubeless road tires by warming them first, I have now adopted the practice for new tube road tires as well. I wrap them in a towel and put them in the oven after my wife has prepared a baked dinner or cake. I wait till it is about 100C (212F), about the boiling point of water, and leave them in till they are warm to the touch, probably about 10 minutes.” Read more.

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What’s the Trick to Standing Steadily on a Bike?

Question: I see other cyclists pedal standing, and they seem to power up hills. But I can’t stand and balance at the same time. I feel like I’m about to fall over in a heap. Any suggestions? — Ali N.

RBR Replies: Standing is a fairly natural skill, but it still takes practice. Use a lightly traveled road with a wide shoulder and steady grade. Read more.

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Lower Back Pain for Cyclists: Tips for Prevention and Fixes

By Coach Rick Schultz

One question that the recreational roadies and racers I coach have in common – and something I hear very often from riders of all ages and abilities – is some variation of: “My lower back is always sore during and/or after a ride. What can I do about it?” Read more.

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What is a Soigneur in Cycling?

By Stan Purdum

Soigneur (approximate French pronunciation: SWAN-yea) is one of the many French words relating to cycling. With the Tour de France being the world’s premier cycling event, French words connected to the sport have been picked up by cyclists around the globe. Read more.

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Bicycling Hand Position on Climbs While Standing – Tops or Drops?

Question: I’ve always been told to hold the brake hoods during out-of-saddle climbing. They say this makes it easier to breathe. But I see many pros climbing with their hands on the handlebar drops as if they were sprinting. What made the old advice obsolete? —Stan M. Read more.

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Riding Poorly: Is It Medical?

by Arnie Baker, M.D.

You are feeling that you don’t have the power in cycling that you think you should. Or you feel that it takes you longer than usual to get going, if you can get going at all. Or it takes longer to recover from training or racing. This doesn’t seem to be a temporary set-back. It’s been going on for more than two weeks. Read more.

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