Newsletter Issue No. 929
September 3, 2020
Anti-Aging: E-bikes, Fun and Fitness
By Coach John Hughes
I stopped by the Icebox our cycling and skiing store here in Fraser, CO to talk with Brian about lower gears on my Merlin. (Fraser is one of the coldest places in the US hence the name Icebox.) The bike is my favorite: in my 40s I rode it to win the Furnace Creek 500 qualifier for the Race Across AMerica (RAAM) and to finish solo RAAM. In my 50s I led my John Hughes and Friends bike tours through the mountains in Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington. To handle the climbing I fitted the Merlin with a long arm rear derailleur and big cassette. In my 60s, aware of my aging knees, I changed to a triple chain ring. Now in my 70s the Merlin is a good ride on flat and slightly rolling roads. But I live in Colorado and love riding in the mountains. Currently I’m climbing on my MTB. I’ll have the Merlin set up with gears comparable to my MTB. Read more.
Which Gearing for This Steel Road Bike – Follow-up
By Jim Langley
Boy, we roadies sure like our gearing! So far, 30 of you commented on last week’s Tech Talk in which I answered Dan’s question about whether his new classic steel Bottecchia could handle touring. Read more.
Is Group Training Superior to Solo?
QUESTION: I’ve been told that fitness progresses most effectively if you ride fast in a paceline. Is this psychological? It seems to me that 95% intensity for a given period would produce the same level of fitness regardless of whether it was attained in a paceline or solo. What’s your opinion? — Jane P. Read more.
Learn to Lean Through Turns
Lean, don’t steer, through turns.
You make a car go around a corner by turning the steering wheel. You make a bike turn by leaning it.
That’s a big difference between a vehicle with four wheels and one with two wheels. But we see many new riders try to steer their bike like they’re driving a car. They slow down and pivot the handlebar, creeping around corners. Read more.
Building My New Titanium Road Bike With Shimano Components
By Rick Schultz
I’ve had several manufacturers send parts for testing lately, and coupled with a great deal on a Lynskey titanium frame, I’ve decided to document the building of a new bike. Many people have asked how to put together a bike if they start with just a frame, so, here is my process. Read more.
Stolen Goat Climbers Jersey and Bibs Review (men’s and women’s)
The company name, Stolen Goat, just makes you chuckle, but there’s nothing funny about the performance of their gear. It’s fun and stylish with bold designs on the outside, but all business on the inside. I tested the Climbers kit which is available in both men’s and women’s versions. Read more.
Stolen Goat Epic Jersey, Epic Bibs and Cycling Mitts Gloves Review
Stolen Goat’s Epic collection is designed for racers and those who like to go fast. Compared to a more relaxed fit the picture above gives away the race cut of the Epic jersey with the high front waist. The comfortable Epic bibshorts are designed and manufactured in Europe. The gloves come in a single style, but available with many different designs on the back of the hand. Read more.
Scicon Aeroshades and Aerowing Sunglasses Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
As the 2020 Tour de France was getting started, Scicon was unveiling two new pairs of cycling sunglasses, the Aeroshade and Aerowing. If you were watching Stage 1, maybe you noticed Alexander Kristoff wearing the Aeroshade, and then starting Stage 2 with a custom pair in yellow to match his jersey. Read more.
Anti-Aging E-Book
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process, by Coach John Hughes, includes interviews with Elizabeth Wicks, Gabe Mirkin, Jim Langley, Andy Pruitt and eight other male and female roadies ages 55 to 83. They describe their exercise programs in terms of the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations, including many ways to adapt positively to the aging process. Anti-Aging provides programs to meet all of the ACSM recommendations on cardio, intensity, muscle strength, strong bones, balance and flexibility. It’s your comprehensive guide to continuing to ride well into your 80s and even your 90s.
Other Cool Stuff to Read
VeloNews: A power analysis of some of the Tour de France pros shows you just how fast they really are compared to mere mortals
VeloNews: How rubber compounds affect grip with your bike tires
CyclingTips: Julian Alaphilippe is racing in a US$120,500 watch, because why not