Newsletter Issue No. 933
October 1, 2020
Ask the Coach
By Coach John Hughes
I’m 71 and have been coaching for 25 years. I could retire; however, I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of coaching and the personal satisfaction of helping riders achieve their goals. In addition to personal clients I enjoy writing for RBR because of the interesting questions I get from you. Read more.
Frankie’s Bike Contest Winner & Wrap-Up
By Jim Langley
To recap, last week was our first Tech Talk contest, for which we asked you to follow the clues in the story and tell us the specific problem causing my son-in-law Frankie’s Felt gravel bike to hesitate while shifting. The first person to come up with the answer would win a surprise prize – Park’s CN-10 Professional Cable and Housing Cutter. Read more.
Pelvic Rotation for Cycling Comfort and Efficiency
By Rick Schultz
During my bike fits, one of the value added benefits I provide my clients is to show them how to sit correctly and pedal effectively on their bikes. Coupled with right-sized crank arms, they cannot believe how much easier and pain-free cycling is. Read more.
Pearl Izumi Launch Trail Pant Review (men’s and women’s)
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Ever want more coverage to protect you from vegetation or insects when on the trail? The new Launch Trail Pants by Pearl Izumi is just the ticket. Available in men’s and women’s sizing, these pants are both comfortable and functional. Read more.
A High-End Road Bike Helmet Roundup
By Stan Purdum
You can pay less than $100 and get a good bicycle helmet — and in some cases, considerably less — and thanks to standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which all helmets sold in the United States since 1999 are required by law to meet, any of those helmets will protect your head in a crash. But, if you’re willing, you can also pay more than $200 or even $300 for a helmet. Read more.
Machine for Freedom Endurance Women’s Cycling Bibs Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Recently I reviewed Machines for Freedom’s (MFF) new Essential shorts and really liked the fit, comfort and quality. The one thing I would have preferred was a longer inseam. When I found out they offered their Endurance bibs in a tall version, I decided to test MFF’s tried and true flagship product. The Endurance bibs are available in regular and tall versions, with the tall having a 1.5” longer inseam. Read more.
Anti-Aging E-Book
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process by Coach John Hughes has individual chapters on each type of exercise the ACSM recommends: cardiovascular both endurance and intensity: upper, lower, and core strength; weight-bearing, flexibility and balance. He includes interviews with Gabe Mirkin (recommendations from an M.D.) Jim Langley (importance of goals), Andy Pruitt (importance of working on your skeleton, posture, balance, muscle mass), Muffy Ritz (recommended activities for older people, especially women), Malcolm Fraser (recommendations from an M.D.), Fred Matheny (importance of strength training), Elizabeth Wicks (motivation) and five other male and female riders ages 55 to 83. Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process incorporates the latest research and is your comprehensive guide to continuing to ride well into your 80s and even your 90s.
Question of the Week
Which brand of helmet do you wear?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Giken.com: Japan’s automated underground bicycle storage areas are amazing.
PEZ: A case against time trial bikes.
Cycling News: Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso reveal the Aurum Magma road bike
VeloNews: Campagnolo Ekar ushers in 13-speed era — on gravel
Final Tip
Relax and have fun when you’re riding. Let your mind go, and keep tension away except for the working body parts — your legs.