Newsletter Issue No. 946
December 31, 2020
Can I Bicycle in the Winter?
By Coach John Hughes
Will asks, “I started riding this year and really enjoy it. I’d like to keep riding this winter but a trainer sounds boring. Is it reasonable to keep riding outside?”
Coach Hughes: Take it from a Coloradoan. Yes you can ride outside and with proper gear you can enjoy it. Read more.
More Outside the Box Cycling Hacks
By Jim Langley
A few weeks back, retired engineer and South Carolinian roadie Will Haltiwanger asked if we could have a column featuring things that people have come up with for their cycling that are “a bit outside the box.” Read more.
GORE C3 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Thermo Jacket and C3 Thermo Bibtights+
By Brandon Bilyeu
The below reviewed kit comes from GORE’s C3 collection of cycling kit, but exactly what that means needs a little explanation. First, the “C” stands for cycling. GORE also makes “R” gear for runners, “X” gear for XC skiers, and “M” gear that is applicable to multiple sports. The number denotes the performance level and can be quickly described as follows. Read more.
Do I Have to Replace My Chain and Cassette at the Same Time?
QUESTION: It’s time to replace my chain. My Ultegra cassette has 10,000 miles on it, so should I replace it, too? Of course, the shop says to put on a new cassette. They say worn cogs will wear out a new chain quickly. The teeth have no visible wear, but I want the drivetrain to function as efficiently as possible. What to do? — Bill M. Read more.
How Do I Prevent Freezing Feet on Cold Winter Bike Rides?
Lots of great reader feedback on cold hands, so let’s go over cold feet next. Got any solutions not covered here?
QUESTION: I’ve tried every trick imaginable to keep my feet warm during cold-weather rides — larger shoes with 2 pairs of socks, battery-powered socks, spray antiperspirant to reduce sweating, plastic bags to cut wind. But no luck. My frozen feet are always the limiting factor in winter riding. Any tips? — Judy D. Read more.
No Evidence Cycling Weakens Bones
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
No data exists in the scientific literature showing that any type of exercise weakens bones. Bone growth depends on the forces exerted on them by gravity and contracting muscles. So any activity or exercise that causes you to contract your muscles will strengthen bones. Read more.
Productive Off-Season Training for Health and Recreational Riders
Don’t take the off-season literally. Instead, think of it as your pre-season. Productive Off-Season Training for Health and Recreational Riders has two 12-week programs for:
- Healthy Riders, which includes a weekly program of aerobic exercise, strength training you can do at home and stretching. The 12-week program starts at four to six total hours a week and over 12 weeks builds to 5:15 – 7:15 hours a week. Cross training, indoor cycling, core strength training and stretching are also explained.
- Recreational Riders adds intensity training and training drills to the weekly program of aerobic exercise, strength and stretching. This 12-week program also starts at about four to six total hours a week. It has more volume and over 12 weeks builds to 7 – 10 hours a week. Cross training, indoor cycling, core strength training and stretching are explained.
Question of the Week
How did your cycling mileage end up for 2020?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Outside: They Went Out for a Bike Ride. They Never Came Home.
VeloNews: Indoor cycling saddle woes
NY Times: When the Weather Outside Is Frightful, Here’s How to Stay Warm
End Note
Want to stay warmer when it’s cold out? Ride a slow bike. An old commuter bike or a hybrid, mountain or fat bike on the road takes more effort to pedal, which helps keep you warm. And the slower speeds mean less windchill. Even though you’re riding at a slower speed, you’ll still get a great workout.