Newsletter Issue No. 994
December 9, 2021
9 Tips for Eating and Drinking During Winter Bicycle Rides
By Coach John Hughes
We have snow in the mountains! I live in Boulder, Colorado, and I love long cross-country ski outings. I also enjoy riding outdoors even when the temps are in the 20s. How do I keep fueled? First, I know my nutrition requirements. Read more.
Follow-Up on Star Nuts in Carbon Forks and A Cool Tool Tip
By Jim Langley
Thanks to information provided by helpful readers “JPeterO,” “Chris” and Stephen Turk, I believe I have a little more to add to my answer to the question about older Cannondale carbon forks asked last week. If you missed that story, here it is: Star Nuts and Full Carbon Forks? NO! Read more.
Interview with John Cobb, Cycling Wind Tunnel Innovator
By Kevin Kolodziejski
In case you don’t know, John Cobb is the first guy to take a bicycle into a wind tunnel. As he informed me, “There were no Cliff Notes on how to do stuff [with bikes] in a wind tunnel in 1984.” Or power meters. (Cobb started testing SRM-equipped bikes in 1988 and “could really start doing stuff” then.) “And there was no internet to help get the findings out to the racers.” Read more.
GORE Socks and Base Layer Review
By Rick Schultz
GOREWEAR sent me some clothing to try out. Similar to models as last year but improved materials.
As always, GORE clothing is top quality and works as intended. Following are the first three items sent and tested. Read more.
Delta HexAir Saddle Cover Review
By Stan Purdum
If you’re like me, you may have tried a padded bicycle saddle cover at some point — only to eventually discard it in disgust. They slide around on the saddle, get lumpy where the foam compresses under your butt and make you feel like you’ve taken a dump in your shorts. And gel-filled covers aren’t much better because eventually, your body weight shoves the gel aside. Read more.
Quick Tip: Take a Wind Bearing with a Compass!
By Greg Conderacci
For weeks now, we’ve been telling you about the benefits of dorkiness.
In Part I, we explored screening your helmet; in Part II, we messed with your handlebars; in Part III, we reflectorized your machine; in Part IV, we prepped you for flats; in Part V, we praised electrical tape; and in Part VI, we recommended kinesiology tape for sore knees; and in Part VII, we raised your aerobars; and in Part VIII, we swore off black jerseys and in Part IX, we turned on a blinking headlight ; in Part X, we added a bell; in Part XI, we mounted a speedometer next to your GPS.
Today, we revisit one of the dorkiest tips ever: a compass on your handlebars. I’ve extolled the virtues of this ancient device before. Of course, your GPS will tell you where north is (and every other direction). Read more.
GOREWEAR Fall / Winter Gear Roundup
By Sheri Rosenbaum
You wouldn’t know there was a supply chain issue when a box from the GOREWEAR rep landed on my porch containing an array of gear ideal for fall, winter, and even cool spring rides. The pieces listed below are unisex unless I’ve noted specific men’s and women’s sizing. During testing, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of each item and prices that won’t break the bank. Read more.
What Are Watts?
By Martin Sigrist
Takeaway: Power rules when it comes to cycling performance. This article will be the first in an occasional series that will take a deep dive into exactly what watts are and how they can be improved through training. It explains what power is and how smarter workouts, using stacking, can increase efficiency giving “free” power. Read more.
Eating & Drinking Like the Pros
For recipes for homemade sports drink, gels and bars and other ideas see the eArticle Eating and Drinking Like the Pros. Coach Hughes worked with a professor of nutrition and an expert on hydration and electrolytes (both experts are cyclists) in creating recipes for both sports drinks and food. They’re easy to make, with known, unprocessed ingredients, and can be tailored to your specific taste and needs.
Question of the Week
When it’s very cold, which body part gives you the most trouble riding?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Cycling Tips: How to Build the Perfect Pain Cave
Canadian Cycling: The difference between good pain and bad pain
VeloNews: Technical FAQ: Tire mounting tips
Peaks Coaching: Why is my indoor power lower?
End Note
This is really a question. Do you know of a cycling vest that is extra long? My husband has purchased many vests and none of them come down in the back far enough to cover his jersey.
Thanks for any help!
susan moore