Newsletter Issue No. 1002

February 3, 2022

Anti-Aging: Interval Training Increases Longevity

By Coach John Hughes

Multiple studies describe the benefits of intensity training for older adults. This column describes the research and benefits. A future column will describe how to do intensity training and have sample workouts. Read more.


Evolution of Bicycles Morph/Animation

By Jim Langley

About four years ago, we did a Q&A with Josh Matthew of Power Meter City, an online business specializing in Power Meters. That story was titled Why Use a Power Meter? It’s still a helpful primer for anyone considering adding a power meter to their bike. Here’s a link in case that’s you: Why Use a Power Meter? Read more.


Quick Tip: Using Your CO2 Cartridge on a Ride

CO2 cartridges can be a quick and convenient way to get back on the road after a flat, but there are a few things to look out for to make sure you don’t accidentally get stranded.

Read more.


Power Terminology Explained: CTL The Most Important Training Number?

By Martin Sigrist

Takeaway: CTL = Chronic Training Load and is a simple rolling average of the last 7 weeks training that tells you, precisely, how fit you are. It is the most important number in training as if you can raise it and still show signs of improvement you will maximise your chances of reaching your potential. Read more.


A Way to Make Winter Weight Gain Work for You

By Kevin Kolodziejski

You’re about to read why gaining some weight in the winter might not be the worst thing in the world for your cycling come summer. What comes first, though, is a confession that doesn’t exactly constitute a news flash — especially if you happened to glance at my byline. Read more.


Is Riding an Ebike Cheating?

By Stan Purdum

QUESTION: I’ve been thinking about getting an ebike, but my cycling friends and even some nonriders say that using an ebike is “cheating.” Is that actually the case?

Read more.


Quick Tip: Options for Shorter Cranks

By Rick Schultz

The more research that I do for my bike fit clients, the more that points to starting a bike fit with the correct length crank arms. Read more.


Garneau Orak Jacket Review– Men’s and Women’s Versions

By Sheri Rosenbaum

When spending a lot of money on a quality winter jacket, it’s essential to be able to use it for various activities. For example, the new Garneau Orak jacket can take you from a Nordic CX skiing adventure to a snowy fat bike ride or run. This jacket has a warm, breathable outer layer with thoughtful design features. Read more.


Tub O’ Towels Cleaning Wipes Review

By Lars Hundley

I first discovered this product at a booth at the final Interbike show in 2018. There was a guy from Tub O’ Towels demonstrating the product, and his demonstration to me was that he made mark on my hand with a Sharpie permanent marker. He waited a little bit to make sure the mark was dry, and then he handed me a towel. I was surprised to see the mark come right off. Better yet, the towel did not stink like chemicals or burn my skin. It was more like a baby wipe, except with a rougher surface so that you could scrub with it. The size is about the same as a square of paper towel. Read more.


Anti-Aging E-Book 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process

Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process, by Coach John Hughes, includes chapters on how to meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations on aerobic, high intensity aerobic, strength training, weight-bearing exercises, balance and flexibility. Hughes includes sample weeks and months for different types and amounts of exercise and gives you plans to build up to 100 km and 100-mile rides. Hughes includes a plan to increase over two years your annual riding from around 4,000 miles (6,500 km) to over 5,000 miles (8,000 km) a year. You can easily modify the plans for different annual amounts of riding. Learn the importance of recovery and how to gauge if you are getting enough recovery. Hughes combines the different kinds of training into programs that balance training and recovery.

Learn more.


Question of the Week

How often do you clean your chain?

Cool Stuff to Read

DC Rainmaker: Is Zwift About to Acquire TrainerRoad?
Cycling Weekly: Roads are ‘more of a jungle than a proper training environment‘
Bicycle Retailer: Specialized to add consumer-direct sales on Feb. 1
The Sun: Simon Cowell has his SECOND major ebike crash, breaks arm.
Outside: What It Takes to Run a Sub-Four-Minute Mile for 20 Years Straight

End Note

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