Newsletter Issue No. 1007

March 10, 2022

Anti-Aging: More on Threshold, Sweet Spot and High Intensity (HIT)

By Coach John Hughes

I’ve written two related columns on how hard exercise increases longevity: Anti-Aging: Interval Training Increases Longevity and Anti-Aging: Interval or Fartlek for Longevity?

RBR reader Glen asks a good follow up question, “Can you explain the differences between threshold, sweet spot, and high intensity training? Your eBook Performance Cycling Past 50 recommends sweet spot training for century training, and both sweet spot and threshold training for improving speed. Where does HIT fit in? Is the power program better for improving climbing than the century program?” Read more.

Road Tubeless Mystery Problems: Readers Follow-Up

By Jim Langley

Last week’s Tech Talk was about Seth’s road tubeless flat, what may have caused it and how to refresh/add sealant to tires. If you missed the story, here’s a link: Road Tubeless Safety Tip.

Today, we’re continuing the conversation because the comments that came in were evenly divided between tubeless-loving and hating roadies. We’re sharing a couple of good tubeless tips from the comments, pointing out some things about tubeless that are sometimes missed or misunderstood and sharing another tubeless flat mystery from a reader. Read more.

Mid-Foot Cycling PatroCleats Cleat Adapters Review

By Rick Schultz

Opening the ERGO3 (SHIMANO SPD-SL and LOOK cleats), I pulled out all of the parts and everything was very high quality, but, to my surprise, there was no supplied Allen wrench. Luckily, as a bike fitter I have numerous sets of metric Allen wrenches but there are those out there that will have to first figure out what size wrench to buy and where to buy it? I highly recommend that these kits come with a wrench. Read more.

Craft Icon Active Extreme X Crewneck Baselayer (Women’s) Quick Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

I’ve been wearing Craft long-sleeve baselayers with their waffle-knitted design for years. Slipping it on is like getting a warm hug. The garment immediately starts to capture body heat. Craft’s Active Extreme X is designed for high-intensity workouts. The no-bulk fabric and slim fit design make it ideal for layering, depending on the temperature outside. But even with the next-to-skin fit, the fabric stretches plenty without restricting movement so that you can be your best in any outdoor activity. Read more.

What is the essential difference between bikepacking and bike touring?

By Stan Purdum

QUESTION: What is the essential difference between bikepacking and bike touring? Don’t they just refer to equipment preferences? —Don L.

RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: The essential difference comes down to a good bit more than equipment. In fact, it’s possible — though not particularly efficient — to both bikepack and bike tour using the same equipment. Read more.

45NRTH Sturmfist 4 Leather Extreme Winter Cycling Gloves Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Keeping your hand warm seems a constant challenge if you ride in really cold conditions. When biking during Chicago winters, keeping hands and feet warm is constantly a challenge. Now with 45NRTH’s Sturmfist 4 leather gloves, your digits stay protected from the elements. Read more.

High Triglycerides Are a Major Risk Factor for Heart Attacks and Diabetes

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Having blood triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) puts you at increased risk for a heart attack, stroke, or heart valve disease, even if your blood cholesterol levels are normal. About 10 percent of North Americans suffer from high triglyceride levels. High triglycerides are often found in people who… Read more.

Cycling Past 50 Bundle

In this 4-article series , Cycling Past 50 Bundle, Coach John Hughes shares what you need to do as you age into your 50s and beyond – using cycling and other exercises – to increase your longevity and improve your enjoyment of life! These articles apply whether you are just taking up cycling and exercise or you’ve been a cyclist for years and intend never to stop.

Healthy Cycling Past 50 – what happens as we age and how to incorporate cycling and other exercise activities into our daily lives to stay healthy and active for many years.
Off-Season Conditioning Past 50 – how to best work on your off-season conditioning given the physiological changes of aging.
Healthy Nutrition Past 50 – what to eat and drink to support both a healthy lifestyle and continuing performance.
Performance Cycling Past 50 – how to train to achieve more specific cycling goals given the physiological changes of aging.

Learn more.

Are Drop Bars Better?

QUESTION: Are drop bars better? I want to start riding again, but I’m thinking about buying a flat bar hybrid bike instead because it seems easier and more comfortable. What do you think? – Thomas P

Question of the Week

Have you been bikepacking?

Cool Stuff to Read

VeloNews: Peter Sagan says there’s ‘no respect’ in peloton: ‘Everyone pees on everyone’
Road.cc: What’s the best way to set up your bike computer?
Bicycle Retailer: USA ebike sales surpass road bike sales
Colorado Sun: Colorado Classic throws “Hail Mary” for a title sponsor as pro bike racing falters in the U.S.