Newsletter Issue No. 1057
Anti-Aging: Cardio? Strength? Both!
By Coach John Hughes
Two new large studies suggest a combination of regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training reduce the risk of premature mortality more than just cardio or just strength workouts. Read more.
Your Questions Answered: Pumps that Blowback; Gearing for Epic Climbs; Cabling Tips
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Several good technical questions were dropped in the comments to Techs Talks of the past few weeks. Here they are with my answers. Read more.
Topeak Hip Pack – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
New to the 2023 Topeak line is a well-designed hip pack, perfect for gravel riding, commuting, mountain biking, cx skiing, or hiking. The pack never moves, sitting firmly at the lower back and hips. I tested this bag while riding my MTB and gravel bikes as well as cx skiing – there was no bouncing or swaying even when fully loaded. Read more.
Improving Performance on Steep Climbs
QUESTION: I’m a strong climber with good endurance on long, gradual hills, even at the end of long rides. But as the climb steepens to 6% or more, I fall apart, especially if I stand. How come, and how can I get better? — Mel S.
Can you use Shimano rotors with SRAM brakes? (Or vice versa?)
QUESTION: Can you use Shimano rotors with SRAM disc brakes? I have hydraulic Force brakes on my road bike and I noticed that the Shimano rotors I was considering seem to cost a little less.
What is compact gearing on a road bike?
QUESTION: What is compact gearing on a road bike, and why might I want it? Many of the bikes I am looking at say they have a compact crankset. —George R.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: In road bike gearing, compact refers to a two-chainring chainset (the chainrings and the crank arms that turn them) where the rings are smaller than those found on the “standard” size chainsets. Read more.
Anti-Aging E-Book
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process, by Coach John Hughes, describes in detail different resistance exercise programs depending on your goal(s): 1) increase endurance, 2) address atrophy and increase power, 3) improve for hard riding, 4) build stronger bones. He includes 30 illustrated exercises for lower, upper and core muscles, which require very little special equipment and explains how to combine resistance exercise with endurance and intensity training, which varies by season. Hughes provides flexibility, balance and weight-bearing exercise programs.
Question of the Week
What’s the max you’ve spent on a bicycle? (road or gravel, NOT ebike)
Cool Stuff to Read
Cycling Weekly: What it’s like to ride through London’s super sewer
Bike Snob: Sometimes A Bike Is Just A Bike
Daily Herald: Fourth annual International Women’s Day Bike Ride
Bicycle Retail: State of Retail: How have you been affected by the glut of product currently in the market?
Most Clicked Last Week
Anti-Aging: Exercise Like Carl, Not Like Coach Hughes
End Notes
