Newsletter Issue No. 1067

May 4, 2023

Anti-Aging: How to Come Back After Surgery or Illness

By Coach John Hughes

RBR Reader Rob T. asks, “I was recently knocked off my bike by a driver going 55mph on a county road in Illinois that had no shoulder. Fortunately, no major damage to me or my bike or my two artificial hips, but I did fracture my greater trochanter bone in my left hip. I’ll be on crutches for the next two months and am allowed to put only 20-30 pounds of pressure on my left leg. I am concerned that I am going to lose all the conditioning I built up over the winter and early spring. I am wondering if you have any suggestions, or do I just suck it up and start at square one come mid-June? FWIW, I am 68 years old.” Read more.


Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

Welcome to part 2 of our Sea Otter Classic coverage. If you’re wondering what sea otters have to do with two wheelers and those who ride them, be sure to backpedal to last week for the first story and more sweet products. Read more.


Ibex Shak vest and Lizzi Tights – Quick Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Ibex is known for their quality Merino wool gear that is perfect for all types of cycling weather ― mud, rain, sun, and snow. The benefit of Merino is its durability, moisture management capabilities, antimicrobial properties, and ability to regulate temperature. Recently Ibex launched several new pieces to their line, and I chose to test two. Read more.


Both Lifting Weights and Exercising Intensely Help to Prolong Lives

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Scientific studies firmly establish that a regular exercise program can help to prolong your life. Recent studies show that older adults who lift weights are up to 22 percent less likely to die from any cause, heart attacks or cancer than people who do not lift weights. Those who both lift weights and participate in an aerobic exercise program had the lowest death risk of all. Read more.


Gnarly Sports Nutrition Hydrate – Salted Margarita Hydrate Limited Edition Flavor – Quick Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Gnarly surveyed around 500 customers to determine their new flavors, with Salted Margarita and Lemonade emerging as the top contenders. So on May 1st, Gnarly launched them as their two new Hydrate drink mix limited edition flavors. Hmmm, I’d have waited one day and promoted the Salted Margarita as the perfect hydration mix for a spirited Taco Tuesday group ride. Read more.


When Should I Replace My Bicycle Helmet?

It’s often recommended that a helmet worn frequently should be replaced every 3 years or so. The reason is that the foam degrades due to sun, heat, salty sweat and other environmental factors, added to the usual knocks of regular cycling activity.
Read more.


Should Stops Count with Riding Time?

QUESTION: As an aspiring randonneur, I’ve always counted ride time from start to finish and included time off the bike. What’s the correct way to do it? — Manny R.

RBR Replies: Good question! For training diary purposes, I count only the time the wheels are actually turning. Read more.


Fulcrum Unveils Redesigned Speed 42 and 57 Wheels – No Tape Required to Run Tubeless!

news

By Lars Hundley

Italian wheel manufacturer Fulcrum, has revealed their latest redesigned Speed 42 and 57 bicycle wheels. The development process reportedly included over 4,000 hours of testing in wind tunnels, laboratories, and open-road conditions. The result, according to Fulcrum, is an improved product in terms of aerodynamics, rolling resistance, lightness, and handling. The Speed 42 wheelset has a claimed weight of 1,410 grams, and the Speed 57 tips the scale at a claimed 1,495 grams. Read more.


VTUVIA Reindeer Step-Through 750w Ebike Review

By Lars Hundley

I’ve never owned a fat bike, so I was interested when VTUVIA contacted me about reviewing their Reindeer fat ebike model. Turns out that the giant fat tires really do give you a lot of rubber on the road and grip like people have told me. And at the same time you also get more comfort because of the additional air volume in the tires, which makes it a lot of fun to ride. Read more.


Cycling Past 60 Bundle

In this 2-article series, Cycling Past 60 Bundle,  Coach John Hughes shares his personal insight and the current research into how the human body ages, especially past age 60.

Part 1 For Health Hughes discusses the physiological changes of aging and give you comprehensive fitness programs that address these changes:

  1. Training principles
  2. Aerobic exercise
  3. Resistance training
  4. Weight-bearing exercise
  5. Flexibility

Hughes combines these into three balanced, full-body exercise programs for different seasons:

  1. Off-season
  2. Base training
  3. Main season

Part 2 For Recreation Hughes covers training fundamentals and add four new training principles. He explains how to gauge intensity and describe 10 different types of rides of different intensities and provides three balanced, full-body exercise programs for the off-season, base training and the main season.

Learn more.


Question of the Week

Do you keep track of your rides?

Cool Stuff to Read

YouTube: Coach Schultz talks bikes and bearings.
Cycling.today: Tour de Bretagne stage cancelled after 90% of the peloton crashes
Denver Post: The Pro’s Closet in Louisville is like a Willy Wonka factory for bikes
GCN YouTube: Can I Survive A Road Race On A Gravel Bike?
Road.cc: Prepare yourself for the wildest aero design you’ve ever seen
Road.cc: Grandmother, 84, sets off on 1,000-mile ride to remember her late children

Most Clicked Last Week

Ask the Coach: Losing Fitness in your 60s

End Notes

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