Newsletter Issue No. 1111
March 7, 2024
Should You Be Afraid Of Hookless Rim Wheels?
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
We’ll get to the main topic in a minute. First, I want to point out a few more tips about chain cleaning and waxing from last week’s comments since waxing is such a popular practice. We spent the last couple of Tech Talks on it actually. Read more.
Polartec Technical Fabrics: 4 Different Cycling Pieces Reviewed
By Brandon Bilyeu
Polartec’s new Power Shield is a waterproof and breathable membrane that is manufactured without the use of PFAS chemicals. According to the US EPA, we don’t yet fully understand how harmful PFAS are to humans and the environment, but the consensus is they are not good. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that last nearly forever and can now be found everywhere including in food and human blood. Further studies are needed, but PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects. Read more.
Garmin HRM-FIT Women’s Heart Rate Monitor
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Garmin introduced the HRM-FIT women’s heart rate monitor strap in early 2024. What sets it apart is its design specifically for women. Instead of a full strap, it’s half a strap that attaches to a sports bra. This is an excellent option for those who dislike wearing a full strap. Read more.
Why is it important to know my cadence while cycling?
QUESTION: I’m relatively new to cycling, and I just bought my first bike computer. One function it has is “cadence.” I understand that’s a measurement of how many times I turn the crank per minute, but why is it important to know that while I’m riding? —Dan H.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Even though the bike I had when I was a beginning rider had several gears, I didn’t do much shifting while riding unless I was climbing a hill, when I worked my way down to lower gears. I enjoyed cycling, but on longer rides, I found myself tiring more quickly than did my more experienced friends. Read more.
How Can I Protect My Neck Cycling?
QUESTION: I’m a 67 year old cyclist, primarily road/gravel though I love the occasional fling downhill through the woods on my mountain bike.
I fell off a high ladder in mid-December and fractured 5 cervical vertebrae. I’m in a neck brace for the next month or so. I had 2 vastly different neurosurgical opinions. The first advised a neck fusion. The other (a cyclist) said he did not think surgery was advised! I’m going with the latter. Currently I’m doing a lot of walking (5-10 miles/day), and riding the trainer, trying to rebuild the fitness I’ve lost. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you wear a heart rate monitor when you ride?
Other Cool Things to Read
WABE.org: The ‘Atlanta Magnet Man’ is saving our tires, one bike ride at a time
Cycling Weekly: Visma-Lease a Bike’s new Giro helmets take aero to ridiculous level
Road.cc: Is there a difference between road and mountain bike saddles?
Most Clicked Last Week
Game-Changing New-Chain Cleaner & Waxer From Silca
End Notes
