Newsletter Issue No. 1121
May 16, 2024
Tech Q & A: Rick’s Car Bike Rack Questions
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
My friend Rick sent in the following question about a car bike rack (below). As summer is rapidly approaching, which is when you might be traveling to ride somewhere new too, I offer a few tips for Rick that might help you safely transport your bikes as well. Read more.
Velocio Gear Roundup
By Sheri Rosenbaum
The latest addition to Velocio’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection: a fresh colorway for their Ultralight and Utility bib shorts, designed for men and women. I was excited to try them out for the first time, and they didn’t disappoint. I paired them with a Luxe Sports Bra, ensuring ultimate comfort and performance during my indoor trainer rides and outdoor adventures. Read more.
De Soto Sport Skin Cooler Jersey and 400-Mile Bib Short
By Brandon Bilyeu & Sheri Rosenbaum
De Soto Sport is based in San Diego and was founded in 1990 by former pro triathlete Emilio De Soto II. De Soto Sport’s range covers everything for triathlons from wetsuits, to cycling and running kit. They make gear for both men and women, and almost all of their products are made in the USA by De Soto employees. Read more.
Being Physically Active in the Evening May Prolong Your Life
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Moving about in the evening is associated with lower risk for heart disease and death in obese adults, compared to being physically active in the morning or afternoon (Diabetes Care, May 2024;47(5):890-897). Evening activity was associated with lower incidence of eye, kidney or nerve damage in those who were also diabetic in addition to being obese. The study included 29,836 obese adults, average age 62, including 2995 who also suffered from diabetes. Read more.
Long Term Follow Up: SPY+ Czar Sunglasses
By Rick Schultz
Several issues ago I tested and reviewed the SPY+ Czar Sunglasses.
Now that I have worn them on several bike rides (and car drives), here are a few things that stand out. Read more.
What’s the advantage of a bike rack over just putting the bike in the back of my car?
QUESTION: What’s the advantage of a bike rack? I have a Subaru Outback and I usually just put the seats down and put the entire bike in the back. I don’t even have to take the wheels off. But every time I go to a big event, everyone has all these super fancy roof racks and rear hitch racks. —Sam D.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: The main advantage of racks is for those whose vehicles don’t have as much interior room as your Outback, or who transport other riders with them and thus have to accommodate two or more bikes. But there are reasons that even some solo riders with roomy cars still choose to use a rack. Read more.
How Should I Warm Up in the Rain for an Event?
Question: How should I warm up for a time trial on a rainy day? I don’t want to get my trainer drenched, so in the past I’ve waited until 20 minutes before the start, gritted my teeth and ridden some short, hard efforts. That hasn’t worked very well. What’s the best way? — Bill S.
RBR Replies: The standard approach on a rainy day is to use a trainer under a tarp or awning. Teams usually have a collapsible awning that they pitch next to their bus or RV for this purpose. Read more.
Quick Tip: Work on Your Spin While Climbing
Spinning a low gear on downhills is often recommended as a good way to develop a smooth stroke at high cadence. However, an alternate approach that can be even more effective is working on your spin while riding gentle climbs. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you use a bike rack on your vehicle?
Other Cool Things to Read
Cycling Weekly: Non-cyclists think there’s something wrong with us
Ars Technica: Forget aerobars: Ars tries out an entire aerobike
New Atlas: ‘Underwater bicycle’ propels swimmers forward at superhuman speed
LVsportsbiz.com: Is Bicycle Trade Show Interbike Returning To Las Vegas?
Most Clicked Last Week
Continental Joins the Trend, Adds TPU Bicycle Tubes
End Notes
