Newsletter Issue No. 1122

May 23, 2024

Car Rack Tips Part 2

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

So many of you commented on last week’s car racks story (thanks!), that I was reminded of another rack product I meant to mention. Plus, I spotted an unusual racking job the other day and want to share the photo and ask if you agree with my critique. So let’s keep the rack and traveling with bikes theme going. Read more.

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Presenting All the Pieces of the Protein Puzzle

By Kevin Kolodziejski 

My best racing buddy — and certainly the best racing mentor anyone could ever ask for — once won a crit by at least three bike lengths in a four-up sprint from an early breakaway that was never more than 15 or 20 seconds ahead of the chase group.  While I did what I could to slow that chase, it was an absolutely awe-inspiring performance to watch. Read more.

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Sustainable Water Bottle Options

By Sheri Rosenbaum

One of the major environmental concerns is the staggering amount of plastic bottles that end up in the ocean. It is estimated that over 8 million metric tons of plastic bottles are in the sea, causing significant harm to marine life and ecosystems. Read more.

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Quick Tip: Figure Out if You Climb Faster Seated or Standing

Good climbers are equally comfortable in the saddle or out. But lots of riders don’t know which technique really suits them better.

Find out by timing yourself on a favorite climb while monitoring your heart rate and perceived exertion. Read more.

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How can I tell when I need new tires on my road bike?

QUESTION: How can I tell when I need new tires on my road bike? High end tires like the Continentals or Michelins that I prefer have gotten expensive, so I don’t want to waste money by changing them out too soon. I don’t want to end up in a dangerous situation either though. When should I change them? —Jon H.

RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: If you are looking for a rule of thumb, some cyclists routinely install new tires every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, changing the rear tire nearer the 2,000-mile mark, since rear tires are the “drive” tires and bear more of the rider’s weight than the front tires, and thus wear out more quickly than the front ones. Read more.

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Question of the Week

Have you had your bike stolen in the last 10 years?

Other Cool Things to Read

NPR: Like to bike? Your knees will thank you and you may live longer, too
Road.cc: Kona Bicycles bought back by founders
Cycling Weekly: Ask a Coach: I hate VO2 max sessions – how can I make them bearable?
AP: Bike shops boomed early in the pandemic. It’s been a bumpy ride for most ever since

Most Clicked Last Week

Tech Q & A: Rick’s Car Bike Rack Questions

End Notes