Newsletter Issue No. 1125
June 13, 2024
David’s Gearing Questions
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
How to optimize your gearing is always a popular topic since our needs vary based on our fitness, our age, the roads we ride and gear we carry. So I’d like to introduce you to a reader named David who we corresponded with this week. Please read his questions and our replies and if you have any suggestions, leave them in a comment. Read more.
Rudy Project Astral Sunglasses – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In an industry trying to use more sustainable materials, Rudy Project launched its new Astral sunglasses earlier this year, made from sustainable technology without sacrificing performance. The frames are made from Arkema’s Rilsan Clear, a bio-plastic derived from 45% castor oil sourced from certified farmers in Gujarat, India. This choice of material supports sustainable practices and ensures the frames’ durability and flexibility. Read more.
What Should I Eat Before Long Rides?
Question: I don’t have a problem with energy on my 90-minute weekday rides. But I bonk badly when going 75-100 miles on weekends. What should I eat for longer distances? — Pete T.
RBR Replies: It’s amazing how many calories we burn on long rides. A century can incinerate more than 4,000. Riders tend to underestimate how much food this represents. Read more.
Zwift Unveils “The Grade” – New Climbing Route with Built-In FTP Testing
By Lars Hundley
Zwift, the popular online cycling and running platform, is set to release its latest expansion, “The Grade,” in Watopia between June 11th and June 13th. This new climb, located on the west side of Watopia’s Southern Coast, will provide Zwifters with an alternative to the traditional FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test while offering a challenging and scenic route. Read more.
How Should I Shift for Hills?
Question: I have trouble shifting when I start a steep climb after a fast descent. I pedal hard as the hill begins, but when I shift to an easier gear, the chain grinds. Sometimes the shift from the big to the small chainring doesn’t even happen. How can I shift smoothly and not lose momentum? — Shelly K. Read more.
Knog Introduces Scout, a Discreet Under-Bottle Cage Bike Alarm and Tracker
Knog, a manufacturer of cycling accessories, has launched the Scout, a compact and lightweight device designed to provide advanced security for bicycles. The Scout combines an 85-decibel motion-sensitive audio alarm with Apple’s “Find My” app, enabling cyclists to deter theft and quickly locate their bikes if stolen. Read more.
Don’t Wait Until November: Cast a ‘No’ Vote for Ultraprocessed Foods Today
By Kevin Kolodziejski
It’s almost Father’s Day, and I already see them. By Labor Day, they’ll be everywhere — and annoying. By Columbus Day, I’ll be so sick of them that setting sail for a New World instead of riding in the old one will tempt me to no end. Especially after I check a calendar and realize the end to this incessant onslaught is still 23 days away. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you have trouble cycling in hot weather?
Other Cool Things to Read
Bike Radar: Is gravel racing saving the US cycling scene?
GCN: 5 reasons to love tubeless tires and 5 reasons to love inner tubes
Bicycle Retailer: Industry still struggling with record levels of inventory, plenty of pain to go around
Cycling Weekly: Bradley Wiggins declared bankrupt – reports
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What Tires Would You Recommend For Keith’s New Bikes?
End Notes
I don’t receive the weekly email each week. Some weeks I get and this week I didn’t.
Here is the setup I have been using for the last several years for loaded self-supported bicycle touring on my wife’s and my Seven Expat S. I am opposed to bar end shifters because I do not want to have to remove my hand from the handlebar to shift. It has performed flawlessly. Also, I use mechanical disk brakes since they will give me more braking power you will need with a loaded bicycle. I have heard of too many times people have blown tires while descending with rim brakes heating up.
If you think there would be a problem with using road shifters with mountain bike gearing rest assured that is not the case. Nowadays our touring is in Europe for months at a time and my philosophy is to stick with Shimano since that is generally the most available brand of components you will have access to in Europe in case you need replacement parts. You don’t want to use anything too out of the box. That applies in the US also. I have had visit bike shops in Europe to have minor issues fixed while touring in Europe but have never had anything that could not be resolved. The mechanics in European bike shops are amazing. The only time this gearing has come up short while touring is when the grade on the climb exceeds 13%. That probably has more to do with my age (73 )than the gearing.
I have had Campy components on my Litespeed road bike and I loved them. But I don’t think you will have much luck modifying their stuff to get lower gearing.
Shimano R8000 Ultegra 11 speed mechanical shifters, Shimano GRX FC RX600 11-46 Crankset, Shimano GRX RD RX 810 Long Cage Rear Derailleur w/clutch for 1X and 2X, Shimano GRX FD RX810 2X11 speed Braze-On Front Derailleur 50T Max Chainring, Shimano XT M8000 11 speed 11-42 cassette,Wolftooth Component Roadlink Direct Mount for Shimano R8000 /9100 Rear Derailleur when using Wide-Range cassettes, Shimano BB R60 Ultegra Left and Right Cups English, Shimano Chain CN-HG 701-11, Avid BB7 Road Mechanical Disk Brakes.