Newsletter Issue No. 1131

July 25, 2024

Do “1X” (1-by) Drivetrains Speed Chain Wear?

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

This week I’m responding to what I find an interesting comment to last week’s article: Abbey Bike Tools’ L.L. Chain Wear Tool. It’s from a reader with the pen name “Freddy” who stated something as fact, that I believe is open for debate, consideration, maybe skepticism. Read more.

Leah Goldstein’s 2024 Trans Am Race: Lessons, Challenges, and Triumphs

By Sheri Rosenbaum

In March, I chatted with Leah Goldstein about her 2021 Ride Across America (RAAM) win and asked about her bucket list (read the interview here). She alluded to the Trans Am race but didn’t let on that plans were already in the works. Read more.

How often should I replace my helmet?

QUESTION: I’ve had my helmet for about four years now and haven’t crashed. It looks fine, but I’ve heard conflicting advice about replacement. How often should I really be replacing my helmet? —Emma G.

RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Aside from the universal recommendation from experts that you should replace your helmet after a crash, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how often you should swap out your brain bucket for a new one. If the helmet is cracked in the crash, the need for replacement will be obvious, but even without visible cracking, the inside foam may be depressed or damaged in ways that are not easily seen. Read more.

Jelenew Quick-Release Zipped Bib Shorts Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Over the years, I’ve tested countless pairs of women’s bibs designed to make nature breaks quick and easy. Some designs work better than others. Well, Jelenew’s new Quick-Release Zippered bib shorts work the best. Read more.

Don’t Like Intervals? Try Attacking Hills Instead

Let’s face it: for many cyclists, the word “intervals” ranks right up there with “root canal” in terms of appeal. But what if I told you there’s a way to reap the benefits of interval training without the mental anguish of watching your bike computer tick down the seconds?

Enter hill attacks. They’re intervals in disguise, cleverly masked as a natural part of your ride. After all, you have to climb those hills anyway, so why not make them work for you? Read more.

Exercise Helps to Treat Insulin Resistance in Diabetics

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Up to 70 percent of North American adults will develop diabetes or pre-diabetes, usually from insulin resistance caused by excess fat in the liver and muscles. Exercise helps to empty fat from the liver and muscles, so exercise helps both to prevent and to treat diabetes. A study of 6,718 diabetics, average age 58, followed from 4-96 weeks, found that exercise reduced HBA1c (a blood test that measures cell damage from high blood sugar levels). Read more.

Question of the Week

Do you own any 1X bikes?

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New Product News: Abbey Bike Tools’ L.L. Chain Wear Tool

Newsletter Issue No. 1131

Do “1X” (1-by) Drivetrains Speed Chain Wear?