Newsletter Issue No. 1139

September 19, 2024

Discs Brakes On Tandems & A Reader’s Epic Story

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

In last week’s Tech Talk, I asked you to weigh in on a few recent thoughts I had on disc brakes on road bikes – and BOY, did you ever! So many comments came in that I’m still reading them. Thanks so much! Here’s a link to that story and the comments so that you can dig in if you missed it. Read more.


Chasing Lael Wilcox: Inspiring the Global Cycling Community

By Sheri Rosenbaum

I’ve only “met” Lael Wilcox once when she graciously agreed to be interviewed for my blog. I was struck by how remarkably humble, kind, driven, and friendly she was, not to mention an amazing ultra-endurance cyclist. Since that interview, I’ve been following her races and adventures. Read more.


Rudy Project Rebel Helmet

By Brandon Bilyeu

When it comes to selecting a helmet the first priority should be safety and the Rudy Project Rebel Helmet excels in this area by passing Rudy Project’s own internal Rotational Impact Test and also received a 5-star Virginia Tech Helmet rating. Interestingly, the Rebel gets a top rating even without the addition of a specific rotational impact safety system like MIPS. The Rebel uses a dual density design that strategically locates low and high-density EPS foam throughout the helmet to maximize safety while also keeping helmet weight down. There are also carbon fiber panels used to provide strong and light structural reinforcement that allow for bigger vents. Read more.


Will Cycling Up Hills in Big Gears Hurt My Knees?

Question: A friend tells me that I can improve my climbing power by riding a steep half-mile-long hill in the big ring at a slow cadence. Wouldn’t that ruin my knees? – Jerry S.

Read more.


Question of the Week

Which brand of bicycle helmet do you wear?

Other Cool Things to Read

Cycling Weekly: Does gravel riding pay off in cyclocross?
Off.Road.cc: Is Jespr’s cycling computer set to disrupt the market leaders?
Cycling Independent: Are my wheels too heavy?
BBC: American becomes fastest woman to cycle globe

Most Clicked Last Week

Do You “Need” Disc Brakes Now?

End Notes

Similar Posts

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1225

    May 21, 2026 A Demonstration of the Key Feature That Let The Wright Brothers’ Fly First Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Most people know that brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright were the first to invent an airplane that worked, changing the world in the process by revolutionizing transportation. What some people don’t know is that,…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 845

    January 17, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here.   Anti-Aging: You’re Only as Old as You Think by Coach John Hughes 83-year old Joe Shami, of Lafayette, CA climbed Mount Diablo last year for the 500th consecutive week. Diablo (3,849) is at sea level about 40 miles east of San Francisco, CA. Most…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1236

    August 6, 2026 Tech Q & A: Will Changing The Fork Ruin Jo’s Ride? Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley An interesting question arrived in last week’s mail from a cyclist named Nick who lives and rides in the New York area. It’s about bicycle forks and bike handling. Fork replacement isn’t a frequent repair…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 814

    June 14, 2018 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Touring by Race Bike and Credit Card By Doug and Kathy Kirk Bicycle touring, even touring on your own without support, doesn’t have to be on a heavy, slow, fully loaded touring bike. Touring by bicycle can be nearly as sublime as riding your lightweight…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 923

    July 23, 2020 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Ask the Coach: How Should a Beginning Cyclist Train? By Coach John Hughes Training stress + rest = training success When asked how to improve Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx put it simply, “Ride more!” Merckx was the most successful professional racer of all time. Merckx…