Newsletter Issue No. 1149

November 28, 2024

Can You Help Steve With His Condition?

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

A longtime reader and frequent contributor named Stephen Weeks reached out for some help with a recent health issue. Steve is a dedicated cyclist and also a dentist. He asked if I could share this with you and asked for your input. Read more.

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Don’t Get Stuck in the Gray Zone

By Lars Hundley

A funny thing happens when you spend a lot of time riding a bike: you start to think that every ride has to feel like work. It’s a common trap, and it’s called the gray zone. You’re riding hard enough to feel like you’re putting in effort, but not hard enough to see real gains. It’s not an endurance building pace, and it’s not the focused intensity that boosts power or speed. It’s somewhere in between — and spending too much time there can stall your progress. Read more.

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Velocio 2024 Cold Weather Gear Roundup for Men and Women

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Velocio’s product managers developed an outstanding new product line for Fall/Winter cycling. Last month, Brandon reviewed the Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight, awarding it a 4.5-star rating. I received six items to test, which took me longer to evaluate thoroughly. Read more.

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Rudy Project Astral X Review

By Brandon Bilyeu

A while back Sheri reviewed the Rudy Project Astral sunglasses and since then Rudy Project has released a bigger version of the Astral, called the Astral X. For the Astral X the lens height and width has grown so that now users can pick the temple width and lens height that best fits their face size. The Astral X is 3mm (0.12 inch) wider at the temples and the lens is 5mm (0.2 inch) taller. Read more.

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How old is too old to keep cycling?

QUESTION: My husband, age 83, has been bicycling for at least 50 years, and he’s ridden well more than 100,000 miles. But he’s now recovering from falling off his bike — and not for the first time. He says he plans to keep riding, but I’m worried. Isn’t he too old to keep riding? —Martha R. Read more.

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How do I move on after a big DNF?

QUESTION: I recently attempted a 100-mile gravel grinder and had to drop out halfway. I’ve done plenty of century rides on the road before and thought I was ready, but the event was much harder and took much longer than I anticipated. I’m disappointed in myself for quitting and feel like I let myself down. How can I get over this, and should I try again? – Jason R. Read more.

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Question of the Week

Have you had any disappointing cycling DNFs (did not finish)?

Other Cool Things to Read

CNN: Being aerobically fit in middle age may reduce Alzheimer’s and dementia risk, study says
Cycling Weekly: ‘Knowing the course in a virtual race is maybe even more important than in road racing‘
Canadian Cycling: When salt attacks! Winter riders, protect your bike against this vicious substance
YouTube: The World’s Fittest 102-Year Old: Doing This Every Day Will Extend Your Life

Most Clicked Last Week

How can I keep my bike-handling skills and balance from deteriorating as I age?

End Notes