Newsletter Issue No. 1153
December 26, 2024
Even More Chain Measuring Tools
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Thanks to the excellent comments to last week’s column on our look at Park Tool’s CC-4.2 Chain Checker tool, I thought it would be helpful to list and show the chain checkers that you helpful readers recommended. Read more.
New Velocio Riding Pack – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Earlier this month, Velocio, known for high-quality cycling clothing, announced its first venture into the biking bag category. The company states that its new Riding Pack and Duffle is their design; it’s not a 3rd party bag with the Velocio logo slapped on. Read more.
Pearl Izumi Men’s PRO Winter Jacket and Expedition PRO Alpha Jacket
By Brandon Bilyeu
The PRO Winter Jacket uses strategic multi-panel construction to keep you warm and dry on cold, wet days. The chest and upper arms are made with a waterproof softshell to keep the water out and the inside of the softshell is lined with a midweight fleece for extra insulation. The back, waist, and underarms are made with a fleece fabric that is breathable and water resistant thanks to PI Dry technology. Read more.
Quick Tip: Duck into a “Warming Hut” on Cold Bike Rides!
If it’s so cold in your area that riding borders on dangerous, you can still get out on the road for safe workouts.
Simply adopt a skier’s trick and stop in “warming huts” to combat the chill.
The warming hut can be your house. Use a route that begins at your doorstep and takes 30-45 minutes to ride. If temperatures are low, you’ll be chilled by then no matter what you’re wearing. Read more.
Strengthen Bones with Weight Training
By Gabe Mirkin, MD
Your bones weaken progressively after age 30, and between ages 35 and 50, about 28 percent of North American men and women suffer from bone weakening called osteopenia. By age 65, 25 percent of women and six percent of men are at high risk for breaking their hips or spine with minor falls. Just one year of lifting weights can strengthen the bones enough to help protect people from these fractures. Read more.
Is “taking the lane” a dangerous cycling technique?
QUESTION: I’m fairly new to road cycling, and I have been told by fellow riders that on roads heavy with traffic, I should “take the lane” instead of staying near the curb. But the one time I tried it, I had drivers blasting their horns at me, and one gave me the finger when he finally got to pass. How can pissing drivers off possibly make me safer on the road? —Bill T. Read more.
Question of the Week
When it’s very cold, which body part gives you the worst trouble on rides?
Other Cool Things to Read
Gran Fondo: Titanium ≠ Titanium – What makes it so special?
CyclingUpToDate: In my team, no one will use Carbon Monoxide.
CyclingNews: ‘In cycling, you can just buy success‘ – Jonathan Vaughters
Athletechnews.com: Strava Fitness Report Highlights Trends Around Social Workouts, Recovery & Gear
Cycling Weekly: Gravel cyclists aren’t all the same: a guide to the climbers, punchers and all-rounders
Most Clicked Last Week
Park Tool’s CC-4.2 Chain Checker
End Notes
