Newsletter Issue No. 1169
April 17, 2025
5 of the Most Promising New Products from the Taiwan and Sea Otter Bike Shows
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
This time of year lots of new products are debuted at two large shows, the Taipei Cycle Show, which took place March 26 to 29th in Taiwan, and the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, which was last week, from April 9 to 13. Our own Sheri Rosenbaum flew out to cover the Sea Otter, so watch for her reports. Read more.
2025 Sea Otter Finds – Day 1
By Sheri Rosenbaum
It was great to see so much excitement within the cycling industry at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, There were so many brands launching new helmets with the focus on safety, cooling, and aerodynamics. Sustainability was also a focus, with brands not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. I lost count of the number of brands launching ePumps, hopefully making CO2 cartridges a thing of the past. Read more.
Randonneuring Rookie: Tales From the Long Road
By Sheri Rosenbaum
With origins in late 19th century France, Randonneuring grew out of interest in touring the countryside by bicycle. It is a long-distance cycling sport where riders attempt courses of 100K with options of 200K+, passing through predetermined “controls” (checkpoints). Riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits and receive equal recognition regardless of their finishing order. Riders may travel in groups or alone and are expected to be self-sufficient between controls. Randonneuring events can be ridden on paved, gravel, or mixed surfaces. Randonneurs USA (RUSA), the national body that sanctions randonneuring in the US, introduced a new gravel program in 2022. Read more.
What If My Training Zones Are Too Hard?
QUESTION: I calculate training zones by percent of max heart rate. I’ve started a new program, and I’m not sure how much longer I can endure the daily pain.
For instance, I’m doing 20-minute intervals at 90-93% of max heart rate. That’s higher than I time trial in competition. So I’m wondering if my training zones are calculated incorrectly. Help! — Tom M. Read more.
Premiere Night for Lael’s Ride Around the World Film
By Sheri Rosenbaum
One of the highlights at Sea Otter 2025 was the sold out premiere of Lael Wilcox’s Ride Around the World documentary. Thursday night SRAM hosted a crowd of over 100 people for the screening. Monterey, CA was the first stop in a multi-city tour happening around the world over the next few weeks. Read more.
Does washing my rain jacket hurt its water-shedding ability?
QUESTION: I recently bought a rain jacket for cycling, which I also wear as a windbreaker, but it’s a bright neon yellow color and it’s already looking dirty. I haven’t wanted to wash it so as to keep it water repellent, but a fellow rider tells me that washing it won’t hurt its ability to shed rain. Can that be right? —Neil S.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Your friend is right to a point. It is important to wash your rain jacket periodically because sweat and oil from your skin deteriorates the breathable waterproof membrane and dirt can clog zippers and cause them to wear out. However, over several washings the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish on the outside of the garment diminishes. Fortunately, the DWR finish can be restored by means of a spray. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you carry food and energy drinks on your rides?
Other Cool Things to Read
IDL: Dead last in Roubaix! Nearly an hour behind van der Poel in Roubaix: “Not risking my life for this”
Cycling Weekly: The thing that bothers me most when I look back at old school training
Brujula Bike: What will be the widest tire in Paris-Roubaix?
Most Clicked Last Week
Why Do Rob’s Tubeless Tires Lose Air?
End Notes
