Newsletter Issue No. 1201

November 27, 2025

Can You Help David in His Quest for a New “Analog” Bike

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Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

In the spirit of Thanksgiving – the giving part – please read what a longtime RoadBikeRider reader named David asked and see if you can offer any suggestions for him. If so, put them in a comment below this article.

As you’ll read, he’s looking for a new rig and he’s very specific about what it is. I put his wishes in list form below his note, so that they’re easy to see. I also provided some links and photos of a bike David now rides and also one he’s considering. Read more.

Black Friday Deals – Aero Tech Designs

At Aero Tech Designs, we create high-quality, long-lasting cycling apparel in the USA to keep you comfortable so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

This Black Friday, take 15% off the entire site, from best-selling jerseys and padded shorts to cold-weather layers and cycling accessories. Every piece is designed with real riders in mind.

We proudly stand behind our apparel with a 1-Year Manufacturer Guarantee, and you’ll get free shipping on orders over $99. Whether your goal is a century ride or simply more time outdoors, now’s the perfect time to refresh your kit for next season or pick up the winter apparel you need to keep riding strong all winter long. Use code: CRANKSGIVING
www.aerotechdesigns.com

Are Smart Bike Trainers Worth It?

QUESTION: Are smart bike trainers worth it? They are all pretty expensive, but you can get a regular trainer dirt cheap, especially used. – Patrick M

RBR REPLIES: As a cyclist who has ridden both rollers and regular trainers as far back as the late 80s and who found them so terrible and mind-numbingly boring that I’d rather not ride at all than ride on them again, I would say that smart trainers are definitely worth the money. They are worlds apart when it comes to making training on an indoor bike bearable. I’d go so far as to even say that using a smart trainer is actually fun. Read more.

Holding Dog Owners Accountable for the Damage Their Animals Do to Cyclists

By Stan Purdum

According to Road Bike Rider stats, my recent article about dog attacks on cyclists was the most clicked article in that week’s RBR newsletter. That’s a reminder that unrestrained dogs are an ongoing problem for riders.

Given the high number of responses, I was a bit surprised at how few mentioned doing anything to hold the owners of the troublesome dogs responsible and thus — hopefully — stop such dog behavior in the future, at least from that residence. Read more.

Tip: How to Deal with a Thrown Chain

You’re riding hard in the big chainring toward a steep climb. You push to keep your momentum going as long as possible, but finally you’re forced to shift to the small ring. Oops! The chain overshoots and falls onto the frame. You’re dead in the water, wildly turning the cranks with no resistance.

Later, the opposite happens. You’re spinning in the small chainring and need a bigger gear. But your shift to the big ring sends the chain over the top. Now it’s flopping around the crankarm. Read more.

Question of the Week

Do you own a smart trainer?

Most Clicked Last Week

A Great Handlebar and Levers Setup Tip from Eric Sampson

End Notes

Newsletter Issue No. 1201

Can You Help David in His Quest for a New “Analog” Bike