Newsletter Issue No. 1213
February 26, 2026
Q & A: Stop Breaking/Bending Presta Valves
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
You may recall that we ran a two-part series a few newsletters ago on issues with leaks forming at the base of Presta valve stems in tubes and how to address them. Here are those stories in case you missed them: A Simple Hack To Prevent Punctures at the Base of Presta Valves and A Few More Tube Tips.
Well, a roadie named Reynaldo read the stories and sent in a complementary question that made me realize I’d forgotten an important tip. Here’s the question and answer. As always, after you see what I have to say, please share your tips in a comment for him too. Read more.
‘We Need to Let Things Vary’: It’s as True About Rides as It Is About Life
By Kevin Kolodziejski
You’ve read, heard, or maybe even been lectured by a friend or family member not to live in the past. Regardless of the source, it’s good advice for sure.
But are you sure you know how to do so?
I thought I was. I thought wrong. Not terribly wrong, but still. Read more.
Done and Dusted: My Return to The Cycling House
By Sheri Rosenbaum
February couldn’t arrive fast enough. This year’s winter was the kind that makes you question every life choice that led to living somewhere with actual seasons—subzero temps, relentless snow, and skies so overcast even Punxsutawney Phil wanted to retreat back into his cozy den. But the light at the end of this frozen tunnel and what got me on the trainer every day: I was going to The Cycling House (TCH) Women’s Gravel Camp in Tucson, Arizona! Yes, sunshine, warm weather, and 15 strong, independent women who understand that “one more climb” is always a good idea. Read more.
Coospo TR70 Radar Rear Light Review
By Brandon Bilyeu
In the last few years there has been a flood of manufacturers entering the rear radar game and Coospo is the latest entry. Coospo’s offering, the TR70, is a compelling option with excellent radar performance at a price that undercuts the competition. And the TR70 can often be found on sale for an even better value. Read more.
Breaking the Ice
By Stan Purdum
Our permanent residence is in Ohio, but for the last 10 years, my wife and I have spent the winter months in Florida, where we owned a villa. I always took my bike along, so each year, I managed to log some 800 miles or so on local roads and paved trails during January and February. That meant that when we arrived back in Ohio in the spring, I was in decent riding shape and didn’t have to go through a lot of training rides to be ready for the full riding season. Read more.
Other Cool Things to Read
Velo: Shimano Granted Self-Tightening Shoe Patent
YouTube: 80 Year Old Sets Indoor Mile World Record at The Armory
PEZ Cycling: Zwift Ladder Racing – How It’s Helped My Fitness
Cycling News: We thought wider gravel tires were always faster, but it’s not as simple as that
Question of the Week
Have you broken a presta stem pumping a tire?
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End Notes
