Newsletter Issue No. 1216

March 19, 2026

Lon Haldeman’s Cleats Tip for Curing Hot Foot Problems

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tech-talk-b-1-1.png

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

In recent newsletters we’ve mentioned ultradistance legend Lon Haldeman. We reviewed his new book Cycling Pioneer, A Record-Setting Ride from New York City to Los Angeles and Back . And we also shared an article written by Lon and RBR co-founder Coach Fred Matheny with tips on riding multi-day tours on e-Bikes. Read more.


Green Guru Bike Bags from Upcycled Materials – Quick Review

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reviews-b-1-1.jpg

By Sheri Rosenbaum

I came across Green Guru at the 2026 CABDA Show this past February. Their booth was decorated with colorful bike bags and backpacks made from upcycled materials. Since the cycling industry is one of the worst for contributing to landfills, it’s encouraging to see a brand working to be part of the solution, not the problem. Read more.


What does “Nothing hurts when riding a bike” mean?

Question: I’m relatively new to cycling, and I’ve heard a fellow rider say, “Nothing hurts when riding a bike.” That’s not my experience. What can he mean? —Jim J.

RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Statements of that sort are usually made by riders who have been at it for a few years. They’ve gone through — and perhaps have forgotten — the “break-in” experience when most long rides yielded some sore points on their body. Read more.


Knee Pain in Cyclists

by Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

At some time, one out of three cyclists suffers serious knee pain. It often occurs with a new bike, upon returning to cycling after a long hiatus, or when you are trying to increase either your intensity or your mileage. If your knee starts to hurt while you are on your bike, stop riding and try to find out the cause. Read more.


Other Cool Things to Read

Bike Rumor: Portland Design Works Joins the Mini Electric Pump Game
Interesting Engineering: Scientists create bicycle-style robot that travels at high speed
ABC Australia: Electric bicycles are easy to modify, but hard to police
Island Packet: ‘There’s nothing else like it’: New bike-friendly trail underway on Hilton Head
Boing Boing: Bicycle gymnastics is a niche sport you didn’t know existed

Question of the Week

Have you ever had knee surgery or knee replacement?

Most Clicked Last Week

Quick Tip: Check Your Bicycle Tire Wear Indicators

End Notes

Similar Posts

  • Newsletter Issue No. 878

    September 5, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. How to Improve as a Cyclist By Coach John Hughes On August 1, 2019, Patricia Anne Baker set the Masters Women’s 80-84 Hour World Record of 27.447km (17.96 mi). Wow! Although this column describes how an older rider can improve, the principles apply to all…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 890

    November 28, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Diagnosing a Chain that Falls Off the Chainring By Jim Langley We’re always on the lookout for interesting problems to share with you in the hopes we can head off trouble before it happens – and/or provide tips for diagnosing and dealing with glitches. The…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1187

    August 21, 2025 Why Dropped Handlebars are Usually the Best Choice for Road Riding Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Not too long ago in one of our Quick Tips stories, we answered the question, “Are drop bars better?” I want to add a little to the original answer because dropped (also called “drop” or…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1234

    July 23, 2026 More About Park Tool’s BMT-1 Tire Bead Breaker Tool Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last week, we helped a reader named Nathaniel with his tight and nearly impossibly difficult to remove tires: Tech Q & A: Nathaniel’s Too Tight Tire Troubles. We asked your help too and you delivered in the…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 909 b

    Here’s another in-between issue of the newsletter. The temperatures in Dallas yesterday dropped from the 70s in the afternoon to around 40 degrees this morning with a high in the 50s, so I had to get back out my winter weather gear for this morning’s ride. Hope you’ve got good weather and the ability to…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 858

    April 18, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Nutrition for Cycling Performance By Coach John Hughes My client Vince recently wrote me, “This was not my best ride. Maybe my worst. A few 18-20 percent grades that I walked. Lots of 10-15 percent hills. I was struggling at 9 mph for a time…