Newsletter Issue No. 1248
October 29, 2026
Is Internal Cable/Hose/Wire Routing a Bad Thing?
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
In response to the story last week about my new road bike, a 2026 Cervelo R5, two readers commented about the bike’s internal hose routing. Read more.
Why You Don’t Need ERG Mode for a Ramp Test
By Ric Stern
So, you’re getting ready for winter training. The nights have drawn in, the turbo is set up, and before you start a block you do what everyone does now: a ramp test, to set the numbers your whole winter will be built on. And if you’ve read the forums, you’ll have been told there’s only one correct way to do it. ERG mode on. Stay seated. Don’t move until you stop. Read more.
LOOK X-Venture+ Pedals – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Earlier this year, LOOK introduced several new off-road SPD-compatible pedals. I selected the X-Venture+ to test since I use Shimano XT pedals on my gravel and bikepacking bikes. The dual-sided pedals, with SPD-compatible cleats on one side and a flat platform with grip pins on the other, are the perfect design for off-road adventures. Read more.
Fizik Lyra Shoe Review
By Brandon Bilyeu
Last year I reviewed Fizik’s latest top-of-the-line racing shoe, the Vega (find that review here). In the Vega, Fizik left behind its narrow-last past and embraced modern ergonomics with a new last (wider, straighter, flatter), rearward cleat positioning, reduced stack, and a sock-like construction. The Vega remains the most comfortable cycling shoe I have ever worn, but also the most expensive at $470. Now Fizik has trickled down some of these features into the Lyra at a much more palatable price point. Read more.
Pedaling in the Desert: A Tale of Heat Exhaustion and Recovery
By Stan Purdum
I recently came across a Facebook post by a man who announced “I bought an ENTIRE town 50 miles east of El Paso called Cornudas, TX.” It caught my attention because 26 years ago, that “town” — which consists entirely of a restaurant with an attached store, motel and RV camping sites — was an oasis for me when I was dangerously close to being overcome by heat exhaustion and dehydration while pedaling across the desert in West Texas. Read more.
Other Cool Things to Read
Cycling Weekly: The journey from old-school trainers to smart trainers and virtual worlds
Rene Herse: New Study Confirms: High Pressure Not Faster
Bike Radar: Flashing vs steady bike lights: which is safest
PEZ: How Durable Is A World-Class Road Racer?
Question of the Week
What’s one modern bike innovation you’d happily do without?
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End Notes
