by John Marsh Road bicycles are just that, bikes made for efficiently riding on roads. You’ll know a road bike when you see one. It’s characterized by its sleek look, with dropped, curving handlebars, narrow wheels and “skinny” tires, a small seat and lots of cogs, or gears, on the back wheel. Typically, road bikes are lightweight, and oftentimes they look “fast.” That’s why … [Read more...] about Every Different Type of Road Bike, Explained
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RoadBikeRider.com, will NEVER sell, rent, trade or give your name or address to any other company for any reason without your written permission. Yes, our newsletter and website will promote the road cycling publications and other products we and our advertisers sell, and we may on occasion bring to your attention special offers from cycling companies (for which you … [Read more...] about Subscribe to the Road Bike Rider Newsletter
Best Road Cycling Gloves
A cyclist needs great gloves. Whether it’s to protect your hands in a crash, improve grip, absorb sweat, or reduce road vibrations to make the ride more comfortable, gloves are a must. Gloves come in all different styles such as pull on or hook and loop closure, long-fingered and fingerless, with varying levels of padding. We’ve put together this selection of the top … [Read more...] about Best Road Cycling Gloves
Sometimes Stolen Bikes Find Their Way Home
By Sheri Rosenbaum As I reported a few weeks back, Mitch and I had fat bikes stolen off our hitch rack while vacationing in La Crosse, WI. But there is a happy ending. Some great investigative police work by the La Crosse P.D. and not only was Mitch’s fat bike recovered but the thief was arrested on a felony theft charge. … [Read more...] about Sometimes Stolen Bikes Find Their Way Home
Top Gravel Bicycles Under $2,000
Excited about riding gravel, but not ready to break the bank? Gravel bikes can be very expensive, easily eclipsing the $5,000 mark for an Ultegra level build. Sure, those expensive models are amazing bikes, but they are out of the budget of many cyclists. We've gathered up what we think are the best choices to consider for a gravel bike under $2,000. Got a different … [Read more...] about Top Gravel Bicycles Under $2,000
Newsletter Issue No. 883
October 10, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Setting Goals as You Grow Older By Coach John Hughes My longtime friend John Lee Ellis, age 67, completed his sixth Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) this summer. PBP is a 750-mile (1200 km) continuous ride from the outskirts of Paris to Brest and back, which must be completed in 90 hours or less. … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 883
Setting Goals as You Grow Older
By Coach John Hughes My longtime friend John Lee Ellis, age 67, completed his sixth Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) this summer. PBP is a 750-mile (1200 km) continuous ride from the outskirts of Paris to Brest and back, which must be completed in 90 hours or less. The 90 hours includes all stops for rest stops, meals, sleep, mechanicals, etc. Ellis finished in 83 hours 9 … [Read more...] about Setting Goals as You Grow Older
Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Since tires are the biggest trouble-makers for roadies, let’s follow last week’s story on tire seating, with another for putting them on in the first place. Even complete beginners can get tires most of the way on, but getting the last tight section on can seem impossible. … [Read more...] about Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum Hot! Full-zip for easy on/off and ventilationHigher neckline for added warmthDrop-tail for increased coverage even in dropsSemi-form fit, and 4-way knit leaves room for layeringBreathable fabricLots of storage with 3 zipper pockets and one kangaroo pocketRear pocket easily accessible with full fingered glovesReflective trim on sleeves and … [Read more...] about Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey Review
Bicycling in the Winter: Whipping Cold Weather
By Fred Matheny Unless you live in temperate climes where winter means slipping on a sweater in the cool of the evening, you probably equate off-season training with cold weather. Sure, you can retreat to the trainer and Zwift or the weight room to escape the arctic blasts. But what fun is that? Cycling is an outdoor sport. Even at its January worst, cold weather … [Read more...] about Bicycling in the Winter: Whipping Cold Weather
Newsletter Issue No. 882
October 3, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. How Many Base Miles Before Intensity Training? By Coach John Hughes Question: “I understand that interval training of one type or another is the best method to improve performance. However, I am coming off an extended six month period of minimal riding. Is there some level of base miles I should do … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 882
How Many Base Miles Before Intensity Training?
By Coach John Hughes Question: “I understand that interval training of one type or another is the best method to improve performance. However, I am coming off an extended six month period of minimal riding. Is there some level of base miles I should do before I start doing intervals?” RBR Reader Richard Z. … [Read more...] about How Many Base Miles Before Intensity Training?
7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley For anyone who doesn’t know what it means to “seat” a tire, let’s start with an explanation. To “seat” or “seating” a tire is one of the final steps taken when installing most tires on bicycles and motor vehicles, too. Seating is important because it ensures that the inflated tire is fully and properly installed. If tires are … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
Head Injuries Increase Risk for Impotence
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A study of more than 3,400 former National Football League players, average age 52, found that those who had had a concussion were at increased risk for low testosterone and erectile dysfunction, regardless how young or old they were (JAMA Neurology, Aug 26, 2019). Previous studies have found the same results in boxers and soldiers (J Clin Med, … [Read more...] about Head Injuries Increase Risk for Impotence
BiSaddle Adjustable Shape Bike Saddle Review
By Rick Schultz Rating: HOT 2 Saddle Options SRT – 198mm long (Tri, Track)EXT – 243mm long (Road, MTB)2 Padding OptionsThick with GelLight Race3 Different Rail Options Chrome Moly, Titanium, Carbon3 Different Wedge Options RoundedSlightly CurvedNoneFully Adjustable Rear Width100mm – 165mm (SRT, EXT)Fully Adjustable Front Split-Saddle Design NOT The … [Read more...] about BiSaddle Adjustable Shape Bike Saddle Review
Newsletter Issue No. 881
September 26, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. 9 Tips for Sick Cyclists By Coach John Hughes My client Joe sent me this e-mail last week, “Sunday was one of those days where I couldn’t do a thing … could barely get out of bed until late morning. This seems to be an early warning notice from my body, as I now am suffering from a full-blown chest … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 881
9 Tips for Sick Cyclists
By Coach John Hughes My client Joe sent me this e-mail last week, “Sunday was one of those days where I couldn’t do a thing … could barely get out of bed until late morning. This seems to be an early warning notice from my body, as I now am suffering from a full-blown chest cold. Welcome to fall … well, at least I was healthy on vacation…” When I asked this Monday on how he … [Read more...] about 9 Tips for Sick Cyclists