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Every Different Type of Road Bike, Explained

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

13 Ways to Improve Your Climbing

By Coach John Hughes My client Ted is going to the Alps later this month with a buddy to climb some of the classic climbs of the Tour de France including Alpe d’Huez, the Col de la Madeleine, and the Glandon.  Their rides will take from 3:00 – 4:30 hours and the daily rides range from 149 feet / mile to 189 feet / mile.  Ted is training for the long course of the Maratona … [Read more...] about 13 Ways to Improve Your Climbing

Unboxing ICAN Cycling’s Aero 40 Chinese Carbon Road Wheelset

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley A couple of weeks ago, we received an interesting request from a new company to us. It was from Rita Müller, the COO of ICAN Cycling. ICAN is located in Shenzhen, China. They sell carbon bicycles, frames, components and wheels. Rita asked if we’d like to test and review their new superlight tubeless-ready carbon Aero 40 clincher wheelset … [Read more...] about Unboxing ICAN Cycling’s Aero 40 Chinese Carbon Road Wheelset

Newsletter Issue No. 862

May 16, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Vitamin D Alone Is Not A Wonder Nutrient For Bones By Coach John Hughes A Wall Street Journal article titled Elite Athletes Try a New Training Tactic: More Vitamin D garnered a lot of attention on one of the randonneuring chat lists I frequent. The article discussed how some college and pro … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 862

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bib Short, ELITE Pursuit Short Sleeve Graphic Jersey and SELECT Attack Gloves Review

by Sheri Rosenbaum (jersey and bibs)  (gloves) Jersey Hot Variety of 9 attractive unique patternsELITE Transfer Aero fabric and Speed Sleeve reduces dragELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric for moisture managementFull-length zipper for easy ventingRear gripper hold back hem in place even in the dropsThree rear pockets provide plenty of storage … [Read more...] about Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bib Short, ELITE Pursuit Short Sleeve Graphic Jersey and SELECT Attack Gloves Review

Don’t Use Aspirin or NSAIDs for Muscle Pain from Exercise

by Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Some athletes and exercisers take pain medication (aspirin or NSAIDs) because they think it may prevent muscle soreness or will help them to heal faster after a workout. However, taking pain medicines before or during exercise will not block pain, help you to exercise longer or recover faster from exercise. They can increase risk for bleeding and … [Read more...] about Don’t Use Aspirin or NSAIDs for Muscle Pain from Exercise

Protein For Recovery: A Detailed Look at the Studies

by Arnie Baker Most sports drinks, fruit juices, and sodas contain carbohydrates as their almost exclusive source of calories. Some coaches and nutritionists advocate adding protein to recovery drinks, generally to speed glycogen replacement. Is the addition of protein to sports drinks helpful in promoting recovery? Should you use a sports drink with protein? You’ll … [Read more...] about Protein For Recovery: A Detailed Look at the Studies

Quick Tip: Hot Feet When Cycling

PROBLEM: Late during a long ride your feet start feeling like they're on fire! SOLUTION: The sensation of heat can be caused by poor circulation. Blood vessels and nerves get compressed when feet swell, as they will after two or three hours of riding. You begin in blissful comfort, but later you feel like dousing your dogs with your water bottle. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Hot Feet When Cycling

Win Against Wind: A Guide to Cycling in Windy Conditions

How to Reduce the Straining & Use Wind for Training By Fred Matheny To many cyclists, wind is the enemy. We grimace when flags whip, stoplights sway above intersections and litter blows in whirlwinds around street corners. A windy weather forecast can scuttle a whole weekend’s riding plans. It’s not just the thought of groveling into a headwind that makes us opt … [Read more...] about Win Against Wind: A Guide to Cycling in Windy Conditions

Which Bicycle Gear Is the Hardest and the Easiest?

By Stan Purdum Assuming you’re talking about a bicycle with the gear mechanisms out in plain sight, which is the most common way bicycles are geared, the hardest (highest) gear is when the chain is on the biggest toothed ring by the pedals (called the “front” in shifting jargon, even though the pedals are in the middle of the bike) and the smallest toothed ring on the rear … [Read more...] about Which Bicycle Gear Is the Hardest and the Easiest?