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
Newsletter Issue No. 925
August 6, 2020 Which Electrolytes Do You Really Need? By Coach John Hughes No matter what you're doing outside in the heat, knowing how to properly stay hydrated and replenishing the vital electrolytes you need is growing in importance. Potassium, calcium and magnesium all play a role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction, and a significant deficiency of … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 925
Thinking About “Cycling While Black”
by Stan Purdum The protests against systemic racism in many parts of our country following the unwarranted killing of George Floyd, a black man, under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer caused me to recall a scene from my bicycle trip on U.S. Route 62 some 20 years ago. There was no black person involved in that scene, but in a way, that’s the point. … [Read more...] about Thinking About “Cycling While Black”
Why Is Riding With A “Cyclist Mentality” Dangerous?
By Robert Wilhite Yes, you read the title correctly, but what in the world does it mean? As with all my posts, I share my perspective on various topics, why I believe what I do, pulling from 250,000 miles of road cycling, and then let you decide what you do with it. This post is no different. A bit more controversial, but nonetheless, the same approach. … [Read more...] about Why Is Riding With A “Cyclist Mentality” Dangerous?
Drink Sugar and Caffeine during Vigorous Exercise
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. I have often recommended that exercisers take a sugared, caffeinated soft drink for a performance boost during prolonged vigorous exercise. I still think this is good advice, but based on a study from the University of Buffalo, people who are exercising at a casual pace for an extended time may want to restrict their intake of soft drinks (Am J Physiol … [Read more...] about Drink Sugar and Caffeine during Vigorous Exercise
Quick Tip: Improve Your Road Riding on a Mountain Bike
For road cyclists, there are three key benefits of venturing off-pavement -- besides the fact that carving sweet singletrack is guaranteed to generate some of the widest grins in cycling. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Improve Your Road Riding on a Mountain Bike
Stupid Bike Tricks
By Scott Martin In the spirit of RBR's mission to inform and inspire, I've decided to reveal a couple of the stupidest cycling things I've ever done. Why? I guarantee that after reading these screw-ups, you will feel better about your bicycling expertise. Even if you started riding yesterday. … [Read more...] about Stupid Bike Tricks
Topeak JoeBlow Pro Digital Floor Pump Review
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Rating: Hot Easy-to-see, accurate digital top-mount gauge Wide padded handle makes the pumping easyHefty wide steel base prevents pump toppling damageTop-mount 59-inch (149.86cm) hose for excellent accessSuper smooth plunger actionBleed button to fine-tune inflationGreat hose and handle retentionReads up to 200 psi … [Read more...] about Topeak JoeBlow Pro Digital Floor Pump Review
How to Choose Cycling Shoes
By Rick Schultz As bike fitters, one of the main items we adjust are cleats. But it seems the first question clients have is about their shoes. Shoe questions range from clients asking if I think they need a new pair to some just bringing in new shoes and saying, “I hope these will work?” So, I spend time advising about shoes, cleats, and pedals. So, what are the things to … [Read more...] about How to Choose Cycling Shoes
Newsletter Issue No. 924
July 30, 2020 PDF version for Premium Members is here. How Old Are You Really? By Coach John Hughes I started thinking about this in 2009, the year I turned 60. I had the pleasure of crewing for an age 75+ 4-man team in the Race Across America. The Great Grand PAC Masters raced 3017.3 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD in 8 days 14 hours 47 minutes. … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 924
How Old Are You Really?
By Coach John Hughes I started thinking about this in 2009, the year I turned 60. I had the pleasure of crewing for an age 75+ 4-man team in the Race Across America. The Great Grand PAC Masters raced 3017.3 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD in 8 days 14 hours 47 minutes. They averaged 17.11 mph riding as a relay time with each rider taking … [Read more...] about How Old Are You Really?
Burley Travoy Cargo Bike Trailer Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot! Easy, quick, tool-free assemblyQuick Hitch for tool-free attachment/detach to seat post12.5” wheels roll smoothly, almost like you’re not pulling anythingRolls over curbs, gravel, grass and potholes with easeDesigned to carry a variety of items including groceries or laptopTrailer detaches and easily rolls through a grocery store on into an … [Read more...] about Burley Travoy Cargo Bike Trailer Review
Helping Find & Fix David’s Weight-Shift Ticking Noise
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley This week, let’s see if we can help a reader named “David” who has a ticking noise. His question is below and pretty interesting I think. You’ll see my answer with everything I could think for him to check on his roadster after his query. If you are experiencing a similar noise it might help you fix your ride. … [Read more...] about Helping Find & Fix David’s Weight-Shift Ticking Noise
Garneau Stunner Women’s Jersey – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Price: $169.99 USD Sizes: XS-2XL Fit: Standard Fit Source: Company website How obtained: Sample form company RBR Sponsor: No Garneau As part of Garneau’s summer line, the Stunner Jersey is pretty in pink as well as high performing. The new standard fit provides a little more room than the race cut, without sacrificing … [Read more...] about Garneau Stunner Women’s Jersey – Quick Review
Squirt Seal Tire Sealant With Beadblock Review
By Rick Schultz Hot! Environmentally friendlyLonger lastingEasier cleanup (inside of tire)Corrosion inhibitorsSeals punctures up to 6mm (1/4”)150ml bottle has adapter for application directly through valveCan use for tubeless tires or squirt into tubes … [Read more...] about Squirt Seal Tire Sealant With Beadblock Review
Quick Tip: Seat Height and Knee Pain
Here's a remedy that's been known to quickly solve a developing knee problem: If the pain is in the front of the knee, raise the saddle. If it's behind the knee, lower the saddle. Start with just 2-3 millimeters. Don't go overboard with big adjustments all at once. If the pain at the front of the persists, it could be that your crank arms are too long and you are on your … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Seat Height and Knee Pain