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
Thermal Threshold
by Arnie Baker The human body is about 25 percent efficient. Said differently, roughly three-quarters of the energy used to power muscles is lost as heat. To avoid overheating, the body must get rid of this excess heat. As the body heats, more blood flows to the skin to improve heat loss. … [Read more...] about Thermal Threshold
Quick Tip: Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers
By Sheri Rosenbaum If you have a bike with disc brakes, here’s a product to help protect them during cleaning or shipping. Muc-Off’s new Disc Brake Rotor Covers. They come in a package of 2 for $29.99. They’re easy to use. After washing your bike, separate the base plate from the neoprene cover. It goes around the hub axle and sandwiches the rotor between the two plates … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers
Newsletter Issue No. 871
July 18, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. 20 Tips for Your First Century By Coach John Hughes For many cyclists riding a 100K or 100 miles is the classic achievement, something you focus on, train for and worry about for months. Although you’ve trained hard and think you're ready, you may also feel like a pro racer about to start his first Tour … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 871
Elite Training Mat and Front Wheel Block
by Rick Schultz About a week ago, a large box showed up at the front door. It came from Elite and contained a trainer mat and a front wheel block. Sweet! It couldn’t have come at a better time, because the next morning I was invited to setup a tent at the Orange County Wheelmen / Bicycle Club of Irvine Bike Rally. These are two great bicycle clubs that I highly recommend you … [Read more...] about Elite Training Mat and Front Wheel Block
I Rode a Regular Bike and Then an E-bike Over a Category 1 Climb. Here’s How it Went.
by Lars Hundley On a trip to the Bavarian Alps recently, the hotel that I was staying in offered some very nice loaner bicycles from a nearby German bike manufacturer, Rotwild. Guests could reserve and borrow bikes for free. Most of the bikes were ebikes, because your average hotel guest doesn't want to pedal up a mountain unassisted. They also had a few regular bikes, … [Read more...] about I Rode a Regular Bike and Then an E-bike Over a Category 1 Climb. Here’s How it Went.
Quick Fix: Try Tums for Leg Cramps
PROBLEM: You're well into a long ride in tough terrain, and suddenly you feel the telltale twinges of an oncoming cramp. SOLUTION: Take two or three Tums. … [Read more...] about Quick Fix: Try Tums for Leg Cramps
Magic Bullet
by Scott Martin Years ago when I worked for a cycling magazine, my editor assigned me a story about bananas (which inexplicably did not win a Pulitzer for Best Article on Tropical Fruit). What I remember about this unmemorable story was that it contained one of my favorite quotes. Speaking of the banana’s many benefits, a nutritionist told me, “There is no magic bullet, … [Read more...] about Magic Bullet
100% S3 Sport Performance Sunglasses Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot! Light weight and well ventilatedLarge single shield provides unobstructed viewGreat protection from debris and wind, especially for contact wearsEasy to swap out lensesHard-shell zippered case stores sunglasses and 2 additional lensesSecond nose pad included for alternative-fit Rear-view mirror fits on temple … [Read more...] about 100% S3 Sport Performance Sunglasses Review
20 Tips for Your First Century
By Coach John Hughes For many cyclists riding a 100K or 100 miles is the classic achievement, something you focus on, train for and worry about for months. Although you’ve trained hard and think you're ready, you may also feel like a pro racer about to start his first Tour de France—nervous and not entirely sure you can finish. Here are 8 tips on your final preparations and … [Read more...] about 20 Tips for Your First Century
Exercise May Change Gut Bacteria for More Endurance
by Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A recent study showed that after finishing the 26-mile Boston Marathon, runners had changes in the bacteria in their colons that may have helped them to run faster and longer (Nature Medicine, June 24, 2019). Fifteen marathon runners and 10 non-runners provided stool specimens daily for a week before and a week after the marathon. Before the … [Read more...] about Exercise May Change Gut Bacteria for More Endurance
Newsletter Issue No. 870
July 11, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. 14 Nutrition Tips for Endurance Riders By Coach John Hughes Summer is here and you’re probably planning a long ride. You may be looking forward to the club’s 50-miler or riding a 100K with a friend. Or finishing your first century. Or competing against others in a grand fondo. Or having more fun and … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 870
Do Cholesterol Drugs Affect my Cycling?
By Richard Ellin, MD, FACP Question: I am 40 years old. For the last 3 years I have participated at local races in my age group. I now train 6-10 hours weekly, and my diet is not perfect but not too bad. At my last checkup my blood test results were: cholesterol, 279, HDL, 54 and LDL, 210. My blood pressure was also high. And an echocardiogram showed a "less than 30% … [Read more...] about Do Cholesterol Drugs Affect my Cycling?
How to Thrive While Camping in the Rain at Cycling Events
by Stan Purdum I’m recently back from attending the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA), an annual cycling event that just completed its 31st edition. Each year, the GOBA team maps out a different week-long loop of Ohio towns and layover days, and 1500 riders pedal up to 400 miles. Though there are a few indoor sleeping areas for registrants that book and pay for them in … [Read more...] about How to Thrive While Camping in the Rain at Cycling Events
14 Nutrition Tips for Endurance Riders
By Coach John Hughes “I has been a great week for me. I feel much more comfortable on the bike and I think that is due, in part, to your advice to eat more on the bike. I really worked on that this week and especially on the 80-mile ride I did. It seems to have worked.” — from one of my client’s weekly reports. Summer is here and you’re probably planning a long ride. You … [Read more...] about 14 Nutrition Tips for Endurance Riders
Castelli Women’s Summer Jersey Line
By Sheri Rosenbaum Anima 2 Jersey FZ Hot! Breathable and lightweight fabricLonger tail hem for added coverageFull zip for easy on/offRear silicon gripper keeps jersey in placeFashionable color selectionMesh elastic cuff for added flare Three large rear pockets for storageReflective elements on backReasonably priced … [Read more...] about Castelli Women’s Summer Jersey Line