Question: When I ride outdoors, I concentrate on keeping a quiet and relaxed upper body. I thought I was successful until I started riding on my indoor trainer where I can see my shadow on the wall. I noticed that my upper body moves about an inch or so from side-to-side as I pedal. Is this a form problem, or an artifact of having the bike locked in the trainer? -- Jim B. … [Read more...] about How Quiet Should My Upper Body Be?
Beginner Cyclist
Should I Stand and Crank or Sit and Spin on Long Climbs?
Question: On a long climb, is it better to sit and spin or stand and crank? I can spin faster seated, but it feels better to stand from time to time. Which is better? -- Art S. RBR Replies: This sounds like a simple question, but the answer is complicated. It depends! … [Read more...] about Should I Stand and Crank or Sit and Spin on Long Climbs?
Don’t Crash! How to Approach the Most Common Road Hazards on a Bicycle
By Coach Fred Matheny Cycling is a unique sport because its arena is the open road. That's the same place frequented by traffic, potholes, snarling dogs and absent-minded pedestrians. But sometimes we're our own worst enemy. Inattention and poor technique can put us on the pavement as fast as any hazard. Use these tips and you'll be less likely to take a tumble. … [Read more...] about Don’t Crash! How to Approach the Most Common Road Hazards on a Bicycle
What Gears do Pros Use?
Question: What gears are they pushing? They look like they're flying. —Jack G. Pros often use a 55x11-tooth high gear for time trials. On flat or rolling stages they might have 53/39T chainrings with an 11-21T cassette. In moderate mountains they switch to a large cog of 23T or 25T. These days, they've joined the big-gear revolution like many recreational riders. For … [Read more...] about What Gears do Pros Use?
How Much Better Are the Pros?
Question: Our local weekend ride attracts several racers and a couple of strong recreational riders. Last Sunday we did 60 miles in rolling terrain at an average speed of 19 mph. It was hard, and here's the problem: 19 mph sounds so puny compared to the 25+ mph average for pro races of up to six hours. Are we really that bad? Or are pros that good? -- Bill P. … [Read more...] about How Much Better Are the Pros?