Question: Early in my cycling career, I learned to keep my cadence at 90 rpm or above on the flats. The hills are another matter, though. Even with a compact crank and a low gear of 30×25 teeth, I can’t stay above 70 rpm on climbs. How can I improve? — Bill P. COACH FRED: …
Question: I just finished the hardest ride I have ever done — the 1,200-km Boston-Montreal-Boston. I made it through the 30,000 feet of climbing, but the steep, curvy descents really scared me. I literally crept down hills, squeezing the brakes for dear life until my hands ached. Do you have any advice for overcoming this…
Question: My training roads include very steep descents, many with sharp switchbacks. I try to avoid riding the brakes, but sometimes tubes blow out because the rims get so hot. I’ve nearly crashed twice. Do you have any pointers to avoid this? — Shirley M. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: On a road with numerous steep downhill…
Question: This has been bugging me for the 20 years I’ve been in cycling. Coaches say you need a smooth pedal stroke, which is typically defined as even power transfer through the complete turn of the cranks. But I still haven’t seen any evidence that a “smooth” rider is actually more efficient than a “masher,”…
Question: After rounding a corner, should I stand when pedaling back up to speed? — Chris H. RBR Replies: The main reason for standing is to accelerate quickly to regain the speed lost in a corner. So the decision depends on the type of turn and your need to resume riding fast.
