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
Beginner Cyclist
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?
How to Deal With Mid to Late Season Cycling Injuries
By Ricardo Colberg, M.D. The weather is gorgeous. The bike is running like a dream. The road is open and there’s nothing standing between you and a long ride. That is, until the pain sets in. But you’re in peak shape; you’ve been riding all summer. Your legs are strong. Your lungs are full. What could be the problem? It’s not at all uncommon for even the most seasoned … [Read more...] about How to Deal With Mid to Late Season Cycling Injuries
To Cross-Chain, or Not to Cross-Chain
Our topic this week comes from a great question by RoadBikeRider reader David Stihler who wrote, “I have heard many times that you can't/shouldn't cross-chain. I was just on another ride where a modern bike with Shimano Ultegra components kept getting hung up (not able to shift) because the rider cross-chained. I ride a triple Campagnolo drivetrain and cross-chain all the time … [Read more...] about To Cross-Chain, or Not to Cross-Chain