Question: During a recent tour in the mountains of Virginia, a tire blew out on a long and dangerous downhill. The rim was very hot, so I assume that braking overheated it. Can I get disc brakes for my road bike? Or is this a technique issue? — Charles A. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Yes,…
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: I live in the Midwest and my training roads are criss-crossed with train tracks. The crossings are in terrible shape with the rails sticking up from potholed pavement. And they often angle across the road, too. How can I get over these obstacles safely? — Rod M.
Question: I’m an old roadie, accustomed to brushing off my tires with my fingers or gloved palm whenever I ride through debris. The habit comes from riding with sew-ups back in the day. Now, after a long absence from cycling, I’m back in the saddle on a new (and incredibly lightweight!) bike with clincher tires….
Question: I live in Seattle and the rains have begun. I just bought a road bike to replace my trusty old mountain bike, but it seems much less stable in the wet. I’m spooked by slick pavement on the steep hills. What’s the secret to safe control in wet conditions? — Andrew R. Coach Fred…
