Question: It’s hilly on my home roads, and I struggle to ride efficiently. I usually shift to an easier gear at the bottom of a hill while I still have momentum. But if I need to shift again as the grade steepens and I’m mashing the pedals, the gear change is noisy and clunky. It makes…
If you’ve been in this sport for long, you’ve probably seen it happen. An enthusiastic person shows up for his (or her) first ride with the local club. He’s a bit intimidated by the lingo he overhears, but that’s nothing compared to his anxiety about what to do and how to do it once the…
By Coach Fred Matheny Solo rides are a great part of the cycling experience. Nothing beats cruising along and looking at the scenery, or attacking a climb at your own pace and intensity. But riding with a small group can be even more fun. You cover ground faster, meet people, and experience the thrill of…
Question: I’m a new rider, age 46, and have fallen in love with cycling. I’ve begun to do local weekend group rides. I’m improving fast. But I’m amazed at the amount of etiquette (for lack of a better term) in this sport. I used to play golf, and that game’s traditions are nothing compared to…
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.
