October 17, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Older Riders: Why Max Heart Rate Is Irrelevant By Coach John Hughes In last week’s newsletter, Dr. Mirkin wrote an informative column Tips for Keeping Your Maximum Heart Rate Up As You Age. He’s correct that the formula of (220 – your age) is a wildly inaccurate way to determine your maximum … [Read more...] about Newsletter Issue No. 884
1Bikes & Gear
Best Cycling Shorts Under $100
Looking for a new pair of cycling shorts, but don't want to spend too much? These are our picks for the best cycling shorts when you’re on a budget. They might not be the top of the line, but they are still high quality and comfortable. Before we get to them, though, let’s quickly touch on the difference between bibs and regular cycling shorts. Bibs have straps that go over … [Read more...] about Best Cycling Shorts Under $100
Hitting the Hills
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last Sunday I pedaled to the top of Mount Diablo on the South Gate Road, which, in about 11 miles rises to 3,249 feet above the San Francisco Bay. It’s near the town of Danville, California and is a popular destination every weekend for roadies thanks to moderate grades of mostly 5 to 7 percent, decent pavement, sweeping turns and lovely … [Read more...] about Hitting the Hills
Time Osmos 12 Cycling Shoes Review
By Brandon Bilyeu Osmos 12: Hot! Generous venting allow tons of air to move through the shoeBOA IP1 dial allows fine tune fit adjustmentsReplaceable heel padGood stiffness from the Polyamide/Carbon soleComfort lasts all day longDeep heel cup with aggressive grippers for a strong holdVented shoe bag included … [Read more...] about Time Osmos 12 Cycling Shoes Review
Best Road Cycling Gloves
A cyclist needs great gloves. Whether it’s to protect your hands in a crash, improve grip, absorb sweat, or reduce road vibrations to make the ride more comfortable, gloves are a must. Gloves come in all different styles such as pull on or hook and loop closure, long-fingered and fingerless, with varying levels of padding. We’ve put together this selection of the top … [Read more...] about Best Road Cycling Gloves
Sometimes Stolen Bikes Find Their Way Home
By Sheri Rosenbaum As I reported a few weeks back, Mitch and I had fat bikes stolen off our hitch rack while vacationing in La Crosse, WI. But there is a happy ending. Some great investigative police work by the La Crosse P.D. and not only was Mitch’s fat bike recovered but the thief was arrested on a felony theft charge. … [Read more...] about Sometimes Stolen Bikes Find Their Way Home
Top Gravel Bicycles Under $2,000
Excited about riding gravel, but not ready to break the bank? Gravel bikes can be very expensive, easily eclipsing the $5,000 mark for an Ultegra level build. Sure, those expensive models are amazing bikes, but they are out of the budget of many cyclists. We've gathered up what we think are the best choices to consider for a gravel bike under $2,000. Got a different … [Read more...] about Top Gravel Bicycles Under $2,000
Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Since tires are the biggest trouble-makers for roadies, let’s follow last week’s story on tire seating, with another for putting them on in the first place. Even complete beginners can get tires most of the way on, but getting the last tight section on can seem impossible. … [Read more...] about Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum Hot! Full-zip for easy on/off and ventilationHigher neckline for added warmthDrop-tail for increased coverage even in dropsSemi-form fit, and 4-way knit leaves room for layeringBreathable fabricLots of storage with 3 zipper pockets and one kangaroo pocketRear pocket easily accessible with full fingered glovesReflective trim on sleeves and … [Read more...] about Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey Review
7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley For anyone who doesn’t know what it means to “seat” a tire, let’s start with an explanation. To “seat” or “seating” a tire is one of the final steps taken when installing most tires on bicycles and motor vehicles, too. Seating is important because it ensures that the inflated tire is fully and properly installed. If tires are … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
BiSaddle Adjustable Shape Bike Saddle Review
By Rick Schultz Rating: HOT 2 Saddle Options SRT – 198mm long (Tri, Track)EXT – 243mm long (Road, MTB)2 Padding OptionsThick with GelLight Race3 Different Rail Options Chrome Moly, Titanium, Carbon3 Different Wedge Options RoundedSlightly CurvedNoneFully Adjustable Rear Width100mm – 165mm (SRT, EXT)Fully Adjustable Front Split-Saddle Design NOT The … [Read more...] about BiSaddle Adjustable Shape Bike Saddle Review
Bontrager XXX Road Shoe Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot Double Boa closure for micro adjustabilityExtremely stiff sole for superior power transferVery comfortable from the very first rideAsymmetrical closure reduces hot spotsLots of perforations top and bottom for breathability and coolingHeal cups and no-slip heel lining (cat tongue) keeps foot in place through pedal strokeNeoprene padded … [Read more...] about Bontrager XXX Road Shoe Review
How Wide Can You Go?
Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley Before we get started with this week’s topic, which is on how to determine how wide a tire your fork (and frame) can accept, I want to point out that we received great comments on last week’s story on shifting 2X drivetrains for beginners (these drivetrains have two chainrings in front). … [Read more...] about How Wide Can You Go?
Top Inexpensive but Safe Bicycle Helmets with MIPS
Every cyclist knows the value of a safe helmet, but you don’t have to invest $200 to $300 to get top safety features in a lid. Here at Road Bike Rider, we think the most important feature of a helmet is protecting your head. So we’ve rounded up this list of bicycle helmets that meet or exceed the bar in safety, without breaking the bank. These helmets might not be the lightest … [Read more...] about Top Inexpensive but Safe Bicycle Helmets with MIPS
Bryton GPS Bike Computer Rider 530 and Aero 50 Comparison and Review
By Rick Schultz Rating: Hot 2 Great options Rider 530 / Aero 60Different models to choose from to match your needs - all with GPS functionality.Easy setup78+ functionsLONG battery life1-second recording puts this on par with the Garmin’s.Tracks and Navigation mode.Can log into your network and sync data to your PC.Pre-loaded training workouts and on-screen … [Read more...] about Bryton GPS Bike Computer Rider 530 and Aero 50 Comparison and Review