By Sheri Rosenbaum www.castelli-cycling.com Difesa 2 Cap Hot Snug fit, ideal for under helmet Gore® Windstopper® fabric provides windproofing Ear flaps are warm, but still can hear surroundings Reflective elements on side and back Can use for other activities besides cycling … [Read more...] about Castelli Difesa 2 Cap and Difesa Thermal Cap Review
1Bikes & Gear
Every Different Type of Road Bike, Explained
by John Marsh Road bicycles are just that, bikes made for efficiently riding on roads. You’ll know a road bike when you see one. It’s characterized by its sleek look, with dropped, curving handlebars, narrow wheels and “skinny” tires, a small seat and lots of cogs, or gears, on the back wheel. Typically, road bikes are lightweight, and oftentimes they look “fast.” That’s … [Read more...] about Every Different Type of Road Bike, Explained
Getting Home on a Damaged Bicycle Wheel, Part 2
Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley To set the scene for what we’re covering here in part 2, let’s say we were JRA (just riding along) one fine morning, when, with a “snap” as loud as a rifle shot, a spoke broke in the rear wheel. Or, we could have run through a pothole and damaged the rear wheel. Either way, we’re now standing safely off to the side of the road with a bike … [Read more...] about Getting Home on a Damaged Bicycle Wheel, Part 2
Pearl Izumi Tour (Men’s) and Sugar (Women’s) Road Shoe
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot Very comfortable Well ventilated upper and sole Asymmetric closure system avoids pressure on sensitive tissue Stiff sole for greater power transfer Roomy toe box Good price point Easy cleat placement Cool retro lace up style Not Laces don’t allow for micro adjustment Sole only partial carbon fiber … [Read more...] about Pearl Izumi Tour (Men’s) and Sugar (Women’s) Road Shoe
Electrifying Murray Brings Back the Joy of Cycling
By Stan Purdum In 2011, while living in Ohio, I cowrote a book with Murray Fishel titled Pedaling on the North Coast: Biking the Streets of Greater Cleveland. It’s a narrated guide to 18 bicycle rides in the greater Cleveland area, published by the University of Akron Press. The collaboration with Murray was the result of a chance meeting on a group ride. We didn’t know … [Read more...] about Electrifying Murray Brings Back the Joy of Cycling
A Wheel Tip for All Roadies: Getting Home on a Damaged Bike Wheel
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Bont’s New Budget Shoes Before getting to the wheel tip, here’s a bit of product news you might like. I’ve reviewed Bont’s Vaypor S and Helix shoes and from the number of comments know that Bonts are popular. … [Read more...] about A Wheel Tip for All Roadies: Getting Home on a Damaged Bike Wheel
Road Bike Floor Pumps: RBR Editor Round Up
By Stan Purdum Most cyclists need a floor pump. If you have an air compressor with the proper adapter, it can be effective and useful for putting on tubeless road or tubeless mountain bike tires and seating them on the rim. But for day to day usage, a floor pump is essential for filling and topping off the air pressure in your tires. It's much easier than attempting to use a … [Read more...] about Road Bike Floor Pumps: RBR Editor Round Up
Wahoo Kickr Headwind Smart Fan Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot 3 ways to control airflow: HR, Speed or Manually Concentrated stream of air Quieter than typical fans Compact size for a small footprint Wheels lets you easily move it out of the way Sleep mode Doesn’t dry out eyes (concern for contact wearers) … [Read more...] about Wahoo Kickr Headwind Smart Fan Review
Rapha Pro Team Base Layer, Rain Vest, Race Cape and Winter Tights Review
Rapha Cycling Apparel for the Cold and Wet By Brandon Bilyeu Pro Team Base Layer: Pro Team Lightweight Rain Vest: Pro Team Race Cape: Pro Team Winter Tights w/ Pad II: Cost: Base Layer: $75 Rain Vest: $190 Rain Cape: $295 Winter Tights: $285 How obtained: review sample from company Available: online, retail, Rapha website Colors: Rain Cape: Dark … [Read more...] about Rapha Pro Team Base Layer, Rain Vest, Race Cape and Winter Tights Review
List of Carbon Bicycle Wheel Brands from A to Z
Thinking about your next set of carbon bike wheels and doing a little research because you're wondering what's out there? Turns out there are a large number of brands that make carbon wheels to choose from. We've gathered up all the manufacturers and brands we could find. Which wheels are you riding and how do you like them? Tell us in the comments so other readers can benefit … [Read more...] about List of Carbon Bicycle Wheel Brands from A to Z
12 Tips on Dressing for the Cold from a Coloradoan Cyclist
By Coach John Hughes I live in Boulder, Colorado and ride year-round both for fun and fitness. I enjoy riding outdoors even when the temps are in the 20s. What do I wear? Weather forecast I start by consulting the thermometer outside my window and the weather forecast. I use the https://www.weather.gov/ forecast. I then select clothing based on the current conditions … [Read more...] about 12 Tips on Dressing for the Cold from a Coloradoan Cyclist
RBR Readers Respond: Rim Brakes vs Disc Brakes on Road Bikes
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last week I introduced my friend Andy, a recent retiree looking for shopping advice. He asked whether on his new - and probably final dream road bike, he should get rim or disc brakes. Catch up here if you missed the story. I gave Andy my advice and asked you to chime in with your recommendations. This resulted in so many great points about … [Read more...] about RBR Readers Respond: Rim Brakes vs Disc Brakes on Road Bikes
Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit Waterproof Gloves Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot Fully waterproof Silicon grippers on palm and fingers provides firm grip Good breathability Soft and flexible, easy to move fingers and grasp Can use for other activities beside cycling Affordably priced Not Not touchscreen compatible Knit fabric gets caught on Velcro hooks Usable in a limited temperature range … [Read more...] about Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit Waterproof Gloves Review
Should Andy’s New Road Bike Have Disc Brakes?
Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley “Andy” is a cycling friend I’ve known for decades. When I was the head mechanic and service manager at a bike shop here in Santa Cruz, California he was a loyal customer. I ran into him at the grocery store the other day. After catching up a bit, he told me he had recently retired. He said that now that he has more time to ride, he’s … [Read more...] about Should Andy’s New Road Bike Have Disc Brakes?
Kuat Transfer Hitch Bicycle Rack Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum Hot Economically priced for platform hitch rack Carries road to fat tire bikes Secures bikes without contact with frame Fits both 1.25” and 2” receivers Easy and quick to assemble, attach to car and load/unload bikes High quality assembly tools included with rack Spring-loaded foot pedal pivots rack up or down Excellent … [Read more...] about Kuat Transfer Hitch Bicycle Rack Review