(Over the next three issues, we’re going to focus on climbing. We’ll start today with a look at the psychological side of hauling yourself uphill. Then we’ll talk in more detail about how to climb short, steep hills. And, finally, we’ll provide climbing tips for the Clydesdales among us.) You’re riding with a friend who’s…
That in itself isn’t the problem. But, if you were to suffer a flat tire during or right after descending, you might touch an iron-hot disc while operating the wheel’s quick release to remove the wheel — and end up burning yourself. The mountain biker’s tip that greatly reduces the risk of that happening is…
The soreness and burning you feel during prolonged intense exercise is a sign that muscles are damaged. Scientists know exactly where a muscle is damaged. Each muscle is made up of thousands of muscle fibers like a rope is made of many threads. Each muscle fiber is made up of a series of blocks called sarcomeres that…
A Swedish company called Multi-directional Impact Protection System — MIPS — patented the slip plane concept (what it calls a low-friction layer), using two layers in the helmet (the MIPS “liner”) to help mitigate the rotational force of an impact, which can result in a concussion or other brain injury. Here’s how the company itself describes the technology: “In…
“It’s an idea that has potent consequences for recreational riders,” Coach Fred says. “If we can pinpoint a few small changes in our bike fits, diets, training plans, event-day organization and many other areas of possible improvement, the resulting performance gains can be large. Look at it this way: a dozen changes, each yielding improvements of…
