Editor’s Notes; Follow-Up on Recent Reader Polls

Editor’s Notes

Discount Code for Compression Socks

In Sheri Rosenbaum‘s review of CEP and PRO Compression Socks last week, we included a discount code that PRO graciously offered RBR readers. Unfortunately, PRO neglected to make that code active on their site until after a few of you had tried to use it. Sorry about that. It was activated late last Thursday morning and should work fine now.

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New Reviews of OORR Kits This Week and Next

Sheri’s got another new review running this week: OORR’s new eco-friendly cycling apparel that uses post-consumer plastic bottles and other interesting materials in its kits. As we’ve done in the past – and will continue to do when possible – we’re reviewing both the women’s and men’s versions of OORR’s new kits.

Sheri’s review of the OORR Cafe Pro Women’s kit runs this week (see that below in the Newsletter). And next week Brandon Bilyeu reviews OORR’s new BOORD Room Men’s kit next week.

We’ll continue to feature reviews throughout the fall. Stay tuned.

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Catching Up on Some Recent Questions of the Week

Well, I never cease to be surprised by the way some of our polls net out. The last few were no different. Let’s take a quick look.

What Do You Think of the Trend Toward Smart Helmets?

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more evenly widespread distribution of answers to one of our polls; however, most were on the “negative” side. Here’s how it netted out:

• 18.4% voted: It sure seems to have the potential to make riding less, not more, safe.
• 16.9% voted: I can see the merit in adding some of those features to helmets.
• 15.6% voted: It’s crazy. Packaging so many distractions into one product is the opposite of “smart.”
• 15.3% voted: It’s a clear case of the overuse of technology just for the sake of using tech.
• 12.5% voted: Whatever. If someone wants to wear such a thing, I’m neutral about it.
• 12.5% voted: I’m OK with it, but it’s not for me.
• 5.9% voted: I love it! It’s a great use of existing tech to improve what’s available in helmets.
• 3% went with “something else entirely.”

Are You Selective in Waving at Fellow Cyclists?

As I’ve said before, roadies are just good people, by and large. And judging by the results of this poll, we like to show that “goodness” by waving at fellow cyclists.

With over 900 votes, almost all of you cast your vote for one of four answers:

• 30.4% voted: Nah. If I can get a hand off the bar, I’ll wave at anybody.
• 29.2 % voted: Not really. I aim to wave at everybody, but I don’t always.
• 17.1% voted: No. I wave at anybody on a bike. Every time.
• 12.8 % voted: Sort of. I usually wave other road bike riders but not all cyclists.

Do You Take Your Mobile Phone on Rides? If So, How Do You Use it?

This one is even easier to report on, and it’s one of the few that really held no surprises for me. With another 900 votes, here’s how it came out:

81.2 % voted: Yes, always. I keep it in my pocket or seat bag and only use it as needed when stopped.

7.1% voted: Sometimes. I keep it in my pocket or seat bag and only use it as needed when stopped.

5.0% voted: Yes, always. I ride with it mounted and use it for ride data and navigation.

Do You Believe (or Have Evidence) That Cars Give You a Wider Berth When You Wear Brighter Clothing and/or Use Full-Time Flashers?

This question may have held the biggest surprise for me of all, in a couple of ways.

First, I was taken aback that a little less than half of you don’t really believe that cars respond to bright kits or flashers. But here’s the kicker: You still either wear bright clothing or run flashers – hoping they might make a difference. Here are the vote totals:

• 44.9% voted: I don’t necessarily believe that, but I do wear brighter clothing and/or run flashers in hopes it’s true.
• 15.1% voted: Yes. I definitely believe that to be the case. I always do both!
• 14.4% voted: Yeah, which is why I always run full-time flashers. I don’t always wear brighter clothing.
• 12.7% voted: Yeah, which is why I always wear brighter clothing. I don’t always run full-time flashers.

The rest said they don’t believe it, or it just doesn’t matter to them.

(We encourage you to submit you own QoW ideas using the Question of the Week Ideas link.)