Newsletter Issue No. 1044

November 24, 2022

Avoiding Weight Gain During the Holidays

By Coach John Hughes

The holidays are filled with temptations! A friend of mine with a Ph.D. in nutrition once told me, “I never met a calorie I didn’t like.” Put differently anything in moderation is okay. Enjoy that piece of pie, fruitcake or a couple of holiday cookies. Read more.

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How Rear Derailleur B Tension Screws Work

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

Last week we answered reader “Fixieguy’s” question on how rear derailleur limit screws work. Afterward another RBRer named “Bryan” asked if I could next explain how rear derailleur B Tension screws work. Since that’s another important rear derailleur adjustment to understand, we’ll cover that today. Read more.

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Let’s Count Our Biking Blessings This Thanksgiving

By Kevin Kolodziejski

I don’t think I’ll merit serious consideration for the lead role if they ever remake “Lady Sings the Blues.” Catch me on a bad day, however, and you might think otherwise. But it’s not because my acting and singing reminds you of Diana Ross portraying Billie Holiday circa 1972. Read more.

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ABUS Commuter Helmet Round-up

By Sheri Rosenbaum

ABUS introduced two helmets with features uniquely designed to offer commuters safety and comfort. Both models have rechargeable rear lights, flip/flop visors, and loads of urban style. There’s even an adjustment to accommodate a rider’s ponytail. Read more.

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Can you put a bike rack on a SUV with a spoiler?

QUESTION: Can you put a rear-mounted bike rack on a SUV that has a spoiler above the back window? I don’t really want to buy a hitch mount if I don’t have to, and a roof rack has its own set of problems like forgetting about the garage. — Leroy L.

RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: The short answer is “it depends.” But here’s the long answer. Read more.

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Showers Pass Spring Classic Jacket Review

By Brandon Bilyeu

Showers Pass is probably best known as an excellent source of waterproof cycling kit for bike commuters.  Based in Portland, Oregon they have access to plenty of wet weather to test and perfect their products.  I should know as I lived in Portland for 10 years and bike commuted year-round, often in Showers Pass clothing on soggy wet days.  They also make rain jackets for those that like to go fast.  Back at the 2014 Milan-Sanremo race the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket could be seen on the shoulders of Alexander Kristoff who went on to win the race.  Fast forward to 2022 and now Showers Pass’ latest and greatest go-fast rain shell is the Spring Classic Jacket. Read more.

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How Much Should I Train on Hills?

QUESTION: I usually do my solo training on flat terrain but have begun riding with a group on a hilly route. I want to train more frequently on hills so I can keep up — and maybe even put the hurt on these guys! What’s the correct balance of flat and hilly training? — Jason L.

RBR REPLIES: This is a good question for every roadie who’s able to choose between hilly and flat training rides. Read more.

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Cycling Past 50 Bundle

In this 4-article series, Cycling Past 50 Bundle, Coach John Hughes shares what you need to do as you age into your 50s and beyond – using cycling and other exercises – to increase your longevity and improve your enjoyment of life! These articles apply whether you are just taking up cycling and exercise or you’ve been a cyclist for years and intend never to stop.

Includes the eArticles:

1. Healthy Cycling Past 50;
2. Off-Season Conditioning Past 50;
3. Healthy Nutrition Past 50;
4. Performance Cycling Past 50

Learn more.

Question of the Week

Ever damaged a bike carrying it on your bike rack?

Cool Stuff to Read

Cycling News: How to keep your feet warm this winter
Road Bike Action: 11 Tips to Improve Your Disc Brake Experience
Cycling Weekly: Gravel’s most successful event creators collaborate: The Great Plains Gravel Route

End Notes