Newsletter Issue No. 1109
February 22, 2024
A Sad Announcement about Coach John Hughes
by Lars Hundley
I am saddened to write that Coach John Hughes passed away suddenly on February 4, following an emergency surgery. Read more.
Product Review: Effetto Mariposa’s Mangiacatena Chain Cleaner Tool & Allpine EXTRA Biodegradable Chain Degreaser
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
A few weeks ago I mentioned I had received samples of Effetto Mariposa’s Flowerpower wax lube and their Allpine EXTRA Biodegradable Degreaser too. Like most wax lube makers they recommend that you thoroughly clean the chain before applying their Flowerpower wax for the first time. Which prompted me to request one of their chain cleaner tools. Since it only seemed right to use their cleaner with their solvent and lube. Read more.
KOO Supernova Sunglasses – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
This review marks my first time reviewing a product that received a Good Housekeeping award. The KOO Supernova sunglasses were the recipient of Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Best Fitness Awards, and after a few rides testing them, I know why. These sunglasses are lightweight, use a single shield lens for unobstructed views, and have excellent lens clarity, making them perfect for cyclists. Read more.
Quick Tip: Using Your CO2 Cartridge on a Ride
CO2 cartridges can be a quick and convenient way to get back on the road after a flat, but there are a few things to look out for to make sure you don’t accidentally get stranded.
2 Other Ways for Cyclists to Lift Weights
By Kevin Kolodziejski
The offer came from Lindsey Hytrek, not Michael Corleone. But like the young Mafioso in Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary film “The Godfather,” the Public Relations Account Coordinator at ChicExecs Brand Strategy in San Marcos, California made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Since I prefer a parcel on my porch to a horse head in my bed, I said yes. Doing so not only eliminated the chance that my last workout ever would be swimming with the fishes in cement shoes, but it also has added variety, specificity, and at times tremendous intensity to the weightlifting I do to supplement my cycling and stymie sarcopenia. Read more.
How much should I spend on a road bike?
QUESTION: How much should I spend on a road bike? I’m a runner and I’m already pretty fit, and I’m interested in getting into road cycling. Some of the bikes are crazy expensive. I’ve seen $10k bikes at my local shop! What’s a good range I should be looking at? I am interested in buying a new bike and not a used one. —Greg J.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: You are asking the right question. The price of many of “crazy expensive” bikes can be justified if a) you are planning to participate in high-stakes bicycle racing or b) you’re a long-time rider and you want to treat yourself to one of the absolute best bikes available. Read more.
Question of the Week
What material is your road bike frame made of?
Other Cool Things to Read
AutoBlog: These are the 20 counties with the most bicycle deaths in the U.S.
Cycling Weekly: Five reasons why motor doping suspicions won’t go away
GCN: What is the best functional bike tech?
CBS: Cougar attacks 5 cyclists in Washington, with one woman hospitalized
Cycling Weekly: I’m a cycling injury expert, and here’s what I think of hot and cold therapy
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End Notes
