Newsletter Issue No. 1116
April 11, 2024
Basic Tips for Drop Bar Lever Positioning
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
When it comes to cyclists’ comfort and ergonomics, saddle position comes first so it gets the most attention. But, a lot of discomfort, even pain comes from another main contact point, the levers.
Before shifting brake levers became standard issue, it wasn’t as important to hang on to the levers most of the time. Now that it is, what might seem to be slight issues with the levers could result in significant pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck. Read more.
Split Hairs, Stretch at the Right Times And Be Kind to Canines
By Kevin Kolodziejski
Please don’t play psychologist and diagnose me with kick-the-dog syndrome. I don’t even own a dog. Honestly, my habit of splitting hairs while writing this column is not a case of displaced aggression simply because so few of them remain atop my head — or so many of them now grow in my ears and nose. Read more.
Pearl Izumi Attack Bibs, Jerseys, and Summit Gloves – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
As a long-time fan and former women’s ambassador for Pearl Izumi, I have observed a slight decline in the company’s quality over the past few years. However, with the release of their 2024 Spring/Summer line, I am thrilled to announce that Pearl Izumi has returned to the standards I have come to love. The sizing still needs some fine tuning, but they are going in the right direction. In this review, I will share my thoughts on some of the pieces from this collection. Read more.
Can cycling cause me to become slump-shouldered?
QUESTION: I’ve been cycling for more than twenty years. I’m now in my 70s, and my wife recently mentioned that I’m becoming slump-shouldered, and she thinks it’s from the position I’m in when I ride. My bike has drop handlebars. Could she be right? I thought all this cycling was good for me. —Alan S.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: You’re both right. Cycling is good for you overall, especially for your cardio-vascular health, your muscle and bone strength, weight control and your mental well-being. But for posture, not so much. Read more.
Quick Tip: What to Do if Your Tire Goes Off the Edge of the Pavement
Get back on the pavement after dropping your wheels off the edge.
You may not want to put yourself in this risky predicament for the sake of practice. But if you remember this tip, you can do the right thing when the time comes. Read more.
Why Does Descending Make My Jaw Hurt?
QUESTION: My jaw hurts after long downhills. It’s painful under my ears almost like I’ve been chewing toffee too hard and overworked the muscles. Any idea what causes this? I don’t like to descend, and I need to get better for a Colorado tour I’m doing this summer. — Bailey A.
RBR REPLIES: Because you don’t like riding downhill, my guess is that tension is causing you to clench your teeth. That’s fatiguing your jaw muscles and nearly cramping them, causing pain. Read more.
Question of the Week
When you ride alone, is your tendency to ride harder or ride easier?
Other Cool Things to Read
CyclingNews: Van der Poel eclipses another speed record in Paris-Roubaix
YouTube: The Hottest 2024 Paris-Roubaix Tech Trends
GCN: A new era for Paris-Roubaix tech as aero bikes and wide tires dominate
Slow Twitch: Update on Hookless Wheels
Most Clicked Last Week
A Simple Tip that Can Prevent a Crash
End Notes
