Newsletter Issue No. 1123
May 30, 2024
Bicycle Car Rack Tips: Part 3
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
The plan wasn’t to write a third part to this series on car racks for bicycles but the great comments keep arriving and one from Phil Chavez asked an excellent question that deserves an answer. So I’ll weigh in here and then, please add your advice to Phil, especially if you disagree with what I tell him. Read more.
Xnito eBike Helmet Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
As Class 3 eBikes continue to rise in popularity, even post-pandemic, it’s crucial for riders to understand that not all helmets offer adequate protection at higher speeds. During a meeting at CABDA Midwest, Ben Dai, CEO and Founder of Xnito, shared with me that he started the company in June 2020 to address this gap. He noted that conventional bike helmets fall short of providing the necessary protection for faster e-bike riders. Read more.
Review of Range Extender Battery for Specialized SL Ebikes
By Stan Purdum
About a year ago I purchased a Specialized Turbo Creo SL road ebike and once I added to it remote control buttons that enable me to move between assist levels without taking my hands off the handlebars, I have loved everything about it … until riding on a high-wind day drained the internal battery quickly. Read more.
How Do I Revive Dead Legs?
Question: I’ve been doing a lot of racing lately — both Zwift and actual race events. I’ve had good results, but now my legs have gone “dead.” My quads burn constantly, like when walking upstairs. Blood tests were negative. Are there any remedies? — Ned K.
RBR Replies: I suspect that every enthusiastic rider experiences dead legs at some point in their season. Read more.
What Effect Does Rain Have on Speed?
Question: How much does rain — and wearing a rain jacket — affect the aerodynamics of a ride and thereby the speed? Is there a best way to achieve speed in a wet race or fast group ride? — Dave G.
RBR Replies: In a rainy ride or race, the issue isn’t speed so much as traction. Read more.
Dealing with Night-Time Leg Cramps
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
About 60 percent of North American adults suffer from night-time leg cramps, a sudden painful contraction usually of the calf muscles that can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes or more. Doctors do not know what causes most cases of leg cramps, but usually they are not caused by dehydration or lack of minerals. Read more.
Question of the Week
Have you had any bike rack mishaps?
Other Cool Things to Read
Road.cc: Remembering the stunning Carrera Phibra, one of the finest Italian bikes of the 2010s
Cycling Weekly: Riders who exceed the limits of a polite margin spoil everyone’s day with their showboating victories
Alfred.edu: Tom Quinn ’64 turns 82 and pedals 82 miles; has been bicycling his age since turning 70
Chicago Sun Times: Pedal mettle? Bicycling in Chicago doubled in 5 years, but cyclists still worry about safety
Most Clicked Last Week
End Notes
