Newsletter Issue No. 1128
July 4, 2024
Doug’s Buddy’s Pedal Wrench Hack
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
If you work on your bikes – and I bet most of you do – you’ve surely been faced with a job that would have been easier to perform if you’d had a better tool. When that happens you might be able to head down to your local bike shop to buy that better tool. Read more.
Cycling May Not Be All It’s Cracked Up to Be
By Kevin Kolodziejski
Granted, the title’s designed to be a tease, but it’s hardly a case of yellow journalism. You’ll see that soon enough — if you maintain the proper perspective.
To ensure that happens, here’s what I’ll ask of you. It’s something that could also help your mental health. Take some time and think about that guy who just gets your goat on group rides and what makes the guy such a group-ride goat-getter. Read more.
Peak Design Product and Accessory Roundup
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In 2020, I had the opportunity to review Peak Design during its Kickstarter campaign, which featured a phone case, bike mount, and various accessories. I was impressed with the quality engineering, durability, and extensive product offering back then, and I continue to be impressed now. Read more.
What’s the best way to train for climbing without access to any real hills?
QUESTION: I live in a pancake-flat area but want to improve my climbing for an upcoming event with lots of hills. What’s the best way to train without access to any real climbs? —Mark S.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: That’s an excellent question, one I wished I had thought about before riding across the United States several years ago. In preparation for that trek, I rode 2,000 miles in my home state of Ohio, which has a mixed geography. Read more.
Quick Tip: Keep your upper body still and relaxed while pedaling
A quiet upper body is key to efficient cycling, helping you conserve energy and maintain better control of your bike. Many riders unconsciously tense up or rock side to side, especially when pushing hard.
Start your ride with a body awareness check. Are your shoulders creeping up towards your ears? Is your grip on the handlebars white-knuckle tight? Take a deep breath and consciously relax these areas. Read more.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure Better Than Just Doctor Monitoring
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Checking your own blood pressure several times a day may offer better blood pressure control than just taking occasional blood pressure measurements in a doctor’s office. In this study, doctors followed two groups of patients. Read more.
Question of the Week
What level groupo are you riding on your current road bike?
Other Cool Things to Read
Road.cc: Bike industry told to “survive until 2025” as report says overstock issues “might be resolved” next year
CyclingUpToDate.com: Peter Sagan ends road career
LA Times: Michael Schneider: L.A.’s unapologetic biking evangelist
UPI: Netherlanders build rideable bicycle measuring 180 feet, 11 inches long
Bike Rumor: The End of the Presta Valve? New Schwalbe CLIK Valve Has Potential to Become Industry Standard
Most Clicked Last Week
Counterpoint: An Opinion Against Waxing Chains
End Notes
