Newsletter Issue No. 1134
August 15, 2024
Quick Look: Connex Chainring Wear Indicator Tool
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
In the interest of providing every possible tool for checking your drivetrain – and thanks to RBR co-founder Ed Pavelka tipping me off to it, I present the Connex Chainring Wear Indicator. Read more.
Will Being Halfhearted About Your Health Now Make You Halfwitted Later?
By Kevin Kolodziejski
It’s not exactly a news flash. Energy and focus are finite.
In fact, only a crackpot (or maybe an empty-stomached cyclist who’s just consumed a half pot of coffee before an early-morning ride) would challenge that. And only a totally cracked pot (or maybe that same cyclist if he consumes a full pot of Irish coffee later that morning) would argue against the upshot of that. That it’s both acceptable and sensible to put forth a half-hearted effort sometimes. Read more.
Smith Optics New Sunglasses and Lens Combinations
By Sheri Rosenbaum
How do you improve on a great pair of sunglasses? If you are a product manager at Smith, you add ChromaPop technology to their PhotoChromic lens. It doesn’t matter if you’re riding on a cloudy day or bright sunshine; the lenses enhance natural color to make details pop, clarity, and definition while automatically adjusting to different lighting conditions. Read more.
Why Do I Feel Tired and Dizzy Cycling in Hot Weather?
Question: I am 68 and have been a recreational cyclist for the better part of the last 40 years. In my 30s I’d ride 60 miles in 90-degree heat (hey, there’s a breeze), no problem. About 4-5 years ago, riding in the heat became intolerable. If it’s high 80s or higher, even after as little as 10-15 miles, I not only get dizzy but lose muscle strength so that I can’t hold up the bike, let alone pedal. Read more.
Is it okay to draft behind riders I don’t know, and if so, what’s the proper etiquette?
QUESTION: I usually ride alone, but sometimes I encounter other cyclists going at a similar pace or slightly faster. Is it okay to draft behind them, and if so, what’s the proper etiquette for joining a stranger or small group on the road? —Robert T.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: There are two issues with drafting random persons: One is etiquette, and the other is safety. Read more.
Tech-Free Training: The Talk Test for Cyclists
The cycling tech we have today is amazing, and I love to use it as much as anyone. Power meters, heart rate monitors and GPS units have revolutionized how we train, ride… and post to Strava after we finish. But among all these gadgets, there’s a crucial skill that often gets overlooked: the ability to listen to your own body. Mastering this skill makes you a more intuitive cyclist, complementing your tech-based training and helping you become a more well-rounded rider. That’s where the talk test comes in. It’s an approach that’s as relevant today as it was when steel frames and wool jerseys were the norm. Read more.
Question of the Week
Have you had to stop a ride because of the heat?
Other Cool Things to Read
Cycling Weekly: Lifetime guarantees are pointless – but they sound good on marketing material
PinkBike: Keegan Swenson wins Leadville on this hardtail with drop bars and no seat post dropper!
IDL Pro Cycling: Lance Armstrong rides Leadville, takes almost 5 hours longer than winner to finish
VeloNews: Best Olympics Ever: Team USA Celebrates Modern-Era Record with 6 Cycling Medals
Most Clicked Last Week
The Only Symptom Occurred When Climbing Hills on My Bike: A Cancer Success Story
End Notes
