Newsletter Issue No. 1147
November 14, 2024
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M Classic Tubeless-ready Tires
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
I’m reviewing gravel tires rather than road tires because a G bike is what makes the most sense when we’re traveling in our RV, a pastime of ours I’ve mentioned in previous Tech Talks. So that’s the bike I’ve been riding the most lately. Read more.
Muc-Off’s New Big Bore Tubeless Valves and Road & Gravel Sealant Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Jim Langley recently wrote a pair of articles on new valve technology, sparking comments from many RBR readers. (Part 1 and Part 2). Unbeknownst to Jim, I was concurrently in Chicago putting the Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valves and their new Gravel & Road Sealant to the test. Read more.
Is drinking only when thirsty enough to stay hydrated while cycling?
QUESTION: I’m a recreational cyclist. I always take a water bottle with me on rides, but I only drink from it when I feel thirsty. I avoid sports drinks because they sometimes upset my stomach. Otherwise, I feel OK when sticking with plain water. But some friends who ride tell me I should be drinking on a schedule, whether I feel thirsty or not and that some of what I drink should include electrolytes. Are they right, and if so, why? —Aaron J.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Your friends are likely referring to the fact that it’s easy when exercising to become dehydrated, since we all lose body water volume simply by sweating and breathing. Read more.
Treat Knee Pain with Lifestyle Changes
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
A review of 47 studies on 22,037 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated for at least 12 months showed no clear difference in controlling long-term pain between medications and placebos. There was a slight time-limited pain control with a non-steroidal (celecoxib) and glucosamine. With the exception of immune suppressants that have lots of serious side effects, medications and health supplements do not prevent progressive damage to joints and are used only to help lessen pain. Read more.
5 Ways You Can Help a Fellow Cyclist, Even if You’re a Mediocre Mechanic
By John Yoder
You don’t have to be a skilled mechanic to help a cyclist in distress. A helping hand, a better tool or an encouraging word can often be the most helpful response you can make. Read more.
Question of the Week
How well do you take care of your bike chain?
Other Cool Things to Read
Patriot Ledger: At 80, I ride my bike 80 miles a week in season. I fell. A doctor told me to stop. Not yet
The Radavist: Vedangi Kulkarni: Cycling Around the World (Twice) Isn’t About Being The Fastest
YouTube: Cruisers – The Unbound 200 on beach cruisers
NBC News: ‘Night riding army’ snarls traffic on viral quest for soup dumplings in China
Most Clicked Last Week
End Notes
