Newsletter Issue No. 1160

February 13, 2025

Rick’s Review of Clik Valves

Jim’s Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

Last October I did a sneak peek of two interesting new types of tire valves, one from the company Muc-Off called Big-Bore Valves and one from the company Clik Valve and also called Clik Valves. You can read that story here.

After that piece ran, our editor Sheri Rosenbaum tested and reviewed the Muc-Off Big-Bore valves. Her review is here.

And now, thanks to a kind reader named Rick, who hails from Michigan, I can share a review of the Clik Valves that Rick sent in. Thank you Rick! Read more.


Getting Back Your Cycling Fitness After Taking Time Off the Bike

By Lars Hundley

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at our cycling routines. Maybe it was a demanding job, a growing family, or just a shift in priorities. Whatever the reason, you’ve been off the bike for a while, and now you’re itching to get back in the saddle. But how do you recapture that cycling mojo without burning out or getting discouraged? Let’s talk about regaining your fitness and rediscovering the joy of riding. Read more.


It’s Time to Give Some Thought to Time

By Kevin Kolodziejski 

You truly need to be an Einstein to follow the theory of relativity in its entirety.  But there’s an element to it that any cyclist can comprehend.  Even the ones who find Shut Up, Legs!, the autobiography written by former cycling pro and breakaway artist extraordinaire Jens Voigt, to be a tough read. Read more.


Interview with Kristi Mohn – Unbound Gravel 2025

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Kristi Mohn, Race Director for UNBOUND Gravel and co-founder of Girls Gone Gravel (GGG). As this is my first time riding UNBOUND, I was curious how she started riding gravel and her take on why more women aren’t signing up for these races. Read more.


Rapha Men’s Pro Team Long Sleeve Midweight Jersey and Pro Team Lightweight Tights Review

By Brandon Bilyeu

Rapha’s naming scheme may be a bit of a mouthful, but at least it helps you quickly understand what you are looking at.  The “Pro Team” indicates the kit is designed for racing, training, and generally high-performance cycling.  The “Long Sleeve” is self-explanatory.  “Midweight” describes the insulation level of the jersey which is constructed using a thin fabric that features a raised texture interior to create an insulating air gap. Read more.


Try This: Improve Your Pedaling Cadence

Want to ride longer with less fatigue? Master the art of efficient pedaling. It’s not about how hard you can push those pedals – it’s about how smoothly you can make them go around.

Read more.


Should I pull up on my bicycle pedals?

QUESTION: After several years of riding with flat pedals, I finally bought a clipless pair. I’m still getting used to them, but one thing I can’t seem to do well is pull up with one leg while the other leg is pushing down. A friend tells me doing so will increase my pedaling efficiency. Is there some secret about how to do this right? —Alf L. Read more.


Question of the Week

Have you ever ridden any gravel events?

Other Cool Things to Read

Cycling News: The ‘most aerodynamic’ bike in the WorldTour just made its winning debut
State of Michigan: Terrific free bicycle maps of the state of Michigan
Seattle Times: How, When and Why Seattle Became Bicycle Friendly
Cycling Weekly: I thought a ride with a 66-year-old grandmother would be easy, but she dropped me

Most Clicked Last Week

Are Bicycle Bottles Safe to Drink From?

End Notes

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