Newsletter Issue No. 1183
July 24, 2025
Your Feedback on Lower Gearing
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
As expected (and greatly appreciated), our article last week about lowering the gearing on a Cervelo Carbon Soloist road bike from 2007, attracted a lot of comments and helpful tips. It will all come in handy should you too want easier gearing for the hills now or in the future. Follow this link to read the original story and all the comments: The Long Story of Lowering the Gearing on My Old Road Racing Bike.
This week I’ll cover some of your recommendations and answer most of the questions you raised about my choices and lower gearing setup. Read more.
Active Recovery vs. Passive Recovery
By Rick Schultz
When it comes to recovery after cycling, both active and inactive (passive) recovery have their place, and the “better” option often depends on the intensity and type of the previous ride, as well as a rider’s current physical state. Read more.
Planet Bike Beamer 400, Beamer 700, and Blinky Squared Tail Light – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
If you are from the Midwest, you probably heard of a small company based in Madison, Wisconsin – Planet Bike. They’ve been making quality, affordable bike products for 20 years and, as part of 1% for the Planet, have given back by donating over $2 million to the grassroots bicycle movement. Read more.
In praise of the Adventure Cycling Association and cycle touring
By Stan Purdum
Recent news from the non-profit Adventure Cycling Association (ACA), which is dedicated to opening the door to cycling adventures for all, reminded me of how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to twice take extended bicycle tours across the United States, as well as a host of shorter ones. Read more.
Should I Ride When I Feel Under the Weather?
Question: Should I continue training, or cut out exercise, when I’m feeling under the weather? I have a bit of a sore throat and am slightly chesty but no temperature. Should I be exercising, and at what level? — Paul L. Read more.
Chain Fell Off in Front? How to Get a Dropped Bicycle Chain Back on the Crank
Clink. Clank. Oops. Dropped your chain off to the right while trying to get on the big ring just as you are beginning a downhill? Possibly a poorly adjusted front derailleur, or you made to hasty a shift. Either way, you can recover without grinding to a stop on the hill. Read more.
Other Cool Things to Read
CBS News: An 80-year-old man ran a 135-mile ultramarathon through Death Valley. Here’s what it took.
Bike Radar: Safety concerns, tubeless domination and hooked rims on the rise | Tour de France
Road.cc: Is Aeroscale’s Wasted Watts system the future of refining your aero position in real time?
Question of the Week
Are you comfortable eating in the middle of a group ride?
Most Clicked Last Week
The Long Story of Lowering the Gearing on My Old Road Racing Bike
End Notes
