Newsletter Issue No. 1227
June 4, 2026
Fixing a Flat Without Removing the Wheel
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
This is a quick tip, which is in response to a recent comment from a reader named “Larry.” And the interesting part is that the answer comes from another reader’s comment.
Larry was replying to Stan Purdum’s recent column about e-bikes and whether they’re more, less or as comfortable as regular road bikes. But Larry mentioned something else about e-bikes I’ve heard before; a criticism. Read more.
Boring Loops But No Traffic: Do You Worry About Cars?
By Lars Hundley
Dallas has not been kind to cyclists lately.
Last December, Scott Mages and Andre Kocher, both members of the Frisco Triathlon Club, were hit and killed by an unlicensed, speeding driver while on a group ride in Denton County. In late March, Phil Balli, a 61-year-old regular on the Richardson Pop Ride, was struck near Renner and Custer Parkway and died a week later. Then in April, Dory Selinger was killed in McKinney. Selinger was a three-time world champion and Paralympic gold medalist who had lived and ridden in North Texas for decades. Read more.
On Having Blind Spots, Becoming Envious, Feeling Grateful and Attaining Cycling Success
By Kevin Kolodziejski
Did you ever hear a line from a song and feel as if it had been written about you?
That’s happened to me a few times. The most recent occurred when I heard Don Henley’s “Heart of the Matter.” The line in question suddenly struck me as a suitable summation of my present cycling situation. “All the things I thought I knew, I’m learning again.” Read more.
POC Amidal Helmet and Elicit Sunglasses – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In conjunction with Sea Otter Classic, POC unveiled its new road and gravel helmet, the Amidal. I’ve been testing it on a variety of road and gravel rides, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 85 degrees F and distances up to 65 miles. My impression of this new helmet is that it fits really well, is aerodynamic, and provides outstanding airflow. It is also more streamlined than previous POC helmets I’ve reviewed. Read more.
Why has my saddle suddenly become uncomfortable?
Question: I’ve ridden the same brand and model of saddle for years and have always found it comfortable. But recently, it’s become uncomfortable, even on short rides. I know any saddle can wear out, but I have the identical saddle on my other bike, and I have the same loss of comfort on that bike as well. I’ve experimented with changing the height, tilt, and fore-and-aft position of the saddle, but nothing has helped. I haven’t gained or lost weight, but is it possible that my anatomy has changed in some way that I’m not aware of? — Art C.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: An unnoticed anatomical change that would affect saddle fit is possible, but before you assume that, let me tell you of an experience of mine that caused me to wonder about an anatomy change — which turned out not to be the case. Read more.
Other Cool Things to Read
SciTechDaily: New 10-year study links cycling to longer, healthier lives
Cyclingnews: ‘This rainstorm changed everything’ — crashes and chaos at a muddy Unbound Gravel
Roadman Cycling: Why ‘lighter is faster’ is holding you back
Cycling Up To Date: Olympic medallist baffled by Wiebes’ brutal Giro bike-weight penalty
YouTube: 85-Year-Old Cyclist Reveals the Brain Secret Everyone Ignores
Question of the Week
What brand of pedals do you ride?
Most Clicked Last Week
An Interview with Tech Guru and Bike Builder Lennard Zinn On 32-inch Wheels
End Notes
