Newsletter Issue No. 1242
September 17, 2026
Bike Hitch Rack Problem-Solvers
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
For the last two episodes, we’ve been talking about hitch racks. First, was a review of the innovative new Cycle-On from Saris, followed by reader “Jim’s” recommended rack from Kuat, called the Beta. This week, in response to several comments that came in, we wanted to cover some of the accessories that can make using and living with a hitch rack easier. Read more.
Outdoor Master PHOENIX X and HAWK LT Cycling Sunglasses Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
I wasn’t familiar with Outdoor Master until the company’s rep reached out to me last month. The California-based company, which manufactures in China, sells affordable cycling helmets, sunglasses, and goggles, as well as snow- and water-sports gear. While browsing the company’s website, I was impressed by its use of ZEISS lenses, from the German company known for high quality, on some of its sunglasses and goggle models. Read more.
Help, my glasses hurt my head after 90 minutes!
Question: Is it just me or do other cyclists get sore from wearing glasses with their helmet? The area between the top of my ears and my scalp gets sore from the helmet strap pressure, I suppose. Better to keep glasses arms outside straps or inside? I get pain either way after about 90 minutes of riding. I’ve heard it’s safer to keep glasses arms outside straps because in a crash the glasses have a better chance of falling away from you rather than digging into your face (causing additional injuries) if the arms are held inside the straps. Do cycling glasses with wider or kinked arms alleviate soreness? Appreciate your and others’ insights. —Velvet R. Read more.
Quick Tip: Training is Different than Just Riding
There is nothing wrong with going for a ride. Riding with friends, exploring a new road, stopping for coffee, and enjoying a fine day are all good reasons to get on the bicycle.
But do not call every ride training.
Training has a purpose. You may be building endurance, practicing high cadence, preparing for a long climb, improving your ability to hold a hard pace, or recovering from a harder workout. Before you leave, you should be able to say what the ride is meant to accomplish.
That does not require a complicated plan. An easy 60-minute recovery ride has a purpose. So does a long steady ride, a set of short hills, or a few controlled intervals on the trainer. The key is that the effort and route support the goal.
A ride that starts easy, turns into a hard chase because friends show up, and ends with a sprint for the town sign may be fun. It may even make you fitter. But it may not be the training you needed that day.
Know the difference. Enjoy your rides for what they are. Then, when you need to train, give the ride one clear job and do it well. Leave comment.
Other Cool Things to Read
Cycling Weekly: Ebikes make people less afraid to ride in traffic?
Road.cc: Shimano Dura-Ace 9300 13-speed? leaked pictures reveal details
Cycling Weekly: Desk work and road riding can wreak havoc on your posture
SciTechDaily: short on sleep after a bad night? Exercise appears to give the brain one of the same benefits
Question of the Week
Do you use a heart rate monitor and/or power meter?
Most Clicked Last Week
“Jim’s” Hitch Rack Recommendation and Will it Work for You
End Notes
