Newsletter Issue No. 807
April 26, 2018
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
By Lars Hundley Are you shopping for a new bike saddle after last week’s newsletter? I think a lot of readers must be, based on how many clicks we got to readers’ most comfortable bike saddle choices. I personally learned about several new saddles that make me want to get out my wallet. I was inspired to continue asking questions, to take advantage of the collective wisdom of all you great readers.
Got an opinion about the best cycling jersey? Reply to the newsletter email and let’s see which ones get the highest grades.
Bonus points to hear WHY it’s the best for you — good construction, best pockets, superior zippers, sleeve length, fit, better looking or an entirely different reason? I’m wearing a lot of different brands day to day, not necessarily thrilled with anything and am about to buy a Pactimo because of some models with reflectivity. Although maybe I should wait until I hear your answers….
Over on Facebook, the most popular post of the week was about tire pressure, and whether or not you might be running your pressure too high. On Pinterest, readers were more concerned about perfecting their pedal stroke and increasing efficiency.
This week, the most inspiring article for me is the one about Gerry Eddlemon, who is attempting to break the 70+ age record for multiple distances and time periods all in one attempt. Sounds tough, doesn’t it?
New Research: Fruit Beats Sports Drinks for Exercisers
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Many studies show that you can exercise longer and more intensely and recover faster when you take a source of sugar during vigorous exercise. dozens of brands of sports drinks are promoted to fill this need, but a new study from Appalachian State University shows that a banana appears to offer superior results, specifically helping athletes to recover faster from intense exercise (PLoS One, March 22, 2018). The red blood cells of athletes eating bananas produced much lower blood levels of a genetic precursor of COX-2, which causes inflammation that delays recovery, than those of the group that took sports drinks. Read more.
Follow-up on Campy Super Record 12-Speed, and Premier Bike’s $130 Super Chain
By Jim Langley Thanks readers for your thoughtful comments regarding our article on Campagnolo’s new 12-speed groups, Record and Super Record. Most of you are excited about 12-speed and it’s nice to read that a couple of you are ready to upgrade. While I was at the Sea Otter Classic this past Sunday, I was able to snap a quick photo of the group in Campy’s booth. Read more.
Don’t miss the new ebook from Coach Hughes:
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process Available Now
By Coach John Hughes Chronological aging is inevitable. However, you have control over how well you will age. Coach Hughes wrote this eBook for all roadies age 50 and older. It will teach you how you, too, can fight the physical effects of chronological aging and includes the illustrative stories of 13 roadies. Learn More About the Ebook.
Advice for 72 Year Old Attempting to Break 100K, 100-Mile, 6-Hour, 200K, 200-Mile, 12-Hour and 24-Hour Records in One Go
By Coach John Hughes Last week a longtime friend of mine, Gerry Eddlemon, wrote to me asking my advice on training and tapering for several record attempts. My advice about the right combination of endurance and intensity training and then tapering properly applies to any event, even if it isn’t a race or record attempt. Read more.
Top Cycling Accounts to Follow on Instagram
Not even 10 years ago, the only time you’d really see what a pro cyclist was up to is by reading about them in publications like Velonews or sites like Cyclingnews.com or catching the rare cycling event or interview on television.
But now, with social media services like Instagram, you can follow your favorite cyclists and see what they’re up to from day to day. It’s inspiring, compelling, and a little bit addicting. Read more.
Kuat Pivot Bicycle Rack Review
By Brandon Bilyeu Compared to years ago we are quite spoiled by the number and quality of bike racks available today. There are now racks that securely hold our bikes without touching our fancy frames and many racks now have a tilt feature that allows the rear hatch of vehicles to be opened with bikes installed on the rack. But the tilting function does not work with all vehicles, especially those with swing open rear doors instead of hatches, and sometimes you just need full access to the rear of your vehicle. Read more.
Velocio Signature Fly Women’s Bibs Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum What I like about reviewing products for RBR, is that I get to test products from a variety of manufacturers. Velocio is one of those manufacturers that I was not familiar with until about 9 months ago. They are a US-based company that manufactures their apparel in Italy. But beyond that, they have a conscience. Velocio uses minimal packaging for shipping and it’s recyclable. Plus, they are involved in philanthropy. Read more.
Question of the Week
The question of the week is inspired by Dr. Mirkin’s article about fruit. What do you eat or drink on rides?