Newsletter Issue No. 846
January 24, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
12 Tips on Dressing for the Cold from a Coloradoan
By Coach John Hughes
I live in Boulder, Colorado and ride year-round both for fun and fitness. I enjoy riding outdoors even when the temps are in the 20s. What do I wear? Here’s the method I use to determine the right apparel during cold weather periods.
RBR Readers Respond: Rim Brakes vs. Disc Brakes on Road Bikes
By Jim Langley
Last week I introduced my friend Andy, a recent retiree looking for shopping advice. He asked whether on his new – and probably final dream road bike, he should get rim or disc brakes. Catch up here if you missed the story.
I gave Andy my advice and asked you to chime in with your recommendations. This resulted in so many great points about disc and rim brakes, that I’m devoting this week’s issue to your awesome feedback. I edited some a little for brevity and only shared a few thoughts where I felt they would add value. But mostly, this is all you. Read more.
Sunlight: More than Vitamin D
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
For many years I have offered my opinion that sunlight provides benefits that are not gained just from taking vitamin D pills. Recent research is confirming that opinion, and many scientists now believe that low vitamin D blood levels are only a marker for not getting enough sunlight. People who get little sunlight are at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, several types of cancers, infections, bone fractures, diabetes, obesity, depression, auto-immune diseases and other diseases that can cause premature death, yet the increased risks for these diseases are not reduced by taking vitamin D pills. Read more.
Productive Off-Season Training for Health and Recreational Riders
By Coach John Hughes
This eArticle from Coach Hughes, Productive Off-Season Training for Health and Recreational Riders explains in detail what you can do to become a better rider this winter. The article covers in detail outdoor endurance riding, intensity training, cross-training, indoor cycling, resistance (strength) training, drills for technique and stretching. The article combines all of these into:
- A 12-week off-season exercise program to keep you healthy during the winter months.
- A 12-week more intensive off-season program to build your endurance, power and speed, preparing for base training.
Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit Waterproof Gloves Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Showers Pass is well known for their waterproof, breathable apparel. RBR has reviewed several of their jackets in the past and they received high marks. In October, the company introduced the Crosspoint waterproof gloves. These gloves are made with 3 bonded layers; the exterior is a wear resistant knit, a waterproof-breathable Artex membrane, and a Coolmax moisture-wicking antibacterial knit lining. Read more.
Jumping Rope for Cyclists: An Interview with Buddy Lee
By Lars Hundley
Recently, I came across a new book about jump rope workouts called 101 Best Jump Rope Workouts, by Buddy Lee. The book piqued my interest initially because my own experience with jumping rope has been that it is extremely aerobically demanding and also also requires a lot of coordination. The book led me down a path that ended up at this YouTube video (see the article) of Mr. Lee demonstrating his amazing rope jumping skill. Read more.
How Do I Prevent Freezing Feet on Cold Winter Bike Rides?
Question: I’ve tried every trick imaginable to keep my feet warm during cold-weather rides — larger shoes with 2 pairs of socks, battery-powered socks, spray antiperspirant to reduce sweating, plastic bags to cut wind. But no luck. My frozen feet are always the limiting factor in winter riding. Any tips? — Judy D.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Painfully cold feet is an age-old problem for cyclists. In general, it seems to be highly individual. Read more
Question of the Week
Do you have problems with cold feet during winter cycling?