Newsletter Issue No. 878
September 5, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
How to Improve as a Cyclist
By Coach John Hughes
On August 1, 2019, Patricia Anne Baker set the Masters Women’s 80-84 Hour World Record of 27.447km (17.96 mi). Wow! Although this column describes how an older rider can improve, the principles apply to all roadies. Read more.
7 Basic Chain Drop Solutions for 1X Drivetrains
By Jim Langley
One of the “new” trends in cycling is the 1X (say “one-by”) drivetrain. On these there is only a single (one) chainring. This makes for easy, uncomplicated shifting. Need a lower, easier gear to fight a headwind or top a climb? Read more.
StagesBike vs Wahoo KICKR Bike: A Comparison
Looking for a dedicated stationary smart trainer bike because you’re sick of taking your regular bike on and off the trainer? Then we have good news! Stages Cycling and Wahoo have both introduced brand new models that are designed specifically to ride on Zwift, TrainerRoad and all the other main online cycling platforms. Here’s how the StagesBike from Stages Cycling compares to the Wahoo KICKR Bike. Read more.
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music GPS Watch Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
I have been using the Garmin Edge 1000 and Forerunner 920XT for years now. My only complaint was having to wear a heart rate monitor chest strap. It was especially an issue when swimming or biking in cold weather as the strap retains moisture. Then Garmin released new Forerunners with both wrist HR and music. Back in March when I requested a test model, the triathlon multisport watch did not have music yet, so I opted for the 645 Music model. It would do everything I needed, except open water swims (OWS). Read more.
Specialized Airnet MIPS Helmet Review
By Lars Hundley
When I read that Specialized’s $150 Airnet helmet had MIPS and was their third fastest road helmet after the TT, a time trial helmet, and the Evade, a road aero helmet, I was intrigued. When I saw all the air vents, I was convinced that it might be the right kind of road helmet for hot weather riding. I pulled out my wallet and bought one. Read more.
Anti-Aging 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process by Coach John Hughes incorporates the latest research and most of it is new material not published in previous eArticles on cycling past 50, 60 and beyond.
The book explains how to get the most benefit from your endurance rides. It has sample training plans to increase your annual riding miles and to build up to 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-mile rides. The book explains why intensity training is important and the pros and cons of gauging intensity using rate of perceived exertion, heart rate and power. It includes how to do intensity exercise and different intensity workouts. It integrates endurance and intensity training into an annual plan for optimal results.
Do More Miles Produce More Strength on a Bike?
Question: It appears that the strongest cyclists on our club rides are those who do the most miles before the official start. Some guys show up after already doing 20 or 30 miles, then they’re unbeatable in the finishing sprint. Should I be doing more miles instead of resting before these rides? — Dino A. Read more.
Exercise Really Does Help You
By Gabe Mirkin, MD
Researchers reviewed eight studies that used accelerometers to follow 36,383 adults, 40 years of age and older, for six years. They found that exercising regularly, regardless of intensity, was associated with reduced risk for death during the study period, while sitting for more than nine hours a day was associated with increased risk of death. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you run a single chainring set up on any of your bicycles?
More Cycling Stuff to Read
FNLondon.com: Bankers in London abandoning their expensive bicycles at the office after layoffs.
Outside: It’s time to start treating women pro cyclists equally.
NY Times: Peloton is a phenomenon. Can it last? (Love the reader comments.)
NY Times: How an e-bike changed my life.
End Notes
See you again next Thursday. Eurobike is this week, so there will probably be lots of interesting new bike stuff being announced. (Alas, I’m not there and will read about it just like you guys.) I just learned about the StagesBike and the Wahoo KICKR Bike on Wednesday morning, and I’m pretty excited about them. I really enjoy Zwift, and it’s annoying to always take my bike on and off the trainer.