Newsletter Issue No. 906

March 19, 2020

PDF version for Premium Members is here.

Fixing a Difficult Replaceable Derailleur Hanger

By Jim Langley

When my friend texted for help with the balky shifting on his beautiful Pinarello Dogma, I had a pretty good idea what the problem was. He babys his road rockets so I was sure it wouldn’t be worn or abused components.

I told him to bring his rig over to my home bike shop and with a little luck, I’d be able to fix it in about 10 minutes and get him back on the road. Boy, was I wrong. My supposed quick fix turned into a tricky repair that tested my skills and patience. Read more.

10 Quick Bike Fit Tips

A correct bike fit makes a huge difference when it comes to speed, comfort while riding and avoiding injuries. Here are some tips to consider to make sure your fit is correct.

Is It Safe to Remove a Jacket While Riding?

QUESTION: I want to learn to take off my jacket while riding, but more experienced cyclists tell me it’s a dangerous practice. Why? I see pros do it in races all the time. — Malcolm C.

RBR REPLIES: It’s not hard to peel off a jacket or vest if you can ride no-hands comfortably and you’re careful. But there are two major dangers: Read more.

Quick Tip: Brake Early When Rims Are Wet

Has this happened to you? It starts raining, and the next time you come to a stop sign your brakes don’t work. You roll through the intersection and thank your lucky stars no cars were coming.

Rim brakes and water don’t mix. When the rims and brake pads get wet, almost zero bike-stopping friction is created no matter how hard you squeeze the levers. At least for the initial dozen or so wheel revolutions. 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, includes sections on how aging affects your cardio-respiratory fitness, how you can do endurance exercise to slow down or in some cases reverse the loss of fitness, how to gauge your levels of effort, how to get the most benefit from endurance rides and how to recover so you’re ready for the next ride.

Anti-Aging includes a plan to build up to longer endurance rides and a plan to increase your annual miles. It also explains how best to combine endurance riding, intensity training and strength training for optimal results.

Learn more.

Question of the Week

Have you been affected by cancelled cycling events?