May 21, 2020
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More on Avoiding Boredom on Long Solo Rides
By Coach John Hughes
In a recent newsletter Taylor Q. asked How to Avoid Boredom on Long Rides? The column had three excellent suggestions. Although I ride with friends, I enjoy riding alone, too. I go where I want to go, at the pace I feel like riding, stopping when and where I desire, and thinking about whatever interests me. Here are more ideas. Read more.
SRAM eTap Group Now With Wider Gearing
By Jim Langley
Before we get rolling with this week’s TT, thanks for the interesting and helpful comments to last week’s discussion about whether bottles are safe to drink from. For example, Bob Williams shared that Camelbak actually has bottles with nozzle caps in their Dirt Series which I didn’t know. And there are more great readers’ tips worth checking out. Read more.
3 New Bontrager WaveCel Helmet Models
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Back in 2019 Bontrager introduced WaveCel to their helmet line, a collapsible cellular structure that works like a crumple zone to help absorb both rotational and linear impact forces before they can reach a rider’s head. Today they announce the addition of three new models to their line. This comes in response to customer requests for sizing in extra-large, a version for kids, and a less expensive model. Read more.
How to Use Power Zones for Training
By Martin Sigrist
So far in this series, we have seen how knowing your power zones can provide you with insights on your strengths/weaknesses and allow you to plan for an event. However the most frequent use for power zones is for training. Read more.
Quick Tip: Check Your Speed Before Leading the Paceline
One of the common (and irritating) mistakes riders make in a paceline is accelerating while taking over the lead position.
Maybe it happens because riders don’t want the others to think they can’t handle the pace. Rather than risk slowing down, they err by speeding up. Read more.
How Long Do Bike Shorts Last?
By Stan Purdum
As I pulled a pair of bike shorts out of my drawer yesterday while getting dressed to ride, I noticed that the pad had folded over within the outside layer of the chamois, so that there was a double thickness under the left sit-bone side and no thickness at all under the right sit-bone side. By shaking the shorts a couple times, I was able to get the pad to unfold and return to its proper position, and it stayed that way while wearing the shorts for my ride. But from experience with other shorts, I knew this was a sign that this pair was in its final days. Read more.
Calculate Your Fitness Age
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
VO2max can be used to predict a person’s risk of premature death from a heart attack. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a simple way to estimate a person’s VO2max, his maximal ability to take in and use oxygen. Read more.
Testimonial: Using a Remote Bike Fitting Professional Can Help
David M writes about his experience using a professional bike fitter, Coach Rick Schultz, for his Peloton bike to resolve his knee pain:
I’m a longtime runner, so when I purchased the Peloton bike over a year ago there was a very steep learning curve ahead of me. I read tons of articles and watched plenty of videos about the ideal spin bike setup. Despite my best research efforts and constant seat position tinkering, I was never able to get completely comfortable.
Question of the Week
What’s your favorite cycling shorts brand?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
NPR: Intensifying U.S.-China Tensions Could Hurt American Bike Supply
Outside: 4 of the Best Road Bikes of 2020
VeloNews: Commentary: Strava users, put your money where your mouth is
End Notes
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