August 27, 2020
Riding in Low and High Humidity
By Coach John Hughes
I live in Colorado and the forecast high is 90F (32.2 C) with 17 percent humidity. Colorado is high desert and Denver’s annual total precipitation from rain and snow is 14.3 inches. On days like today we say, “At least it’s a dry heat.” And in the winter when it’s in the teens, “At least it’s a dry cold.” Read more.
Which Gearing for This Steel Touring Bike?
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Last week, a roadie named Daniel, who just got a magnificent vintage-style steel Bottecchia (photo) wrote with a question that caused me to do a double-take. Have a look at Dan’s question and my response. It’ll be interesting for him and for me to hear if you agree with what I told him. Please share your take with a comment. Read more.
Thousand Chapter MIPS Commuter Bike Helmet Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
I’ll be totally honest, I never heard of Thousand prior to them contacting RBR to review their new Chapter helmet. In addition, I’ve never worn a commuter style helmet. Checking their web site, I come to find out they named the company “Thousand” as a commitment and goal of helping to save 1000 lives by making helmets people actually want to wear. Thousand started in 2015 when they launched a Kickstarter campaign and have been shipping helmets ever since. Read more.
From Sitting to Standing on a Bike
If you watch closely during pro cycling coverage, you’ll often see the pros make a smart little move each time they go from standing to sitting.
Keep an eye on almost any rider. He won’t just plop onto the saddle. He’ll extend his arms as he sits, pushing the bike forward to put the saddle under his butt. Voila! Nearly a foot of free road. Read more.
How Can I Force Myself to Slow Down?
Question: I’m an average cyclist who rides about four times a week for a total of under 100 miles. The problem is that I always go all-out. No matter what I try, I can’t seem to make myself slow down. If I diligently monitor my speed, it creeps up and soon I’m in time trial mode at over 90% of my maximum heart rate. How can I manage my rides better? — Carl S. Read more.
Orange Mud Transition Wrap Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
I recently found a great product that makes me ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Orange Mud’s Transition Wraps solve two problems. First it is a wrap that cinches at your waist so you can change discreetly after a ride, run or swim. Second, it zips at one end and hangs from the headrest to protect the car seat from dirt and sweat. Read more.
Muscle Loss from Inactivity: 34 Percent in Just Two Weeks
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
A study from the University of Copenhagen shows that wearing an immobilizing knee brace for just two weeks caused men in their 20s to lose 22 to 34 percent of their leg muscle strength, while men in their 60s lost 20 to 26 percent. It took them six weeks of exercising on a bicycle 3-4 times a week to restore the leg muscle size and ability to exercise, but even that did not fully restore the leg muscle strength. Read more.
Cycling in the Heat Bundle
Cycling in the Heat Parts 1 and 2 by Coach John Hughes explains more about the science of riding in the heat, and managing your fluids and electrolytes, in his two-part eArticle series:
- Cycling in the Heat, Part 1: Ride Management is 19 pages and covers how to acclimate to hot conditions, how to train in hot months, what to wear, eat and drink, how to cool down if you overheat, and how to deal with heat-related problems.
- Cycling in the Heat, Part 2: Hydration Management is 21 pages and covers how to determine how much you should drink depending on your physiology and sweat rate, how best to replace your fluids and electrolytes, the contents of different sports drinks, how to make your own electrolyte replacement drinks, how to rehydrate after a ride, and how to deal with hydration-related problems.
Question of the Week
When you ride alone, is your tendency to ride harder or ride easier?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Outside: High-Fat Diets Still Don’t Boost Endurance
Bicycle Retailer: Shops struggling with how to plan 2021 inventory orders
Forbes: Snubbing Cycling’s Governing Body Canyon Unveils 13lb 11oz Bicycle
New Atlas: Engineer builds his own world record beating lightest 15 pound e-bike
End Notes
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