October 22, 2020
Preparing for Time off the Bike
By Coach John Hughes
The “shoulder season” is when we older athletes repair our bodies. The main cycling season is over, but there won’t be enough snow to ski for a couple of months. I have badly deformed hammer toes on my right foot. Last winter they hurt from the pressure of my boot every one of the 80 days I cross country skied. I was 70 and determined to ski at least that many days. When I started riding in the spring, I cut a big hole in my cycling shoe so there was no pressure. Read more.
RBR Readers’ Best Clipless Pedal Tips
By Jim Langley
There were so many helpful comments for reader Rick Oberle, who last week asked for solutions for his major pedal problem, that I’ve used them to create today’s best clipless pedal tips article (thank you all!). Read more.
Sponsor: Performance Alpaca Cycling Socks by Fo//ow Ho//ow
Follow Hollow socks outperform competitors largely due to their 80% baby alpaca proprietary blend thread. Check out the RoadBikeRider.com review by Sheri here. After a very successful Kickstarter launch, these socks are in stock and available to order right now directly from the company. Why not add some to your sock drawer? Find out more.
Kryptonite Bike Lock Round-up
By Sheri Rosenbaum
For over 40 years, Kryptonite has been synonymous with heavy duty bike locks and chains. Most recently they added lights to their product line which Jim reviewed. Here’s a round up of the various types of locks for every type of security situation, including anchoring your prized bikes inside your garage. Read more.
Don’t Put Off Strength Training Until Bad Weather Sets In
By Menachem Brodie
While fall riding can be more enjoyable (we are usually stronger, if we’ve done a good job over the season), there is a mistake that many cyclists make which hold back their building towards a better season next year: Putting off strength training until the foul weather sets in. Here’s why this is a mistake, and what you should do about it. Read more.
Stand or Sit on Climbs?
Question: On a long climb, is it better to sit and spin or stand and crank? I can spin faster seated, but it feels better to stand from time to time. Which is better? — Art S.
RBR Replies: This sounds like a simple question, but the answer is complicated. It depends! Read more.
The Robert Axle Project Lightning Bolt-On Thru Axles
By Brandon Bilyeu
The Robert Axle Project was born when the need arose to attach a trailer to a bike with a rear thru axle. Since starting in 2013 they have branched out to thru axle offerings for every possible need and do all design and manufacturing in Bend, Oregon USA. A few years ago, thru axle technology was mostly reserved for mountain bikes, but with the migration of disc brakes to road and gravel bikes thru axles are now common. Whether you just need a new axle or want to attach a trailer, The Robert Axle Project has you covered. Read more.
Garmin Edge 130 Plus Cycling Computer Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In mid-June, Garmin launched the Edge 130 Plus cycling GPS computer. Its small size comes with a smaller price tag ($199 MSRP) than its bigger siblings. However, it packs a huge number of features into a 1.6”x2.5”x0.6” case with a 1.8” high resolution screen. With this recent launch, Garmin has made an effort to simplify set-up. Read more.
Can Bonking Be a Good Thing?
Question: Last Saturday I was on a long ride and seriously lost energy on the return trip. I knew I was bonking, but instead of taking a gel or energy bar I decided to gut it out. I figured that because all of my available sugar had been consumed and my body was running out of fuel, maybe I would start burning fat for energy and lose some weight. Is there any truth to this theory? — Dave W. Read more.
Anti-Aging E-Book
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process by Coach John Hughes 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. 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. It integrates endurance and intensity training into an annual plan for optimal results. Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process incorporates the latest research and is your comprehensive guide to continuing to ride well into your 80s and even your 90s.
Question of the Week
How often do you bonk?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Outside: How Your Muscle Fibers Might Predict Overtraining
Wired: A Plan to Fix the US Bike Shortage
Bicycle Retailer: Industry predictions for the cycling market for 2021
Cyclingindustry.news: Tweak in USA’s public land electric bike regulations opens market potential
Final Tip
Keep your hands from going numb with light pressure on the handlebars. Avoid over-gripping, and use your shoulders and core to off-load your wrists.
I can’t tell the result of the question of the week. Two answers start with the same phrase and are indistinguishable with the partial answer listed in the results. Is it possible to have the entire response written out with the results?
Thanks!