November 12, 2020
More on Numb Hands
By Coach John Hughes
Last week RBR reader David W. asked: After about 30 minutes of riding, my hands get so numb and tingly that I can’t shift gears. My handlebar is level with the saddle. Can you help? — David W. In the reader survey last week tingling and numb fingers and hands were the most common ache or pain while riding. Here are some additional suggestions. Read more.
Fixing Slipping Seatposts
By Jim Langley
You might have noticed from the dates on some of the comments, that last week’s Tech Talk titled Preventing Slipping Seat Posts, was actually a rerun. That’s because I was off camping (close to some nice riding, too). One of the comments to this “old” story was from reader Greg Titus, who asked – not long after the article appeared over a year ago. Read more.
Bike Fitting With Elite’s New ‘Wheel-On’ Interactive Trainer: TUO
By Rick Schultz
My old Computrainer has been through thousands of bike fits and is still running perfectly but, a recent student that took my bike fit education course wanted to buy it to get started in bike fitting. To help her out, I said OK then I proceeded to start looking for a new trainer. Read more.
Why Are My Lab Tests Worse Than My Race Results
Question: I did some physiological testing at a university lab. The results were depressing! According to the physiologist, my wattage at lactate threshold and watts per kilogram of bodyweight were both below average for my racing age group. But racing, I was on the podium many times. Why the discrepancy between test results and race results? — Maria H. Read more.
An Interview with Abi Carver of Yoga 15
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Wahoo has partnered with renowned yoga instructor Abi Carver of Yoga15.com to offer 15-minute yoga practices specifically designed for cyclists. These yoga sessions are part of the SUF Training app and incorporate flexibility, balance, strength, mobility and recovery. Read more.
Exercise Should Be Part of the Treatment for Cancer
A study from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that repeated bouts of exercise slow the growth of, and help to prevent recurrences of, cancers. The authors showed, in both mice and humans, that exercising muscles release into the bloodstream chemicals that increase production of CD8+ cells that an individual’s own immune system uses to kill cancer cells. The authors also showed that they could transfer CD8+ cells from exercising mice with cancer to reduce cancers in mice who did not exercise. Read more.
Best Zwift Settings for Racing with a Smart Trainer
By Lars Hundley
So you’ve gotten into Zwift and now you’re doing some races, but perhaps you’re curious about the best app settings to give you the biggest racing advantage. There are lots of successful Zwift racers using vastly different smart trainer setups and app settings. Read more.
Butt, Hands & Feet: Preventing and Treating Pain in Cycling’s Pressure Points
You know from experience that pain in your butt, hands or feet makes a ride uncomfortable and may even cause a DNF. Coach John Hughes’ eArticle Butt, Hands & Feet will teach you what you can do to prevent pain in these areas. He reviews the general factors that contribute to discomfort on the bike including your choice of a bike, anatomical issues, whether the bike fits you correctly, and how your fitness and technique could contribute to a problem.
Question of the Week
If you indicated that you experience pain or discomfort in last week’s poll, have you ever gotten a professional bike fit?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Outside: The Specialized Diverge Is a Gravel Bike for All
Outside: Why You’re Tired All the Time
Rene Herse: Myth: Wide Tires Need Wide Rims
Upcoming Zoom Webinar: Sheri Rosenbaum with Ride Illinois teaches how to dress for winter cycling
End Note
I’ve never been real comfortable riding in the drops. An accomplished fellow rider keeps telling me its an important skill to learn. What are the advantages to be gained by using the drops vs the hoods?
Brad,
As Gene points out (below) riding in the drops is more aerodynamic – but I wouldn’t worry about it unless the wind is strong. Because it’s more aero it’s also faster downhill – if you want to go faster. Also, if you have problems with numb hands riding in the drops is another position.
I suggest you practice in an empty parking lot to feel what it’s like riding in the drops and to get used to moving your hands to brak.
Riding on the drops is a valuable skill when you have to negotiate a strong headwind or even a crosswind. It puts you in the best aerodynamic position on the bike. There is a noticeable difference in pedal effort when you move from the hoods to the drops in the face of even a light wind. Periodically moving to the drops provides some variety in how all your parts contact the bike – good thing on those long rides. If you have not spent time riding on the drops, start by adding a few minutes here and there on your regular rides when there is no wind to deal with. Like anything, the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Thank you Gene, and Coach,
The one other question in this regard is, does it do anything for your power, or endurance to be in the drops??