Newsletter Issue No. 943
December 10, 2020
Ask the Coach: Why Is My Heart Rate Different on the Trainer?
By Coach John Hughes
Eli writes, “We are approaching the end of the biking season for all but the most hardy riders. I will be riding an exercise bike. I have asked the same question of many others including fitness trainers at the gym and a cardiologist in the bike club. No one has been able to answer my question but I remain hopeful.” Read more.
Thoughts and Tool Ideas for John’s Too Tight Tubeless Tires
By Jim Langley
Last week’s Tech Talk, which consisted of tool recommendations for gift giving, attracted an interesting comment from roadie John A. Jauss about tubeless tire troubles. I had pointed out Topeak’s Shuttle 1.2 tire lever (actually 2 levers in one) as helpful for flat fixing. Something about that product pick got John’s gears turning and he wrote in. Read more.
Topeak Product Round-up
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In late June, Topeak introduced several new products that bode well for all types of riders including road, gravel, trail or MTB. From their new mini multi-tool to two new pumps, these products will get you going quickly and keep you rolling. I’ve been carrying the Mini P20 tool and the Roadie TT pump with me on rides, fitting them both easily in my hydration pack. And as we’ve come to expect over the years, Topeak has delivered great quality and performance gear. Read more.
GORE C5 Thermo Jersey and Bib Tights Review
By Rick Schultz
I’ve been testing new sample clothing from GORE. C5 Thermo Jacket and Thermo Bob Tights+. Jersey is made from 84% polyester and 16% Elastane. Bib tights made from 85% polyester and 15% Elastane (plus windstopper). Read more.
Should You Breathe Through Your Nose or Your Mouth When You Exercise?
Just about everyone with an unobstructed nose will breathe through their nose when at rest or during casual activities, but most people will breathe through their mouth during exercise. The more intensely you exercise, the more likely that you will have to breathe through your mouth because you may not be able to get enough air through your nose to feel comfortable. Read more.
Nutrition for Long Distance Cycling
By Randy Ice PT, CCS
In my previous article on atherosclerosis, I pointed out that I established a cycling club (SCOR CCC) in 1974 to enhance compliance with the exercise program for men who had had a heart attack in their 40s. Read more.
Are Flat Bar Road Bikes Any Good?
QUESTION: Are flat bar road bikes good? I would like to start riding on the road for fitness, but I’m not comfortable with those 10-speed style curved handlebars. Can’t I just ride with flat bars? – Doug M
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
Do you carry a pump or CO2 cartridge when you ride?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
YouTube: Lake Michigan bike commute ruined by giant wave over the path.
HowStuffWorks: What’s It Like Cycling the World’s Most Dangerous Road?
Vimeo: Changing Seasons feat. Mark Matthews
VeloNews: Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal
NY Times: Virtual Cycling and Real Cheating: Cracking Down on ‘Digital Doping’
End Note
On your next ride, try some forward leaning while keeping the pelvis in neutral. This will help engage the glutes, as well as straighten the back.
Fortunately, I was only half mile from home when my saddle snapped off the stem. Needless to say, I flew off the bike landed about 6’ away sprawl eagle in the middle of a street, fortunately, no traffic. There was damage done to the bike, but the bike shop will be able to make it all right again. Anyhow, my question, how often are you aware of this happening? I was riding about a 7 yr old Ridley Forte.