August 26, 2021
Why Increasing Intensity is Good for All Road Cyclists
By Coach John Hughes
Last week I wrote about the benefits of riding miles at a conversational pace. I also explained that once you’ve built your endurance base in the spring, just riding more miles won’t make you a much better rider. Further, if you’ve been riding for years then just piling on more miles brings little improvement. Read more.
Last-Chance Repairs May Save You When Nothing Else Does
By Jim Langley
If you watch the Grand Tours like the Tour de France or La Vuelta as intently as I do, you’ll notice the amazing mechanics, racing to the scene of a crash, spare bike in hand, diving into the wreckage to extract their rider, slipping his spare bike under him and mightily pushing him up the road. Or even crazier, leaning out of the windows of speeding team cars and fine-tuning a rear derailleur while hanging upside-down! Whatever the problem, they’ve got the know-how, parts and tools to fix it. Read more.
Rapha Core Collection Jersey and Bibs Review
By Brandon Bilyeu
Rapha has a reputation for quality kit, but also for steep prices. What is overlooked by many is Rapha’s value-oriented Core Collection. At surprisingly affordable price points you still get Rapha quality and style, but with less bells and whistles that drive up the costs. Designed as everyday riding kit, the Core Collection prioritizes function and durability over aerodynamic fit and exotic materials. Read more.
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 Cycling Computer Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In late May, Wahoo released version 2 of their ELEMNT BOLT, adding even more great features to the smaller of their two units. Nine new features, to be exact, which I’ve highlighted in this review. The $279.99 price tag gives you a powerful cycling computer with a better high-resolution screen and improved navigation. Read more.
Believe in Belief
By Martin Sigrist
Takeaway: Belief is one of the most powerful determinants in success. Simply believing in something will not make it happen. You need to be lucky, be born with natural talent and then work hard to make the most of that gift. But talent and hard work are not enough. You must believe. Belief is not an abstract concept. It is real, every bit as real and every bit as important as physical attributes like peak power, VO2max and FTP. It can be affected, for good or ill, by training and so building belief must be a primary target of any training plan. Read more.
When Does Your Metabolism Slow Down?
Many people believe that they gradually gain weight from their 20s onward because their metabolism gets slower over the years, but now it appears that this is not true. Close to 6,500 people from 29 countries, ranging in age from infancy to 95 years, were followed for more than 40 years. The researchers found that metabolism (the rate at which a person burns calories) remains stable through adult mid-life, from ages 20 to 60. After age 60 it begins to slow down at a rate of slightly less than one percent per year. Read more.
Intensity Training
Coach Hughes‘ 39-page eArticle Intensity Training explains the benefits of training by intensity and how to: use perceived exertion, a heart rate monitor or power meter to maximize training effectiveness.
To make the article as useful as possible Coach Hughes provides a table with 10 different training objectives. For each objective he gives the proper training zone described in terms of perceived exertion, heart rate and power readings. Each objective is then linked to 5 to 10 specific workouts. Each category of workout includes both structured and unstructured workouts.
Question of the Week
Do you own a lot of aero cycling equipment?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
CyclingAbout: !!!??? Flat Bars Are Better Than Drop Bars For Most People (Objective Analysis)
Cycling Weekly: Safety concerns the biggest barrier to getting more women cycling
Dave Moulton’s Blog: Take a look at what is in your sports drink and energy bars
Cycling Tips: New aero jersey has no zipper in the front
End Note
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