QUESTION: What’s the difference between a freewheel and a cassette, and which is better? —Ron S. RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: “Freewheel” and “cassette” both refer to the cluster of gear rings — also called “cogs” or “sprockets” — attached to the hub of the drive side of a bicycle’s rear wheel. They both function the same in that they mesh with the chain to turn the rear wheel … [Read more...] about What’s the difference between a freewheel and a cassette?
1041
A Tour of Park Tool Headquarters
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley In two recent Tech Talks I mentioned that my wife and I drove cross country from our California home to our former home of New England. Traveling part way with us and also crossing the USA - except headed to the Carolinas, were our pals and fellow RVers Tony and Kathy. While we drive a Class C motorhome, they cruise in a Mercedes Sprinter … [Read more...] about A Tour of Park Tool Headquarters
Anti-Aging: How to Do Strength Training Correctly
By Coach John Hughes I’m gimping around with a sore left hip / IT band / gluteals. I made a stupid rookie mistake. Here’s what happened. General Conditioning Mud season has started where I live in the high country in Colorado. We had our first snow of six inches. The low temperatures are in the teens and the highs in the 40s. Each day the snow melts, our gravel … [Read more...] about Anti-Aging: How to Do Strength Training Correctly
Coping With Descending When You Don’t Like It
Everyone has a speed limit in his or her head. At a certain velocity you’re having the time of your life, but 3 or 5 miles per hour faster and the winds of panic start blowing in your ears. Some cyclists freak out at 30 mph. Others can be reasonably comfortable at 45. One of Davis Phinney’s favorite racing stories: About the time the 7-Eleven Team began racing in Europe, … [Read more...] about Coping With Descending When You Don’t Like It
Should You Breathe Through Your Nose or Your Mouth When You Exercise?
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. 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 … [Read more...] about Should You Breathe Through Your Nose or Your Mouth When You Exercise?