Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2014 i Bicycling

I WAS ARCING DOWN A LONG, FLOWING grade, tracing the lines of the riders in front of me. There were trees blurring past and pockets of cold air and a reservoir in the valley below. For 15 minutes, no one said a word—partly because the descent demanded attention, but mostly because each of us was in the moment. Eventually the road flattened out, and our group started coming back together, everyone smiling and sharing small talk. We were cruising down the kind of country road on which you can ride three abreast without worry, and someone had a hand on another rider’s shoulder, looking back to make sure everyone was there. One of the things I love about riding is how it genuinely connects you to other people. Sure, cyclists…

Chances are good that if you visit a major US city in the next few years, you’ll find it peppered with racks of identical bicycles. The concept of bike share isn’t new; it was tested in the US in the mid-’90s, but theft and vandalism made it unsustainable. Thanks to new technology that records users’ credit card numbers and locks bikes securely, there are now more than 35 successful programs across the country. In the first few months after New York City launched Citi Bike last May, the program registered nearly three million total trips and 77,000 annual members. In September, a system opened in the San Francisco Bay area (shown), increasing the fleet of shared bicycles in the US to more than 18,000—double what it was at the start…

1 An integrated clip on the Hiplok-D U-lock lets you hook it onto a belt or bag strap or slide it into your back pocket. Hardenedsteel construction discourages would-be thieves. $82 2 Slip your feet into the Donkey Label hi-viz socks and the features speak for themselves: noticeable support in the arches, no-slip tops, breathability, and reinforced heel and toe areas. $15 3 Place your online order for Dogwood Coffee Company Neon Espresso before 9 a.m. Monday to Thursday, and the Minneapolis, Minnesota, purveyor will roast it that very day and ship it out pronto. That makes for one fresh preride brew. $16/12-oz. bag 4 The cotton-twill D By Design Neon series cycling caps are handmade by British husband and wife team David and Laura Miller (she creates the design…

Daily pressures are a fact of life. As long as they’re minor, they’re easy enough for most of us to brush off. But according to a 2013 study, people with chronic stress have 23 percent lower levels of DHEA—a natural hormone that helps you maintain muscle mass and strength—than those who don’t. Fortunately, you can prevent stress from stealing your fitness gains. Researchers in Boston found that relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help regulate genes that play a role in lowering anxiety and making you resilient to stress. This yoga pose suggested by Carol Krucoff, author of Yoga Sparks: 108 Easy Practices for Stress Relief in a Minute or Less, will calm you while helping to reverse the effects of gravity on your hard-riding legs. Do it…

OFF-BIKE NIBBLES Your focus on eating healthy should remain steadfast on or off the bike. Postride, open one of the offerings from Boxtera, such as organic nut butter, apple-and-bean chips, and gluten-free, vegan macaroons. Each box contains 20 to 22 servings. $35/month JAVA OF THE MONTH Sample premium coffees from all over the world with a monthly shipment from Craft Coffee. In each: three 4-ounce pouches of hand-selected, freshly roasted whole beans, taste-tested by coffeeindustry experts. That’s enough for 42 cups of ride-boosting brew. Starts at $20/month INSPIRED NUTRITION Inside each bright-red Kona Kase are eight endurance-nutrition products to fuel your riding and one inspirational quote to keep you moving, plus discount codes for granola, fruit mix, jerky, and other included snacks. $15/month ARTISANAL PASTA Carbo-loading just got easier—and better…

A common misconception about cyclists is that we are in the way of drivers. In fact, motorists often underestimate just how quickly a bike can travel—a mistake that can result in right-of-way violations and crashes. If your bike is the fastest vehicle on the road in the three common scenarios below, here’s how to ride it safely and legally. 1 RUSH HOUR When cars are lined up at a red light, it’s tempting to roll past them on the right, either on the shoulder or in the traffic lane. But is it legal? You might logically think so. If we must ride to the right so that cars traveling at a faster clip can pass us, we shouldn’t be required to merge with a traffic jam when we’re the speedier…

TIME IT RIGHT The immediate mental benefits from exercise come from arousal. You activate the systems in your brain that boost heart rate, sensory alertness, and readiness to respond. So plan your exercise for when you need the wake-up call most—afternoon if you’re naturally a morning person; first thing in the morning if you’re not. Or, better yet, both if you have the luxury. FEED YOUR HEAD “The brain is a glucose hog, comprising just 2 percent of body weight but accounting for 20 percent of our glucose use,” says Christie. “Carb loading is good for your muscles and smart for your brain, especially if you will be riding for a long duration.” After riding, remember to restock your glycogen stores (in your muscles and your mind) with a mix…

Far and away the question I’m asked most frequently (besides those related to my penchant for maple syrup) comes from up-and-coming riders, juniors, collegiate racers, and amateurs across the world: Ted, what tips do you have to become pro? My response is now rote. The first answer is to wear sunscreen. Next, I say, be a conscious participant on the open roads not only when you’re riding—which means, for instance, never text and drive. Coming in at third: Ride your bike. A lot. Subsequent to that, I recommend getting a coach. Even with my help, the chance of achieving pro status remains exceedingly small. That’s true for all professional sports, but one of the most fascinating aspects of cycling is how clear to the public the barrier to entry is.…

HE WON THE RACE—THEN WAS LOST TO HISTORY IF asked to name the greatest American road-racing champions, the average fan is likely to start with Greg LeMond (the threetime winner of the Tour de France and a two-time world champion) or Lance Armstrong (once credited with seven Tours and still a world champ). Others on the list might include 1988 Giro d’Italia winner Andy Hampsten, last year’s Vuelta a España king Chris Horner, and ’84 Olympic gold-medal winners Connie Carpenter-Phinney and Alexi Grewal. Encyclopedic scholars might add the name of George Mount, the first modern-era American to break into the European peloton (his sixth place in the 1976 Olympics road race was the first time an American placed in the top 10), or cite Jonathan Boyer, the first US racer…

A few hours into my first ride on the Revenio, I steered it toward a series of punchy climbs near my house—ascents that have, during past rides, made more expensive bikes feel slow. But the Revenio darted up each of them, its rigid frame propelling me upward with the speed of a lighter bike. In fact, it felt so surprisingly spry that when I arrived home I had to double-check that it costs just $1,300. The Revenio is made for rides like centuries, gran fondos, and multi-hour solo escapes. The butted aluminum frame looks similar to the 2013 version, but in fact benefits from a few subtle updates. Raleigh now bases the bike’s geometry on the more expensive carbon version of the Revenio. Compared with the previous edition, the new…

Shimano XT Trail $120 Stepping onto this sleek pedal produced a reassuring, audible click that confirmed we were locked in. That secure engagement elevated these pedals above the rest. “They felt precise, strong, and solid, just how you want a mountain bike part to work,” said one reviewer. The slim alloy platform provided additional support underfoot, which helped us to avoid accidentally twisting out as we carved through corners or bounced over rock gardens. Our testers also appreciated that the pedals were compatible with a greater number of shoes without requiring shims for the cleats. We would have preferred a slightly larger platform to provide more purchase when we rode unclipped. And even though the XT Trail shed mud well, the other two models in the test group performed better…

Get Watertight If you’ll be riding in rain, choose a waterproof jacket instead of a water-resistant one (which might protect you against a light sprinkle, but will let a deluge soak through). Turn the coat inside out and make sure all the seams and stitching are sealed with tape, because even waterproof garments can leak in areas punctured by a sewing needle. Air It Out “It’s critical that a jacket releases body moisture,” says Bill Rudell, public relations manager at Sugoi. Otherwise your sweat won’t evaporate and you’ll get cold when you stop moving. Vents can help, as will fabrics like Gore-Tex that act as a one-way membrane, allowing heat and perspiration to escape without letting moisture in. Go Slim A rain jacket should fit snugly without restricting movement. In…

In “America’s (True) First Cycling Champion” (p. 72), historian David V. Herlihy tells the story of Rynier Van Nest, who in 1870 won one of the world’s first road cycling races. “I found his story to be noble, one that had long been forgotten and needed to be retold,” Herlihy says. The author of The Lost Cyclist, Herlihy is working on a book about the origins of the bicycle; he also enjoys exploring the future of cycling with Boston’s Hubway bike-share system. Eric Kester did just one 35-mile training ride to prepare for his first gran fondo. He chronicles the event’s highs and lows in “The End Is Not Near” (p. 76). “Fondos are intimidating, but you can’t take yourself too seriously,” he says. “Laugh at yourself, have fun, and…

ALL YOUR RIDE QUANDARIES, SOLVED I get bored doing the same routes all the time. What can I do to mix it up? FIRST, TRY RIDING SOME OF THEM in the opposite direction. The same stretch of road will look and feel entirely different. You can also vary your intensity: Along any route, pick a tree or a sign and push the pace until you reach it, recover until the next landmark, and repeat. Also try mixing up your company. Keeping up with a faster friend will break the monotony and make you stronger, plus the social component bumps up the fun factor. For something completely new, hit the dirt. Road riders are increasingly venturing off the pavement, including former pro Levi Leipheimer. “Even in urban areas you can find…

I discovered bicycle motocross, or BMX, in the mid ’70s when my buddy Max and I came upon a few kids sculpting piles of dirt in an empty lot. Intrigued, we stopped to watch one of the braver souls wheel his bike around, take a run at the biggest mound, and soar through the air. We sprinted to my house, raided the garage for shovels, then headed back for our first trailbuilding session and some lessons in the art of air time. That day kindled a lifelong passion in me for all things cycling. From Tour de France sprint sensation Peter Sagan to 13-time gravity world champion Anne-Caroline Chausson, many of the world’s best cyclists have found their way to the sport through BMX. It develops a phenomenal number of…

Just when your brain is about to let you know it’s quitting time, a little self-encouragement can push you to go farther. In a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers had 24 trained cyclists ride to exhaustion. Then half of the group was taught to use positive self-talk when the going got tough. “Popular choices included ‘Drive forward,’ ‘Feeling good,’ ‘I can do this,’ and ‘Go for it,’” says lead researcher Samuele Marcora of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent. After two weeks, the riders were tested again. Though both groups maintained roughly the same heart rate, those who received instruction pedaled 18 percent longer, and their perceived exertion increased more gradually. Using negative phrases such as, “Man, this is hard,”…

VIBE In a city so synonymous with the auto industry, cycling is experiencing a surprising renaissance. Drawn by the region’s reputation for quality craftsmanship, bike manufacturers such as Detroit Bikes, Detroit Bicycle Company, Shinola, and AutoBike all proudly call the metro area home. In addition to 68 miles of existing bike lanes, there are several new bike paths in the works—including the Inner Circle Greenway and an extension of the Dequindre Cut—that will link outlying communities with downtown. And if Michigan governor Rick Snyder has his way, a 924-mile bike trail will one day connect the city to the Upper Peninsula. RIDE No Detroit cycling tour is complete without a circumnavigation of Belle Isle Park, the brainchild of Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City’s Central Park. Pedal…

IF YOU SPEND MOST OF your time pedaling solo, you may not fully appreciate the concept of a paceline. Cyclists rotate through a line, taking turns riding up front (pulling) before peeling off and latching onto the back. When you draft like this, by tucking in close behind another rider, you expend less energy, to the tune of up to a 27 percent reduction in wind resistance. But even paceline regulars may not understand how to work it to their greatest advantage. Researchers in the Netherlands used data from wind-tunnel testing to pinpoint the benefits of drafting for everyone in the group. Here’s what they found. Leader’s Bonus Pulling is not a thankless job. The first cyclist enjoys up to a 3.1 percent reduction in wind resistance courtesy of a…

I WAS INCHES FROM RIDING INTO A gooey, matted mass of roadkill when I suddenly came to and managed to swerve. I thought, Where am I? I looked around. I had been on the road for about an hour but had paid little attention to my surroundings. There was no need. This was one of my regular routes. I knew each dip in the pavement, every pothole and rut. I knew from the thickness of the sour barnyard smells which way the breeze was blowing, knew where to speed up to avoid being dive-bombed by the crazy red-winged blackbird that lay in wait on a sagging power line. The familiarity of it all had lulled me into numbness. I was riding on autopilot, pedaling mechanically, doing it to be done…

Maybe you haven’t pedaled a bike since you were eight and need a nudge to start up again. Or you’re still finding your way on a bike—but looking to get serious about dropping some extra pounds. Either way, this six-week blueprint is guaranteed to help you shed weight, get stronger, and feel happier. Millions of people own bicycles, and just about everyone who has one knows how to pedal it around the block. But surprisingly few people take full advantage of all that riding has to offer. For those who haven’t yet tapped into cycling’s benefits, the list is long: It burns calories at a steady clip, helps reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, improves your memory and brainpower (see page 40 for more on that), and makes…

I’m not going to hold anything back, so I might as well tell you I got existential as I waited in the corral during the tense hour before the start of my first fondo, the 2013 Campagnolo Gran Fondo in New York City. Pondering the nature of a 5,000-person ride that gives out free cookies—and matching jerseys—and that also happens to take place on a grueling route and to boot is a timed competition that ranks its participants in exact order of aptitude, I questioned our paradoxical human desires for assimilation and distinction, to simultaneously fit in while standing out. I also wondered: When could I take a leak? I had gone a little overboard with my prerace hydration. The 7 a.m. start was clearly beyond my breaking point, yet…

1. Sugoi Zap It’s okay: You don’t have to commute after dark to lust over the Zap’s snazzy reflective stripes. No matter what time you ride, the soft, fast-wicking MidZero fabric is sure to keep you warm and visible. $40, sugoi.com 2. Bontrager High Visibility Contrast stitching boosts the style on these sleeves, while a form fitting design improves comfort. The soft thermal fabric will keep you toasty as you light up the paceline. $40, bontrager.com 3. Rapha Merino When it’s time to pamper your guns, turn to Rapha’s lightweight warmers. Blended with spandex, the flatlock-stitched wool is ultracomfortable, and rubber grippers keep it all in place. $60, rapha.cc 4. Sheila Moon Hunky Mango Women with longer arms should appreciate the extra length on these fun, made-in-San Francisco warmers—and everyone…

I magine you buy a new road bike and start heading out for rides. After that fresh-handlebar-tape smell wears off, you start to notice that your shoulders hurt on a long ride, or your hands go numb, or you can’t reach the brake levers from the drops quite like you want to. The bike itself might be fine—it could be that the handlebar is not quite cutting it. As few as 20 years ago, the bar played a mostly utilitarian role: It provided a place to attach brake levers and gave you something to hold on to. But recent changes in bike design and innovations in manufacturing have led to an array of new handlebar shapes and sizes. The formerly overlooked component now plays an integral part in how we…

Oil Path Four oil-filled pathways, called circuits, allow the rider to adjust how the shock reacts to various bumps and pedaling forces. In a system that’s unique among shocks, each circuit here works independently. As the piston compresses, it pushes oil through the pathways. External adjusters allow users to increase or decrease the flow of oil through each circuit, which speeds up or slows down rebound or compression. Low-Speed Rebound Port When you encounter a hard impact, oil passes from the high-speed rebound circuit (which controls how rapidly the shock piston returns after compression) into the low-speed pathway. This helps to further dampen the piston’s movement, preventing a pogo-stick-like kickback. Negative Air Spring The DB Air CS absorbs bumps by sliding a piston through two chambers of air that function…

I’m just not buying the Readers’ Choice poll result that 96 percent of cyclists say it’s okay to wave to other riders (March). In reality, more like 46 percent actually do. I guess the remaining 50 think it’s all right for others to wave. MIKE FULCHER GILBERT, AZ Man about Town Your 101 tips to “transform your entire cycling life” left out the life part. I’ve raced, commuted, and ridden road and mountain bikes for more than 25 years but it wasn’t until last month, when I got a city bike, that my cycling life was transformed. My tip #102: Slow down a bit. Enjoy the ride more. PAUL CURRAN TUSTIN, CA Raising the Bar “Bar Exam” was great! I’m always on the lookout for new energy bars to add…

ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH CONNECT Not sure the world needs another social network? The user-friendly interface and cartoon illustrations on Athletepath, a free online service that helps riders and event directors share info and virtual high-fives, just might win you over. TASTE Clif Bar’s new Mojo trail-mix bars come in five gluten-free varieties and are made with wholefood ingredients such as organic fruits and nuts, dark chocolate, and toasted coconut. $1.49/bar DISCOVER Rapha’s City Cycling Europe Guides help you explore eight destinations by bike with maps, refuel stops, advice on local cycling etiquette, and more. Traveler advisory: You may feel guilty stuffing one of the beautifully designed, compact volumes into a jersey pocket. $40/set RIDE Cinelli tested its new steel touring bicycle, the Bootleg Hobo, on the 7,500-mile Tour…

1 Understand the Basics In the simplest terms: You pay a fee, unlock a bike from a docking station, ride it for a short period, and return it to either the same station or another one. 2 Pay to Play If you’re a tourist or an occasional user, buy a short-term plan—anywhere from a single day to a week—with your credit card at a station. But if you want to use bike share as a frequent form of transport, it will be more convenient and cost-effective to prepurchase an annual membership online. 3 Watch the Clock Pricing is designed to encourage short trips—usually less than 30 to 45 minutes. If you exceed the time limit, overage fees apply. Know what you’ll be on the hook for before taking your bike…

While inflammation after a hard ride is necessary for recovery, too much can slow your body’s natural healing. But there may be a way to keep it in check. Researchers found that cyclists who hammered to exhaustion had less inflammation in their muscles when they recovered with a carbohydrate and whey protein snack than with carbs alone. And animal studies have shown that whey protein can be a powerful anti-inflammatory on par with an NSAID (such as ibuprofen). “When your immune system is compromised during exertion, the body breaks down muscle to access the amino acids used to fight inflammation,” says exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Stacy Sims, PhD. “Whey protein is absorbed quickly and triggers muscle repair.” Sims recommends 20 to 25 grams—about 8 ounces of Greek yogurt—after a…

1. WHEELHOUSE DETROIT Rent a bike from this RiverWalk establishment. 1340 East Atwater Street 2. EASTERN MARKET Locals have flocked to this six-block-long open-air market on Saturdays since 1891. 2934 Russell Street 3. THE HEIDELBERG PROJECT Don’t miss the 27-yearold outdoor art display spanning two blocks. 3600 Heidelberg Street 4. BELLE ISLE PARK Circle the outer drive for views of the Detroit River and downtown skyline. 5. ELMWOOD CEMETERY Visit the parklike historic resting place of Detroit’s elite. 1200 Elmwood Avenue 6. DEQUINDRE CUT Follow this rail-to-trail straightaway back to Wheelhouse.…

EVERY MORNING CANADIAN NEUROSCIENTIST Brian Christie, PhD, gives his brain an extra boost. We’re not talking about tossing back multiple strong shots of espresso or playing one of those mind-training games advertised all over Facebook. “I hop on my bike, go to the gym for 45 minutes, then ride the rest of the way to work,” says Christie. “When I get to my desk, my brain is at peak activity for a few hours.” After his mental focus sputters to a halt later in the day, he jump-starts it with another short spin to run errands. Ride, work, ride, repeat. It’s a scientifically proven system. In a recent study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, scientists found that people scored higher on tests of memory, reasoning, and planning…

Out amid the tombstones on the right side of the road, there’s an angel. Stonemossy and, even for a statue, something still-feeling about her. Ahead of me, Krissy pedals slowly past her, and I think about Dr. Who’s weeping angels—about how as long as you’re looking at them they remain statuary, but if you glance away, or even blink, they will kill you. I keep my eyes on the angel while I ride, though I’ve passed her without staring at her hundreds of times in the past and never been harmed. I have been harmed, many times, by the hill we’re on—by the grade and the distance. The climb snakes and winds up from the Sellwood Bridge, through Riverview Cemetery to the top, where you can connect with Terwilliger then…

THE five of us disembark with our bikes after the hour-long outbound train ride to Southborough, the nearest stop to Hopkinton and the start of the Boston Marathon. The last time I was here, with my bike, about to pedal the full length of the world-famous running course, I was with more than 1,000 other cyclists. That was just after 12 a.m. on April 15, 2013—the night before two brothers allegedly ignited explosives that killed three people and injured more than 260 others near the crowded finishing stretch of the iconic footrace, setting off a four-day manhunt that captivated the nation, traumatized the city, and resulted in the deaths of a police officer and one of the brothers. Seven months later, on this November afternoon, Greg Hum, the 26-year-old founder…

Mavic’s Crossmax Enduro wheels could benefit anyone who likes fast rides on hairy trails. They come in 26-and 27.5-inch versions; both sizes are part of a system that includes tires. The 21mm rim and 2.4-inch-wide tire up front help improve traction, especially on corners. The 2.3-inch tread on the 19mm rear rim has smaller knobs to reduce rolling resistance. The tubeless 27.5 wheels we tested weighed a considerable 1,724 grams, but accelerated quickly, felt stiff, and withstood a pounding. The 1,825-gram tires mounted easily, but the reinforced casings might be too heavy for everyday riding. Mount your favorite treads instead, and the Enduros become a fast, durable wheel for any trail. $1,000; mavic.com—MATT PHILLIPS…

{ CIT Y } 1 Bell Intersect It may look like a skate helmet, but sections of contoured foam and a pliable plastic shell make the 471-gram Intersect ideal for cruising city streets comfortably. The tough exterior can withstand the scratches and scuffs of urban riding, and its thin vents help cool you during summertime gelato runs. PRICE $60 bellhelmets.com { MOUNTAIN } 2 Smith Forefront To better protect you in a crash, the 329-gram Forefront has a lightweight, breathable honeycomb material called Koroyd, which Smith claims absorbs 30 percent more energy in an impact than standard EPS foam. The helmet also has numerous wide vents and integrated camera mounts. PRICE $220 smithsport.com { ANY ROAD } 3 Giro Aspect An alternative to lookalike road helmets, the Aspect weighs a…

PERSONALIZE YOUR PRESSURE For starters, you should know the maximum psi recommendation for the tire you’re using (typically 100 for road, 25 to 35 for mountain, and 50 to 60 for city)—and avoid inflating above that number. To get an accurate reading, use a tirepressure gauge (most floor pumps have one). But also try squeezing the sidewalls with your fingers to get a sense of what different pressures feel like, says Calvin Jones, director of education at Park Tool. And don’t hesitate to experiment to find out how small changes affect your ride. For example, lowering the pressure can improve handling, especially for off-road riding. Check your psi before every ride. SET YOUR SAG Before you begin, you need to know the stroke length of your air shock. If you…