cycling - I Love Bicycling

The Armstrong Lie Trailer

November 15, 2013 by Lee Agur

This video is a trailer of “The Armstrong Lie” movie. Alex Gibney, the film maker, documents Armstrong’s rise to glory and subsequently, his fall from grace. The Armstrong Lie movie covers interviews with former friends, former teammates and journalists.

There are insightful interviews with George Hincapie, Frankie and Betsy Andreu; however, some key players are only briefly mentioned such as Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton.

The Armstrong lie covers the dark side of Lance Armstrong and how prominent drugs were in the peloton.

Hmm…

Drafting Behind a Semi at 50 MPH

November 14, 2013 by Lee Agur

No helmet, no idea if this semi is going to brake, no… lots of things…

I guess that is one way to commute… I bet he would beat you into work!

You think he is crazy? Like the video.

Cliiiimb Pro – New Invention for Strava Users

November 14, 2013 by Lee Agur

Are you a Strava user? This new invention may really intrigue you.

Cliiiimb is a gadget that gives real time Strava segment feedback. You are able to set the desired segments before your ride and the gadget will let you know:

when you are approaching the segment
when the segment starts
where you are in comparison to your training partner/your personal best/KOM holder through out the segment (which ever person you select to compete against)
Where the segment ends

Cliiiimb comes in audio or audio and visual and clips on to your sunglasses and works using a free app downloadable to your phone.

The new invention will make you dig deeper for your intense training rides because it can show you where you are in relation to the KOM or your personal best in real time.

This is a very cool new invention that is the first in its class. No other device allows you to know real time statistics.

Cliiiimb is being sold for $129 (the audio version) and Cliiiimb Pro is going for $199 (the audio and visual version). The Cliiiimb Pro is available for purchase online right now from 4iiii. The audio only version will be available next year.

Watch this short video on the new Cliiiimb Pro device:

Do you know some strava users that might like this cool new invention? Share it below.

A Bee Stung My Boob! But Wait There is More!

November 14, 2013 by Nicole Kurz

You know how they say bad luck comes in threes? It’s possible that I’m the poster child for this superstition.

And all those people who say, “there’s no such thing as a bad workout” can shut it after my bike ride today.

So here’s the good part. I didn’t die. I only almost did.

There was nothing unusual about the ride today at the start. I was riding during lunch with my normal group from work. Same peeps I always ride with. One of two routes we always do.

Five minutes out I flat. It’s my front tire, so at least it’s an easy change. We have a slight mishap that results in change one exploding in all of our faces, but we get it right the second time and we’re rolling.

Other than the headwind on the way out, it’s a great ride. Hot, flat and fast, and before we know it we’re at the turn around ready to head back.

With the wind at our back we’re flying. I’m riding with two stronger cyclists so they give me some double draft love. At one point I look down and we’re going 22 mph and it feels easy. I actually felt the need to double check that someone didn’t replace my chamois with a rocket.

Nope, no rocket. Wind, legs and a great draft.

Then out of nowhere, a rogue missile launches itself down my shirt and I’m greeted with blinding pain on my right… Boob. What the… oh, not a missile. A bee!

Having never been stung before my reaction was two fold. One, holy mother of God this hurts like HELL. Two, I really really hope I’m not allergic.

After swearing like a sailor I let my cyclist friends know what had happened. Blondie dropped back behind me to make sure I didn’t suddenly pass out and fall off my bike.

Or at least, that’s what we said jokingly, having no idea of what was to come.

At this point, I just wanted to be back. This bugger hurt. We prepare to make the left turn across 4 lanes of traffic back into our office park. I’ve done this probably 50 times without incident. This time there is traffic, but we’re prepared. We cross two lanes and I prepare to stop in the median.

Now, I’ve posted before on my blog as a newer cyclist about my stopping difficulties with these fancy pedals. But my cycling has been much stronger of late. As long as I really concentrate and focus on what I’m doing, I have no issues. I’m telling ya, Tour de France is just a bunny hop away.

Ok so not quite.

And when 100% of my focus is on “holy crap dear god why did I have to get stung in the BOOB” it’s pretty clear that my focus is not on stopping.

I unclip left and promptly lean right and find myself toppling over INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC!

Thank goodness the woman in the white sedan was paying attention and managed to stop about a foot from my head. When I hopped up laughing to move out of the lane and wave her on, I realized by the panicked look on her face and how she was clutching her chest that maybe that had been a nearer death experience than I realized.

Luckily, I’m in one piece.

I’m still a calamity, and will live to terrorize bees and motorists another day.

This hilarious story was written by Nicole Kurz over at Not the Fat Kid in Gym Class Anymore. For more of her harrowing tales of fitness, cycling and near death experiences visit her blog.

Shit Triathletes Say

November 13, 2013 by Lee Agur

A hilarious video of what triathletes say on a daily basis. Have you been caught saying these phrases? Do you have friends that say these phrases?

If you like it, share it!

Cycling Aerodynamics – How Much Can It Really Help?

November 12, 2013 by Lee Agur

There are two ways to get faster on a bike; increase power or increase aerodynamic efficiency.

For most of us it is very difficult to make 5% power gains, it takes lots of work and dedication; however, many of us are able make immediate 10-20% aerodynamic gains. Aerodynamics is one of the simplest and fastest ways to gain free speed.

Biggest Drags in Cycling Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic drag accounts for approximately 80-90% of the resistance felt while pedaling. Of that 80-90%, 70-75% of that drag comes from your body and the remainder from your bike. So it stands to reason that the biggest gain can be from changes in your body. I am not talking about weight loss, (although that would help) I am talking about body position.

Getting into the “aero” position as opposed to being on the hoods can save 3 – 6 minutes in a 40 km time trial. That is a ridiculous difference. Lets look at some other factors and costs.

Comparing Different Situations Related to Cycling Aerodynamics

Approximate savings over a 40km time trial:

Aero Helmet vs non aero helmet – 1 to 1.5 minutes – $150 +
Aero bars vs upright position – 3 to 6 minutes – $50 ++
Shoe covers vs non shoe covers – 30 to 60 seconds – $50 +
Rear disc wheel + front deep dish vs spoke wheels – 1 – 2 minutes – $1000+++
Skin suit vs Normal Jersey – 1 – 2 minutes – $250 +

As you can see some aero purchases can save you a significant amount of time, but the largest aerodynamic gains are from your body position. Don’t go out and buy the most expensive gear before you dial in your body position.

Try to keep things in perspective, a $200 helmet can save you almost as much time as $3000 wheel set.

Body Position

Above it basically says drop your body to make your torso as flat as possible. The flip side is knowing how far is too far. Flexibility plays a huge role in being able to get in the most aerodynamic position. As luck would have it, flexibility is my weakest area, so I am like a sail out there.

My hips, glutes and hamstrings are my limiters when it comes to a more aero position. I can’t even come close to touching my toes… my focus over the winter… foam roller and stretching.

There is a sweet spot in dropping low enough to be aero and being upright enough to be comfortable and produce power.

Roll Down a Hill

Test how slippery you have become with the small tweaks you have made.

Before you make any changes find a hill that resembles a ski jump and roll down it from a complete stand still and see how far up the other side of the hill you make it. Mark the spot where you have come to a stop and repeat this a few times.

After you make a change redo the test… did you go further up the hill? Great you are more aerodynamic. Easy free test.

Should I Buy a Bike Online?

November 12, 2013 by Lee Agur

The answer is simple… it is no, maybe and yes! It really just depends on who you are.

I have had numerous people asking me over the last month, “Should I Buy a Bike Online?” People see great online prices from places like Jenson, Wiggle and even Amazon then they compare them to the local bike shop prices and start to wonder why they would buy from the local bike shop.

Should a Beginner Cyclist Buy a Bike Online?

A beginner road cyclist should almost never buy their bike online. As a beginner you are unable to tell how uncomfortable a bike is by looking at it online. No matter how much you saved on the bike by buying it online it is not worth it if it does not fit or is uncomfortable.

My friend bought a bike online and saved almost $500, he was so impressed with himself. $600 later (new bike parts to try to make the bike fit) the bike still does not fit, he still has something that is not ideal for him but has too much money in the dud to change it out and buy a new one. Huge mistake.

The local bike shops let you test ride their demo bikes and will exchange parts of equal value for free until it fits properly. You cannot put a price on that service or the comfort around your crotch. A local bike shop will probably also give you some free tune ups for the first few months.

So my advice to any new cyclist is to go to your local bike shop, test out multiple rides and ask for their advice on what you need. Establish a relationship with the local bike shop, they have a wealth of information.

Should Experienced Cyclists Buy a Bike Online?

Experienced cyclists often are in the market for a specific bike and are aware of the geometry, style, price etc. of the bike. Sometimes the local bike shop won’t even have that bike in for several months (if at all). So it is often ok for an experienced cyclist to purchase a bike online. It is not without its pitfalls though.

I have purchased 5 bikes from the local bike shop and 5 online. All 5 of the bikes I bought form the local bike shop fit like a dream and cradled my nether regions as if they were gold. The 5 bikes I have bought online… only 2 of them needed minor adjustments… the other 3 cost more than I like to admit.

Where to Buy a Bike Online?

Jenson, Wiggle, Ebay, Craigslist, Amazon… there are so many sites…

Moral of the Story

Moral of the story… try to purchase from your local bike shop… especially if the prices are even somewhat comparable because you don’t know what those hidden costs may be in order to make the bike fit properly.

Welcome to the Grind – Motivational Video

November 12, 2013 by Lee Agur

Try and watch this video and then not want to get out there and hammer. Sometimes all we need is a little motivation. Welcome to the grind.

Did it make you want to get out there?

Mountain Biker Gets Taken Out By Antelope

November 11, 2013 by Lee Agur

Unbelievable footage caught on video of an aggressive antelope taking out an innocent mountain biker. Luckily the mountain biker had a helmet on. Watch the short video below.