As someone who has done their fair share of annoyingly long rides, I often get asked “What’s the key to being on your bike for so long?” While I don’t have all of the answers, here are some key tips that I swear by. Whether you’re getting ready for your first 20+ mile ride or gearing up for your first century, I highly recommend trying the strategies listed below.

Click Here for the Spark Notes Version

Tip #1. EAT

Fueling is crucial, especially on rides over an hour or two. Forget the complex formulas; keep it simple: have a carb-rich snack every 45-60 minutes. If you struggle with solid food, try liquid calories from drink mixes. The best snacks are the ones you enjoy and want to eat.

Tip #2: Ride at a Comfortable Pace

Unless you’re a pro or just a plain masochist, don’t try to go full speed on long rides. Instead, ride in the magical Zone Two, the sweet spot for aerobic and endurance gains. If you can chat while riding, you’re probably in the right zone. Heavy breathing? You’re going too hard.

Tip #3: Ride a Bike that Fits Well

Comfort is crucial. Joint pain or discomfort on long rides usually means your bike fit is off. A proper bike fit helps you ride more efficiently and comfortably. Professional fits can be pricey but are worth it to ride pain-free. However!! Remember that you know your body best, so if a certain measurement/ fit feels right for you, go with it even if the bike fitter says otherwise.

For those of you opting for the longer version (proud of you), let’s dive in.

Tip #1. EAT

People tend not to realize how important fueling is on the bike, especially on rides over an hour or two. While the internet can go into immense detail and offer formulas to calculate exactly how much you should be eating, I like to keep it simple and go by this simple rule for training rides: Have a carbohydrate-rich snack every 45min-60min. Rule of thumb: it’s far easier to eat too little during a ride than too much, so if you want a snack sooner than 45-60 min, have one!

What should you eat on the bike? Well, there are so many options!! There are a ton of options designed specifically for exercise such as GU gels, Honey Stinger waffles, Bonk Breakers energy bars, and more. These are great for races and when you want the most optimal cycling nutrition. However, they are more expensive than non cycling-specific alternatives. If you’re a broke college student like me or not wanting to spend as much money for training ride fuel, there are plenty of more budget friendly alternatives that do the trick. Some of my go-to favorites are fruit snacks, gummy bears, cookies, or GoGo Squeeze apple sauce pouches.

Some people struggle to get down calories during rides (I’m this way in races, it sucks), so if you fall in that boat, liquid calories from drink mixes are a great way to get the fuel you need during long rides. They also offer important electrolytes and other good stuff, so drink mix is really just good all around even if you have no problem getting down nutrition during rides. Fluid is a local company with great hydration options. Their cinnamon-vanilla recovery mix is also TO DIE FOR. Personally, my go-to race hydration mix is GU Roctane Summit Tea drink mix. It is high in calories, packed with good stuff, and has a very mellow and yummy flavor that my sensitive stomach and get down.

Tip #2: Ride at a comfortable pace

Unless you’re a pro rider, attempting a multi-hour ride at top speed most likely won’t go well. The key to riding for a long time is riding at a sustainable pace. There’s this magical thing called Zone Two, which is the optimal zone (a specific range of heart rate or power outputs that correspond to different levels of exercise intensity) for aerobic and endurance gains. If you’re riding in zone two, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you’re breathing heavily, there’s a 99.9% chance that you are riding too hard. Zone two is the key for enjoyable and beneficial long rides.

Additional Zone Two Info

For the number geeks: If you train off heart rate data, zone one two means riding between 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. For example, if I had a max heart rate of 200 bpm, zone two for me would mean riding between 120 and 140 bpm. If you train off power meter data, you probably already know what zone two means, but here’s a link just in case. Ps. if you’re reading this and have no clue what I’m talking about, don’t sweat it… pls. Often times, the best way to enjoy things is to keep it simple.

Tip #3. Ride a bike that fits well.

Comfort is key, and joint pain/discomfort on long rides is most likely due to an improper bike fit. In addition tp helping you ride more efficiently, a properly fitted bike will help make your body comfortable and mind happy. Bike fits do cost a bit of money, but they are crucial to anyone having discomfort on the bike (discomfort meaning pain in your back, knees, arms, neck, etc). Finding a good and affordable place to get a bike fit can be tricky, but we’re in luck because Humberto at Art’s Cyclery gives great and affordable bike fits.

Rule of thumb #3: Bike fitters are incredibly knowledgeable, however, you will always be the most knowledgeable about your body and how it feels. If a certain measurement or fit feels right for you, go with it even if the bike fit says otherwise.

These tips have helped me conquer many long rides, and I hope they work for you too. Happy cycling!

The post Key Tips for Riding Further on the Bike appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Maintaining a bike isn’t always fun. Let’s face it, the real fun comes from wheeling down the highway soaking in the local sights and getting away from a desk for a while.

Routine maintenance can feel more like brushing your teeth in that it is terribly important yet ultimately not the most engaging way to spend one’s time. On the upside, spending some time familiarizing yourself with bike maintenance and the best tools for different jobs can save you time and get you back on the road faster.

There’s also the added benefit of not ending up stranded at the side of the road with a small toolkit full of unwieldy tools that were never meant to handle the average bike emergency. Phillips head screwdrivers only go so far when half of the screws on your ride require a hex wrench.

If you’ve been putting off the assembly of a proper toolbox for your biking needs, start with these six vital tools made to keep you riding longer, happier and with fewer scraped knuckles or cable cuts to tend to.

1. BIKE PUMPS

Nothing can ruin a tire faster than riding your bike with low tire pressure. At best you might suffer decreased performance and imperfect cornering, but a worst-case scenario could lead to a punctured tube or a nasty spill. Knowing your tire’s optimal pressure and being able to keep your tires primed at that pressure are both equally important, so having a tire pump that fills a tire quickly and hosts an easy-to-read pressure gauge is paramount.

Portable bike pumps are just as important as having a stand pump at home. You never know when a roadside leak or a blown tube could happen to you. Replacing a tube is one thing, but not having and knowing how to use a portable pump makes that spare tube you carry about as useful as any other incomplete set of tools in your arsenal.

2. TIRE PATCH KITS

So, you’ve got your tire pump ready to go. What do you do if a roadside flat does happen? Some leaks are so severe that you may require an all-new tube to get back to riding, but many pinhole punctures in your tire can be sealed with self-adhesive patches that can act as temporary or permanent repairs to a variety of leaks.

3. TORX AND ALLEN / HEX KEYS

Bike manufacturers have shifted towards hex keys over the years for a variety of reasons and few tools in your workshop are going to get as hefty a workout with your bike as hex keys. Most adjustment and replacement jobs you take on will require one or more and there’s not much you can do with a flat head screwdriver when a special bolt or screw pops up. Save yourself the time later and snag a few sets before you need them.

4. CABLE CUTTERS

Though it may not seem like a regular job, good bike maintenance calls for the replacement of brake cables when they start to fray, wear or rust over time and you won’t be hacking through them with just any pair of scissors.

You can get by with a pair of bolt cutters but the overkill in using something that specialized just to snip a bit of cable you might have trouble getting to with such a large, specific tool isn’t often worth the hassle. Cable cutters are often the size of hand shears and make your cable-snipping duties less of a wrestling match.

5. LUBRICANTS

Dry metal rubbing against dry metal isn’t good for the longevity of any solid component on your bike. Keeping your chain oiled and your gears greased means less friction and wear on parts that you shouldn’t have to replace on a monthly basis, but not just any oil or grease will do.

Chain lubes, for instance, are designed not to pick up as much debris from roadside conditions as you might get with other oils. WD-40 may seem sufficient but it dries into a sticky mass over time and isn’t suitable for most bike applications.

6. COMBINATION WRENCHES

Not every component uses a hex key. Most non-essential components and accessories use some sort of common bolt or nut that doesn’t require anything fancier than a small assortment of wrenches you might use for any household project. Ratchet sets are nice as well, but hardly necessary unless your bike has bolts in areas that won’t allow a traditional wrench to turn properly. Know your bike and what it requires!

CONCLUSION

While bike maintenance may not be a fun and exciting part of the week, chances are you can handle it with some know-how and a small assortment of tools you can pick up without a major financial hassle. A well-maintained bike is a bike you can ride for years to come and there’s nothing better than knowing you fixed it up yourself.

If you’re looking to build a truly budget-friendly bike toolkit, check out our article.

The post 6 Bike Maintenance Tools Every Cyclist Needs to Own appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

We have spent hours of searching YouTube and other video services for funny bike videos. More hours than we care to admit–especially when we were supposed to be really nailing that last interval.

But, hey, a little downtime never hurt anyone, right? So here we’ve got our top 20 favorite funny bike videos from around the internet (OK, mostly YouTube). This is cycling at its best, its worst, and it’s most amazingest.

THE 20 BEST FUNNY BIKE VIDEOS

All right, now these may not all be hilarious. Some of them are awesome, some of them are really cool, and some are crazy. Shoot, we forgot to include the one where the banner falls on Adam Yates during the Tour de France.

Dang.

Oh well.

WIGGINS THROWS HIS BIKE – PERFECTLY

Honestly, this is why Wiggins is so good. Wiggins Angrily Throws His bike, and his bike lands with style.

TRAINING WHEELS & PARALLEL PARKING

This little girls drifting skills are intense:
https://youtu.be/-hqfWAJ2wJI

JACK BAUER ISN’T TOO HAPPY WITH HIS BIKE

Pro cyclist, Jack Bauer, throws his bike in a ditch.

DANNY RIDES OFF THE RAILS AND OVER EVERYTHING

Danny McKaskill shows off his crazy bike handling skills.

CLIFF FALL WHILE WATCHING THE BIKE RACE

This spectator falls of a cliff while watching the pro cyclists pass by. It’s also way funnier in Russian.

https://youtu.be/KybHcg0YFmY

KINDA INSANE DUDE SHOWS SERIOUS CYCLING SPEED

No helmet. In traffic. Inches from truck. Please, don’t do this.

https://youtu.be/lnYp4srEooI

CRASH OUT BUMMER. SANTUCCI SMASH!

Jeremy Santucci can’t handle the disappointment of crashing in the Red Hook Crit, so he smashes his friend’s bike.

MIRACLE MATTRESS SAVES THE DAY

This man gets saved from a nasty crashed by a falling mattress . . . or the mattress caused him to fall–I don’t know.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIKE THROW

Man on bike stops purse snatchers . . . with his bike.

CRAZY WINDS STOP CAPE TOWN RIDERS

The Wind in Cape Town is so harsh, it stops their annual race. Watching people ride in headwinds is, apparently, quite awesome.

ALL THOSE FUNNY THINGS YOU’VE HEARD YOUR CYCLING FRIENDS SAY

Stuff Cyclists Say. Yah, we cleaned it up.
https://youtu.be/GMCkuqL9IcM

KID ON BIKE FALLS DOWN STAIRS – 911 ANYONE?!

We don’t normally like to laugh at bike crashes, but this is gold for the freaked out kid who screams.

https://youtu.be/QpRELpyoWyo

KID CRASHES BIKE ON LIVE TV

OK, here’s another serious situation we’re not supposed to laugh at.

https://youtu.be/fdYkg7yi_mY

FUNNY BIKE VIDEOS ON ROLLERS . . . SORT OF

We also learned that people falling off of rollers aren’t that funny. A little funny, maybe. We probably shouldn’t even include this one, but it took so long to find it . . . .

BRUMOTTI GOES TOTES CRAZY RIDING HEIGHTS

Vittorio Brumotti shows off his skill, but not in a very safe way.

TOMMY D. RIDES UPHILL. FAST.

What it’s like to be passed by Tom Danielson on a 6% climb.

CHRIS HORNER THROWS HIS BIKE AND GETS BOOED

Chris Horner gets a little red-faced when he drops his chain. Warning: language!

FROOME STARTS RUNNING CLUB

And who can forget that time Chris Froome ran up Mont Ventoux? This version is (*cough* probably bootlegged) complete with commentary and the whole situation.

https://youtu.be/MEx2T6YDb58

CYCLIST GETS REVENGE ON JERK VAN DRIVER

Nothing like seeing a little justice being served. See how this cyclist chases down and takes revenge on a catcalling van driver.

https://youtu.be/MIa94J9cKoA

FOCUSED BIKE THIEF SHOWS OFF REALLY POOR SKILLS

Finally beware of leaving your bike unlocked on your hitch rack. This thief tries to steal a bike while the drivers are stopped at a red light.

https://youtu.be/jdiZxl79zU4

MORE FUNNY BIKE VIDEOS ON THE WAY

All right, those are our favorites. Be sure to send us your favorite funny bike videos, or add them to the comments below. We’ll put together another collection, and give you credit.

Sweet! Oh, and we hope you liked our picks.

The post 20 Funny Bike Videos – The Best Cycling Videos on YouTube appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Change of Pace

While road riding offers some variation via climbing, descending, flat sections, distance trips and speed sprints for the most part it’s a lot of the same thing. Don’t get me wrong I love my road bike and my hours in the saddle along some beautiful scenic central coast roads. I do however find myself thinking from time to time; “That’s a cool looking trail over there, wish I could see where it goes.” or “Gee, I’d like to ride down that embankment and onto the beach or park or whatever.” With Cyclo-cross that’s pretty much the point. Take your super cool bike, almost anywhere you want. The ability to go where you want and change things up is a huge plus to try Cross.  Not only a change in location and terrains, but in the way you ride, which leads into my next reason.

Extreme Fitness Challenge

If peddling up and down hills and sprinting to beat your best time isn’t brutal enough let Cross throw in a bunch of obstacles and environmental variations to make things more work. Now you’ll have to peddle on smooth pavement, sinking sand, slippery gravel, slick and in some cases thick wet grass, dry dusty dirt and during those wet rainy days, mud! But the challenges don’t stop there, now hop off your bike, toss it on your shoulder and sprint up some stairs, over barriers or up steep embankments. And when you remount be prepared to bunny hop over the small obstacles to keep your speed up, because CX is mostly about bursts of high energy and power, over and over again.  If you’re getting the picture you’re probably already out of breathe. Cyclocross is a major fitness challenge for any level athlete. And given the high intensity interval like nature of the sport it’s great for building endurance, and boosting your fitness.

Improve Your Road Riding

Reason number 3 takes those awesome fitness gains from reason #2 and allows me to finally beat my wife up that crazy hill climb on our Saturday couple’s ride. I hope it does at least. Really though any additional training during the road off season will only help your performance when back on pavement. The fact that you get to stay in the saddle (well in and out of the saddle) means I still get to have my bike fix all year without being stuck in spin classes. Add to that improved bike handling gained while dodging fallen riders and hopping barriers and there’s my third reason for starting CX.

New Stuff

Reason number 4 is obvious; New Stuff! Let’s face it after years of riding you probably have one or two or ten bikes all setup depending on what ride you’re planning to take. You’re trusted go-to do everything road machine, your commuter, your single speed farmers market bike, your time trial speed demon, etc. But CX gives you something none of those do; the chance to buy another bike! Or at the very least some new stuff for one you have. CX riding typically requires wider knobby tires which means enough clearance in the frame for those bigger tires. Which also means brakes that can handle that wide gap either cantilever or disc seem to be the most preferred options in recent years. You’ll probably need new mountain style cleats and shoes and while that’s probably enough to get you started you can see where this is going right? A chance to do some shopping! Frames, wheelsets, kits, gear, oh my! Yes like many of us cyclists I can never say no to more bicycling stuff, especially if it means a new bike!

Just Plain Fun

Finally and most importantly is cyclocross is major fun! Whether you’re watching racers sprint around a track and narrowly escape some crazy obstacles, or you yourself are covered in mud and sliding around corners, or just enjoying a nice afternoon taking the path less traveled CX takes me back to that place as a kid where a bike meant freedom to do whatever and go wherever I choose.  So while I’ll be free to tackle any trail or obstacle that catches my eyes, build up an amazing physic that  makes be a better road racer all on a bunch of new gear, my biggest reason to Cross is that it’s so inherently fun.

I don’t know about this:

There’s one final reason that’s worth mentioning. The world of CX is full of fun and enthusiastic people that really like bikes. Everyone I’ve met and talked to while starting my cross journey really loves to ride and you can almost feel their excitement when they talk about cyclocross.

The post My Top 5 Reasons to Try Cyclocross appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Apparently, if you’re not cycling in 360 degrees, you’re not cycling.

At least that’s what some random rider yelled as he passed me last week . . . right before he popped into a curb as he gestured to the circular camera on his helmet. It’s mean, but I laughed. He was fine, by the way.

But if you haven’t seen some of the trippy videos coming out lately, you’re in for quite the experience. We’ve got three cycling specific 360-degree clips for you here, and hopefully more to come as video continues to trickle out of the pro peloton.

Manuel Quinziato Paces – BMC Racing Team

First up, watch Manuel Quinziato of Team BMC as he paces a motor cycle. As you’ll notice in the video, it’s good to be a pro–so much team support that you don’t even have to carry your own camera.

Christian Vande Velde Elevates It

Up next, watch the former pro enjoying life outside the peloton. This video is all about new perspectives, and learning a little about what it’s like to be on the road for a heavy cycling season.

https://youtu.be/s-yDLHC0ryU

Fi’zi:k’s Granfondo 2016 Kicks Off

A bit shorter than the first two, watch this pro-laden fondo kick off in Marostica, Italy. Taken from the bike of AG2R La Mondiale’s Matteo Montaguti, this is apparently the first official 360-degree footage of a Granfondo (we’ll say that one probably benefits from some savvy marketing).

If you’re wondering how to grab video like this for yourself, a few options in personal cameras exist, including the 360 Fly. As of now, the market is new, and these full 4k options will run you at least $400. But as competitors catch up, they’re bound to be more accessible to the budget-conscious rider.

Viewing Issues? Do these videos just look funky to you? First, make sure your browser or device supports 360 video–as of now, Safari and others don’t display properly. Try Chrome or a fully updated YouTube app if you’re having difficulty viewing. If it’s showing up right, you’ll be able to click and drag your view to see any shot you want within the frame. Pretty cool. Kinda crazy.

The post 360 Degree Cycling Videos – You Control The View appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Editor’s Note: You may notice a slight change in voice here. We’re happy to introduce our newest contributing writer at SLO Cyclist: The Alpha Ninja. Former racer. All-around generous human being. Razor sharp tan lines. The Alpha Ninja hopes to be here for the long haul. The following was the Alpha Ninja’s idea. No, I’m not nervous . . . . -Bek

How Not to Be a Jerk Cyclist

A four-way stop. I halt my car at the line, do the good driver look both ways thing, and move my foot to the accelerator. As I enter the intersection, two mountain bikers speed to the stop and blow through it–directly into my path.

So I do what any caring and thoughtful cyclist would do. I yell at them.

“Stop giving cyclists a bad name!!! Obey the traffic laws!!!”

I know, maybe not the best recourse, but they stopped at the next intersection. And it gave me an idea for this article: How do we avoid being jerk cyclists? How do we help to change society’s perception of cyclists in general? Well, here are a few tips; including some ideas that will keep you in good with your group rides too.

1. Don’t run stop signs

Obviously, this is the first tip. Although some states have legalized the “rolling stop when it’s safe to proceed” thing, California has not. Here, we get tickets. Plus, we also make drivers pretty angry when we don’t have the right of way. I’m not here to get into an argument over whether or not it should be legal for us to roll through stop lights or signs, but I’ve seen enough really close calls to know that, most of the time, it’s not safe to pedal through.

Obey the laws. Remember, on the road, you’re considered a car. Don’t be that cyclist.

2. Be safe, and don’t make sudden movements

Weaving around the road can be fun when you’re 7, but unless you want to find out why people really, really hate skateboarders, just stay in a predictably straight line. Don’t dart in and out of parked cars. If you’re in the road, own the road. Stick to your goal, and try to make it obvious where you’re headed.

If you need to move over to let a car go by, look back at them, so they know you’re aware of them and gradually move over (when it’s safe). One thing, though, be careful about waving them through. If you tell them to proceed and they get in an accident, it could be your fault. Remember, they need 3 feet of passing space to get around you (in California).

3. Don’t throw your wrappers and peels on the ground

Unless you’re being paid to wear a pro kit while a full support crew follows you in multiple sedans, you really shouldn’t toss your GU wrappers on the asphalt. Your jersey has pockets for a reason–use them. And this goes for “biodegradable” stuff too, like banana peels. I get kind of angry at the environment sometimes for not taking care of these crash-causers. It’s like, “Hey, environment. Seriously? This peel has been on the road for 7 months. Can’t you do something about it?”

The answer is, “Nope, cuz composting doesn’t work that way.” Don’t throw your trash on the ground. It’s not cool. Plus, it’s illegal.

4. Always carry flat protection and at least one extra tube

No one likes carrying extra stuff in their pockets (especially when we need to save room for our trash), and maybe some of us think saddlebags are dorky. But it’s way less cool to be in a group asking around for an extra tube or using up someone’s CO2 because we wanted to travel light.

Actually, turn this one on its head, and be the reliable one. The one everyone knows will be there for them in a jam. Ride prepared. It’s the motto of a good cyclist.

5. Call out “on your left” when passing

I hate getting passed. Who doesn’t? But I hate it way more when I’m trying to focus on my training. There’s nothing quite so unnerving as concentrating on wattage during a tough climb, and some dude buzzing by you so closely you can read the numbers on his Garmin. Give your fellow riders a little warning. Don’t freak them out by sneaking up on them just to prove how fast you are. I’ve seen crashes happen this way.

All right. I got it out. No more tips today. Let’s give credit to the good cyclists out there–because I know that’s most everybody. We’ve got a reputation to build. What are your pet peeves that give us a bad name? Comment!

The post How Not To Be A Jerk Cyclist appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

What side are you on? Chipmunk-cheek pockets or seatpost sagging saddlebags? When the Velominatti weigh in and rule against any bag disrupting the clean lines of our bikes, we cyclists listen.

Or do we?

Earlier this year, we did a study on cycling ettiquette by polling cyclists across several very popular forums. We looked at data on all kinds of stuff like wave vs. nod, and calling out when passing. Well, we’ve had some requests from readers recently to revisit one certain question: whether or not the majority of cyclists ride with saddlebags–or whether they think they’re just plain uncool.

These were our previous findings:

The Lame, The Cool, The Saddle Bag Debate

I once was met with an uproar of chuckling when I asked a few riders on my cycling team what kind of saddlebags are cool. Apparently the words “cool” and “saddlebag” don’t fit together. Instead, to look “cool,” I started stuffing my jersey pockets with everything I could ever need on a ride, which I’m pretty sure is merely reminiscent of another type of saddlebag.

Perhaps not surprisingly, this is one of the most hotly contested trends in cycling culture. Because clearly riders who carry their flat fixing in a pocket simply can’t be seen with riders who carry it on their seatpost. But no matter what, no one wants to give spare tubes to the large number of riders who don’t carry any flat fixing stuff at all.

Saddle Bags Revisited

So that’s what we found before. This time, we’re actually going to address two different questions. Because this is something of a popularity contest, we first studied whether or not people found saddlebags cool or uncool. Next, we looked to see what percentage of cyclists claim to use them. Finally, we put the results into handy and aesthetically pleasing charts. No one hates a pretty chart.

1. Are Saddlebags (Un)Cool?

What actually surprised us is the number of people who scoffed at our question for being silly, but proceeded to decry the virtues of the little storage solutions. Polarizing.

2. Do You Ride With a Saddlebag?

Perhaps less of a surprise was the split between the users and the detracters. Not much of a difference from our figures from before–in fact, the number of saddlebaggers grew. But we think what this actually shows is that the majority of cyclists just don’t want much stuff in their pockets. Consistently.

So what do you think? Cool? Uncool? Lots of people care, trust us.

How did we get these figures? We took a sampling of 200 riders on each question. Some people we asked directly while others we merely observed based on comments. So, yah, it’s not completely scientific, but science doesn’t actually exist, right?

 

The post Are Saddlebags Really Uncool? The Great Jersey Pocket Debate Revisited appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Lately, we’ve been receiving tons of questions asking us what specific cycling gear we ride with. We test wide variety of products, and we also like to recommend to our readers great accessories for your bikes and thing that will make your rides more enjoyable. So, we’re answering your messages by showing you the top things what we choose to pack on our regular rides. And don’t worry, we didn’t get paid to use or endorse any of these products. As always, we recommend heading to your local bike shop to pick up any of these, but we’ve also included links to buy online.

Who Chose This Gear?

Bek, Our Chief Editor

Cervelo R3

SRAM Rival Groupset (although she did fit an Ultegra front derailleur on it–they said it couldn’t be done)

HED Ardennes Wheelset

Shane, Editor

Cervelo RS

SRAM Rival mixed with FSA Groupset

Mavic Helium Wheelset

Camelback for illustrative purposes only, and not encouraged.

Cheryl, Contributing Writer & Social Media Guru

Trek Madone 4.5

Shimano Ultegra and 105 mixed Groupset

Fulcrum 5 Wheelset (she’s swapped them since this picture)

Our Picks

Jet Roll II/Supersonic

I reviewed the Jet Roll a few months back, and have since used nothing else to carry my flat kit. It’s slick, cool, and carries everything I need. Plus it comes in a ton of different colors. – Bek

Garmin Edge 500
Still my trusted computer even though Garmin has released a newer version. With tons of screens, power/heart rate/cadence and all the good stuff ready, the Edge 500 is a pretty sweet deal these days. And the black and red one looks equally sweet on my bike. – Bek

Garmin Forerunner 910XT

I’m a triathlete, and the versatility of the Forerunner is a total must for me. Swim, ride, and run with it–it does everything plus cadence, power, and heart rate. Expensive, but worth it. -Shane

Red Lizard Skins Bar Tape 2.5mm
This stuff is second to none. A tacky feel that keeps your hands from slipping off, and stays cleaner and brighter for much longer than cork tapes. I like the 2.5 mm tape for a little cushion, but still thin grip. -Bek

Fi’zi:k Arione Donna Saddle
Saddles are a highly personal choice. I tested 14 through my LBS’s saddle program before I landed (literally, I suppose) on the Arione Donna. Relatively inexpensive, light weight, and made with the usual Fi’zi:k quality. -Bek

Fi’zi:k Arione Saddle

This was actually the stock saddle on Bek’s bike, but since she didn’t like it, I snapped it up when she switched to the Donna. I’ve scratched it all the heck, but it’s still comfortable and sturdy. Kids, it pays to be friends with a cyclist. -Shane

Terry Liberator X Saddle
I did receive this as a saddle to review, but I’ve since fallen in love with it. It’s cushy, and we really like each other. -Cheryl

Lezyne Macro Drive Rear Light
No matter what, we like to ride with a taillight, and Lezyne’s Macro Drive offers daytime visibility with a crazy amount of lumens. We’ve got the pair to help with nighttime riding as well. Sturdy and bright. -All of Us

Speedplay Zero Pedals

I like these pedals because they minimize user error–I never have to look down to clip in. The Zero has tons of float, and is an all-around good pedal. I’ve used the same pair for almost five years, and they’re still in great shape. Chromoly is cheaper and extremely durable. – Bek

Fix It Sticks

We reviewed Fix It Sticks last year, and they’ve since become a staple in my flat repair kit. Since then, I’ve found their portability and shop-worthy versatility to be invaluable out on the road. – Shane

Lezyne Road Drive pump
I’ve dropped this on the road several times, and it still does just what it’s intended to do. Gets your tires to a high pressure and stows easily under a water bottle cage with the included mount. The reversible flex hose also works great on stroller and kid’s bike tires–where some pumps refuse to go. – Cheryl

Kask Vertigo Helmet

Never a glimpse of mushroom head, I splurged on this lid. I especially like the hi-viz of the black and yellow. Seriously comfortable and lives up to its reputation for fit and protection. – Bek

Specialized Chamonix Helmet

OK, actually, I own the Specialized Echelon helmet, which is no longer available. But the Chamonix is basically the new version of the Echelon. All the quality of a Specialized helmet without a bigger price tag. – Shane

GU Salted Caramel
Something of a staff favorite here at SLO Cyclist, Salted Caramel GU is an energy gel that tastes like it’s not an energy gel. If you grab the last one before our office road rides, you’re in dangerous territory. – All of Us

Skratch Labs Lemon Lime
Easy on the stomach and tasty too, SkratchLabs is doing something right in my book. All their flavors are good (at least the ones I’ve tried, which is most of them). I’m stuck on Lemons & Limes right now. -Cheryl

All right, so those are our favorites, what are yours? We’re recommending this gear because we use it regularly, and we love it–and definitely not because we’re being paid to. That’s totes not cool. We linked to where you can buy any/all of these, but that’s also not an urging for you to shell out any cash either–we just figure that imitation is the coolest form of flattery. Happy riding!

The post So What Do We Ride With? Here’s Our Favorite Cycling Gear appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Periodically, we like to remind you of cycling movies and documentaries available on Netflix for those of you suffering indoors on your trainer. Because what better way to get motivated about raising your V02 max than watching professionals raise theirs on TV, right? Without further pomp, here are all of the road cycling related titles available on Netflix as of now (note, these links likely will not work properly unless you’re signed in to your account):

My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes

Two-time Tour de France winner in 1938 and 1948, Gino Bartali spent much of WWII using his cycling as a cover to help deliver secret correspondence to the Italian Resistance. He also helped to hide Jewish refugees who were hiding from the Nazis. 

Clean Spirit

Follow the effort of team Argos-Shimano and their number-one sprinter, Marcel Kittel, as they compete in the 2013 Tour de France. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the battle between a team built for sprinting and the big man who has owned the discipline for years, Mark Cavendish. Of course, the best thing about this film might be the terribly innacurate subtitles–especially the English translation of English.

Stop at Nothing

However you feel about Lance Armstrong (I’m keeping mum on this one), this documentary is an interesting look at another side of the story that went on behind the cameras. With interviews by Franky and Betsy Andreu and other key players in the Armstrong saga, you’ll get a full glimpse at Armstrong’s tarnished career.

Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

A biographical documentary of the career of Marco Pantani, this film takes you through the highs and lows of a polarizing cyclist. Sometimes poignant, sometimes painful, get a look at the struggles of this pro who attempts to balance fame and scandal in the backdrop of cycling’s biggest races.

Slaying the Badger

In a cycling world where helmets were never normal, but down tube shifters were, Greg Lemond became the very first American to win The Tour de France. Add to this fact that he did so without much help from his teammate, 5-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault. Despite promising LeMond that he would help him win, Hinault lived up to his nickname, “The Badger” for one great reason: this honey-badger certainly didn’t care. Lemond wasn’t one to back down himself. Hence, one of the greatest years in Tour de France history. Catch all the action you were probably too young to remember in the 30 for 30 Documentary, Slaying the Badger. 

Rising from the Ashes

This documentary will make you think while it also reinforces the idea that cycling can offer healing from some of the most tragic circumstances. At times difficult to watch, but important nonetheless, Rising from the Ashes follows the journey of the Rwandan cycling team. This is a well-made documentary that moves from the genocide of the past to the team’s Olympic bid of 2012. (Image courtesy First Run Features)

So that’s the round-up for today. We’d say it’s a pretty decent collection. Seen any or all of these? Let us know what you think!

The post Catch The Latest Cycling Movies on Netflix appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Last Saturday, I seized the 80-degree, sunny, and wind-free California day. Because that’s how January rolls here. Cyclists were out in force, and I rode down the highway, kitted to the nines and giving the “hey we’re so cool, right?” wave at each of my fellow riders.

But plenty of them didn’t think it was so cool to return my wave. So I changed tactics: it became all about the quick “hey, man, ‘sup?” nod.

But still not much reciprocation. So I started fuming thinking about cycling etiquette. And I decided to do some research. I surfed around the top opinion sites that cyclists frequent, and I came up with the most common arguments in the road bike world. I also did some math *gasp*. So in the greatest spirit of scientific research, I came up with the top arguments about cycling etiquette and how many of us fall into which camps. Be assured that this is all, in actuality, extremely unscientific. What groups do you take sides with?

1. The Wave, The Nod, The Diss

Ah the camaraderie! Giving and receiving of kind salutations because, heck, you’re both out on the open road. There are three basic types when it comes to acknowledging another’s presence. There’s the short wave close to the handlebars–sometimes shortened to a few fingers lifted in acknowledgment. Some take it to a head nod, or a head nod plus a curt salute. Of course, the third cyclist is so “focused” on riding that they may not even notice others on the road.

Read the colorful and bike-wheel reminiscent chart that I’ve put together below to see exactly which action is most popular:

2. The Lame, The Cool, The Saddle Bag Debate

I once was met with an uproar of chuckling when I asked a few riders on my cycling team what kind of saddlebags are cool. Apparently the words “cool” and “saddlebag” don’t fit together. Instead, to look “cool,” I started stuffing my jersey pockets with everything I could ever need on a ride, which I’m pretty sure is merely reminiscent of another type of saddlebag.

Perhaps not surprisingly, this is one of the most hotly contested trends in cycling culture. Because clearly riders who carry their flat fixing in a pocket simply can’t be seen with riders who carry it on their seatpost. But no matter what, no one wants to give spare tubes to the large number of riders who don’t carry any flat fixing stuff at all.

3. Shouting “On Your Left!” When Passing

No matter what type of bike you’re riding or where you’re riding it, there’s nothing quite so creepy as cyclists whizzing past you without you knowing they’re there. You get that sudden, jump-out-of-your-skin feeling followed by a jump-out-of-the-saddle and try to catch their wheels so they know you’re not really as slow as they think you are.

The numbers here are kind of surprising . . . mostly because I think everyone is lying when they say they’re calling out while passing. Around here, it’s the rare day when someone tells me they’re gonna pass me. I like to think they’re hammering so hard to catch me that they simply don’t have the ability to speak. Yep. That’s it.

4. Rolling Through Stoplights & Stop Signs

A friend of mine once told me that the cops won’t ticket you if you put your foot down at a stop sign. Even if you’re still doing 25mph, just throw your foot down. Of course, his cleats and shoes were so scraped as to be almost unusable. And he also had a few road rash scars from the times he wiped out going 25 and trying to get his foot to the pavement . . . oh and from dodging cars.

Now, it’s important to note that in some states it’s totally legal to roll through stoplights and stop signs. Some argue it’s safer for cyclists to do so. Where do you fall on this debate? You might be surprised at how many high rollers there are out on the road.

5. Cheap Chinese Carbon Frames versus Name Brand Only Riders

Maybe this one will surprise you. People have some strong opinions about brands, and they have some even stronger opinions about stickerless bikes. Quite full of ire was the fellow who told me I should sand down my Cervelo and remove all the labels, so that I would at last be cool. Some people swear by Chinese carbon frames, and others say they’re just not awesome. There’s not much, it seems, so anger-inducing as brand attachment–or detachment. But the split is pretty large here. What say you?

So what do you think? Are you in the majority or the minority? Let’s all be kind out there . . . no matter what my unscientific data says . . . .

The post The Most Heated Cycling Etiquette Arguments & The Data to Back Them Up appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.