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How I Kit Up For Brisk Rides
11/07/2018
This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a gift or small commission, at no cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. See my full affiliate disclosure here.
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KIT I'M WEARING
Twitlight Jacket + MVP Bib Tights + Horizons Jersey + Signature Cap from Machines for Freedom
Proline Vest + Signature Cap + Signature Neck Warmer from Hummingbird Athletic
Thermal Bib Tights from Twin Six
Pro Dri Fit Short Sleeve Base + Long Sleeve Pro Dri Fit Thermal From Nike
Thermal/Waterproof Cycling Shoe Covers from Pearl Izumi
For more gear and kits to wear for the brisky ride, check out these posts...
Cycling Jersey's To Keep You Warm
Staying Warm On A Cold Ride
Keep Your Extremities Warm On A Cold Ride
Hope you enjoy the video and that it gives you inspiration to keep riding throughout autumn. For more videos, you follow along Youtube here.
Fall is probably one of the best times of the year to ride, maybe even more than summer! With cooler temps getting outside is a little easier as we won't need to face the heat. But for many of those riding through the seasons, autumn can be daunting; short evenings, colder temps, and changeable weather often mark the time to hang up our wheels or attach them to an indoor trainer. For tips and tricks to stay on the road, learn what to wear and how to wear it with these examples I demonstrate.
Take note that I'm sharing here two options for cooler temps for around 35F-50F and 50F-65F. You'll see that you can layer either way but you'll also want to consider the temperature you'll be riding to properly kit up.
While we all think our usual cycling kit should be fine with a few layers added, there are some rules that you should memorize when thinking about kitting up for brisk rides:
Fit: Wear close fitting layers that insulate every curve of your body. If you wear loose kit, you are more likely to pump air into those pockets where cold air can fill, releasing the heat from your body.
Warmers: You are most likely to heat up on your ride so kit up with removable layers on the days you'll be doing really hard rides. That could be arm/leg warmers, vests, jackets etc.
Versatility: Take extra layers that you can pack in our jersey pockets, wear a breathable base layer and mid-layer in case the weather takes a turn.
AUTUMN KIT
Conditions vary and the days can be unpredictable, so dress with versatility in mind. Here is one of our recommended outfits for riding in autumn explained from head to toe.
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BASE
Base layers sit close to the skin, working to wick away sweat – without one, this sweat can turn to clamminess and chills very quickly. Layering is the best way to manage your temperature as the weather changes. Make sure you have options to layer up or down, starting with a good base layer. Base layers are the foundation of a winter riding outfit, and they play a far more complicated role in temperature regulation than simply keeping your upper body warm.
THERMALS
There are few more cosy and comfortable cycling garments than thermal bibs and jerseys. Their warmth isn’t just derived from the weight of their fabrics, but from the use of brushed-back linings – the official name of the soft, fluffy interior of thermal clothes. These soft, short loops of fabric hold onto warm air around your body, creating a layer of insulation. Warm legs will work better, but not just that – thermal bibs and tights add warming material around your lower back and torso to keep your core warmer.
COVER UP
To shield from the rain, you'll need a buffer for the wind and a layer of warmth where you lose heat the most. Choose a cap or hat that reflects the conditions facing you.
A quality merino neck warmer or winter hat can keep you feeling warm and also stashed into a pocket whenever needed.
WIND BLOCK
For days when a windproof jacket is too much, choose a base layer, jersey, or vest with windproof front panels, and breathable rear panels. This will block the wind head-on, while allowing excess heat to escape out of the back, a clever way of staying warm without getting sweaty.
A cold breeze can cut through layers but one sure way of staying warm is to wear an outer layer with a windproof finish, keeping cold air away from your core. A windproof best and warmers allow you to adapt to the conditions on the go. Keeping arms, knees, and neck covered will ward off any wind chill and can easily be taken off as you and the weather warms up.
If the weather looks uncertain or you get caught in the rain, a wind and waterproof jacket that packs easily into a pocket will go a long way in keeping you dry and warm. A wind and water resistant outer keeps the chilly weather at bay so you can focus on riding in comfort.
ACCESSORISE
Your hands and feet are the first things to feel the cold, and the right choice of gloves, socks, and overshoes can keep you riding through the most bitter weather. Hands and feet are the perfect place to include high visibility detailing – as your feet are almost constantly moving while riding, and hands move while signaling, hi-vis elements are more likely to catch the eye.
COVER YOUR SHOES
A pair of shoe covers can add a much needed boost to the warmth of your feet, offering extra insulation and protecting socks and shoes from water and the grime of Autumn roads.
KIT I'M WEARING
Twitlight Jacket + MVP Bib Tights + Horizons Jersey + Signature Cap from Machines for Freedom
Proline Vest + Signature Cap + Signature Neck Warmer from Hummingbird Athletic
Thermal Bib Tights from Twin Six
Pro Dri Fit Short Sleeve Base + Long Sleeve Pro Dri Fit Thermal From Nike
Thermal/Waterproof Cycling Shoe Covers from Pearl Izumi
For more gear and kits to wear for the brisky ride, check out these posts...
Cycling Jersey's To Keep You Warm
Staying Warm On A Cold Ride
Keep Your Extremities Warm On A Cold Ride
Hope you enjoy the video and that it gives you inspiration to keep riding throughout autumn. For more videos, you follow along Youtube here.
Bike Bag Essentials
11/06/2018
This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full affiliate disclosure here.
When you’re out for a ride, you need to be prepared to fix a flat tire, repair a broken chain or tighten a loose bolt. You also need to be prepared with other essentials like a phone, cash, ID, and snacks. A well-chosen tool collection and bike bag will go a long way in helping you be prepared for anything on the road and make your ride more comfortable and carefree.
For the sake of those riding shorter distances on a commute or recreational ride, we will cover the basics of what to carry in your bags for the journey ahead.
If you’re a novice cyclist, you can start out with just the basics like a repair kit and tools. As you get more advanced you can then add tools gradually as you gain more experience and start planning more adventurous rides. When it comes to preparing for your ride, you should at least know how to do a Pre-Ride Bike Inspection and know some essential Bike Maintenance skills. In the long run, it will save you a lot of time and money.
When determining what essentials to take on a ride, you’ll need a way to carry them. Options include saddle packs, handlebar bags, frame bags, panniers and backpacks. For shorter recreational rides, a small saddle pack that fits a spare tube, patch kit and a multi-tool is probably sufficient. To carry essentials like a phone, ID, keys, cash, or pump, a simple handlebar bag will be enough. On longer rides and commutes, bigger handlebar packs, rack trunks, frame bags, panniers and backpacks that hold your repair kit essentials and leave room for food, clothes and more will come in handy.
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| Road Runner Saddle Tool Bag |
Essential Bike Repair Kit Tools
Spare Tube and Patch Kit
The most common problem cyclists face is a flat tire. Always carry a spare tube and/or a patch kit with you. If your flat tire is caused by a small puncture, you’ll likely be able to use a patch kit to fix it. For large punctures and blowouts, replacing the tube is your best option.
Tire Levers
Tire levers help you pry your tire off the rim of your wheel when you’re fixing a flat. They’re especially helpful when you’re removing a road tire, as opposed to a mountain bike tire, because road tires typically fit very tightly on the rim.
Bike Pump
If you get a flat tire while you’re out on the road, you’ll need a way to inflate the tire after patching or replacing your tube. Always carry a small hand pump or CO2 inflator that will fit in your backpack or mount to your bike frame.
Multi-tool
A multi-tool can handle a surprisingly wide variety of repairs and its versatility makes it a good value. Its small size means it fits easily in an on-bike saddle pack or a backpack. A good multi-tool has the following:
- Variety of Allen wrenches
- Ajustable wrench, or open or hex wrenches (8, 10, 15mm are the most common, but size requirements vary depending on the bike)
- Chain tool
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
Essentials To Carry In A Bike Bag
On bike rides, especially road rides, it’s wise to carry some money, snacks or other nutrition, your ID, your insurance card and a cell phone just in case you get in an accident. Money will also come in handy on a mid-ride stop at a store to grab a snack or get a cold drink when your energy is waning.
Some repairs require tools and knowhow that you might not have. If your bike breaks down and you can’t fix it, you’ll be happy to have your cell phone so you can call a friend or family member for a ride home. A smartphone can also be handy for looking at a map or tracking your ride with a cycling app.
There are lots of bike bags to choose from but I like to use the handlebar bags by PoCampo and RoadRunner. I get durabilty, waterproofing, and plenty of space left using these two.
Shop Bike Bags
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| Po Campo Kinga Handlebar Bag | Road Runner Burrito Bag |
You can learn more about what gear and essentials to carry on a ride here.
Guide To Bike Safety and Visibility
11/01/2018
Luckily, there’s much we can do to increase safety and make ourselves more visible on the road. To get you confident to train or commute in the dark, we’ve listed some safety tips and late fall cycling essentials, which brings together the trinity of safe nighttime riding—illumination, reflectivity, and hi-vis coloring—without sacrificing comfort, waterproofing, and warmth.
Inspect Your Bike
Anyone who’s had to change their tire in poorly lit conditions knows it’s not fun. Not to mention dangerous, if you don’t have plenty of space away from the road, or if you get a flat in a rough area.
Minimize the chances of breaking down by taking extra care of your bike. Don’t forget to inspect your tires, chain, and brakes by doing a pre-ride inspection the night before. Also, make sure to always keep your cell phone on you when riding alone in the dark.
Know Your Route
Try to choose routes you’re very familiar with when biking at night. Roads with potholes and gravel become much more dangerous when traveling for the first time at night.
If you have to take a new route, do some research first. Is there a bike lane? Is it well lit? It’s helpful to hop on Google street view when planning your trip, so you can be away from tricky intersections, blind corners, and large potholes.
Inspect Your Bike
Anyone who’s had to change their tire in poorly lit conditions knows it’s not fun. Not to mention dangerous, if you don’t have plenty of space away from the road, or if you get a flat in a rough area.
Minimize the chances of breaking down by taking extra care of your bike. Don’t forget to inspect your tires, chain, and brakes by doing a pre-ride inspection the night before. Also, make sure to always keep your cell phone on you when riding alone in the dark.
Know Your Route
Try to choose routes you’re very familiar with when biking at night. Roads with potholes and gravel become much more dangerous when traveling for the first time at night.
If you have to take a new route, do some research first. Is there a bike lane? Is it well lit? It’s helpful to hop on Google street view when planning your trip, so you can be away from tricky intersections, blind corners, and large potholes.
Lighten Up
Having lights on your bike is vitally important to night riding – to see where you’re going, of course, but more importantly, to be seen by others.
At a minimum, you should have flashing front and back lights on your bike – flashing lights are significantly more visible to drivers than static lights. But even better than that: ankle lights. Studies have found that lights that trace the movement of your feet as you peddle are the most eye-catching of all, may be great to add a high vis strap to your ankle or shoe covers with reflective details.
Having lights on your bike is vitally important to night riding – to see where you’re going, of course, but more importantly, to be seen by others.
At a minimum, you should have flashing front and back lights on your bike – flashing lights are significantly more visible to drivers than static lights. But even better than that: ankle lights. Studies have found that lights that trace the movement of your feet as you peddle are the most eye-catching of all, may be great to add a high vis strap to your ankle or shoe covers with reflective details.
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| Machines For Freedom: The Twilight jacket |
Be Seen
According to the Denver Post, the number of cycling fatalities is increasing each year. The most dangerous mistake casual cyclists make is overestimating their visibility when riding. Fluorescent colors are great during the day but don’t cut it at night. Make sure that you have plenty of retroreflective surfaces on your bike and clothing when cycling at night.
Most bikes will come with some reflective areas, but if you’re serious about staying safe at night, you’ll want to beef these up. Get some reflective tape, and use it liberally: helmet, clothing, bags, bike frame, rims, and pedals. Or you can kit up on reflective clothing and gear.
Obey Traffic Laws
It’s tempting to ignore the rules of the road, especially if there’s traffic and you’re in a hurry, but this is the cause of a large percentage of bike accidents. Weaving through traffic or around parked cars is especially dangerous at night. Ride like you’re invisible – because to inattentive drivers, you often are.
It’s tempting to ignore the rules of the road, especially if there’s traffic and you’re in a hurry, but this is the cause of a large percentage of bike accidents. Weaving through traffic or around parked cars is especially dangerous at night. Ride like you’re invisible – because to inattentive drivers, you often are.
If there isn’t a comfortable bike lane, it’s safer to ride in the middle of the lane than squeezing along the side, where getting clipped by passing cars is a real possibility. The vast majority of drivers will understand, and even if they don’t, it’s much better to annoy a couple of cars stuck behind you than compromise your safety.
Bike Safety
The vast majority of bike thefts happen at night. Simply chaining your bike up isn’t enough – anything but the most heavy-duty chains can be cut through with bolt cutters relatively easily. The best possible place to store a bike, outside of your own home, would be a durable and secure bike locker. You’ll find these on many campuses, city squares, or subway/bus stations.
Luckily companies are coming out with better bike locks that are lighter and harder to break through like LiteLok's Silver. A light, flexible, secure, and easily packable bike lock; LiteLok is a great combo when used with a cable to secure tires and saddles. Good locks may cost more than $50, but it’s worth it! With a cable, it is best to wrap through the lock and around your front wheel, which can be removed in seconds if not protected.
Biking at night can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, but there’s something very special about a peaceful night-time bike ride that everyone should experience occasionally. If you stay alert and follow the safety tips above, you’ll be able to safely enjoy the beauty of night time riding.
Image Courtesy: Machines For Freedom
KEEP YOUR EXTREMITIES WARM ON A COLD RIDE
10/18/2018
Temperatures are quickly dropping and the cold chill is starting to settle in. While we don't want to stop riding we also don't want to be uncomfortable. There are ways for us to overcome the chill with just a little extra preparation. When riding outdoors in fall or winter, the blood in your body naturally goes to your core to stay warm instead of your extremities — which unfortunately can make it more difficult to keep your hands and feet from getting cold.
Having frozen fingers and toes can be really unsettling on a ride and make holding onto handlebars, steering, braking, and shifting really difficult, especially when descending. To help keep your exteremeties warm and cozy, use these tips for extra layering and improving blood flow when your heading out in the cold.
Warm Up
Certain materials like neoprene only work if your hands are warm first. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep your hands warm and put your gloves on indoors before heading out. Try warming them next to a heater for a few seconds or holding a hot cup of coffee to get them nice and toasty. You’ll be surprised how much it’ll help once you’re outdoors.
Cover
The harder your body has to work to keep your core warm, the colder your hands will be. Since a lot of heat from your body is lost through your head, wearing a skull cap and helmet cover can help keep blood flowing to the extremities.
Layer the core with a base layer and purchase a good thermal, windproof jacket to keep your arms and chest warm. On particularly cold days, a third layer may be needed.
Cuff
A jacket and gloves won’t do a lot of good if they aren’t keeping the cold out. When choosing these clothing items, make sure the cuffs are long enough so your jacket sleeves fit over the gloves to keep the cold air from getting in. Gloves with velcro closures may also be helpful to create a more secure seal.
Layer
While it is still possible to layer the hands just as you would the core, doing so may restrict your finger dexterity and decrease circulation if the fit is tight. In general, two layers is probably as many as you’ll be able to use. Your outer glove should be the bulkier of the two and feature a windproof and waterproof shell.
If you plan to layer under your thicker, thermal glove, make sure they are large enough to fit a second pair without being too tight, which can decrease your circulation. Your second layer, similar to a base layer, should be thinner and more breathable. When it’s really cold, consider a lobster-style glove that groups the fingers together. This decreases individual finger dexterity but can improve warmth.
Wiggle
Even with the occasional pull of the brake levers or gear shift, your hands don’t move a whole lot when you ride. This stationary position makes it easy for your fingers to turn into icicles as they take the brunt of the wind chill on the bar tops or hoods.
To combat some of this, change hand positions frequently. When possible open and close your hands or wiggle your fingers to increase your circulation through movement. You’ll find every little bit helps when it’s really cold.
Ride
A long, slow ride that forces you to spend a few hours braving extreme temps makes it much more difficult to stay warm. On those brutally cold days, it’s a better idea to keep your rides shorter and at a higher intensity, which makes it significantly easier to keep the temperature in your extremities from dropping.
Though, unlike the hands, your feet are constantly moving, it’s still a challenge to keep them warm on the bike. The good news is you have more layering options to trap heat and keep the cold air out. Here are some layering options you should consider:
Socks
It might seem like a good idea to layer your socks the same way you would gloves. But wearing more than one pair of socks will make the fit of your shoes too tight, decreasing your circulation. Because of this, you should stick with a single pair of socks. Choose a pair specific to winter cycling that doesn’t significantly increase bulk but is made of a material like merino wool that keeps you warm while still maintaining some level of breathability.
Overshoes
Instead of using multiple pairs of socks, it’s a better idea to use a second layer on top of your cycling shoe. Like gloves for your feet, thermal overshoes usually feature fleece lining to improve warmth and a windproof/waterproof outer shell to protect you from the elements.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of different options to choose from depending on the conditions. For instance, toe covers may be suitable for brisk fall cycling, while a full coverage thermal ankle booty that can be cuffed under a pair of tights is a more realistic option during the winter.
Shoes
If you live in an area of the country that stays cold for long periods of time, you might want to invest in a winter-specific cycling shoe. These shoes are designed to withstand the harshest winter conditions and provide additional insulation against the wind, rain and snow. They also often provide ankle coverage while still providing more freedom of movement than you might have using multiple layers. Most of these options won’t require the use of an overshoe to keep your feet nice and toasty, though you’ll still have this option.
Insoles
Whether it’s through holes for the cleat screws or vents in the bottom of your shoe, the sole is one way cold air can find its way to your feet. If the options above haven’t quite worked, a winter-specific insole could be your last line of defense. These winter insoles feature a felt outer layer to keep you warm and dry and an internal layer of air cells to trap your body heat.
Tips
Like the hands, keeping your core warm helps keep your feet warm. Eating and drinking on the bike can also help you maintain your core body temperature and make it a little easier for your blood to circulate to your extremities.
If nothing else seems to work, there are a few other less conventional options you can try. These include feet warmers that can be slipped inside the shoe or wrapping the outside of your socks in plastic wrap or tin foil to trap heat and keep cold air out. Do be cautious with these options, though, as they do have the potential to cause your feet to sweat. If you end up with wet socks it’ll make it even harder to keep from getting cold feet.
Shop Cold Weather Gear
In honor of Women's Bike Month, I'm excited to share with you an interview from the founder of women's specific kit brands, Hummingbird Athletic. Los Angeles based Laura Buono has made quite the impression with her unique and fun designs, drawing inspiration from nature. Like most women, Buono was dissatisfied will poor fitting kit so she set out to make it herself. Many of my friends have raved to me about Laura's fun designs and over all accommodation and ultra kindness when it comes to ordering for their bodies specific needs - something I know many of us women struggle with. I am so happy to have been able to exchange words with Laura and now it's my pleasure to introduce Laura Buono of Hummingbird Athletic.
The story about how I got into cycling is kind of interesting. I used to be a professional dancer/performer from the time I was about 5 years old. Touring and performing in such shows as Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Annie, Gypsy; just to name a few. By the time I was 21, I ended up already having surgery on both my knees. At one point in my life, I was living in The Netherlands, where I continued my dancing and choreography career. It was also during that time I started riding motorcycles which I loved more than anything else. I returned to The States in 2010 and ended up here in Los Angeles. I danced for a couple more years but my body was finally starting to give. That’s when I started working in TV/Film Production. I buried myself working show after show, taking no time for myself. I missed being physical, I missed being passionate about something. I desperately needed something to fill that void. I thought about getting a motorcycle again, but riding in LA can be very dangerous, so I decided against it.
Tell us about your bike story. How did you get into cycling?
The story about how I got into cycling is kind of interesting. I used to be a professional dancer/performer from the time I was about 5 years old. Touring and performing in such shows as Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Annie, Gypsy; just to name a few. By the time I was 21, I ended up already having surgery on both my knees. At one point in my life, I was living in The Netherlands, where I continued my dancing and choreography career. It was also during that time I started riding motorcycles which I loved more than anything else. I returned to The States in 2010 and ended up here in Los Angeles. I danced for a couple more years but my body was finally starting to give. That’s when I started working in TV/Film Production. I buried myself working show after show, taking no time for myself. I missed being physical, I missed being passionate about something. I desperately needed something to fill that void. I thought about getting a motorcycle again, but riding in LA can be very dangerous, so I decided against it.
A few years later, I met a very special man. Our story was simply this; We got to know each other, we dated, and are now madly in love. Yay! He was once a competitive cyclist as a teenager back in the 80s, and at one point ranked 10th in the nation. Very early on in our relationship, I ended up having yet another surgery, this time for my left shoulder. He stepped in, without hesitation, and took care of me. During my recovery, he asked if I had ever ridden a bike before. He knew about my past and thought cycling might be worth a try. Just 5 days after surgery and being laid up in bed, I wanted to venture out and look for a bike. With my arm still immobilized in a sling, I found myself walking out a bike shop with a brand new bike in my hand, (the good hand of course). That was 4 years ago, and now, here I am!
Can you tell us a little bit about your brand and how it came about?
My brand came about simply because I wasn’t able to find women’s cycling apparel that I loved and believed in. I’d go into stores where I was overwhelmed with so many options for men. Cool styles, fun patterns, numerous brands to choose from. I’d ask where the women’s section was... and let’s just say I was incredibly underwhelmed. I was so disappointed time after time. I was craving design esthetic, I wanted form and function, I wanted something cool, I was looking for decent prices, I was checking out tags to see where it was made, I didn’t want my legs to look like stuffed sausages in shorts. Options, hello? Anybody? Bueller? I wanted to look good! Why was this so hard? That’s when I thought, ‘you know what, I’ll do it myself.
What inspires your kit design?
My kit designs are inspired by a number of things. I wanted our designs to cover a variety of tastes. Something fun, pretty, zen-like, if you will. Something that stands out but is not gaudy. The intention behind the patters is simply this; if I were to see a nice shirt, or a wrap dress, for example, in any of these patterns, would I wear it? Ok, so where to go from here? How can I make this vision come to life?
It just so happens that my boyfriend’s mother is a hobby artist. She had just finished taking some watercolor classes and she was looking for some fun new projects. We put our heads together and came up with a lot different ideas. Flowers, ice creams cones, pineapples, feathers, cactus, birds...you name it! We settled on our top picks, scanned them into the computer and created our first collection.
Even the brand name, Hummingbird Athletic, was inspired by nature. In the evenings out on the deck, I’d see little hummingbirds flying around. Sometimes stopping to take a break on a branch, feed from our flowers; sometimes it was almost as if they were having a little ‘hummingbird meet-up.’ I thought to myself, ‘man, those are some bad-ass little birds!’ Not only are they extremely independent, they are unlike any other bird. They have been a symbol of happiness and joy for many many years, yet are truly unique within their own species. It’s exactly what I wanted this brand to be all about.
What are you hoping to accomplish as a women’s cycling kit brand?
My main goal is to create a brand and a line products that everyone loves, not just women. I want this brand to be seen as a brand that people believe in and care about. I want every woman out there to know that every detail that we put into our designs, material, jerseys, bib shorts, and accessories, is specifically designed with every body in mind. I want to raise the bar and set an example so that bigger companies will have to take notice, encouraging them to raise their bar as well. I want women to feel like they are part of the entire cycling community, not just ‘women’s cycling’ specifically.
This brand is designed for every type of cyclist, from pro level to weekend warriors. I want to be an advocate for ethically made products produced by people who understand the needs of cyclists. It is so important for me, personally, that we promote the importance of where and how garments are made and where it comes from. I want people to feel proud to be part of the Hummingbird brand, knowing that what they buy is supporting a lifestyle and standard for the future of women’s cycling.
What words of advice would you give for women looking for kit?
If I could give any advice, here’s what I’d tell women to look for when shopping for kits. First of all, what kind of cyclist are you? Road, cross, mountain, spin? There are different styles of cycling clothing for different types of cycling. It’s important to buy gear that is specific to your sport.
Second, what’s your personal style? Do you feel more comfortable in classic looking styles, or do you like to wear styles that are more fun and quirky?
Third, try things on. Online shopping is probably where most of us shop, so make sure you understand the return/ exchange policy. Keep in mind that cycling apparel is supposed to be form fitting. It’s not just for aerodynamics, it’s also for safety. Not only can it get caught somewhere on your bike but it can also damage your skin if it’s rubbing or moving. On that note, the best piece of advice I can give is to NOT wear underwear under your bib shorts. Bib shorts and chamois are designed to act as protection and help everything breathe. And once again, make sure they are form fitting. When you’re in the saddle, you don’t want anything rubbing or moving. Chaffing and irritation in that area is super painful and can keep you from riding. Nobody wants that!
Fourth, look at the tags. Where is it made? Where is your money going? Cycling apparel can be expensive. If you don’t feel comfortable dishing out almost $200 for a jersey, don’t, but don’t buy one for $40 either. The apparel you wear is just as important as any piece of technical equipment, so try and find something that is good quality and worth your money.
Lastly, understand weather conditions and what you need for different types of weather. Layer up! Wear pieces that can also be removed as your body temperature rises. Arm warmers, vests/gilets, jackets are some good examples.
How active are you in your local bike community? Any rides or events coming up?
In between working full-time, freelance gigs here and there, I have Hummingbird. I am fortunate enough to be able to host and lead a group ride every Monday evening called, ‘The Really Really Fun Ride.’ And it’s just that, ‘really, really fun’! I created this ride for people who may be just starting out, people who are getting back into cycling, but also for people who may have had hard weekend in the saddle. It gives them a chance to recover, and chill so their bodies can stay healthy. It’s a fun, socially driven ride meant for both men and women, any age, at any level.
We meet at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA around 5:45pm and roll at 6pm. We do about 20 miles, a little bit of climbing, some fun downhills, through some cool neighborhoods. My favorite part is I can always hear people laughing and having a good time. When I look around, all I see are smiling faces, and that to me, is all I care about; THAT is what cycling is about.
In the future, I’m hoping to start my own YouTube channel. Featuring content about bike safety, getting to know your bike technically, how to change a tire, what to keep in your saddle bag, health and nutrition, maybe even some hair tutorials for fun styles to wear under your helmet. We’re not stopping, so stay tuned!
In between working full-time, freelance gigs here and there, I have Hummingbird. I am fortunate enough to be able to host and lead a group ride every Monday evening called, ‘The Really Really Fun Ride.’ And it’s just that, ‘really, really fun’! I created this ride for people who may be just starting out, people who are getting back into cycling, but also for people who may have had hard weekend in the saddle. It gives them a chance to recover, and chill so their bodies can stay healthy. It’s a fun, socially driven ride meant for both men and women, any age, at any level.
We meet at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA around 5:45pm and roll at 6pm. We do about 20 miles, a little bit of climbing, some fun downhills, through some cool neighborhoods. My favorite part is I can always hear people laughing and having a good time. When I look around, all I see are smiling faces, and that to me, is all I care about; THAT is what cycling is about.
In the future, I’m hoping to start my own YouTube channel. Featuring content about bike safety, getting to know your bike technically, how to change a tire, what to keep in your saddle bag, health and nutrition, maybe even some hair tutorials for fun styles to wear under your helmet. We’re not stopping, so stay tuned!
Website: www.hummingbirdathletic.com
Facebook: Search Hummingbird Athletic or https://www.facebook.com/hummingbirdathletic/
YouTube: Search Hummingbird Athletic or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCws8Ba6SFMREmNcJtj4YCYQ
Ride Off Season With An Indoor Bike Trainer
10/04/2018
Often cyclist will integrate indoor workouts into their training. So much depends on the time we have to cycle and the type of cycling we want to do but training indoors has become just as effective. To help you understand the types of bike trainers and what may work for you, I've rounded up a few indoor trainers to help you cope with the off bike season that will help you look forward to spring riding.
Types of Bike Trainers
Brands offer several types of indoor bike trainers. All can provide a good workout, but higher-priced models offer more precision and with more options. Many trainers are also compatible with 29-inch tires, so more mountain bikers can also get in on the benefits. Each type of trainer has its pros and cons but you can make anyone work for you.
Interactive Trainers
Trainers with interactive features offer the ultimate training experience. Imagine pedaling up the Alpe d’Huez while monitoring your heart-rate and pedaling power. These trainers—typically fluid, magnetic or flywheel models—feature Bluetooth and/or ANT+ compatibility so you capture and share workout data (power output, heart rate, cadence, etc.) to your mobile device or computer. You’ll pay more for this feature, but it could give you a motivation you need to train regularly. Cycling apps such as Zwift, The Sufferfest, and Trainer Road can accommodate most types of indoor trainers as well.
Trainer Accessories
Front tire block/ring: Lets you level your bike for a more natural riding position. Stackable models allow you use 2 blocks to simulate a hill climbing position.
Trainer mat: Placed under your bike, this catches sweat drips as you ride and can help reduce noise levels.
Sweat net or towel: Protects your bike frame and components from the corrosive effects of your sweat as you ride.
Tires: Trainers contribute to rear tire wear, so frequent users might consider switching out to dedicated a trainer tire (some are designed just for this purpose) or a regular road slick.
Bike Computers: Monitoring your heart rate, miles, or cadence will definitely help you reach all your bike and fitness goals.
Bike Computers: Monitoring your heart rate, miles, or cadence will definitely help you reach all your bike and fitness goals.
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