Big Book of Bicycling Secrets

HELP! I’m stuck in the “dead zone”!
You’re not alone if you’ve hit a plateau caused by repeated training at a single, moderately hard intensity. “You’re working kind of hard but not doing a lot to change your physiology,” says Neil Henderson, a USA Cycling certified coach. To blast out of your rut, check out his 16+5 plan, revealed on page 163.

10 SERIOUS CYCLING FELONIES TO AVOID … plus simple solutions to preserve your panache
A jersey tucked into shorts is a fashion no-no. Remember this rule: Tuck in when you’re wearing a belt. Fanny packs don’t count. Though if you’re wearing one, nothing you do with your jersey could make you look any worse. More on page 49.

SADDLE DISCOMFORT?
Look at your handlebar!
“Even minor changes in handlebar reach and drop can make a huge difference in weight distribution and saddle comfort,” says fit specialist Ward Griffiths. “I can’t tell you how many fits I’ve done where the cyclist comes in with saddle complaints and leaves with a new stem and a smile.” Detailed professional bike-fitting secrets, page 45.

THE ULTIMATE ON-BIKE SNACK
Potatoes are a great source of potassium, sodium, fluid, and carbohydrates, says Alan Lim, physiologist for Team RadioShack. See page 260 for the smart and tasty way he prepares them for his athletes to eat on the fly.

COFFEE: hydration truth and hype
The hype is that coffee is a diuretic that leads to dehydration. In truth, research shows you don’t pee any more with caffeine than with beverages without the buzz. Plus, caffeine helps improves carb burning and helps improve your strength, endurance, and mental performance. Details, plus more hype/truth facts, on page 231.

NO LOCK? No problem!
Discover 3 smart ways to thwart a would-be bike robber on page 141. Here’s an easy one: Simply open the rear quick-release skewer. The thief pedals for a bit until the wheel starts to wobble and the bike becomes unrideable. The thief drops the bike and runs.

7 BIGGEST WEIGHT LOSS MYTHS — and get-lean tips
For example, fats won’t make you fat. In fact, one study showed that people eating healthy monounsaturated fats lost almost TWICE the weight as those who were on a low-fat diet. See page 239 for the smartest ways to eat fat and lose weight.

	HERE'S A QUICK PEEK AT WHAT YOU'LL FIND.
		When to save and when to splurge on bike gear. For maximum pleasure payback on all your purchases, see page 38.
		Never walk home! Learn the easy way to fix a flat and prevent another one, plus impromptu fixes anyone can do to get home. Page 112
		Fix it or replace it? When to swap out smaller parts when they’re worn so you don’t have to replace pricey components as often. Page 108
		How to lightly roll or hop over potholes, plus how to have a good ride on rutted, gravel, or cobbled roads. Page 90
		Expert gear-rocking secrets for faster rides and longer drive-train life. Page 63
		How to reach the hilltop faster, easier, and with less pain! Climbing specialist Andy Applegate shares his secrets on page 64.
		Rules of the pace line to push more efficiently through the wind.
		Off-season weight-training exercises for whole body strength. Roar into the new year with the step-by-step tips on page 171.
		How to make your own repair stand for $30. Now you can make repairs easier, faster, better! Page 96
		Quick fixes for squeaks, creaks, and screeches. Page 100
		Mountain biking essentials: How to clear logs … blast uphill obstacles … rail a berm … descend tricky switchbacks … deal with middle-of-the-woods crashes … and more. Page 304
		AND MORE. Order your copy of The Big Book of Bicycling NOW! Click here.

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