Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride
Spin: Spinning is cycling at a fast "cadence" (revolutions of the crank per minute). Touring cyclists general spin at 80rpm, while professional road cyclists spin at 100rpm or more. It is more efficient to spin instead of grinding at low cadence, because:
- less force is applied to the pedals per revolution, putting less pressure on joints and muscles;
- it predominantly uses "slow twitch" muscles, which have greater endurance capacity;
- grinding at low cadence to produce a more powerful stroke uses more energy and produces blood lactate which makes the legs feel heavy.
It is a good idea to practice gearing-down in undulating terrain. The aim is to maintain as much momentum as possible, at the same cadence.
For example, a cycletourist on a 24-speed bicycle may gear-down quickly with this combination:
1. Before climbing: largest front ring and 5th gear on back
2. Starting to climb: middle front ring and same rear gear
3. Slowing down: smallest front ring and same rear
4. Actual climbing: same front ring, and 4th rear gear, then 3rd, then 2nd, and 1st if necessary.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Road
For tougher slick tyres, tape a long strip of rubber from an old tube to the inside of the tyre.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Transporting goods
Choose clip-on panniers instead of strap-on ones. It is just easier.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Mechanics
Fixing a flat tube while exposed to heavy rain and without shelter: just switch the tube with a new one. Don't try to repair it.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Mechanics
After cutting the cable housing to fit, slip a sturdy metal cap over the cut end. This will stop it being compressed under pressure when sitting in the braze-ons, and possibly crimping shut onto the shifting cable.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Cycling in traffic
Night riding: It is especially important to use bright, powered lights on the rear and front of the bicycle when the surrounding environment has no lighting. Hard "cat-eye" reflectors are superior to fabric or tape reflectors. Attach them to pedals, and to the helmet, pannier racks, backpack, forks, and handlebars. The more brightly lit, the better.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Golf > Chipping
Follow-through: Make sure the clubhead has a significant follow-through, and doesn't "jab" at the ball - even on short chips. This will produce a more fluid, natural, and reliable swing.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Road
If you have a mountain bike, but ride it almost exclusively on the road then change the tires to thinner road tires. Road tires have less friction and higher pressure. Riding will be about 20% easier.
thesource (378)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > Mountain-biking
The best type of gears for mountain biking are arguably the handlebar twist type. These have the following advantages:
- Keep your hands fully on the handlebars.
- Change through multiple gears very rapidly.
- Resist damage if you crash.
However, more casual riders often prefer the thumb-shift/trigger type, for ease of shifting.
thesource (378)
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Main > Sport > Swimming
Position. You need to stay as horizontal to the water surface as possible, so as not to create drag, and to avoid sinking. This is aided by stretching your arms out in front of you, and by taking your breaths as close to the water surface as possible.
thesource (378)
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Main > Sport
Training: If one teaches before finishing one's training, the best students will be demoralised by the mediocre standard. It is better here to ruin one's reputation, and neglect any coaching one has undertaken. People will understand!
kellyjones00 (593)
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