Inside Knowledge
THIS ISSUE'S RIDERS & CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A FAVORITE TIP
BLAIR BRAVERMAN WRITER
If your dog likes to pull on the leash when you walk, try ‘bikejoring’. Harness your dog to the front of your bike and let it run ahead of you as you ride. (Please don’t jury-rig; they make attachments for this.)
GABE LODGE TEST EDITOR
If you tend to have pain on the outside edge of your kneecaps, try foam-rolling your IT bands for 10 minutes after every ride. After a few weeks of doing this consistently, my nagging knee pain disappeared.
JASON SMITH CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
A clean chain is a fast chain. To keep it clean, use a dry or wax-based lubricant or coating. Oily and wet lubes act like a dirt magnet, and pick up substantially more contaminants than a dry lubricant.
JOE LINDSEY WRITER
Clean your bike more often than you think you need to. Bikes are resilient machines, and modern drivetrains in particular are so good that they’ll work even when super dirty. But neglect speeds wear; a clean bike lasts longer, rides quieter, and you’ll spot problems when they’re small and relatively cheap.
KATIE FOGEL SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
If your leg warmers are constantly slipping down, fold the elastic over twice so the grippy side is facing out. This will hold them in place under your shorts.
LAEL WILCOX WRITER
Eat like it’s your job. On long rides, consistent snacking will keep your body energised and your mind alert hours later. Don’t worry too much about what you eat, just keep eating.
LAURA SLAVIN RIDER
If you’re having a problem with an obstacle, whether it’s a jump or a rock garden, don’t just give up on it! Stop and try it a few times in a row. If there’s something you really want to get good at, 30 minutes of focused sessioning a day will garner huge results.
MARA ABBOTT WRITER
Real cyclists don’t just ride in spandex. Commute by bike, get some extra training miles in, get to know your community, and bike for the sake of biking.
MATT ALLYN FEATURES DIRECTOR
I find foam rollers too soft and broad to target smaller muscles like hips and calves. Instead, I use the handle of a kettlebell, rolling or rocking the muscle back and forth. Yes, it does hurt like hell, but it works.
NILS ERICSON PHOTOGRAPHER
I try to sleep a solid 8 to 9 hours at night (and if I can, sneak a nap in during the day for 30 to 45 minutes), which helps in most aspects of my life - my training rides are better, I recover faster, and my brain is less sludgy. It’s tough with kids, but when I prioritise sleep, it’s so much easier to hop in the saddle.
RANDALL FRANSEN RIDER
I left weight lifting to focus on riding only, but quickly realised my biggest improvements on the bike were made in the off-season at the gym. Now I do squats, lunges, leg curls, and extensions to keep all the tendons topped up and prevent injury.
SELENE YEAGER WRITER
Your stairs are the best measure of your recovery. When they disappear beneath your feet, you’re ready for another hard workout. When you feel like you’re scaling Everest to get to the next floor, keep it easy. TAYLOR ROJEK ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR Soak stinky ride clothes in vinegar and water before washing. It kills that worn-in grungieness.