Road Cycling Tips

Drafting or slipstreaming is a technique in cycling where riders ride closely behind one another in order to reduce the overall effect of drag. Especially when riding in high speeds, drafting can drastically reduce the energy expenditure required to maintain a certain speed. A large main group of such tightly packed cyclists in a race is [...]

The peloton (French word) refers to the large main group in a road bicycle race. Riders in a group often save energy by riding close to (drafting, slipstreaming) other riders. It dramatically reduces drag, with research showing up to 40% reduction when riding in the middle of a well-developed group. If the riders are riding closely [...]

Ivan Basso is making a comeback. Basso was one of the favorites until he was banned from the professional cycling scene for attempted doping. The ban would end come 24th October 2008. Basso is expected to begin racing with Liquigas team at the upcoming 2008 Japan Cup, a one day cycling event held every October in [...]

It has been confirmed. Cycling legend Lance Armstrong is joining the Kazakhstan’s Astana team. “I will race in 2009 with Astana,” he said in the press conference. He would start with the 2009 Tour Down Under in Australia, then the 2009 Tour de France, and is also interested in the Giro d’Italia. Armstrong’s main aim of returning [...]

Alberto Contador, winner of three recent cycling tours: 2008 Vuelta a España, 2008 Giro d’Italia and 2007 Tour de France, hinted that he may quit the Astana team if it hires Lance Armstrong, who is coming out of retirement. The Spaniard was asked by the sports newspaper AS about how he would feel if the Armstrong [...]

Here are some accessories that are essential for any avid road cyclists. They are basically gadgets that will help in ensuring your safety on the road and keeping your cycling performance at its peak. 1. Cycling Helmet This is one accessory that I think is really important. I cannot stress enough how essential it is. After a [...]

Cadence in the world of cycling refers to the number of revolutions of the crank per minute. A high cadence refers to fast pedalling, while a low cadence refers to slow pedalling. Cyclists typically have a preferred cadence that they are most comfortable with. With the appropriate gear, it is possible to stick to a favorite [...]

Photochromic lenses are lenses that darken on exposure to sunlight (UV radiation). The stronger the sunlight, the darker they become. Once sunlight is no longer present, the lenses will gradually return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses may be made of either glass or plastic. The glass version of this type of lenses was first developed [...]

A bicycle’s saddle can also be called the “seat”, although it is not intended to support the entire weight of the rider like on a motorbike. Saddles can be generally split into two types: tensioned leather and padded plastic. Notable bicycle saddle makers: Selle San Marco Brooks Fizik

In his own words, “I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer [...]