training Archives - Cycling Hacks

Best Cycling Rollers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

January 6, 2023October 23, 2019 by Cycling Hacks Team

If you’ve ever struggled to ride in a straight line or nearly swerved off the road reaching into your jersey pocket, then cycling rollers could improve your balance and coordination. Any pro rider will tell you that it’s not necessarily the size of the engine that matters most, but how efficiently you use it. Developing a smooth, efficient pedal stroke will not only teach you how to ride more economically, it’ll also improve your balance and core stability. Not all rollers are created equal. Here’s our roundup of the best cycling rollers to fit the needs of recreational riders and racers.

In-Depth Stages Gen 3 Power Meter Review + Power Meter Buying Guide

June 25, 2021September 26, 2018 by Alison Ingleby

Stages power meters are known for two things: bringing power meters into the budget range of the everyday cyclist, and gracing Team Sky’s Tour de France winning bikes.

But despite their endorsement from the pros, Stages haven’t totally dominated the power meter market. Issues with the reliability and accuracy of data, plus the waterproofing (or lack of) of the casing plagued earlier generations of meters, issues which Stages claim to have fixed with this year’s Gen 3 range.

How to Climb Hills Like a Boss on a Road Bike: The Definitive Guide

September 15, 2022July 30, 2018 by Cycling Hacks Team

Have you ever wondered why climbing a hill is so tough on a bike? Before you go trading in your bike for an ultra-light model or cutting the doughnut food group from your diet, try these tips on your next ascent.

Garmin Edge 520 vs 820: Who Wins the Best GPS Battle?

March 2, 2021April 24, 2017 by Alison Ingleby

Garmin has dominated the bike computer market for years, so if you’re looking to invest in a new computer, likelihood is you’ll be looking at their range. But which of their (many) products is the right one for you?

Today we’re pitting two of Garmin’s most popular and advanced models against each other: in the red corner, we have the Edge 520, and, challenging in the blue corner, is the Edge 820.

These are not basic GPS units – they’re designed to be advanced training and performance tools. If you’re just starting out cycling and looking for a basic unit to track your rides, then I’d recommend the cheaper, more basic Edge 25. But if you’re a Strava addict or want to monitor your power numbers, then you are in the right place.

So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.

The Surpising Hidden Benefits of Cycling

August 28, 2022July 16, 2016 by Cycling Hacks Team

It’s no surprise that studies consistently show how cycling helps us to lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimers, cancer, diabetes and depression. Truth be told, most cyclists don’t need a dude in a lab coat to point out all the benefits of cycling. So much of what draws us to the bike has to do with the things that cannot be measured: the people we encounter, places we discover and personal limitations we consistently crush.

Double-blind studies aside, here are the incredible hidden benefits of cycling.

How to Cycle Faster: 7 Essential Tips to Find Free Speed

August 28, 2022June 18, 2016 by Cycling Hacks Team

Contrary to popular belief, to become a faster cyclist you don’t need to invest in a pricey power meter, enroll in a fancy training camp or weigh every gram of food you ingest. Learn how to cycle faster with a few simple tweaks to your program that won’t break the bank, but will have you quickly cashing in on some serious speed.

Test Your Climbing Legs: Exclusive Photo Review of the Epic Zwift Island Climb

September 15, 2022April 17, 2016 by Cycling Hacks Team

Switchbacks, sustained climbs, bridges and fast, flowy descents are all features of Zwift’s Watopia Mountain Expansion. You can test your legs on two routes: The Mountain 8 and The Pretzel.

Whichever you choose, bring your climbing legs and prepare to suffer like a Grand Tour rider.

13 Cycling Quotes That Will Transform the Way You Ride

September 15, 2022March 27, 2016 by Cycling Hacks Team

Whether you want to climb stronger and faster, eat to perform or avoid cycling injuries, these winning strategies will keep you at the top of your game. Here are 13 cycling quotes from the pros to inspire your next ride.

Learn This Secret Training Weapon: How to Ride Rollers

August 28, 2022January 19, 2016 by Cycling Hacks Team

Let’s face it: crashing your bike on the living room floor is pretty embarrassing. But that’s just what happened the first time I tried to ride rollers. So how do you stay upright while getting in a great workout and sidestepping some awkward bruises? Here are my favorite tips for how to ride rollers — plus 3 free roller workouts.

Zwift Review: How to Boost Your Cycling Fitness Now

September 15, 2022December 13, 2015 by Cycling Hacks Team

Last updated: 12/29/16

If you hate the trainer, listen up. Zwift will save you from dying of trainer-induced boredom this winter and give your fitness a kick by spring. Here’s our official Zwift review and quick-start guide.

What is Zwift and should you try it?

Zwift is a software program that syncs your bike to a live, virtual course where you can ride and train with other cyclists. Launched in beta mode in the fall of 2014, Zwift quickly grew a following. According to Bicycle Retailer, riders from over 100 countries have already logged over 300,000 rides that cover more than 4.5 million miles.

Riding this wave of popularity, Zwift switched to a monthly $10 subscription last year, though they’re still offering a 7-day free trial to new users. Best of all, you don’t have to have a fast computer to enjoy the game. Now that you can play via iOS, it’s easy to see why Zwift is currently the hottest training tool.