Every climb contains one fundamental element: effort. But there are other ingredients that can make or break a successful ascent. Here are six essentials that Andy Applegate, climbing specialist and co-owner of VeloSports Performance Center swears by. Pace Yourself If you go above threshold too soon, you’ll blow up and slow down before you reach the top. … Read more
Remember the aforementioned superwoman Denise Mueller? She recently set the paced cycling speed world record, hitting 147.7mph (237.7km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats last September. To put down that kind of power, she couldn’t afford to leave any muscle fibre untrained — so she utilised a strength program called Maximum Overload. Her 40-minute program includes … Read more
Traditionally, cyclists have shied away from weights, thinking any extra muscle mass messes with their power-to-weight ratio. What many don’t consider is that the muscle they gain usually replaces fat, which can allow them to ride longer and stronger even if they end up carrying more mass. Weights are ideal for overloading your muscles. Overload – … Read more
There’s no bigger bummer than going out for your first big ride after the dark days of winter and coming home limping, beaten up, and hating life. I do brevets — 200k, 300k, 400k endurance rides — but I would always suffer like a dog on the first one of the year. That’s because winter spin … Read more
On the descents, the Ultimate is a dream at full flight – with a stable base giving unprecedented confidence and a certain balance offered in the corners that lets you always feel in control, even when you’re possibly not! This balance is aided by the thru axles which give great stiffness to the frame under … Read more
Canyon’s attention to the rider’s happiness is immediately noticeable within the first few metres of the first ride. The sum of the Ultimate’s parts work in perfect harmony to hum a melody of forward momentum. In many ways, the Ultimate is in the ‘super’ class of bikes, and it’s nice when things live up to … Read more
by Sebastian Jayne Photography: Robert Conroy and Tim Bardsley-Smith The chasm between speedy race bike and all-day adventurer extraordinaire is a rift that has been attempted to be crossed by many bike crafters. A ‘one bike to do it all’, and do it well, is the holy grail for cyclists who are keen to … Read more
A set of wheels can only be as good as the parts that are used to build them – and the quality of the build. Ride in any bunch and you’ll hear proponents of hand-built wheels, but also from those to who swear by them being built in a factory. What are the differences? A … Read more
Carrying bikes on the roof of your vehicle is probably the most popular form of partner approved bike transport. You don’t need a tow ball and it’s the most secure compared to any of the other alternatives. SeaSucker is an easy and affordable way to carry almost any type of bike. As the brand name … Read more
Words: Sebastian Jayne Photos: Robert Conroy Bright, in Victoria’s north east, is surrounded by energy sapping behemoths such as Mt Buffalo and the fearsome Mt Hotham. They are climbs that test a rider’s resolve and have them dipping into the last of their energy reserves. To replenish their stores, or maybe charge up before … Read more