The Sufferfest Video Review: Elements Of Style

As a (wannabe) cyclist for almost 2 years now, I have managed to ride my road bike the way I've been used to as a kid: no care of technique nor form. As long as I can balance riding on two wheels then I thought that I can wing it. It is a good approach if you want to get the hang of things but, if you want to compete, that won't be enough. If your form breaks down due to fatigue then pace/performance is directly affected ---similar to running.

Enter "Elements Of Style."

After a Star Wars like credit intro, the video flashes the above quote, which sets the mood for this 38 or so minute cycling video from the guys at The Sufferfest in collaboration with Cycling Tips.

Being used to the tough workouts of The Sufferfest, their newest video is totally different from the others that they've had so far. The video aims to teach you proper form in cycling which goes through a "9-point systems check," pedal stroke drills, cadence drills, and, last but not least, climbing form (sadly not the form that Alberto Contador is known for, but I forgive them for that, hehe).

The nice thing about this video is that the instructions are given verbally and not in the usual teasing/taunting phrases that flashes on the screen during the tough videos. I think this helps you to better concentrate on that part of your body that needs to be focused on instead of looking at the screen. The good music, as usual, conforms too for the objective of the workout.

After the workout, I got a modest calorie burn (about 50% of the usual hour-long cycling videos) but, more importantly, a better understanding and awareness of what good cycling form should be. As this optimal form cannot be achieved in one sitting (or standing, if you're climbing that is), it is recommended that the Elements Of Style be in one's agenda at least once a week.

Elements Of Style is available at The Sufferfest website starting today, September 9th.


Other video details as below:

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• EoS will be on sale on Tuesday, 9th of September.
• It was produced in collaboration with CyclingTips (www.cyclingtips.com.au). 
• Wade Wallace (founder of Cycling Tips), Allan Iacuone (Australian cycling legend) and Cal Britten (Elite Australian MTB and road cyclist) feature in the film.
• It was filmed in Wanaka, New Zealand.