Fitness
A Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing: The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Published
2 years agoon
By
Terry Power
As the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR rolled into my driveway in Toronto, it was love at first sight. From the sturdy definition of its more-dressed-than-naked frame to the hand-stitched black leather seat and wasp tail, the Speed Triple 1200 RR is flat-out chic—a couture machine engineered with the power and tech to back it up its aggressive appearance. I eagerly suited up and tossed a leg over the bike to experience the performance firsthand.
Downtown Toronto traffic comes with a multitude of challenges. The area has a seemingly unplanned grid of one- and two-way streets, and it’s shared by a network of streetcars and bicycle lanes and criss-crossed with pedestrian crossings. But despite the chaos, navigating these buzzing urban thoroughfares on the nimble and sporty Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR was painless. At rider’s command, the bike offered instant and sustained power to zip around obstacles. And with Triumph’s Quickshifter, I maneuvered through traffic at variable speeds with ease.
An Apex Predator
When it comes to power and performance, Triumph delivers the goods with this bike. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR is powered by a liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, 1160cc, inline three-cylinder motor that generates a responsive 177 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. The motor has a low-inertia design that’s quite unlike its competitors: Whereas a bit of jolting is typical, the Speed Triple 1200 RR offers a smooth ride via its six-speed transmission and electronic throttle.
Those enhancements combine with the stainless steel three-into-one header system, underslung primary silencer, and a side-mounted secondary silencer to create the bike’s throaty-but-smooth sonic signature. It was a perfect soundtrack for my ride through Toronto’s concrete jungle.
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR’s chassis consists of an aluminum twin-spar frame, a bolt-on subframe, and single-sided swingarm. It’s equipped with an Öhlins 43mm adjustable USD fork up front and a monoshock in the rear; both use the Öhlins S-EC 2.0 OBTi electronic compression and rebound damping system.
That high-tech suspension excelled in areas like Queen Street West, where potholes reign. Twin Brembo disc brakes up front and a single disc in the back provided ample stopping power. Better yet, the adjustable front braking system allows riders to tweak the feel of the lever to their preferences.
Genuine Sports Ergonomics and Handling
Rider ergonomics are no afterthought with the Speed Triple 1200 RR. I measure six feet tall and weigh 205 pounds, and I was pleasantly comfortable on the bike. It offers a more relaxed riding posture that creates a painless rider triangle ratio; it’s ideal for the streets and roads I’m after. When paused at stoplights or threading through stop-and-go traffic, heat radiation off the motor was nearly non-existent.
But when you want to get more aggressive, the bike is happy to accommodate you thanks to the clip-on handlebars and well-measured footpeg distance. My body wasn’t complaining after a day of dynamic riding.
The Speed Triple 1200 RR comes with high-performance Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires; combined with a lightweight cast aluminum chassis and an optimized center of gravity, it achieves a new benchmark in Speed Triple precision handling and agility. While I didn’t have the opportunity to test the bike on a track, grip and cornering traction around the city and on the highway were laudable.
After getting my fill of the downtown matrix, I merged onto the Don Valley Parkway, Toronto’s municipal expressway, and rode along Lake Ontario’s freshwater shoreline. The Speed Triple 1200 RR was dynamic and sprightly—and stupid fast. On one traffic-free stretch of highway, I may or may not have realized the bike’s top speed of 165 mph.
At high speeds on straightaways, and with my weight pushed behind the fairing, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR ate up miles with impressive steadiness. That said, the front fairing screen creates a very tiny protected area. This is where my size is probably a disadvantage—I nearly had to pin my chin to the fuel tank to keep from getting buffeted by the wind.
Designed for Less Effort, More Fun
Performance-enhancing technologies are a prerequisite for such a powerful beast, and the Speed Triple 1200 RR provides the perfect showcase for rider-aid tech. The Optimized Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control are state of the art, and they function across all riding conditions. In addition, Front Wheel Lift Management operates via the traction control to help maintain front wheel contact with the earth. These systems have become more intuitive thanks to input from the Inertial Measurement Unit, which provides critical data when the bike is leaning through a corner.
A five-inch color TFT display handles all instrumentation and ride electronics. The Speed Triple 1200 RR’s five Riding Modes are included with three pre-programmed for Road, Sport, and Rain. A fourth mode is rider programmable, and the fifth is exclusively for riding on a track.
Amid all the gadgetry, some of the simplest concepts, like neutral position and standing balance, shouldn’t be taken for granted. I’ve found myself fighting with some motorcycles over these simple tasks, but the Speed Triple 1200 RR presented no issues. While no featherweight, the bike is light enough—with a full tank (3.4 U.S. gallons), the Speed Triple 1200 RR weighs in at 438 pounds and can deliver 37.3 mpg.
The Perfect Equation
The competition to create the perfect motorcycle is fierce. Designers, engineers, and mechanics all work in alignment to push forward the boundaries of motorcycle dynamics and presentation. If there’s a secret algorithm for the perfect ratio of beauty, sophistication, attitude, and performance, Triumph has uncovered it with the Speed Triple 1200 RR.
After my ride, I have to give kudos to Triumph for creating one of the most aesthetically beautiful production motorcycles to debut in the last decade. Set amidst many production bikes in its price range, the Speed Triple 1200 RR truly stands in a class of its own.
[From $20,950; triumphmotorcycles.com]
Celebrating 60 Years of James Bond
Want to get a really special bike? Consider a limited-edition Speed Triple 1200 RR. To commemorate 60 years of James Bond and the partnership between two iconic British brands (Triumph and 007), Triumph is releasing a limited run of 60 motorcycles, dubbed the Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition. The bike comes in a custom color scheme of Granite and Storm Grey with carbon fiber and hand-painted gold accents. Each motorcycle is individually numbered and includes a hand-signed (by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor) certificate of authenticity. Prices start at $24,995.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
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Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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