Carlos Labarthe
Cycling Coach AI · Co-Founder
I have been riding for 8 years, and building Cycling Coach AI for the last 3.
We built it for riders who want to get better but cannot pay, or would rather not pay, what a professional coach costs. Riders who want technology on their side, who need to make their limited hours count, and who want someone there every time they train.
That work means I see how people actually ride: how many hours they really put in, which sessions get skipped, and what gear they end up keeping.
When I write about kit, I write from there: from my own miles on the road, and from what I see working for our riders, my friends, and the people I ride with.
72articles 8categories 2023writing since
Articles by Carlos Labarthe
72 articles
Race Prep
Conquer Unbound Gravel 200. A Structured Plan for Every Finish Goal.
The complete Unbound Gravel training plan: physiological demands, 12 to 24-week plans tailored to your time, key workouts, and W/kg targets for every finish goal.
Race Prep
Chase the Sun Training Plan: Build the Endurance to Finish.
The complete Chase the Sun training plan covering physiological demands, 12 to 24-week plans for all four routes, key workouts, and how to finish 200+ miles before sunset.
Beginner Cycling
Best Cycling Apps for Beginners: Six Tools Worth Using.
Finding the best cycling apps for beginners means filtering out tools built for pros and focusing on what actually helps you improve. This guide covers six apps tested for simplicity, price, and training value for…
Race Prep
La Marmotte: Four Alpine Cols, One Day, Your Complete Guide
Train for La Marmotte Gran Fondo. Sustained climbing workouts, altitude strategy, and 12 to 24-week plans built for four alpine cols in a single day.
Race Prep
Fred Whitton: How to Prepare for Britain's Toughest Day Ride
Train for the Fred Whitton Challenge. Threshold power sessions, gearing strategy, and 12 to 24-week plans tailored to your available training time.
Race Prep
Beat the Leadville Cutoff. Altitude Training for Every Buckle Goal.
Train for the Leadville 100 MTB. Altitude-specific workouts, Columbine power targets, and 12 to 24-week plans tailored to your available training time.
Race Prep
Peaks Challenge Training Plan for Every Buckle Goal.
Train for the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek. Sustained climbing workouts, heat adaptation strategies, and 12 to 24-week plans built around the double Falls Creek ascent.
Race Prep
Finish Mallorca 312. Plans Built Around the Climbs That Matter.
The complete Mallorca 312 training plan: physiological demands, plans tailored to your available time, key workouts, and W/kg targets for every finish time goal.
Cycling Training
Normalized Power Explained: NP, IF, and TSS for Smarter Training
Normalized power explained: what it is, how it's calculated, what's a good NP for your level, and how to use it with IF and TSS to train smarter.
Cycling Training
Strava for Cyclists: Is the Training Plan Worth It in 2026?
Strava offers cycling training plans through CTS — but are they personalized enough? Learn what's included, what's missing, and how to fill the gap.
Cycling Training
Altitude Cycling: How to Train and Peak Above 2500 Meters
A practical guide to altitude training for cyclists: how the physiology works, how to train without overreaching, and how to time your return for peak performance.
Cycling Training
Cycling FTP Test: A Step-by-Step Practical Guide
Unlock your cycling potential. This practical guide to the cycling FTP test covers how to prepare, execute, and use your results for smarter, faster training.
Cycling Training
Heat Training Cycling: A Practical Guide to Performance Gains
Unlock your potential with heat training cycling. This practical guide covers how to implement protocols, track benefits, and safely boost your performance.
Cycling Training
Stretching Cycling: How to Boost Mobility and Recovery
The cyclist’s stretching checklist to improve range of motion, recover better, and stay injury resistant.
Cycling Training
Cycling Strength Training: Five Exercises That Make You Faster.
Learn how targeted strength work translates to more power on climbs, better endurance for long rides, and a stronger defense against common cycling injuries.
Cycling Training
Cycling Overtraining: How to Spot It, Stop It, and Recover Fast
Feeling burnt out on the bike? Learn to spot the signs of cycling overtraining and follow our practical guide to recover faster and prevent it for good.
Beginner Cycling
Interval Workouts for New Riders: Simple, Progressive, Effective.
A safe, simple guide to your first interval workouts. Learn when you're ready, how to start with zero gadgets, and the key mistakes to avoid.
Beginner Cycling
8 Essential Pieces of Cycling Advice for Beginners in 2026
From bike fits to smart goals, master the fundamentals of cycling with these essential tips designed to build confidence and fitness for new riders.
Beginner Cycling
Essential Tools for Beginner Cyclists
The no-stress starter kit for safer rides, fewer surprises, and faster progress.
Beginner Cycling
Cycling Nutrition Made Simple: What and When to Eat.
A practical guide to pre-ride meals, on-bike carbs, hydration, and post-ride recovery.
Cycling Training
Train Smarter Indoors. Structured Workouts That Build Cycling Fitness.
A practical guide to stationary bike training plans, indoor cycling workout routines, and long-term progression.
Cycling Training
Top Cycling Training Apps in 2026: Expert Platform Picks
Compare the best cycling training apps of 2026. See how TrainerRoad, Zwift, TrainingPeaks and 12 more platforms stack up so you can choose the right one.
Bike Accessories
Best Bike Mudguards: Top Picks for Wet and Commuter Rides
Cycling is teeming with gadgets and gear promising to enhance your biking experience, yet few offer an excellent mudguard's practicality and comfort-enhancing benefits. In this post, we're setting out to upend the perception of mudguards…
Bike Accessories
Best Cadence Sensor 2026: ANT+, Bluetooth, and Budget Picks Tested
Measuring your cadence is an underrated performance cycling metric. Pedaling with a correct cadence will help you improve your performance , prevent injuries, and get the most out of your training. That's why you need…
Bike Accessories
Best Rear Bike Light Tested: Bright, Reliable, Easy to Mount.
Having the right rear bike light is essential if you plan on doing your cycling in low-light scenarios. The presence of a good rear bike light will ensure that you are safe, visible, and able…
Bike Accessories
Best Bike Saddle Bags Tested: Capacity and Mounting That Work.
Cycling is an exercise in balance, not just of body but also of gear. Too little equipment and you're unprepared; too much, and you're burdened. The solution to this age-old cyclist's conundrum? A reliable bike…
Bike Accessories
Bike Water Bottle Guide: Stay Hydrated Without Leaks or Fumbles.
Cycling, be it as a professional sport, a personal fitness venture or a leisurely escape, always poses one challenge - the necessity to keep hydrated. Amid the rush of wind and rhythmic pedaling, the silent…
Bike Accessories
Best Bike Panniers Tested: Carry More on Every Ride.
Cycling is more than just a sport; for many, it's a lifestyle that is greatly enhanced by functionality and convenience. Whether you're commuting to work, embarking on a long-distance tour , or running errands around…
Bike Accessories
Road Bike Helmets That Score High Where It Matters Most.
The pursuit of high-speed thrills, the rush of the wind against your face, the lure of the open road... All thrilling aspects of road cycling but also, elements that communicate the inherent risks of the…
Cycling Clothing
Road Cycling Shoes Ranked: Top 2026 Expert Picks
Selecting the best road cycling shoes is crucial for cyclists of all experience levels, as it will provide comfort, performance, and stability. Hours in the saddle punish every weak contact point, and the bike matters…
Cycling Clothing
Gravel Cycling Shoes: 2026 Expert-Tested Picks for Every Terrain
Picking the best gravel cycling shoes can make a hugh impact on your cycling performance. Their level of comfort and quality must be top-notch to allow you to accelerate and dominate the pedals. Shoes that…
Cycling Clothing
Cycling Bib Shorts: Best Fits for Comfort on Long Training Rides
Picking the best cycling bib shorts is essential for your comfort and, thus, for your performance. Cycling bib shorts feature heavily in the wardrobes of most cyclists. A good pair of bib shorts can make…
Cycling Clothing
Cycling Bib Tights: 2026 Picks for Warm, All-Weather Rides
Winter is coming, and if you haven't updated your wardrobe and are still riding with cycling bib shorts, you are probably looking to protect your knees and be warmer on those cold road training sessions…
Cycling Clothing
Cycling Jerseys Worth Buying: Fit, Fabric, and Value Picks
For any cyclist, having the right cycling jersey is almost as important as having an excellent bib shorts or tights. That's why our analysts dive into the best cycling jerseys on the market to help…
Cycling Clothing
Long Sleeve Jersey Tested: Warmth That Moves With You.
Whether you're a competitive or recreational cyclist, selecting the best long sleeve cycling jersey is essential to improve your performance and stay comfortable during those cold training rides. Long-sleeved cycling jerseys provide extra warmth and…
Cycling Clothing
Best Cycling Caps 2026: Sun Protection & UPF Picks
Cycling caps are one of the simplest pieces of cycling apparel and one of the most effective for sunny rides. The visor blocks the sun's glare on your eyes, the fabric absorbs sweat before it…
Cycling Clothing
Road Cycling Gloves: 2026 Warmth and Grip Expert Picks
Cycling gloves are essential to a cyclist’s wardrobe , and picking the best road cycling gloves can make a huge difference in your rides. Not only do they keep your hands warm on cold days,…
Bikes
More Gravel for Less. Nine Budget Bikes Worth Every Penny.
Looking for the best budget gravel bike to jump into the gravel fever? You are on the fence with your current road bike or mountain bike but feel intrigued by what it feels like to…
Bikes
Best Road Bikes Under $2000 (2026): Expert-Tested Picks
A road bike under $2000 is the sweet spot for most new and intermediate cyclists. At this budget, premium brands like Giant, Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale offer aluminum frames with reliable Shimano groupsets, disc brakes,…
Bikes
Best Mountain Bikes Under $2000 (2026): Trail-Ready Picks
The best mountain bikes under $2000 in 2026 cover everything from XC hardtails for cross-country racing to plus-tire trail bikes ready for technical descents. At this budget you can find aluminum frames with quality forks,…
Bikes
Electric Bikes That Perform Without Breaking Your Budget.
Want to commute while saving some bucks? We've analyzed the 10 best electric bikes under $1000 for you. While traditional bikes are suited for virtually any terrain, electric bikes now offer an enjoyable and convenient…
Bikes
Best Triathlon Bikes for Beginners 2026: Entry-Level Picks
A triathlon bike is one of the biggest gear purchases in endurance sports, and the wrong choice can leave you with a bike that does not fit, does not match your race distance, or simply…
Cycling Nutrition
Best Energy Gels for Cycling 2026: Top 9 Tested Picks
For long rides and specifically for races, picking the best energy gels for cycling can make a huge impact on your performance. When it comes to energy gels, various factors need to be considered: the…
Bikes
Best Endurance Road Bikes 2026: Top Picks for Long Rides
The best endurance road bikes are built for one purpose: keeping you fast and comfortable for 3, 4, or 6 hours in the saddle. Compared to a pure race bike, an endurance bike trades a…
Cycling Nutrition
Best Energy Bars for Cycling 2026: Carbs, Calories & Value
Energy bars are a necessary complement whether you are training for a competition or a recreational cyclist who enjoys long weekend rides. They provide carbohydrates to power through a ride along with vitamins, minerals, fiber,…
Bike Components
Gravel Bike Tires: Top 10 Picks for Mixed Terrain Rides
Embarking on a cycling adventure, be it winding woods or formidable foothills, is a sensory experience that leaves you with indelible bursts of joy. Yet, this riveting ride can quickly turn into a vexing voyage…
Bike Components
Road Bike Handlebars: What Matters for Fit and Riding Position
As any keen cyclist knows, selecting a good handlebar for your bike is essential for reaching peak road bike performance . After all, the handlebar is one of the most used components on a road…
Bike Components
Power Meter for Road Bike: How to Choose the Right One
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a real pro, you want to know how many watts you are moving. That's why we've compiled a deep analysis of the best power meter for road bike…
Bike Components
Road Bike Wheels: 10 Expert-Tested Options for Every Budget
Definitely, one of the best upgrades you can do to your bike setup is a good pair of wheels. That's why we've analyzed the 10 best road bike wheels to help you decide. Picking lightweight…
Bike Components
Road Bike Pedals That Improve Your Power and Efficiency.
Trying to take your road cycling training to the next level? We present you the 7 best road bike pedals. Bike pedals are one of the most essential components of a bike, having a major…
Bike Accessories
Mountain Bike Lights That Work When You Need Them Most.
Every mountain biking enthusiast knows that the unpredictability and thrill of a trail ride can be maximized or limited by one simple aspect: visibility. As day turns into dusk, visibility can dramatically reduce, making it…
Bike Components
Best Handlebar Tape 2026: Comfort and Grip Tested
The right handlebar tape changes how your road bike feels under your hands more than any single accessory at the price. A worn, thin wrap turns a smooth tarmac ride into hand fatigue by hour…
Bike Components
Road Bike Tires: How to Choose the Best Set for Your Rides
If you are tired of punctures or your tires are already worn out, you have come to the right place. We've crafted a list of the 9 best road bike tires. Whether you’re a casual…
Bike Components
Best Road Bike Saddles for Long Rides 2026: Comfort Picks
The right saddle is the difference between finishing a 4-hour ride feeling fresh and stepping off the bike sore for two days. Best road bike saddles for long rides balance sit bone support, soft-tissue relief,…
Bike Components
Best MTB Pedals Ranked: Flat, Clipless, and Hybrid Options
When it comes to mountain biking, the connection between rider and trail begins at the pedals. That's why we'll dissect the best pedals for mountain biking to help you choose the adequate one for you…
Bike Components
700c Wheel: What It Is and When It's the Right Choice
Cycling is an increasingly popular activity worldwide, and if you've started riding recently, you've seen the 700c in your wheels. But what is a 700c wheel? Whether for recreational purposes or as a daily commute,…
Bike Components
Disc or Rim? The Road Bike Brake Comparison That Ends the Debate.
Weighing your options between road bike disc brakes vs rim brakes? You've come to the right place. Cycling is one of the most physically demanding activities known to humans, and a key factor to making…
Bike Components
Is Your Axle Right for Your Frame? The Through Axle Guide.
Riding a bicycle is a thrilling experience many people enjoy for recreational and commuting purposes. But, just like any other machine, it requires proper maintenance and the right parts to operate optimally. If you ask…
Bike Components
Grinding Pedals Mean Bad Bearings. Here Is How to Fix That.
Hidden from view, bike bearings tirelessly work to combat friction, enabling the effortless and smooth ride we associate with cycling. In this post, we journey into the world of bearings, exploring their unseen realm and…
Bike Components
Bike Stems Explained: What Length and Rise Actually Change
When it comes to biking components, there are undeniable stars of the show - the frame, the wheels, the gear systems - that often overshadow lesser-known yet equally essential parts. In this post, we aim…
Bike Components
Mountain Bike Gears: How to Pick Ratios for Any Trail
Mountain biking is a thrilling, adrenaline-packed sport that brings you face-to-face with nature's raw and rugged terrain. At the heart of conquering these challenging landscapes lies an often overlooked but vital piece of machinery -…
Bike Components
Bike Bottom Bracket Guide: Fix That Creak for Good.
Among the maze of bicycle components, the bike bottom bracket is perhaps the most underappreciated. Yet, in this post we aim to elevate this crucial component from obscurity to spotlight, celebrating its contribution to our…
Cycling Training
Threshold Heart Rate in Cycling: Find Yours and Train by It.
Improve your cycling performance by dominating your threshold heart rate
Cycling Training
Zone 2 Cycling: How to Stay in Zone 2 and Actually Go Faster
Sounds counterintuitive, but it's not. Learn why cycling training at Zone 2 can help you improve your performance.
Cycling Training
Cycling Heart Rate Zones: A Practical Rider's Training Guide
Discover how to improve performance, endurance, and recovery by training in the right heart rate zones.
Cycling Training
Tapering for Cyclists: The Science of Losing Less Fitness
Everything you need to know about taper + 3 examples to reach your next cycling goal on peak performance.
Cycling Training
Optimize Your Pedaling. Cadence Drills That Build Real Speed.
Everything you need to know about cycling cadence and how to improve it with 3 specific cadence workouts.
Cycling Training
Cycling Hill Training: Zone Targets and Workouts That Build Power.
Cycling Hill Training Insights & Workouts
Cycling Training
Cross Training for Cyclists: Build Fitness Without the Bike
Improve Your Cycling Performance Under the Bike With Effective Cross-Training
Cycling Training
Recovery After Cycling: Recover Faster & Ride Stronger
Advise & 8 Techniques to Maximize Recovery After a Bike Ride
Cycling Training
Your Sprints Are Getting Faster. Five Workouts That Prove It.
5 best cycling sprint workouts to improve speed and explosive acceleration
Cycling Training
Cycling Interval Training: Benefits, Workouts and How to Start
Boost your speed, power output, and endurance with interval workouts proven to work, whether you’re just starting or training for a podium.