Scott Martin

Sure, you know that Eddy Merckx was the greatest pro racer, Tullio Campagnolo invented the quick-release lever after trying to remove a wheel with frozen fingers, and the Schwinn Sting-Ray was the coolest bike ever.

But how well do you know some of the weirder corners of cycling history?

Read the following seemingly preposterous statements and identify which one was NOT cycling gospel at some point in our sport's illustrious and goofy past.

At the dawn of the 20th century, women's saddles had cut-outs similar to many of today's seats. But the holes weren't there for anatomical reasons. It was widely held that riding a bike would stimulate women in unladylike ways, so saddle makers added cut-outs to eliminate such scandalous sensations.

In the days before ice vests and jerseys with SPF ratings, riders knew the best way to keep cool was to put a cabbage leaf under their cycling caps.

On the day before a big ride or race, whatever you do, don't get your legs wet or your performance will suffer. A short shower's okay, but no bath. And never, ever go swimming.

Fausto Coppi, the great Italian racer in the World War II era, slept on his side with his legs in proper pedaling position, because this gave him a performance edge.

Saddle sores bothering you? Do like the old-timers and slip a raw steak in your shorts before your next ride. (No T-bones.)

Air conditioning makes you sick by circulating germs. So, as you're driving to your big ride when it's 105 degrees and 97% humidity, roll down those windows and enjoy a nice, healthy sweat.

Answer: Trick question! All these statements were once held dear by cyclists.

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