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What alcohol products go well with a particular type of coffee? What alcohol products go well with a particular type of coffee? I enjoy the odd Irish Coffee occasionally. Desiring to expand my coffee/alcohol combos, I would like to know what types of coffee goes well with what type of alcohol? Any recommendations ...	Other combinations are espresso coffee with a shot of baileys and a shot of bourbon topped up with whipped cream and a little sugar to your taste.
Can mead spoil? If so, in what ways? Based on my research it seems like mead just flat out doesn't spoil, but since I didn't see this specific question here I thought I'd throw it out there to confirm. I bought a bottle of mead just under a year ago, that I've had sitting in my kitchen since then. Initially it likely ...	Generally speaking, your mead is fine if you haven't opened it. The biggest risk you have is that it will be oxidized and that some of the flavors could become muted.
Whiskey and beer recommendations for boilermaker cocktail? A lecturer of mine, who is quite a beer connoisseur, mentioned boilermaker shots/cocktails when lecturing about methods of yeast fermentation. Given he's quite into beer, I'm sure when he talks about a boilermaker, he's got a particular one in mind that would g...	In general, if you mix with a lighter, more generic beer the flavour of the whisky will be quite strong, whereas if you go with a stronger flavoured beer the whisky will be more subtle. Newcastle (Brown Ale) + Maker's Mark (Bourbon) Slightly inexpensive and the flavors blend pretty well.
Are there any problems in serving non-cooled beer? Are there any problems in serving a non-cooled (without cooling) a beer, as the doctor has told me not to take any cooled products. So I used to take beer once in couple of day without cooling it. The taste is different, but are there any real problems with consuming n...	As with all alcoholic beverages there should be no issues drinking them cold, warm or even hot. There may be some flavor issues.
Why would an aged beer explode? I had a bottle of Westvleteren XII aging in my fridge. As I was putting some other bottles next to it, I nudged it slightly and the bottle shattered violently. I'm certain that I didn't hit it with enough force to do that kind of damage, so I'm thinking that there was pressure that had b...	In most cases, the yeast will be limited by either - Fermentable sugars already being depleted (not all sugars are readily fermentable to brewing yeasts) Or perhaps, the bottle was knocked over and created a stress fracture that over time gave way with your slight nudge. Homebrewers do this ALL THE TIME.
How do beer manufacturers keep the taste the same? Beer yeast change over time due to new generations. It's biology. To my knowledge you can't keep the same generation of yeast alive.Which should mean the taste should change or evolve over time? At least that's how I understand how different beer yeasts are created. W...	They have a board of tasters at each factory to taste the batch and recommend what to blend to get the proper flavor. The yeast that is isolated will be stored at a very cold temperature to remain dormant and unchanging.
What cocktail could be paired with French cheese? For a kind of cocktail competition I'm running against friends, I need a cocktail around France theme, my idea is to pair a cocktail with a French cheese. I know that cherries do pair well with bask sheep cheese for example (we're used to eat it with black cherry jam) ...	Simply pair your favorite champagne with a piece of flavorful Comte and the gentle flavored, bubbly wine will create the perfect compliment to the cheese (fromage).
What fruit spirit is in St. Germain? I love St. Germain, and it's become a staple at my house... but it is so damn expensive. I'd like to make a homemade version using elderflower cordial for a fraction of the price. St. Germain lists their ingredients as: fruit Spirit, elderflower, sugar cane.What type of fruit spiri...	I have a feeling this is grape based spirits.
Has Prohibition ever worked? Historically, is there any case in which prohibition of alcohol has actually dissuaded its consumption? It failed miserably in the United States, for example... <Q> Prohibition was an Era in American history from 1920-1933 - and - it failed miserably. <S> If anything, it made alcohol more ...	As with almost anything that becomes banned or illegal it causes the substance to increase in cost greatly since the acquisition of the substance requires illegal acts from manufacturing to distribution. In Gujarat , A state of India There is prohibition since 1958 which has never worked and also created lots of illega...
How to select upper-tier whiskies without trying them first? In the past few years I've become a whisky fan boy, buying bottles in most styles, including Scotch. This question pertains mostly to Scotch, but other styles can be included too. One problem I've found is that I'd like to buy more upper tier bottles (in the...	If you're serious about upper tier stuff, find a good bar that has some of these whiskeys and go try them there. Another option is to look at some of the social organizations near you.
What kind of whiskey is served cold? I really like my alcoholic beverages cold. But I do know most whiskeys should be served in room temperature. Although adding ice is an option, I do not prefer this method because when ice melts, the whiskey is mixed with water.Using whiskey stones is good for drinking at home, b...	One whiskey that I know of is the Snow Grouse With this in mind, using ice is bad because it will water down your drink on top of chilling it.
What is the strongest drink in the world? Assuming that it is available through 'normal' outlets - shops, supermarkets, off licenses etc... (in other words legal) What (per unit) is the strongest alcoholic drink in the world? Beers, wines and spirits included. <Q> At the time of writing this the strongest beer in cir...	The purity of rectified spirit has a practical limit of 95.6% ABV; this hard to pronounce Polish Vodka is a murderous 96% ABV. Beer - Brouwerij het Koelschip that was 70% ABV
How safe are eggs in cocktails like fizzes? Many cocktails such as fizzes call for an egg white (or an egg yolk in some cases). Given that I'm not sure I would eat a raw egg, how safe is it to put one in my drink? Are there any alternatives I can use instead of egg white? <Q> According to a USDA report , a study done...	Most shell eggs sold in the U.S. are unpasteurized, but you can find pasteurized shell eggs, and the pasteurization process does quite a good job of killing salmonella, and so these eggs are highly recommended in any concoction that requires raw, or undercooked eggs.
Tequila worms - to eat or not to eat - that is the question? So, with a bottle of Tequila in hand, a glass, and oooppss - it's the last shot and the worm falls out! Now - do you consume it? Or - just throw it? But what type of worm is it and are they specially grown/produced for the drink? There are a lot of storie...	The tequila worm or as it should be known as the Mezcal worm is normally only found in Mezcal (tequila).
Can one put on weight by drinking beer? I am very thin and it was suggested that I drink beer to put on weight. Would drinking beer help to put on weight? If yes, how many beers should I drink in a week to put on weight? If no, could one please explain briefly why this is so. <Q> Beer can make you gain weight by three ...	In general beer is not considered healthy. Basically, you must eat and brink more than your body burns, while making the right amount of physical exercise to gain muscles as well as body fat.
What constitutes a "stack of whiskey"? This term was used in a TV show recently and was referring to the price of another highly prized liquor by saying it was worth 3 or 4 stacks of whiskey. The show was a recent episode of NCIS Los Angeles. In very last scene they sat down to a toast with Hettie. <Q> I believe they'r...	Sherry Cask was worth 3 or 4 stacks ( $3000 -$4000).
What is the largest winery that supplies sacramental wine to the Catholic Church? As the question states, I would like to know what is the largest winery that supplies sacramental wine for the Catholic Church? By largest supplier to the Catholic Church of sacramental wine, I mean by volume sold to the Church in liters...	In the Land Down Under , the Sevenhill Cellars is the only winery in Australia specializing in sacramental wine , and the only one recommended by the Catholic Church to be used in Mass. Easter is a busy time of year for the oldest operational winery in South Australia’s Clare Valley, Sevenhill Cellars.
What makes bourbon sweet? If bourbon contains no carbohydrates (and therefore no sugar) what gives it a sweet flavour? What are the chemicals or compounds? <Q> Many chemical compounds, like saccharin for example, can taste sweet. <S> There are hundreds of chemical compounds in bourbon and a number of them or combinatio...	I'd say that what sets bourbon apart is the number of chemical compounds present, collectively adding to the sweetness. The other major contributor are esters.
Why would some prefer to put salt in their beer? Are there any traditional or historic reason(s) why people would put salt in their beer when drinking it or would simply prefer to drink a salted beer such as Gose ? Gose beer , brewed in Bonn, Germany (2014). <Q> The same reason people put salt on their food. <S> It ...	(Salt is a natural flavor enhancer)
Recommendations for Tea/Fruity/Sweet beers? I mainly drink ciders and sometimes I find a beer that I can tolerate the taste, even if I don't enjoy it. Something like Yuengling or Stella (not the cider). Recently I tried Sea Dogs Tea Beer which hasn't hit the stores as far as I know. From what a bartender has told me,...	If you are looking for something with a little more of a beer kick, fruit flavored IPA's are a nice option.
Adding flavor to vodka I accept that one of the easiest ways to add flavor to vodka is simply to add a mixer or juice of some type, but that would be diluting it. I also know that I can add fruits to the vodka itself which would infuse the vodka with a particular flavor. Is there another way, say with some type of es...	Simple Syrups can be a great way to infuse other flavors into your vodka.
Good non-alcoholic, sedative drinks to replace alcoholic drinks As active as I am on this Stack and enjoy the occasional drink I'm realizing more and more that, regardless of how little I drink from day to day, for the most part booze just tends to bring me down a bit, and if I avoid it I usually feel better than if I ...	Kava drinks - often referred to as "kava tea" - are made from the roots of a plant grown in the South Pacific, and they're known for their purported anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Chamomile Lavender Mints Valerian Root Lemon Balm (mint family) In the past year I've not only been making use of sedatives, but h...
Wine recommendation on the sweet side with 12 to 15% alcohol My wife loves drinking Moscato and Stella Rosa but they don't intoxicate her. I have to occasionally spike her drinks (obviously knowingly) with whiskey for her to feel a "buzz." Are there any wines that are maybe not as sweet as the 2 mentioned but less dry ...	Please consider the sweet and fortified wines of the Rhone with Muscat de Beaumes de Venise being the kind of wine that might give satisfaction allround. Malvasia delle Lipari passito
Unique drinks to make Halloween memorable? Are there any unique drinks out there to pair with Halloween in order to make it truly memorable? We like having a Halloween party in an area with some so called haunted houses and where stories of Sasquatches abound. we have a grand old time with stories, movies and eats the...	A Google search for "Halloween themed beer" will yield several articles with similarly scary named beers such as here and here . Why not try some orange wine.
What are some affordable brands of good Scotch? I've just recently begun drinking Scotch, and I find it absolutely delicious. However, most brands I see in the store are quite expensive. So far the best Scotch I've tried is Aberlour single malt, and although it's not prohibitively expensive, it's not exactly cheap eith...	If you're looking for affordable single-malts, I can recommend: Deanston, Cardhu 12, Glenfarclas Heritage and some of the Glenfiddich's whiskeys. The Glenlivet Glen Moray
What soft drinks mix well with alcohol to make a great drink? What soft drinks mix well with alcohol to make a great, yet unique tasting drink? We have all heard of rum and coke which is known as a Cuba Libre . I would like to try some other soft drinks with alcohol mixes that could be in someway less commonly...	Try Red Wine and Coke . A very interesting one is Ciroc Peach with 7-Up/Sprite.
Wine Recommendation for Soupe au Vin? Some years ago when I was in France, we would drink soupe au vin (wine soup) which was served extremely cold on hot summer days. Not being in France and the summer days are now getting hotter, I would like to make some soupe au vin myself. Here is my intended recipe: One bot...	I would look for a fruity, light bodied red wine to complement the fruit and sugar.
Sediment in expired Belgian Beer I have 3 bottles of La Chouffe Blonde Belgian Beer that is cloudy. It is out of date as of May of last year. Is it ok to drink? Theres a lot of sediment in the bottle. Can I decant or shake and drink? Thanks. <Q> Yes, it's ok to drink. <S> Belgian beer usually has a lot of sediment t...	Sediment and cloudiness are common characteristics of many beers from that area, they aren't a sign of whether it is gone off or not. Personally I'm in the decant crowd, I usually find the sediment unpleasant, however that's all your personal taste.
Besides wine, are there any alcoholic drinks associated with any religious rituals or customs? Besides wine, are there any alcoholic drinks (beer, liquors or liqueurs, etc.) associated with any religious rituals or customs? I am deliberately not interested in wine because it is associated with the eucharist and the Ro...	According to this link Pastafarians have many holidays dedicated to alcoholic beverages including daiquiri day, Vodka day, wine day, lager day and many, many more. In fact, just in beer itself, there are several beers that are associated with, but not directly a result of, religious customs.
What was the most common hard liquor of the Late Middle Ages? Is it possible to know what was the most common hard liquor of the Late Middle Ages? I am not asking for the strongest drink in the Middle Ages, but which hard liquor was the most common during the Late Medieval Period. <Q> I finally did a little digging...	Neither Brandy or Whisky was drunk as much as wine or beer during this period, but just from the time line it looks like Brandy was a) easier to make since you start with wine and no cooking involved until distillation b)
Can I re-cork a beer bottle? If I open a bottle of Belgian beer-with a cork- drink a little then put the cork back in the bottle will the cork randomly pop or the bottle explode from any pressure? <Q> Yes, you can do this just like a bottle of sparkling wine. <S> It should keep the beer for a couple of days, but not fo...	That being said, the dissolved CO2 will remain in solution at cooler temperatures but escape rapidly as it warms, so capping while the bottle is cool and keeping the bottle cool will preserve more CO2 in solution after opening.
Things people put in bottles of liquor or liqueur and are sold commercially? People put the strangest things in bottles of liquor to be sold commercially. We have all probably heard of liquor stores, pubs or other drinking establishments occasionally selling tequila with a worm in the bottle. Be what the history of the...	Habushu is a common Japanese liqueur, where they put snakes inside the bottles.
How to avoid egg white being cooked in drinks? So, i love to drink Peruan Pisco sours. You make these with Pisco, lemon juice, sugar and egg's white. You are supposed to shake the drink. However, every time i make this drink, i end up with little pieces of cooked egg in the drink. They are disgusting. How can i avoid t...	Try adding your egg whites to one half of the shaker and your pisco and citrus to the other.
How long will an opened bottle of whisky last while stored under ideal conditions? I've recently made the decision to put my whisky collection into storage and slow down my drinking habit. Assuming I keep the bottles under moderate temperature, and out of sunlight, is there a ballpark figure to how long they'll remain...	As long as the bottle is kept out of direct sunlight, the Scotch Whisky will neither improve nor deteriorate, even if it is opened.
How much alcohol is in rum extract? I generally use rum extract to make a "non-alcoholic" version of my eggnog recipe (which calls for rum and bourbon). However, the rum extract in my cupboard still technically has some alcohol in it, and therefore might not always be an acceptable substitute, depending on who I'm cook...	Even imitation extracts, rum and others, contain alcohol.
How to recover a carboy of cider? I'm one of those people who puts nearly all my energy into things other than brewing. And yet I still do it a little. That's why I have a carboy of cider that is 18 months old in my basement. I don't know if the cider will be good or not when I try to bottle it, but I do know that a...	Make sure the yeast has dissolved. If you want to go with an old school method of carbonating in the bottle then you must be sure that your bottles are rated for 90PSI.
Are there any Whiskey better for cocktails? I would like to know what whiskey is better with cocktails. I've bough the Jack Daniels, but I feel that the taste of the cocktail is off since the flavors of the Jack Daniels is stronger than others. I might be wrong but I really do taste the Jack Daniels in any cocktails i...	Personally, I mix Cocktails with Irish Whiskeys into cocktails because of their smooth taste and generally, because they match so well with other alcohols.
Angove's 1995 "Port": Drinkable or Not? I came into possession of a bottle of fortified wine - it says on the label "Premium Vintage Angove's 1995 Port". I happened to be at Angove's cellar door doing a tasting and I mentioned to them that I had the bottle at home, and the person behind the counter gave me the impress...	That said, Vintage Ports are typically supposed to last a long time. If Angove's are suggesting it may not be good, then its value as an investment is going to be low or zero, so if I were in your shoes I'd probably open it and try it.
What's a good (neutral) sample beer to spike with a sensory training kit? I recently ordered a sensory training kit from Siebel Institute. In short, glass vials of liquid isolating flavors (including off-flavors and contamination) commonly found in beer. The instructions explain how to spike samples of beer, but say n...	The less flavor the beer has, the more the "spiked" flavors and aromas will stand out. You want a mildly flavored, low hop beer for something like this.
How should I drink limoncello? I was given some decent Limoncello from Italy as a gift, 30% proof, brand name 'Villa Massa' from Sorrento. I had a tiny sip of it and it is quite smooth, not too sharp and rather nice. However I'm not sure if I should continue drink it neat or whether to mix it with tonic water, lemon...	It is served cold, in a cold glass.
Does adding honey to bottled wine increase the alcohol content? I purchased a Montepulciano, added 80 grams of honey and some pepper, and then put it in the fridge. A glass of it after 24 hours seemed to me more alcoholic than what it was originally. Is it psychological, as I had read this was the case (but can't find ...	Your perception of alcohol may be enhanced by the sugar that you added.
Best way to consume Mezcal? About Mezcal I know that Mezcal is a drink made from 100% agave and so a more pure drink than Tequila. Rather bad Mezcal will include a "worm" which is a larva of two different kind of insects, as I read. But except of the curious "tradition" that the last shot comes with the "worm" I do n...	While I certainly know a lot of tequila and mezcal drinkers that add ice to their drinks -- I've been known to do it myself -- we'll generally add a single ice cube after taking that first big whiff to experience the aroma.
Do beer bottles explode in freezer? I have had cola cans explode in my freezer. But I cannot afford to test this on my long neck beer bottles. Do beer bottles (or cans) explode in a freezer (of a typical fridge in a household) ? <Q> Yes, they will. <S> Given beer is (generally speaking) more than 90% water, and wat...	Because ice has a very low compressibility compared to water and ethanol, you cannot expect that better and thicker bottles will solve the problem unless they have the necessary amount of elasticity.
Kinds of wine, how to identify same grape differences A brief explanation with beers : I love IPAs , but some of them are a disgrace to the kind, when I'll buy some, I look for the alcohol and IBU level, so I know I'll like the beer before I even buy it. A few months ago I discovered that I also like some wi...	What I do recommend is seeing if you have a good local wine store. Bitterness also changes with stronger beers.
Can wine be made from all edible fruits? I am an amateur in the topic, so I was wondering, can all edible fruits be turned into a fruit wine? Why have grapes historically become the main fruit for wine making over other fruits? <Q> Yes, wine can pretty much be made from all edible fruit, including tomatoes . <S> But t...	Since grapes have such natural high sugar levels, they also have large colonies of yeast on the skin (aka the bloom) and because of this, grapes are a complete package requiring nothing else to make a high alcohol beverage that can be stored for a very long time without spoiling.
Beer expired last year and this year We have lots of Blonde beer which expired last year and some expired May this year. Is it still safe to drink? <Q> Most likely - Yes, it is safe to drink it. <S> Your beer is almost guaranteed to be safe to drink for humans. <S> No pathogens like alcoholic beverages. <S> Your b...	If you have bacteria in your beer, you will just have another style of beer (see Sour Beer). Overall the only way to see if it is ok is to pour one and give it a taste
A brand of scotch that routinely prints the release year on the bottle? I enjoy drinking scotch, and I am about to have my first child. I would like to buy a bottle of scotch that has the year my child is born printed on it, and then give them the scotch as a gift when they turn 30 or so. I am well aware that the scotc...	Some distilleries do put the date when they bottled the whisky/scotch Pick a annual limited release option like the Bowmore warehouseman's selection that has been created for a specific year.
What ingredient may I be allergic to in certain beers? Mandatory disclaimer: I'm not asking for health related advices, this question is just out of pure curiosity . I drink the occasional beer, wine, or whatever other alcoholic drinks: no issues with that, not getting drunk with just a beer, etc. etc. But...since ...	Off the top of my head - any allergy to wheats or grains pertaining to the alcohol being consumed, and then also gluten sensitivity, allergy to hops or sensitivity to the alcohol itself
I buy a bottle of wine from a supermaket - can you tell where it's come from? Many wines are often sold under different brand names, or sold with a very generic label (Merlot - France). Of course these wines will all have come from a chateau/co-operative/blender somewhere, I was wondering if there was anything on the ...	Depends on the country, but companies can make it very hard to find where the wine is made and where the grapes are grown.
Ice cubes in rum I drink my rum straight. Recently was sipping on a glass of rum and a mate poured some cubes (before filling the rum) into his glass. If this is not the same difference of opinions vis a vis whiskey & cubes, I’d appreciate some (distinct) criticisms of the pros and cons of ice cubes in rum. <Q> When ...	For those stiffer rums, “adding ice or a splash of water will mellow it out so the alcohol vapors don't overpower the subtle flavors,” says Vida.
Does it make sense to store hard liquor in the freezer? I usually see bars keeping spirits at the room temperature.However, I have heard that some people tend to keep them in the freezer.Alcohol doesn't freeze, and having ice cold spirits readily available might be convenient. I use hard liquor for both cocktails and ...	We know that if a spirit is too hot, the smell of pure alcohol can be overwhelming (see: why we put ice in our whiskey).
Can modern distilling techniques produce quality Scotch in significantly less time? My brother-in-law is opening a distillery in Canada, which has got us discussing whisky on the regular. And by the sounds of it it looks like there are certain techniques that can be used these days that 'age' whiskies faster than has c...	While time is certainly important when it comes to aging whiskey, much more important is contact with the barrel.
Contradicting sayings about the order of drinking alcoholic beverages Growing up in Europe we had a saying that said: "Bier auf Wein, das laß sein - Wein auf Bier, das rat' ich dir" Translation: Beer after wine, leave it be - wine after beer, that I recommend. In the US, a similar saying goes like this: "Beer be...	You get hangovers when you "mix" because if you're "mixing" you are probably drinking more than you realize.
Why are wine bottle volumes in centiliters not in liters or milliliters? Almost every beverage bottle I have come across has it's contents' volume specified in either liters or milliliters. That is except for wine bottles which are more often than not designated in centiliters. For example: Milliliters or liters are ...	It is all marketing. A bottle of wine marketed as 0.75 liters seems less appealing than wine sold in a bottle marketed as 750ml.
What is "Five Fruits" in this 1920s cocktail recipe? From Shake 'Em Up! A Handbook of Polite Drinking (1930), page 46: GIN PUNCH NUMBER ONE 2 quarts of grapefruit juice 2 quarts of gin and one quarter cup of Five Fruits or Grenadine Keep the punch in the ice box for two hours before serving time,so that it ...	My own personal suspicion is that "Five Fruits" may be somrthing like the original Five Alive drink.
Is the country of origin for a beer always the same as the brewers country of origin? I am creating a craft beer application which will contains a lot of information about beers. Now when modeling the data I am contemplating whether a beer itself should have a country, city and other address information, or whether t...	It's not common that the country of origin fora beer always the same for brewers country of origin.
Unique and valuable gift for drinker? I want to give a close friend a unique and memorable liquor-related (his stipulation) gift. He's particularly fond of whiskey and beer but drinks most anything. What are some ideas, not necessarily limited to actual liquor? In the past I've given him special whiskey glasses, a $100...	[VIP] tickets to a high-end wine/whisky tasting event.
Where to buy Absinthe I have heard a lot about this legendary beverage and I know it was forbidden in the market for a while because of some rumors, anyway, I want to give it a try but I have never seen it in any store.It is still available on the market? <Q> Here in British Columbia, I have never seen a liquor outlet ...	In Canada you are able to purchase absinthe in most liquor stores including government run liquor stores.
How to open a beer without a bottle opener? How does one go about opening a bottle of beer when (gasp) there are no bottle openers present? Twist off is not an option. And, anything involving using one's teeth should be omitted (safety first!) <Q> Almost anything can be used to open a bottle of beer. <S> What we used ...	My preferred way (when there's no bottle opener) is to use a spoon (I hold the spoon differently but this way is also worth consideration): Using another (closed) bottle: Technique is important with this one because one can really cut/scratch up one's knuckles if this is done improperly.
How to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew? How can one safely go about opening a bottle of wine when there is no corkscrew present? (Obviously, we are talking corked bottles and not twist-off...) <Q> -**1. <S> Wrap a small towel around top of bottle and screw. <S> Pry slowly and cautiously the screw out with cla...	** Use a Screw (the longer the better), a screwdriver, and a hammer. A technique that is rarely thought of is to simply push the cork slowly down into the bottle (like with the end of a fork or with a stick,) instead of attempting to pull the cork out of the bottle.
Can a beer be stored for 13 years? I recently bought a bottle of beer (imperial stout) which is "best before" 2033. It's more than 13 year from now. I know that strong beers have a high longevity and I even have some Belgians expiring in 3-4 years. But 13? Is it possible that a beer can be stored for 13 years without l...	High quality beers would typically be in dark bottles to protect them from light.
Can I use a Presta tube in a Schrader rim? I keep losing pressure in my tires, and among other things, I'm looking at the valves in the tubes. It's an old mountain bike with 26 inch tires. Can I use Presta tubes on rims drilled for Schrader valves ? I know the valve will be smaller than the hole and could cause issu...	Many presta tubes come with a grommet to allow you to use presta valve tubes in a wheel drilled for schraeder valves. Consider cutting an old tire and wrap the base of the stem with some old tube material
What is the easiest way to fix a loose chain? Are there adjustments that can be made instead of replacing it? <Q> It depends on what you mean by 'loose'... <S> Chains stretch naturally over many hundreds of miles, and the stretching of the links is actually a good indicator of wear. <S> If, instead, it seems like the...	If the bike has hub gears , then you can undo the wheel nets and firmly push the wheel back into the axle slots while doing up the nets. If you find that the chain seems to sag at both the top and the bottom, this may mean that your dérailleur has lost some of it's 'springiness' and is not effectively creating chain te...
How do I measure the size of my bicycle frame? From what point to where do I start measuring? I suspect the bike I'm trying to measure is a 56cm because I usually ride a 54 and this is slightly too big, but I want to be sure. <Q> Centerline of the bottom bracket hole to the top of the seat tube (where the seat post goe...	You can then measure the size from the centre of the bottom bracket to this reference line, keeping the measuring tape in line with the seat tube.
How do I reduce slack in the chain of a single-speed bicycle? I have a single speed bicycle that has some slack in the chain and threatens to come off. How can I reduce this slack? <Q> If you have horizontal dropouts (the wheel axle slides into the frame from the back of the bike) <S> the dropouts have long slots whic...	The idea is that you install the wheel in the dropouts with the chain routed correctly and then tighten the axle nuts a bit beyond finger-tight.
Slow leak on front cruiser tire I ride my cruiser to the supermarket and back, using either a trailer or a basket over the front wheel for carrying groceries. The bike has developed a persistent slow leak on the front wheel, and I've replaced the tube without it helping. I can't see anything puncturing the tire, and th...	Remove your tire from the rim, and check all along the inside of the tire, as well as the sidewalls of the tire to see if you feel anything sharp, or piercing into the tire, as this could be causing your air leak. It might also help to know how often you ride your bike.
How do I prevent the rear derailleur from slipping gears? What's the best way to tune the rear derailleur of my bike to stop slipping gears? It seems that every time I re-adjust it, the middle/upper gears are perfectly aligned, but the lower gears never stay put. When I'm climbing up hills, the chain keeps slipping u...	Replace both the chain and cassete, then get yourself a chain wear indicator and check it periodically to prevent your chain from destroying your cassete again. Take the bike into your local bike shop, and they can help you get replacements.
What is a good rear wheel for a heavy load? I'm a heavy man, and I find I'm breaking spokes on my rear wheel fairly often. Is there a particular wheel I can buy or anything I can do to prevent this? Edit: I was having the problem with a hybrid with 700c wheels, but I gave up and sold that bike in preparation for my ...	My solution has been to get a 32 or 36 hole hub and rim, with the heaviest gauge spokes they make. Machine-built wheels strain the components while building, and that means they're weaker. I also run higher volume (but nowhere near the Endomorph) tires on this bike, with a pair of Schwalbe Big Apples .
What type of brakes are best for mountain bike racing? Disc brakes are more expensive than v-brakes, but in a heavy rain they will break down. V-Brakes are becoming harder to find, but they're much easier to maintain and don't break down as easily. What kind of brakes are best for mountain bike racing? <Q> Look at any...	In my opinion, disc brakes give much better feedback to the lever with almost no fiddling with them.
Perfectly setting up gears - how? Every time I have my bike serviced, the bike shop sets up the gears on a stand in their workshop. The gears change perfectly on the stand, but when the bike is on the road, the rear derailleur doesn't change smoothly, and some gears are jumped. I've fiddled with this myself, but can'...	The first rule is make sure the rear derailleur is adjusted correctly before adjusting the front derailleur. A longer term fix involves replacing the cables.
Should I clean the grease off the gears? I usually keep my chain well lubricated. However, my gears are usually greasy. Should I be cleaning the gears or are they supposed to be greasy? <Q> I clean my gearing and whole drive train every few months. <S> I ride about 250km a week <S> so it's not a time frame requirement ...	It's easy to clean the cogs/cassette/freewheel by taking out the rear wheel, spraying on a small amount of degreaser and flossing between the cogs with a rag. That said, there is some amount of dirt that can't be helped - it's a bike.
Why should I wear bicycle clothes made of spandex? What's the reason for wearing biking clothes made of Spandex (Lycra)? They sure look pretty strange. <Q> I thought spandex shorts looked weird too, until my wife bought me a pair with the padding. <S> Now, I can't ride in regular shorts at all! <S> There's no binding...	The shorts with padding help protect your sensitive groin parts, as well help keep you cooler and drier (preventing nasty sores) by wicking the moisture (sweat) away from your body.
Why do cyclists shave their legs? Why do cyclists shave their legs? Is it because of wind resistance? <Q> Cyclists shaving their legs is more tradition than anything else--there is a whole industry around creams, soaps, and salves. <S> However, I'll defer to Sheldon Brown 's explanation for a few acceptable reasons wh...	Allegedly, shaved legs make it much easier to apply and remove embrocation, increases it effectiveness, and eliminates the "bugs crawling on skin" feeling when hairs pop back into position. I agree with Dustin's answer as the putative reasons usually cited, but I think at some level, it's a mark of the tribe . I've nev...
How do I determine the correct position for my bicycle seat? I have been suffering from IT band problems on my outer knee, which I'm pretty sure were caused by raising my seat height too much. I raised the seat on the advice of a friend who said that a higher seat gives more power in each stroke. By trial and error ov...	Adjust your saddle up, but not so much that you have to tilt your hips side to side to fully extend the pedals; Adjust your saddle forward, but not so much that you feel your body thrown forward while pedalling hard; Adjust the nose of your saddle down, but not so much that you slip forward over your hands.
How to store a bicycle for an extended period of time? What's the best way to store a bicycle for an extended period of time, say 2 months? <Q> Doesn't really matter. <S> Just try to avoid really wet places. <S> I have left bikes in the garage for years. <S> Or for months at a time between rides. <S> (Road bike...	If you can secure it with the normal bike lock, that would be an added prevention of theft.
Rear wheel slipping out under load My commuting/cyclocross bike (a Surly Crosscheck) has a problem. If I tighten the quick release skewer to a normal level, sort of firm to close it, then if I step on the pedals hard at some point, the rear wheel basically comes right out of the dropouts. To keep the wheel actually i...	A better solution would be to purchase a quick release skewer with a rougher interface with the dropout. The type of clamp (I don't know if the older style even exists anymore, but I do run into them from time to time) can make a difference as well as the roughness of the clamping surface. Another possibility is the th...
How can I keep my feet from falling asleep while riding? I have mountain bike shoes and clipless pedals. When I go on long rides, my feet fall asleep and then very, very painfully wake up (on my most recent long ride, this started happening after 30ish miles and continued for the remaining 45 miles). What can I do to a...	This should include proper cleat placement on your footwear. I find periodically taking one foot off a pedal and stretching my leg out and flexing my ankle around really helps. If that's not an option for you, you might consider visiting your LBS for a good fitting on your bike.
Which mountain bike pedal is most suitable for racing? Which kind of mountain bike pedal is most suitable for racing? It needs to be pretty light, but also durable to be able to resist a tough race. <Q> I've found them to be way better than SPDs. <S> You can clip in on four sides rather than two, and in my experience, ...	I have had SPDs and eggbeaters, and I love the Crank Bros eggbeater pedals. If you are new to clipless pedals in general I'd recommend the M520 as the cheapest way to try them, and from there once you know what you like/don't like you can find pedals that'd suit, as all they should all be compatible with your chosen sh...
Periodic Maintenance Task for Bike Commuters What are the periodic maintenance tasks (weekly, monthly, annual, every X miles) that anyone who relies on a bike for transportation (typically in urban/semi-urban environments) should be performing? Ideally stated in terms of miles travelled (where applicable). <Q> Mostly i...	Monthly : Check chain tension, chainring/cogs for wear, lube chain, adjust brakes, oil all pivot points on derailleurs, brakes etc. , clean/wipe down entire bike This depends greatly on the type of bicycle: a Dutch type commuter bike requires very little maintenance. Monthly: Bottom bracket adjustment.
Why does my road bike come with only one valve adapter? My front tire has the skinny valve (I believe it is a Presta) and so does my rear tire. But my rear tire also has a screw-on piece that goes over the valve which I believe to be an adapter. Do they simply provide one adapter because it is cheaper and you can move ...	The adapter is only meant to be used while pumping up the tire. Most bike pumps will deal with Presta valve, so you should not have to use the adapter often.
What are the advantages of investment casting? I'm starting to see more and more frames using investment casting for head tubes, drop outs, seat tubes, etc. Such as the new WTP c.r.e.a.m. frame . It looks nice, but I'm suspect on how much more strength this gives you over traditional welds. Does anyone have more info...	Investment Casting : This is the most common method of making high quality lugs. What happened is that bike manufacturers got away from using lugs about 20 years ago, when NC welders became available that could weld a frame quickly enough to not destroy the temper of high-quality chromoly or aluminum.
How often should I lube my chain? I ride less than 200 miles a week, and I'm at about the 200 mile mark on my new road bike. Most of my riding is done on the road in an urban city, so there is a lot of odd, unnatural debris. My LBS told me to lube my chain every 150 miles, but I've read conflicting opinions. How oft...	I would say that it is best to clean and lube your chain after every ride.
Quiet and strong chain recommendation for fixed gear commuter bike I went through a couple of chains on my fixie bike, but I was not too happy with any of them.Basically they seemed pretty noisy when more pressure was applied where cycling. Could you recommend one that would be both strong and quiet. Thanks <Q> Chain...	Another typical source of noise in fixed-gear or singlespeed riding is an offset chainline. A dry and/or dirty chain is, in fact often the culprit. Be sure to purchase a 'track' chain (some are produced by Miche, Izumi, and KMC) and expect to pay $20+ for a quality chain.
Best type of bike lock (materials, style, etc.) I recently lost the keys to my lock and had to borrow a bolt cutter to free my bike. It was a bit of an eye opener to realise a) just how easy it was for the bolt cutters to cut through my D Lock (<10 seconds), and b) that nobody on a busy town shopping street batted an e...	steel-jacketed cable lock offer medium securit 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock,Black Mini As always best to combine with a second lock of a different design.
When should I use lockout feature on my fork? I have a trekking bike with a 63mm fork which has a lockout feature enabling the control of the suspension. Can you explain when should I lock the fork, in what position and why? One obvious example would be when climbing hills, one should lock the fork in minimum suspens...	If I come to steep climb, I lock it. Suspension is for giving the best possible contact with the road and therefore safety and rider comfort For descending I always have the fork unlocked.
Where can I find local bike routes? Where are the best places to find bike maps with local routes and trails? Places I typically reference when searching for this includes: Most local bike shops (LBS) have local maps available or for sale. Employees of any LBS are often avid riders and will hold a plethora of knowl...	You can use google maps, and click on the bike to see local bike paths and trails. Go to http://connect.garmin.com , and click on the "Explore" link. Runkeeper.com can have some routes but the only ones I find for my area is the ones I've added.
Basic toolkit for bicycle maintenance What should be in the basic toolkit for someone that wants to maintain their own bicycle?I'm looking for something for your average day to day maintenance and tools that I will get the most use out of. Ex: I don't think I need a chain oil/lube/clean contraption...(do I?) I have so...	My kit includes: portable shop stand allen keys screw drivers chain breaker
At what time of year can I buy a bicycle for the best price? Is there a month when new models come out and dealers discount stock like with cars? Do they raise prices in the spring and lower them in the winter? <Q> Probably not what you're looking for, but... <S> if you live near a college campus and are willing to bu...	Other times to look for deals are during local bike shows. This might depend on the region where you live, as Christmas time might not be suitable for biking and bike shops will thus not sell a lot of bikes. "January is good for looking for the old models in the classic post-holiday shopping period." gear"If you want t...
How do I get my brakes to stop squealing I've tried sanding them down just a bit, cleaning the brake surface on the wheels, and this does stop them from squealing for a day or two, but it always comes back. I'm using Kool-stop pads if it matters. <Q> There are a few causes for brake 'squealing': <S> New pads. <S>...	As some others have mentioned, misalignment may cause squealing (although it would be reduced with some wear). Wipe the rims thoroughly on the braking surface, as well as the pads, with a dry cloth. The major cause of squealing is oil on your rotors/pads.
Convert fixed gear to coaster bike I want to convert my fixed gear 700c bike (raleigh rush hour) to coaster break bike. Can anyone recomend the best way to do this. Can anyone recomend a good coaster rear hub or coaster rear wheel? <Q> This can be done two ways: <S> Easy way: <S> Purchase a new 700c wheel with coa...	One advantage to rebuilding your existing wheel is that it will be easier to find a new or used, unbuilt coaster-brake hub.
How tight should my chain be? I recently put new tires on my bike, and in so doing, removed and replaced the wheels. It seems that now my chain has more slack in it than before, and if I pedal backwards while in the smaller cog in the main set of gears the chain rubs on the deraillieur. Is this normal? Why is my cha...	If you have this type of dérailleur, and recently removed your wheels, it's possible that the dérailleur has 'slipped' in the dropout.
How do I align a wheel? I broke a couple of spokes on my wheel, now it's all bent, how can I align it back again? What kind of tools do I need to do a good job? <Q> First, replace the missing spokes with properly sized spokes. <S> Next, on the drive side of a rear wheel with derailleur gears you will need to remove ...	Once you have the new spokes tightened down, work your way around the hub, tightening spokes to adjust the rim position. You can use the frame itself as a truing stand. As per the other responses, the main tool you need is a spoke wrench. If the rim itself is bent, it may be hard or impossible to true.
How can I pedal in circles? I couple of years ago I switched from using a normal pedal to using a clipless pedal. It takes a little while to get used to. Now, to be able to use it optimally I need to learn how to pedal in circles instead of in squares, eg applying the same force during the whole rotation "orbit". What ...	A technique which may help you get a more efficient pedaling stroke is an exercise called isolated leg . Our hands are much better equipped for the right kind of push-pull motion than our feet, so thinking of winding with your hands primes your motor cortex to keep a consistent amount of force round the whole revolutio...
When to change disk brake pads I was wondering how to tell when your disk brake pads need replacing. My front seems to be not stopping as quickly as it used to, or as I would like. I know this could be road grime build up, but I am not sure the indicators for replacement time for the pads. <Q> You should just pull the...	I've had disc brake pads become poor performing well before they are worn out, with no recovery possible, so I now keep a small stock of relatively cheap pads to swap out when I start to get performance issues.
What is a good small bicycle bag to store your gear and/or personal things? I'm looking for one that attaches to your bike and easily detaches so you can take it with you. I usually ride with a small Timbuktu messenger style bag (really small, it's about the size of a large book) and I carry my wallet, phone, keys and...	I find that handlebar bags are the ultimate in convenience.
Where to find good bicycle maintenance info? If there is a good book what would it be? I'm pretty sure I can find stuff on YouTube (any particular user?). Any blogs out there? <Q> A Bit More Than Basic Bicycle Maintenance for the Average Cyclist , at the <S> How to Fix Bikes Sheldon Brown's site has articles o...	The Park Tool website has instructions for most basic repair operations, and their handy bike map is great when you don't know a headset from a handlebar. Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
What kind of maintenance does a shimano dynamo hub need? I have a shimano dynamo hub on the front of my bike. Does it need any special maintenance, or maybe it needs just a little synthetic grease once a year, like a normal front hub? <Q> The common Shimano Dynamo hubs don't actually use sealed cartridge bearings, see...	I have a Schmidt dynamo hub and it is "maintenance free".
How can I get rid of I.T. Band pain caused by cycling? I have struggled for a while with Illiotibial Band pain or Illiotibial Band Friction Syndrome when cycling and running, here are some of the things that I have done to get rid of the pain: When it is inflammed: Cataflam (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory - ...	Part of the solution for me was orthotics in my shoes. I would really recommend discussing it with your doctor.
What are some good exercises to prevent knee pain? About four or so years ago, I hurt my knee on a fairly long ride (~150km or so). It was really my own fault, as I hadn't been training regularly, and I pushed myself a bit too hard. By the time I arrived home, my left knee had swollen up and was in quite a bit of pai...	When I started experiencing knee pain several years ago, I decided to do knee strengthening exercises + some stretching. The most important thing is to get the cause of the pain diagnosed so you can treat it properly. Glutes/lower back - Supine spinal twist .
Lock for extremely frequent use Are there lock products out there specifically designed for easy handling when locked unlocked dozens of times a day? I'm using a normal, chain-based lock at the moment and I'm annoyed because I'm doing constant slight damage to the frame when removing the lock from the bicycle I nee...	A trick that couriers use around my area is to carry the key on a rubber band around their wrist - no more fumbling around in the pockets for a key.

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