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Stopping interference between LED lights and wireless cycling computer My LED lights seem to be causing my wireless cycling computer to not pickup the signal (suggested by the manufacturer and verified through tests at home). What strategies/options are there for reducing the interference outside of repositioning the ...	If the lights can be easily disassembled you can try taking them apart and lining the interior with foil as well; take care not to short out the internal electronics. You could also paint the outside of the light, but it would suffer from wear.
Upgrade my Globe Vienna for commuting and distance riding, or look for a new bike? I've been cycling for about six months now, and am looking to get into some distance cycling and want to get my speed up on my commute. I currently ride a Globe Vienna and was wondering if it was worth upgrading my current bike or just...	If you want to go faster and you are interested in road cycling, buy a different bike.
How do you carry a dog on a bike? Over the years I have seen a few people transport a dog on a bike. What options have you seen? Please include a photo in your answer if possible. <Q> I just googled "Bike Dog trailer" and got tonnes of results. <S> I have heard that trailers from "WIKE" are good. <S> Here is a p...	There is also the option to mount the dog's crate onto the trailer. Get your best friend some Doggles . I've never used one of these, but these Snoozer baskets look good for small dogs:
If I'm riding on the road, and there is a red light but a walk signal in my direction, should I go? I frequently come to stop lights in which there is an all-way stop and a pedestrian signal. I always stop at such lights, but I'm wondering if I should then bike slowly across after determining that it is safe and I will...	Of course, different areas might have different laws on the matter, but the guideline is "if you're riding your bike, you're a vehicle and should obey all the same rules". In your given scenario, use due caution, motorists noticing a red light on the cross street may not expect someone in the crosswalk in front of them...
In shared bicycle/pedestrian facilities next to a road, do I obey the pedestrian or the vehicle traffic control devices? My commute takes me on a bike path that runs parallel to a road (with a sidewalk in between). When crossing other roads, the sidewalk and bike path merge, and there is one curb-cut and cross walk wit...	In the diagram above, the walk/don't walk signs line up with the bike path, so you'd follow them. I would stop and dismount, or at least slow down to walking pace.
Does it make sense to complain to companies about bad driving? On my commute in this morning I found myself in another situation where I was in conflict with another road user. (Briefly, a truck and I arrived at a roundabout at a roughly similar time, but I was into the junction marginally sooner and, crucially, had ...	In the long term it's all about sensibilization and working on developping mutual respect between drivers are cyclists.
Finding good pants for winter biking Winter is soon upon us here, and I'm gearing up for the season. I currently have a pair of rain over-pants which I use during the other 3 seasons, but honestly I really dislike them. They're baggy, requiring the use of an ankle band, and not entirely warm. They do a decent job of...	When I used to commute in Boston through the winter, I wore thick long spandex pants under my snow pants, and that, combined with the heat generated by riding, was enough to keep me warm through -5F blizzards :) I have a pair of Polartec tights from Col d'Lizard
Determining if a road is safe to bike on How do you determine which roads are safe to ride on and which should be avoided? What traffic patterns do you feel comfortable riding in, and which ones set off alarms? What sorts of intersections do you avoid? How about for nighttime riding; are the same roads safe at night, o...	If the cyclists do what a vehicle driver expects, you're much safer. But mainly your general assessment of are you comfortable ridding on that with the speed and reaction required for the surface Providing those conditions
Submitting road data to Google I have really enjoyed Google Maps cycling directions but find it lacking a lot where I live. I really want to update the maps with new/better information but I don't know the what, how, or where. What data can I submit to update Google Maps cycling data? What format does the data need ...	You can upload GPS tracks and edit the existing map data to add cycle routes or tracks
Should I buy a PVC or aluminum roller? I'm currently trying to choose between the CycleOps PVC roller and the CycleOps Aluminum roller . How big of a difference is there between them? I don't really care about riding the roller outdoors, so that difference is moot for me. <Q> How big of a difference is there betwe...	Heavier rollers are easier to ride because they have more inertia and are therefore less sensitive to the small changes in wheel speed related that occur over the course of a pedal stroke. In addition to what has already been said, aluminum rollers tend to be smoother, easier rolling, and quieter. Not having to worry a...
How much do you need to concentrate when using rollers? I'm consider getting bicycle rollers for use over winter, and I expect after the initial newness has worn off it might become boring. Can I realistically watch a DVD while using rollers? Or do they take too much concentration, and I should look at getting somethin...	Soon, you get familiar with it enough that you can use the rollers without needing to occasionally grab something for stabilization as long as you have total concentration. You'll need a bike on rollers or a trainer, some way to read the power (ie some kind of power meter on the bike or integrated into the trainer, a r...
What are the features that I should seek in cycling glasses? I am seeking eye protection for cycling. I don't know if I should buy glasses or goggles. <Q> A frame that doesn't obscure your vision at all. <S> Also, glasses that fit quite close to your face are good because they reduce the chance that a bit of mud or an ...	Polarized lenses for glare protection. Get a frame that fits your face well. Especially if you're cycling on the road, you want to be able to do a shoulder check without the frame blinkering you at all.
What is a good way to learn how to ride a bike on rollers? After seeing a few questions about rollers pop-up, such as this one , it has spiked my interest in these things again. So how do you learn how to ride on rollers? How long does it take you to get the hang of it? Is it like learning to use clipless pedals wher...	If I had learned on a pair of cylindrical rollers, I think I would have ridden off or crashed at least a few times before really getting the hang of it. Depends on your comfort level of being on a bicycle, hand eye coordination, and what kind of rollers you are riding on. I found the easiest way was to put the rollers ...
Charities that accept bike donations I have a few old-but-still-working bikes collecting dust. Instead of trashing them, I'd like to give them to a charity so they can have a new life. I figured we could make a list of charities who accept bike donations. One per post, please specify location and website (if any). <Q>...	Some very grungy bikes are taken in and lovingly restored, and the really lost causes are recycled (after stipping off any usable parts).
Do I have to simply wait for google maps to add cycling directions to my area? Or can I help? Related to this question about submitting road data to google maps . I'm curious to know if there is any way to get Google started on cycling data in my city. There are a lot of cyclists in my city, but as it is located outsi...	You can now participate in updating Google Maps to the point of adding streets and updating information, using Google Map Maker .
Is a leather saddle appropriate for all-weather riding? In our climate, it rains pretty steadily for 3 seasons. Would a leather saddle (like a Brooks) be appropriate for my bike, or should I look for a different material? <Q> Treat the topside with Proofide every 6-12 months and keep the underside dry (fenders, wedge b...	So if you get a new Brooks and have fenders, your saddle won't even be exposed to water while riding in the rain. I've used a Brooks saddle in a similar climate (Vancouver, BC) without any major issues.
How can I tell if a helmet will be comfortable before buying? Barring taking a helmet on a 50-mile ride before buying it: Some kinds of chin straps, for example, won't stay tight, and some kinds of cages aren't comfortable no matter how I adjust them. What should I look for? This isn't a product recommendation quest...	If you feel any pressure points or hot spots, you then need to determine if that will be alleviated by the little bits of foam included with most helmets, or if you need a different size or model of helmet.
Do Pros use compact cranksets? Do pro riders use compact cranksets for hilly races? I'm trying to determine if switching to a compact double will mean I don't have the top end speed to be competitive in higher levels of racing (I'm not a pro racer) and unfortunatly I haven't been able to find information on the setup o...	And, the top sprinters and their leadout trains are ungodly fast, and they actually can use a 53x11 to good effect. As already mentioned, pros will use compact cranks on serious climbing courses. Contador used a compact and a large, I think 30-something rear cog, on l'Angliru in the 2009 Vuelta a Espana.
Cycling uphill on a road - sitting or standing on pedals? When cycling uphill on a road, what are the pros and cons of cycling while standing up on pedal versus sitting on saddle? <Q> You're most efficient sitting with a cadence between 80 - 100 (faster if you can do it) <S> so it's recommended that you stay seated as ...	You are also using a lot of energy to hold the bike stable while you change from side to side & as well as wasting energy through the extra flexing of the frame, cranks & pedals.
How should a bicycle helmet fit? I see enough folks wearing helmets in such a manner that they might as well not be. What is the proper way to fit & wear a bicycle helmet? <Q> This image has kicked around the net for a while - IDK what the original source was: <S> Otherwise, I second the guidance and link provided ...	First, buy a helmet of a size that fits your head (you should not be able to put a finger between your head and helmet).
Fixed-gear vs single-speed for clipless pedals I currently ride a single-speed bike with a flip-flop hub, both for my daily commute and for pleasure/exercise a couple nights a week. I've decided to pick up my first set of clipless pedals and shoes. I've never used toe-clips of any kind or ridden a fixed-gear so I'm cur...	By the time you can track stand consistently (btw, you can learn to do this on a freewheel bike, too), you will have mastered clipless pedals and you'll be able to clip and unclip very quickly.
Is it possible to fit a chain guard to a bike with derailleur gears? I've been slowly going through the process of converting my old hardtail mountain bike into a commuting bike. One of the things that I'd like to do is to fit a chain guard so that I can ride the bike while wearing long trousers and not have to worry a...	SKS Germany - a company that make great bike products, including the fenders that I put on two of my bikes, make a product called the Chainboard - a chain guard designed to accommodate front derailleurs. You can DIY a solution if you need to.
Why is my chain so noisy after cleaning and lubricating? I have recently gotten into commuting to work with a road bike. Once a month or so I will degrease, clean, and lubricate the chain. I change through all the gears to distribute the lubricant and wipe any excess from the chain when I am done. The problem is tha...	After you cycle for a while those particles either fall out or get crushed into finer particles and thus the noise goes away. For cleaning the chain and derailleur, I use an old tooth brush. It sounds as if the lubricant is not yet properly distributed when you start cycling.
What is a good sandal type of cycling shoe for summer riding? I am looking forward to the southern summer and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good sandal style cycling shoe (I have SPD pedals)? <Q> I bought a pair of Northwave Shark shoes this year which are SPD compatible and used them in the short British s...	There are several companies that make sandals which are SPD compatible, even Shimano!
Oiling bike frame to keep it cleaner? A friend recommended that I take an oily cloth (with regular motor oil or such) and wipe down the entire surface of my mountain bike frame. He claims that it's easier to hose off after, and it actually keeps cleaner. It seems counter-intuitive to me, as I think the dirt would just ...	Leaving a (very) thin oil layer will keep water from reaching any pits or cracks and turning to rust. A bucket of soapy water and a sponge or a cloth will do the job just fine.
Is it possible to put a chain on without removing the rear wheel? I have a bike with a single chainring up front and an internal hub and a coaster brake in the rear. (For those unfamiliar with this setup, it's essentially like having a single-speed bike in that the chain is exactly as long as need be, and tension on ...	If your chain doesn't have 2mm of play, but isn't too tight, a master link that snaps off the side (like the first one pictured in the terminology index) should work.
Finding a rattle in my bike I recently installed a rear luggage rack and washed my bike, and now I get a buzzing rattle when I ride over bumps in the road, independent of whether I happen to be pedaling at the time. It sounds like it's coming from somewhere below me as I'm riding, which probably indicates somewhere bet...	Take your bike on your side, lift the rear wheel and let it fall from a short height, many times, while trying to find the noise; Pull the bike along an irregular surface (rocky) and try to figure out the source of noise; Grab the bike by the handlebars, brake rear wheel and lift front wheel until the bike stands. You ...
Shoes for oddly shaped feet I have somewhat oddly shaped feet; They're very wide and my big toe on either foot points slightly inwards. Shoes with pointed toes generally cause me a lot of pain, so finding a road shoe has been somewhat difficult. Typically, I buy shoes that are slightly too big, and I'm wondering how t...	The standard insoles seem to be fine for my feet, but if you have more specialized needs you could get a fitted set (I'd imagine that might cost a lot though).
Larger tires on a road bike I am curious if anyone has put larger tires (mountainish) on their road bike. I am thinking about doing this to do some riding on gravel roads/touring/commuting from rural areas. I have an older steel Norco. How rough can I ride this with bigger tires without damaging the bike? (Purely j...	On a road bike, odds are high that you can put a slightly larger (say, go from 25mm to 30mm) tire but not a hugely larger tire. If you decide to change yours, follow freiheit advice or go pay a visit to a local bicycle shop.
How can I improve my pedal stroke? I know a part of biking endurance and speed come from having a perfect pedal stroke. What should I do to improve my pedal stroke? <Q> Pushing down on the pedals is a natural thing. <S> So to improve the "roundness" of your pedal stroke, completely ignore the down-stroke, instead focus...	If you pedal stroke is smooth and efficient, you will get more power to the wheels with less effort. On the up-stroke, focus on driving your knee upwards toward the handlebar.
How can I stop my feet/shins getting soaked/muddy when cycling offroad in the winter? I went for a ride last weekend around some forrest trails, it was particulary muddy with lots of puddles, and was also raining at the time. I've got a good set of mudguards, so my back was reasonably clean The only part that really ...	Neoprene socks (look for ones called SealSkinz) are recommended by some for very wet and cold weather. The stiff sole, when used on a spiky platform, provides excellent pressure distribution, as if the platform of the pedal was way larger Ankle protection in a possible fall I just hose them off when I clean my bike at ...
Are rusting screws a sign of cheap/bad material? I noticed rusting screws at a ~ 1 year old bike and rusting screws at another bike after a few months, where the screws were part of a replacement (front gear ring package). Both bikes were usually placed in rain protected places when possible. Thus the question: Is th...	The rust on stainless steel behaves like a coating that prevents further oxidation. The good thing about screws is that they can be easily replaced.
What should I look for in a cycling jersey? Time has come to refresh the wardrobe a little, and the old woollen cycling jerseys need some young blood to compete against. What should I be looking for in a modern cycling top? Is lycra used anymore? Does the cut of the jersey (other than being tight) have any effect? <...	One essential feature I have learned to appreciate in cycling jerseys is a tight fit around my neck, preferably with a zipper. Make sure that the length in back is long enough to cover your lower back when you're riding in an aggressive position.
Are slick tires worth it for commuting? I commute to work on a Marin San Rafael on roads over a mix of flat to steep roads. My bike came with "700 x 35c with Puncture Protection" semi-slick tires: In the bike shed at work I noticed another bike had slick tires, without any tread. After doing a little research onlin...	A high pressure slick on the rear will cut down friction, but you can keep a lower pressure one at the front for better grip and comfort. Yes, definitely -- if you're riding on mostly paved roads, switch to bald-ish tires.
When and how tight should you adjust your clipless pedals? I'm new to clipless pedals. I got some Shimano ones, with Specialized MTB shoes. They are an SPD clipless pedal, and the shop adjusted them as loose as they go to unclip from them. My questions are: How tight should I adjust them? I'm not unclipping unexpecte...	If you're having trouble clipping in/out then loosen the tension until you can easily clip in/out when you need to. If you are a mountain biker and you use this bike to alternate between cross country and commuting rides, then I personally would tighten the clips before doing any lengthy or technical offroad rides.
Is it ever legal in the USA not to have two brakes on a bike? When using a bike on a road in the USA, is it ever legal not to have separate brakes on the front and back wheels? <Q> Many places have adopted the Uniform Vehicle Code language . <S> It currently states: 12-706. <S> Brake required Every bicycle shall be...	No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. It depends on the state , and some states have bizarre wordings.
Why don’t fixed gear bikes have brakes? It seems to be assumed you will not have any brakes on a fixed gear bike, why? <Q> The reason is historical. <S> Fixed gear bikes have been traditionally used for track racing, long after most other bikes had switched to using freewheels. <S> In the high-speed velodrome envir...	A track bike has no brakes because braking would cause a pile up.
Sandals in the winter? Other winter footwear options? I used Shimano cycling sandals during the summer months here in the Chicago, Illinois area. I'm wondering if I can use these during the cold winter months also or if different shoes are required. In favor of continuing to use the sandals, I could add SealSkinz and...	Another solution which works quite well are neoprene socks which you can wear directly over your feet, or over a few layers of socks.
what to do during the week before a century? I'm planning to do a century ride in the near future, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do in the week leading up to the ride (besides training - duh). I was thinking inspecting your bike, carbo loading, etc? What to eat? How to sleep? Should I be riding at all?...	Feel free to ride, but go for less distance and intensity than you normally would. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat about normally, and ride less -- mostly just enough to stretch your legs, with maybe one semi-hard ride to tire you out somewhat. Check that your brakes still work properly. Stay well-hydrated.
Repairing a bent bike frame, is it worth it? I have a bike with an incredibly bent frame. The bike itself I have tried to replace with other inexpensive bixes, but this one just had a certain geometry that I keep wanting to resurrect it. It is one of those give-away Schwinn Firenze GL 5000 road bikes from the 80's ....	I agree with the other posters: Bending back will probably not work, because every bending act weakens the metal (less for steel than for light alloy, but still).
Difference between 650c and 700c wheels? I've seen triathalon setups with either 650c or 700c wheels. What are the pros and cons behind both wheel sizes? <Q> They are primarily used for high-performance road bikes for smaller riders. <S> 650c wheels are designed to address that. <S> Smaller riders can also have road ...	Some touring bikes will have 650's even in larger size frames for this reason--if you need a new tire in Romania, it may be eaisier to find 650's than 700's. There comes a point where a proper fitting frame for a smaller rider will have strange handling using 700c wheels. Less weight, less inertia.
What size are the nuts holding the front wheel? I am trying to install a front wheel on a bike - the axle of the wheel is threaded, but I'm having trouble finding out what size thread it is, and what nut can go on this. The size of the thread on the axle is the same as an 8 mm screw, but a standard M8 nut (with 13 mm h...	Assuming that the thread on the axle that you are trying to fit a nut is metric, you need to be aware that with metric threads there are 3 different pitches on every size. FWIW 8x1.25 is the (coarse) default for M8, but 8x1 and even 8x0.75 are allowed as the "fine" pitches by ISO 262. Some threads are also used almost ...
Bicycle innovations in the pipeline? The (road) bike I bought 25 years ago is very similar to my current bike. (The derailleur on my new bike adjusts exactly the same way). The materials of my current bike are vastly different than the old one. Other than that it's all the same. What are upcoming bicycle innovations, ...	I think current trends in simpler bikes with cleaner lines might help popularize (thus bringing the price down) wide-range internal gear hubs like the Rohloff hub . There is a drive shaft bike available.
How do I change a road bike into a commuter bike? I have a road bike that I commute to work on, just a 9km trip each way. I also have some tightness in my lower back, especially since I usually sit in front of a computer screen. My wife wants me to change my road bike set up so that I am no longer bent over when ridi...	Remember that any changes you make to the stack and reach of your handle bars may require you to make other adjustments to your seat and seat post. Another thing to try is some back/core strengthening exercises. You may find that you have some spacers on the steerer tube above your stem that you can move below it to ra...
What headset/radio products exist for bike-to-bike communication? I commute to work by bike, sometimes I share the journey with a co-worker. The problem is because of the wind and distance between the bikes, it's very hard to hear what the other person says. It would be great to have some kind of hands-free radio he...	FRS/GMRS radios with VOX and a good headset that will fit under a bicycle helmet should be a more cost effective solution, but I suspect you might have to try a couple of radios and headsets combinations until you get a setup that works will for VOX and bike helmets. A radio with VOX adjustments would be highly desirab...
How to weight pedals? I have some odd kind of track pedals on my bike. I believe they are clipless pedals; but for description, on one side they are flat and comfortable to pedal with. On the other side there is a raised hump in the middle that is a bit difficult to hop into the pedals quickly for fear of one's foot sl...	My goal was to add a weight to one of the bottom side weights of just the right weight to flip the pedal to normally sit with the toe clip on top. I determined the approximate weight that I needed by attaching some small spring clips.
Are bananas still a good food to carry when cycling? I am very much an old school cyclist and I always carry a banana with me when I go on rides longer than an hour. In the past I have found them ideal - they easily fit in my jersey pockets, the wrapping is biodegradable (if I accidentally drop it when riding), high s...	The banana is rich in carbohydrate - an important source of energy for athletes and has significantly higher levels than any other fruit.
How fast do you need to be going to get an effective slipstream on a bike? How fast do you need to be going to get an effective slipstream on a bike? <Q> It depends. <S> I don't know of any scientific research to support an actual speed. <S> The main factors are the speed of the wind that you are riding in, and the s...	If there is a raging head wind then virtually any speed will find you having a noticeable advantage in the slipstream. The third factor of distance is not as important I feel, provider you are within one to two feet and are not going at top racing speeds.
How to remove a crank arm with stripped threads? A friend called me up yesterday after a mis-adventure during his attempt at a bottom bracket overhaul. He stripped out the threads on the (left) crank arm while using a Park crank puller. In a pinch, we rented an automotive gear puller but could not get enough purchase f...	Otherwise many shops have basically a slightly larger crank puller for addressing this issue, where they chase out a larger set of threads, then use the larger puller to get it off. The idea is to heat and expand the crank arm but not the shaft. You can also try to tap the arm with a ballpeen hammer while holding a sec...
What should I look for in a "trailer bike"/"tag-along" bike for a child? My daughter is growing fast, and will soon be too big for the child seat that is on the back of my bike. She is not yet ready to ride on the road, so I am thinking of purchasing a "tag-along" bike. What features should I look for, and are there ...	Tag-along trailers are nice because they allow your child to PARTICIPATE in what we all know is a great experience--a bike ride. "extra fork" when folded can be secured against "rear fork" of the bigger bike
Why/How should I bed in disc brake pads? Why should I bed in my disc brake pads and what's the best way to do it? <Q> Bedding in brakes removes any glaze from your new pads, and any contamination from your disc rotors. <S> It also transfers material from the pads onto the rotors, which helps them work together. <S> It'...	The best way to bed brakes in is NOT by slamming them on, but rather by applying firm, even pressure to the brakes which will help ensure they bed in correctly. It will vary based on the pad's materials/design.
How can I be visible in the dark when I'm signalling a turn? My bike and I are fairly visible at night--white light in front, red light in the back, bright yellow fenders, reflective tabs and a light on my helmet. I use hand signals to alert motorists when I'm turning... but I don't think they can see my hands in the ...	Also using a good reflective jacket that has good reflective strips down the arms is useful.
Night Riding With Heavy Traffic I live in a fairly urban setting and there are plenty of cars around when it gets past dark. The main point of having a bicycle light/backlight (I contend) is not for you to see, its for others to see you. Besides just using lights, there are plenty of other reflective Doohickeys tha...	As you say, this is just more urban lights, but a bike light--especially if it is blinking--does make you more visible. At night in urban traffic, I seriously ramp up alertness . .It's often helpful to ride in such a way that motorists won't hit you even if they don't see you. Also, drivers in the city typically are mo...
What's the real difference between cheap and expensive helmets? Is there any real difference between the cheap and expensive cycling helmets? Is it really worth buying a helmet at say 3 or 4 times the price of a cheap helmet? Will that helmet really give you 3 or 4 times more protection? <Q> No, usually expensive helme...	The more expensive helmets are generally sculpted and designed to have more ventilation, be lighter, be more adjustable, be more comfortable, but ultimately, do you trust them to do the job.
What should one eat while cycling? What should a bicyclist make sure to eat before and after riding a bike? <Q> <A> Chris's answer is good if you are planning for some serious training/ride. <S> IMHO, if you ride just a few Kms there's not even need for a particular diet, as long as it's mixed and well balanced. ...	Bananas and as I need at least 15 characters, don't forget to eat bananas during your ride as well. plenty of complex carbs is good before a long ride. You want something that is going to release plenty of energy over the course of the ride. "a rare steak is a good breakfast for what lies ahead" "A Sunday in Hell" Roge...
How do I use the plastic backing on patches? It seems that the patches I buy for fixing inner tubes come in one of 2 types. Both have metal foil on the stick-to-tube side. One has paper on the other side, the other plastic. With the paper ones I can peel off the foil, glue them down, wait a minute, then split the pape...	Peeling from the centre of the patch seems to be the best way to remove the film but this will require cutting an "X" in the centre............... Before even gluing the patch on, I score a small X crosshatch cut in the center of the plastic backing with a sharp tool (but gently, without damaging the patch, obviously)....
Do I need to buy a special stand for my front wheel when using my turbo trainer? I have seen available special "stands" (please tell me the correct terminology) to be placed under the front wheel when using a turbo trainer. I normally just put a copy of the phone directory down on the floor, opened in the middle to ho...	My trainer came with the appropriate front stand.
How do you know when you need to add more air in the tires? How much air is too little and you should add more for the safety and ease of your bike ride? <Q> Look on the sidewalls of your tires, and you should see a recommended pressure range. <S> If your tires are outside that range, you need more air. <S> The lower e...	If you find it difficult to hold your line in a turn because your tires are not firm enough (in extreme cases the tire will roll off), you should increase the pressure. Once you are familiar with how that pressure range feels, you can either head off for your ride or add air. If you are riding every day, you probably w...
Is a "run-bike" equivalent to a bmx bike with no drivetrain? My son is about to turn two and he really likes the Skuut Balance Bike , but is this functionally any different than a small Bmx bike with no drivetrain? Update Specifically, is a run-bike designed to be easier to balance (e.g. by changing the distributio...	The answer is 'yes', given that a 'run bike' is defined by wikipedia as any bike without a drivetrain or training wheels.
Will a bicycle trailer damage my (steel) bicycle? I have a rhode gear trailer with a 100 lb capacity, similar to the burley and other brands, that attaches to the left chainstay (see image of hitch below). I currently have it attached to my heavy-duty commuter, and I am not concerned with any adverse effects that it mi...	A trailer with a 100# capacity fully loaded over the axle is unlikely to cause significant damage to your bicycle frame--even using the attachment device shown for the Rhode Gear trailer, above.
How deep does snow have to be before it becomes unrideable? I was going to go for an off road ride in the snow this weekend but I chickened out. Partly because it was cold but mainly because I have no experience riding in snow and wasn't sure whether I would get more than 10 metres from my house. So this got me thinki...	With just a few inches of solid snow and some criss-crossing tire tracks, it can be nearly impossible to ride at any significant speed. Deep and heavy gets to be problematic.
What is the stopping force of your average road bike? Does anyone have any data on the stopping force of a modern road bike ? IE when a road biker slams on the brakes the force applied to the ground is x.xxx Newtons (or lbf). Another way to ask would be if anyone has any speed vs stopping distance vs rider weight dat...	Beck Forensics have figures (pdf), peaking at about 0.5g for a MTB on flat concrete.
When are studded tires necessary? Aside from racing or riding across a frozen pond, under what conditions do you find studded tires useful? I have never used them, and the worst I have had to do is take a day off when it is really nasty and icy. Maybe some climates or landscapes are more prone to the spontaneous forma...	Studded tires would have helped during the week or two of thawing when we had water on top of ice.
Is there a All-In-One Bike that I can use for several types of riding? Is there a bike, which can be used for several types of riding? By this, I am referring to commutes, tours, cross country, off-road mountain biking, trailing especially. The bike should contain the major quality of several specifically designed bik...	That's a pretty broad question, but my personal take is that if you want one bike that will do anything a cyclocross bike isn't a bad idea. I have a second set of old wheels/tread tires that I can stick on if I'm planning on going across very rough terrain.
How to descend mountain roads? What skills and techniques are required to descending at high speeds while maintaining control of the bicycle? How does this change when the roads are wet or have gravel in them? <Q> Whilst I come from a mountain bike background so my advice might be different from someone with a road bac...	And in gravel, take it slow - it's just not worth taking risks because you can lose the front wheel without any warning. If you have to brake through the corner, only use the back brake. The best way to lean to descend mountain roads is to follow someone who knows the road and has carbon rims.
Single speed conversion chain keeps derailing rear cog under load? The chain on my SS mt bike keeps coming off the rear cog under load (like when I hit a steep hill) it will hold right after it's tightened but after a few hills it starts coming off non-stop. Talked to the LBS they so far are just telling me to tighten ...	If your front and rear cogs are inline, the most likely reason that it keeps popping off is that the chain is not tight enough.
Damaged rim or just the tube valve? I had a flat on the way to work today. Not really earth shattering, it was about 5 miles in, only a short walk until the office, where I could fix it in comfort. But walking the bike, I noticed an odd behaviour. The flat was on the front wheel, and I noticed that once per revoluti...	A flat tire will rarely damage the rim unless you hit a rather large pothole which resulted in a pinch flat. If there is shredded metal inside, you need new berrings or a new hub. Depending on the company of bike, they may warranty it. To check if the berrings are dammaged, you simply unscrew the axel nuts in order to ...
How to keep the pants from getting dirty If it is wet, not necessarily pouring rain, it is easy to get the bottom of the pants and the shoes dirty. My tires have protective plates fenders, yet it is not enough. If there a way to avoid that? <Q> Protective plates? <S> You mean Fenders/Mudguards ? <S> I can think o...	I have a pair of yellow rain pants that I put on over my regular pants when cycling in the rain. A front fender that's wider than the tire with a stay (rod) going back for support that hugs the tire fairly closely and extends down to the height of the bottom bracket is ideal. And for your shoes, you can get overshoes t...
Should I oil my seat post? In a previous question I asked how to remove rust from my seat tube/post. In the comments of one answer somebody said I should be oiling my seat post to prevent it from rusting into my seat tube, but I'm concerned this will cause the tube to slip when jarred. Should I be applying a thin ...	If you have trouble with a slipping seatpost (like me), carbon grease is what you need. Heavy, water-proof grease is a good idea.
Night cycling: Is it worth using electroluminescent wire? It's currently winter in the UK, so for my commete to and from work I need lights and reflective surfaces for safety. I've read about local people losing their lives cycling, so I don want to make myself as visible and safe as possible. I currently have: Lighti...	As a driver the best features especially in town are flashing LEDs front and rear, reflective ankle bands (these work from any angle) and relflectors attached to the bike wheels. Car drivers are often blinded by other vehicles lights and even some poorly positioned or shielded security lights.
Frozen suspension in the winter Winter is coming! Last season I put my road bike in the garage and just rode my mountain bike all winter. Something strange happened: my suspension fork froze. When spring came everything unfroze and was a-ok. Questions: Should my fork freeze when it is cold outside? Do you like ha...	Cold temperatures effect oil and elastomers but have no real affect on the other types of springs and dampers. You might want to use a suspension if the road you use is particularly bad. The cause is in the plastic slider (liner) sitting between the outer and inner stanchions (legs) of the fork.
Should I grease a carbon fiber seat post? I was reading a recent question when I saw this answer : You should absolutely grease your seatpost (unless it is carbon fiber). Why should I NOT grease a carbon fiber seat post? <Q> As the person who made that claim, the reason is that allegedly some greases can attack...	You can get carbon seat post specific grease, it's designed to reduce the clamping pressure that is needed to hold the seat post in place and prevent it either sticking or slipping.
Listening to audio without obstructing ears I'm looking for a way to listen to my audiobooks while commuting without obstructing my ears. One (rather expensive) option appears to be the Tunebug Shake (a Bluetooth turn-your-helmet-into-a-speaker gizmo); however, I'm hesitant to spend $120 on a device made by a company ...	These look like an excellent solution: earbuds
Is taking a bike TRAILER on SF Bay Area Rapid Transit permitted? My partner and I were considering purchasing a Burley Travoy (http://www.burley.com/products/cargo-utilities/travoy.cfm). We thought we might do this because we like to get groceries at Rainbow in San Francisco sometimes, though we live across the Bay in...	The only additonal restriction would simply be extra awareness, as you will be using more space then a regular bike, and to avoid crowded trains, even if it is not during the restricted hours. So, during low demand periods, you're probably ok if your trailer and bike are detached and compact as possible. So, first thin...
How to carry a concealed firearm on a bike? For those of you that happen to cycle through rough neighborhoods and are able to do concealed carry of firearms... Wondering what you wear to conceal them that works well while cycling. Obviously the standard cycling outfit isn't going to do any good whatsoever... Various...	Using an inside-the-waistband holster will suit you well.
What's the most efficient riding style for losing weight? I plan on setting up my bicycle with one of those devices that holds the rear tire and gives some resistance so I can exercise through the winter. I think it's called a bicycle trainer. When using one of those for weight loss: Is it better to ride for a long t...	So if you sprint, on a higher resistance, with higher cadence, then your heart rate will be higher and you'll burn more - but you'll be able to maintain it for less time. You'll need a heart rate monitor and a means to test yourself .
How to prevent my hub body from freezing? In the winter, as soon as its gets a little bit below 0°C, after 10-15 minutes the body of my rear hub gets frozen. This means the pedals/chain do not have any grip anymore on the rear wheel, the pleasure is over, and the walking begins. Peeing over the cassette helps for anoth...	The freehub needs to be disassembled, the factory grease cleaned out of it and regreased with a winter weight grease.
What is the actual width of a Panaracer Pasela tire? Not unlike other brands, I've heard that older Panaracer Pasela tires ran slim when compared to their advertised width, probably a marketing ploy to get the weight down for its size - but I've also heard and read (on the internets..) that recent production has chan...	One thing that might be a factor in determining the correct tire width (for any tire) is the rim width.
Can I convert a road frame to a mountain bike? Some years ago, I picked up a Cannondale R3000 and moved all the components to my current bike as an exercise in bike building, never repeated (in fairness, the Cannondale fit me a little better but my beautiful 1998 Klein has such a sweet, sweet paint job...). I've been p...	Despite what I said about strength in relation to proper mountain biking, road bikes are surprisingly strong provided the forces are applied to them in the way the bike is designed. You won't be able to fit wide enough tyres to give you decent grip, and punctures are likely to be a problem. I'd suggest trying ebay with...
Is a 51cm frame road bike the correct size for someone almost 6ft? Looking for some advice on my first road bike. I've had my eye on a Carerra Virtuoso for about 6 months now, they haven't budged from £350, however I've just spotted one on ebay second hand. None of my local stores have this bike in stock, otherwi...	Your leg, arm and torso lengths all have an effect on how well any bike will fit you From the website: Large bottom bracket to top tube = 51cm which is equivalent to our standard 58cm frame 51cm sounds too small for you; 58cm might be ok or it could be too big. Someone nearing 6' should be on a 54-57cm frame, depending...
Does inseam of pants convert to stand over height of a bike? If I know my jeans size, for instance 32", 32", can I convert this into an estimate for standover height on a bike? <Q> This might not be a very good place to start from when sizing a bicycle. <S> Your feet go all the way to the floor. <S> Inseam is spe...	Your inseam measurement is from the top of the crotch (top inseam point) to the BOTTOM SIDE OF THE ANKLE (lowest inseam point). Depending on the bike, you will also want to consider handle-bar width, crank-arm length, etc. Don't plan to buy a bike off of the internet because it has the right stand-over! As @darkcanuck ...
Are there brands that sell weather-resistant chains? I have to bike in bad weather and especially at work i have no way to store my bike in a dry place, this means that my bike chain picks up rust like nothing else, forcing me to clean it a lot. Now i'm wondering whether there are any brands of chains that are made for...	Depending on the drive-train, you can get Shimano or SRAM chains at places like Nashbar or Performance Bike, but even top-of-the-line, expensive chains will get rusty if they're out in the rain all the time. I think you shoud use some midrange drivetrain components for the winter period and replace them in spring with ...
Is fluorescent clothing effective? I read recently that fluorescent clothing was not effective at all at night. If this is the case, how effective is it during the day, and should I stop buying tops that are fluorescent to use on my daily commute? <Q> There are several terms around this subject. <S> A key thing here...	To be seen day, dusk and night you need something that is fluorescent and reflective.
How do you deal with flats in the winter? I was lucky last winter I went the entire winter without getting a flat. I attribute it mostly to: sharp items on the road being hidden under snow and ice less agressive riding resulting in no blow out flats I am curious how other people deal with flats in the winter. A...	In colder weather (at or around freezing) I ride with thin liner gloves inside cold weather gloves and I find I can change a tyre with them still on; this both keeps the fingers slightly less cold, but also a little cleaner.
Will my road bike fit in the racks on a public transit bus now that I have put fenders on it? I ride to work most days. If I'm getting a cold or something, I sometimes hop on the bus. I save no time by riding the bus, so I rarely do it. About a month ago, I installed Planet Bike full-coverage plastic fenders on my...	On some of the 3-bike racks it's difficult to get the arm over the tire in the middle rack, but the fender isn't really a problem; usually I can just move it to the front rack if it happens to be one of those busses.
Best place to shop for parts in Canada (used parts) What is the best place to buy bike components that will ship to Canada? I would prefer a Canadian company or someone who ships within Canada to avoid large shipping costs and inport duty. I am especially interested in buying used components. Right now I am intere...	If you want to buy locally, and you're looking for uncommon parts or an uncommon bicycle, try a Google web search.
Why would hydraulic disk-brakes become sluggish in cold winter? Just an incident or due to the cold? Related question , I haven't bled the brakes (again a possible error). I bought the bike as second-hand and the seller said that the mineral oil cannot be the problem. He said that the mineral oil in the brakes is one...	It could also be a problem of some product having been applied to the disk, for example: lubricant. The reason to bleed air out of the system is that air compresses very nicely, thank you, unlike a liquid, and so destroys the hydraulic principle in use.
What should my first adult bike have? I bike a lot and I'm looking to spend £400-800 on a full size bike. It must have full suspension, detachable front wheel, preferably room for a minipump and a large water bottle (without using the far bottom side of the frame). I see this is close to a discussion, but I think there...	Getting the right frame is the most important thing, as it affects everything else, and is the hardest to change. Start with a used bike . Look for one that has been stored out of the rain, and where the wheels don't wobble when you spin them. You can get a good quality hard-tail for that price range that might suit yo...
Alternatives to trailers for transporting young children A representative in Oregon has recently introduced a bill that would prohibit children under the age of six from riding in bicycle trailers . While it is far too early to tell whether this bill will pass, and what the final law would look like if it did, I am ...	There's child seats that mount on a bike rack behind you child seats that mount on the handlebars in front of you Coolest option is a bucket bike (long wheelbase with a big box built in).
How do I separate hydraulic disc brake pads after pulling the brake while the wheel is off? I take the front wheel off my mountain bike to get it in my car. When I get it out and try to put the front wheel back on, the space between the brake pads isn't wide enough for the rotor. Whoops! I must have pulled the lever on...	As mentioned try a blunt bladed instrument (A large flat blade screwdriver will do) to pry the pads back in.
What are compact cranks? In overheard in a post ride discussion this morning about wanting a set of compact cranks. My search on bicycles.se has only found this question with them in the title, but the answers don't mention exactly what they are. Are they similar to the old biopace cranks? <Q> They probably weren'...	It's a crankset that allows the use of smaller chainrings e.g 110mm rather than the more common 130 mm.
What kind of tires should I buy for an e-bike, commuting on maintained off-road? I need to buy a new front tire for my new e-bike. Let me give you a few of the conditions I'll be riding in, and I'd like your advice. First of all, this bike is primarily going to be used to commute to work. I live near an airport, and m...	In general, the softer the ground, the bigger the tire should be. I had Marathon Plus tires on an ebike and these worked quite well and balanced grip with rolling resistance/low wear (front wheel drive, 20").
How do I make my rim brakes stop squealing? My rear rim brakes are squeaking loudly. I don't know what the problem is, but I am sure it has nothing to do with rain because it happens all the time even if it is dry. Anybody have an idea what could be problem and how to solve it? It makes the rear brakes kind of useless...	It is possible to reduce squeal by having the leading edge of the brake pad strike first. You can try rubbing it down with sandpaper or just wait for it to wear down... hence why the talc works! I put a little baby power in palm of hand, take finger, dab in powder and rub some on the rim, each side.
I've got numerous bikes, bike frames, wheels, etc.that I'd like to donate I have many old bikes, parts, specific tools, etc. Where can I give them to? <Q> The best option would be to find a local bicycle co-op and offer them the parts. <S> (They would probably welcome bikes, rims, and tools.) <S> You may not be n...	If you've tried all of the charities and bike co-ops in your area and are still left with a pile of parts, you could try offering them (free or for a nominal charge) to the bike hackers over on the Atomic Zombie Forums (or somewhere similar).
Is there a recycling program that accepts unrepairable inner tubes? The local bike shop, not the wealthiest operation, has a pile of dead inner tubes growing on the floor. I'd love to discover something where used inner tubes are repurposed, melted down, made into something else. Similar to how e-waste is harvested and...	MEC in Canada accept dead inner tubes and tires, so i'm guessing REI in the states also will
How can I make a weather-proof bike? Suppose want to park my bike outdoors all the time. Conventional wisdom is that you should park a bike under cover, but suppose that's not an option. What should you do? Maybe sealed cartridge bearings would be better than cone-and-cup? Maybe belt- or shaft-drive, or at least a f...	As icc97 has recommended , a stainless steel chain might be helpful, but replacing a chain is very inexpensive if you do it regularly. A chain guard isn't a bad idea, but a lot of the gunk that gets caught in the drivetrain is kicked up by the tires.
I often get a sore neck when riding. How can I adjust the setup of my bike to help prevent this happening? Quite often if I'm riding for longer than about an hour I get a sore neck. I assume that I can make some adjustment to my mountain bike to help prevent or reduce the soreness, but I don't know what. Can anyone hel...	Either stop to stretch or learn how to some basic stretches while riding. Suspension (either rear or a sprung saddle/seatpost) can help here too. Try riding in a chin down using the top of your eyes or focusing up a little with your chin down.
How can I get started building a bicycle? Now that I've been riding a while, I'm interested in building my own bike. In this case, it will be a bike for commuting and getting around town. It will probably be a flipflop fixie/single gear, but the kind of bike isn't important to this question. What resources (books, w...	And of course a friendly local bike shop. The same couple who run the Atomic Zombie site also have a couple of bike building books out: Bike, Scooter, and Chopper Projects for the Evil Genius First, get yourself a decent torque wrench with allen head bits in all the sizes you use for bike parts. My main resources for p...
Should I feel self-conscious wearing cycling shorts to school? I cycle to school and intend to wear my new Lycra shorts for my commute as they are much more comfortable. But I want to know if I will look dumb wearing the tight shorts, as my legs are only average and I'm only 15, and also if it will be weird stripping d...	Wear some non-Lycra shorts/tracksuit bottoms over the top of your Lycra ones if you are self conscious about them. As far as changing in the locker room, that should be fine. Simply put, you shouldn't wearing cycling clothing to school unless your commute to school is really far.
29" wheels - what advantage do they provide over smaller wheels? I was wondering what advantages 29" wheels give. From what I understand they are well suited to mountain biking. Are they any use on road bikes perhaps? <Q> Regarding road bikes, the 29" rim size is actually the same as standard 700c wheels used on road b...	Considering that weight reduction is a major focus of road bikes, and rolling over obstacles is not a great need, I don't see 29 inch wheels catching on for road bikes. They also tend to keep momentum better, since the weight is farther from the axle.

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