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Removing lubricant from the rear brake and rim? I accidentally got lube on my rear brake (v-brake) and my stopping power seems diminished. What is the best way to get it off the brake pads and the rims? <Q> Clean them. <S> I'd avoid using any sort of solvent, as it would be bad for the pads and might simply make thin...	You could also lightly sand the brake pads to get rid of the contamination.
What parts of a bike could potentially be harmed by degreaser? I'v been using citrus degreaser to clean my bikes for years. I usually get a gallon jug of it from the auto parts store, and it lasts a long time. I use it for cleaning the drivtrain, either using a chain cleaner or by soaking the chain overnight. I've used...	It has the risk of drying-out leather and rubber, but is very useful for cleaning parts--and especially useful for rinsing degreaser off of things such as chains (it also evaporates and leaves them dry--ideal for re-lubricating). The one I use that I have found is called Hillyard Citrus Scrub.
Can chain-slap cause damage to a chainstay that is beyond superficial? Yesterday a coworker insisted electrical tape on his chainstay was necessary, as "[he] gets so much chain slap [he's] literally snapped frames". Now there's a couple dubious aspects to this--but my question is simply: can chain slap result in struc...	Eventually chain slap would wear away the paint on a steel frame and allow it to corrode through (if left out in the weather). If you have aluminum , stainless steel or another relatively non-corrosive metallic frame, no amount of beating with a chain is going to cause the thing to break. Composite frame manufacturers ...
How to use drop handlebars properly? This might seem like a really basic question, but there's no harm in asking. I've never had a bicycle with drop handlebars. I've always had sort of standard horizontal bars with only one hand position, which is on the rubber grips. I'm outgrowing the bike I have now, and thinking of...	The drops are ideal for sprinting on flat ground or getting aero on descents. You can use the hoods for out of the saddle climbing more effectively than the drops.
What belt-drive compatible frame and belt-drive kit would you recommend? I would like to build a custom belt-drive bike for my daily commute. I am looking for a frame and a belt-drive kit for a total budget of about 500$. I ride all year long, and winters here (Montreal, Canada) are pretty hard on bikes, so I need a s...	Your budget might be a touch low, since any quality frame will start at this price mark, and go up, and isn't likely to include the belt drive kit, unless you buy the complete bike.
Does it matter which cassette I get for downtube friction shifters? My grandpa gave me his old 1974 Raleigh International (all original Campy) as a graduation present. Since the stock wheels are for tubular tires, and I do want to ride it around town, I want to get wheels for clincher tires so I can change the inner tu...	I would recommend having a search for NOS hubs and freewheel of that period, if you can get hold of a set of 36h hubs you will be doing well, don't expect 32h. Continue using the current tubular wheelset. If you go Campagnolo, you should be able to get 10 and 11 speed shifters, although the wheels my cost you as much a...
Why not have the gears inside the bottom bracket? Looking into an IGH it seems the biggest disadvantage is having a huge amount of rotating mass. I've seen one handmade bike where the IGH sits above the bracket, inside a carbon fibre shroud around the place some bikes have rear suspension. There are two chains, one dri...	Another factor to consider in modifying or building your own frame is How to keep the BB spindle relatively placed where it is in relation to the saddle position, for correct fit applications, while simultaneously increasing the BB shell by an approximate factor of 3, and not decreasing ether tire clearance or ground c...
Chain skipping on MTB I've had my Trek 3900 for about a year now, and I replaced the chain about 3 months ago, but otherwise it's running with the same parts it came with (not counting tubes and tires). I had to replace my chain because it had gotten really rusty from riding in rain/mud/water on trails, and had started...	What happened was that the old, 'stretched' chain damaged the rear sprockets.
Brakes won't stay tight I have plain ol' v-brakes and I have to tighten them all the time, every three or four weeks. I've been given to understand this is not usual. I'm not sure what's wrong though -- am I hitting them too hard? Could the pads be shot already? How would I know? I usually tighten them at the wheel rat...	If you over-rely on the back brake then that can wear down quickly. You need to figure out what's getting loose.
Why don't bikes by auto manufacturers make it into bike shops or onto the streets? Currently I am considering getting a 'Mini' brand folding bike mail order, even though I have not seen one in a shop or in the street. This I am happy to do as it is a re-badged Dahon at a special price. Being a niche product I can unde...	The problem is that they are generally very basic bikes, offered at a much higher price than the value of the bike. Generally, it's a bad idea to dilute the brand image.
What are the benefits of a carbon seatpost? As the title states, what are the benefits of a carbon seatpost like this one from MEC ? My research indicates there may be the following pros and cons: Pros Lighter Supposedly smoother ride Cons More expensive Possibly more prone to catastrophic failure as compa...	While there were issues with catastrophic failures, especially in early models, carbon component design is no longer in its infancy, and you are extremely unlikely to have failure issues if you choose your components and ride in a manner appropriate to the style of bike you own.
What's the best way to lift a bike onto a storage hook? At work we have hooks attached to the wall so that we can hang our bikes from the front wheel. They're effectively the same as these: I see heaps of people struggling to lift their bikes onto the rack, getting dirty and greasy because they're having to kind of '...	Put right hand on seat Lift bike up and put front wheel onto the hook Whilst navigating the wheel onto the hook, stick one leg out rearwards to counter-balance the bike
Can racks cause damage to a bike? Reading this question about the best way to lift a bike on to a pictured rack, it struck me that I'd be less worried about how to lift the bike than the potential for damage by hanging the bike from its front wheel's rim. Many racks involve putting the rim into a trough or groove, ...	There is also no good way to lock the bike to the rack with most locks.
Specialized Hardrock - How to stop disc brakes from squealing? I have a Specialized Hardrock 2011 Disc brake mountain bike with a front brake that squeals when used lightly. It's OK if I use the brake hard - but I usually don't need or want to stop in such a hurry! I have been using the rear brake more for light brak...	A lot of lower end disc brake sets have variations in the pads and rotors that just naturally encourage a squeal. Installing and adjusting brakes is one place where a torque wrench can be helpful. But again check with your local bike shop mechanic to see if they have any ideas.
Are there any locking options that lock the drive train of a bicycle? I've been looking into the different kind of locks available, and came upon this short documentary about bike thefts in London. Seems that just about any lock on the market can be easily beaten by a large enough set of bolt cutters. So I was trying...	The advantage of the steering lock is that a thief on a bike with locked steering is likely to crash.
Why is there a stitched hole in the back pocket of my new jersey? I just finished a charity ride and found that the brand new jersey bought for it has a hole in the back center pocket. It is neatly cut, with stitching around it to prevent fraying, so I'm sure it is a feature rather than a defect. What is the intended...	My guess is that the stitched hole is a vestigial button hole from an old jersey style.
How is this kind of cycling correctly called? Sometimes I like to make rather high-speed descents (during which I also make jumps) in the forest near to my house. I want to know how this kind of activity is correctly called. Is it downhill, freeride, etc.? <Q> If you want to be specific it sounds like it fits into one ...	From your description it's hard to say exactly what kind of riding you are doing, all forms of mountain biking can involve going down hills quickly and jumping.
What is the bicycle Danny MacAskill uses in his "Way Back Home" video? I was wondering whether someone could help me identify what is the bicycle Danny MacAskill uses in his video . If it is unable to determine exactly what model he has, could you guys please tell me a rough estimate how much a bicycle that can handle...	If you're looking for a similar bicycle style that's affordable, I'd recommend the Echo Trials bikes.
My LBS does not carry fixed-gear/single-speed parts. What next? Question Changed. See Below for Original. My local bike shop neither carries fixed-gear/single-speed parts nor is very knowledgable about the topic. Should I find an online storefront to take its place? Or try to work with my LBS to get the parts I need?...	Most bike shops have at least a couple of regular suppliers and these suppliers will almost certainly have what you need. Give the local shop a go even if they do need extra prodding and, if they are any good, they will give you service that the online box-shifters never can.
Can a hybrid bike seat be used on a road bike? I'm new to road bike riding. At my local bike shop they fitted me for a Bontrager Nebula Plus to replace the stock seat that came with the bike. The Bontrager website says this seat is designed for hybrid riders. It's hard to tell at this point if my post ride discomfo...	Depending what discomfort you're experiencing it's worth trying a different saddle. If you have any concerns go back to your LBS and try to find out who their saddle guru is. There is no "right" or "wrong" seat (within reason).
What road bike tire pressure is best for speed? Is the maximum tire pressure always the fastest on a road bike? I've seen the Michelin chart on tire pressure from another question (" What pressure should I run my Road Bike tyres at? "), but they don't mention whether it is optimized for speed, safety, comfort, or some ...	Your optimal tire pressure depends most importantly on the width of the tire and your weight. On a rougher road it's more efficient if the tires have enough "give" to "levitate" you over the smaller bumps, so that you're not using a lot of your energy to make the bike bump up and down.
Is it possible to reverse cable direction in Shimano M770 shifter? I tried to set up the perfect shifter + derailleur. For the last part it is better (for me) to have low-normal version, because reducing gears is essential for me (I bike mostly within city). So I bought low-normal Shimano derailleur (Shimano-RD M770 S...	You should switch your derailleur out for one with a reverse pull, but there is absolutely no chance that you'll get the shifter to reverse the operation of the cable.
In practical terms, how often do you have to adjust the belt tension of a belt drive bicycle? Gates claims their belts do not stretch over their life, so theoretically speaking you should not have to adjust the tension (which appears finicky). I'm interested in anyone with real world experience. Do you ever have to ad...	One of Gates' claims is that the belt does not stretch enough to warrant tension adjustment after a break-in period, as you would on a brake or shifter cable. My experience does not support this claim.
Dia Compe Brakes for 1991 Bridgestone RB-T I have a 1991 Bridgestone RB-T. This bike has passed through many hands so much of the stock parts are gone. The original Dia Compe XCE brake arms have been replaced by Dimension canti arms. My problem involves the canti braze-ons. After examining other bikes with cantilev...	Good condition narrowly spaced cantilever brakes are readily available on eBay for not a whole lot of money. What you need are cantilevers made for the narrower spacing with an adjustment for spring tension. There is a problem with these if you are using panniers on the back and if you have anything but a small frame s...
How do I stop my clipless shoes and pedals from squeaking? I'm riding with Shimano SD66 sandals . They are awesome sandals and it's so comfortable riding without worrying about socks and shoes. I'm using Shimano pedals. I'm getting a squeaking sound, mainly from one shoe/pedal at the top of the power stroke. I'm almo...	...Loctite the bearing to the pedal body and file down the pedal body where the tightening bolt seats to allow for more tension on the mating surface. I have rubbed a block of wax on the pedal/cleat interface to deal with a similar problem.
Is there an optimal postion for SPD cleats? I bought some SPD clipless pedals and shoes at the beginning of the season, and I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of them. There is quite a bit of distance I can move the cleat forwards and backwards on the shoe. Is there an optimal position for the cleat? Are...	In practical terms, if placing the cleat so that the ball of the foot to be 10mm forward of the axle, there should be no need to adjust relative cleat positions. We all have variations in gait and this needs to be accommodated with a little bit of adjustment.
Protecting gadgets against rain during touring When carrying laptop / camera around I'm always stressed out when it starts raining. Living in a city one can easily avoid rain though - but on a long touring trip there will inevitably be cases when you have to bike through rain. What's the safest way to protect gadgets ...	I use resealable (like Ziplock) bags around things that a) Most sporting good stores offer a variety of dry bags by sealine,koki and others. When I'm touring ("unloaded") I carry two moderate-sized panniers which end up being about half-full.
Road Tire Performance in Rain and Snow How well do road tires perform in rain and the snow? I've heard narrow tires are better because they actually can put more weight/pressure on the road through the wet/ice. I just bought Continental Gatorskin tires, live in Boston, and just want to know what I should be thinking ...	So narrow road tyres, even with only minimal tread can actually be very suited to the rain and snow as long as the road has not iced over.
How do you protect your bike from scratches? Anyone here use protective tape to protect a new frame? To which areas do you apply the tape? I have a new frame and I am worried that other bikes sharing bike racks will scratch my ride. <Q> I use helicopter tape. <S> You can find it on Amazon or from most any race car sup...	You can buy clear tape meant to fit your bike, or you can save some cash and fit some clear packing tape on the areas that are scratched the most.
Tire and rim sizing, tubeless conversion? I am looking to shave some weight off my wheels. I am currently commuting on a 26" MTB. The ETRTO size of the rim is 559x22 and the tires are 559x54. As my commute is through the city center, I want to change to slick tires. The question here is will the 559x42 slick tires fi...	So you should have no problems with any width of a tyre on your rims. Continental Gatorskins come in 26 x 1 1/8" and are popular with shops and riders.
What is the common "vocabulary" for the captain and stoker to communicate? My wife and I recently rented a tandem for a day. I found that, because everything needs to be communicated -- starting, stopping, changes in cadence, shifting (which might cause changes in cadence), etc. -- we were talking continuously. This wa...	Teams need to ride together a lot until signals evolve in time, and every team seems to develop their own shorthand organically. I tell my stoker that if she says "stop" I will follow that command immediately.
What should I use to lubricate a freehub? I've noticed my freehub has gotten quite a bit louder over the last few months. Several people have recommended that I lubricate the freewheel by tipping the bike on its side and dripping lubricant into the freewheel. However, I've gotten differing opinions on what to use for a...	A freewheel can be pretty effectively lubed with any medium-viscosity oil.
Where can I find replacement pads for a bicycle helmet? I have a Bell bicycle helmet that is probably two years old, and the pads for the front and sides have disintegrated from sweat and are now little more than pieces of fabric attached to the velcro pads inside the helmet. Does anyone know where I can get replaceme...	Anyway, if the LBS is useless, consider the 'order by part number' route or get a replacement helmet which will come with enough spare pads for your existing one.
Can a carbon fiber mountain bike handle cool/cold weather? It is late summer in the US and I am starting to look forward to autumn and winter mountain biking. I have a carbon fiber frame though. Didn't get to ride it last winter due to a broken collar bone (almost landed that jump). So, anything to be concerned about r...	Short answer is: no problem. Essentially carbon fiber is a pretty tough material and barring manufacturing flaws should put up with a lot.
Mountain bike rear wheel tilts after remounting Backstory: Total newbie regarding repairing cycles and the proper cycling terminology, so please take that into account. Actual story: I had a fall and the rear wheel started touching the brakes (non-disc), so I took it out aiming to remount it and as a final result I ...	Then observe that one side (usually the derailer side) "bottoms out" first in the slot while the other side can go further, causing the wheel to twist slightly. Assuming you take the whole bike into the shop for the bearing adjustment any reputable shop will make sure the quick release problems and brake/frame alignmen...
How do I keep sweat out of my eyes? Heading into the southern hemisphere spring I'm starting to contemplate another summer of having sweat running into my eyes and down my face. I have a couple of lightweight headbands from Netti (that I can't find anymore) that have been reasonably good. They still get saturated on a...	At stops, I squeegee along my helmet's headband to help remove the sweat soaked into the material. I've used cycling caps, the plastic 'sweat gutter' device, the halo headband, and the coolmax 'do-rags'. Anything that relies on absorbing sweat isn't going to absorb enough that you won't need to stop frequently to wring...
Can I ride faster with a bike jersey? I normally wear a cotton t-shirt when I ride. If I get a bike jersey, how much difference will the reduced air resistance make at, for example, 20 mph? I realize it's not possible to be precise, but I am wondering how much difference it makes. <Q> No, you will not ride faster in an...	A tight, form fitting t-shirt or cycling jersey will provide some benefit, and will reduce the 'parachute' effect of flapping clothing. A sweat wicking jersey is so much more comfortable than a wet, heavy cotton t-shirt. In short - the effort required to reach and maintain a given speed is a combination of overcoming t...
Mountain bike rain coat / jacket (packable, not for winter) I am looking to get a thin rain coat. I have a good one for the depths of winter (it needs water proofing again), but it is way too hot to wear it any other time. (I am a portable radiator.) My hope is that it would be thin, so not too hot, and that it will ...	A pack-to-nothing jacket is truly useful to just have.
Why am I slow on flat surfaces? I've been riding about 300 miles a week for the last 2 years. I'm not riding in races, just riding with friends. I always ride 60+ miles (95+ km), and I'm in excellent shape. I have a low end road bike. When riding up hills or in strong head winds I am very fast. But when I ride on flat ...	Some riders tend to have more difficulty managing power on the flat than climbing; this is thought to be related to crank inertial load. At 300mi/week you definitely have the "base" down (far more than most folks), now you just have to practice intervals/speed-work. It's obvious, but check to make sure your wheels spin...
Brake piece grinding against fork This brake was installed on a fixed-gear that did not come with any brakes. The nut on one side rubs against the fork, and over time it rotates and presses the pad against the wheel. Here is where it is rubbing: The workaround is to unscrew the break and re-center it, but it wiggle...	Other than that, a track fork really isn't designed for a brake. Either get the bike booked in (and expect to pay their minimum workshop time booking slot) or buy the 18mm washer + 27mm nut and do it yourself. Note that there is no serrated washer between the curved washer and the brake. Replace caliper with something ...
What kind of bike rack can go with this bike? I'm looking for a bike rack to put on my bike so that I can hookup the baby seat with the bike. However, I don't see anywhere on my bike where I can mount the front bracket arms of the rack to it (please see pic.1). There is place to mount the lower arms, though (as shown i...	You could use a rack that attaches at the brake bolt. My personal preference for child seats is a Wee Ride or Yepp or other brand of seat that holds the child between your arms while riding.
Maintenance lube for Aluminum Electra Townie My wife just bought me a used Electra Townie with aluminum frame and wheels. The previous owner claimed it had been serviced in the past year. Checking the bearings, I can tell it was a poor job of lubrication, probably done by the seller using who knows what for lube. What ...	Any standard bike bearing grease will be fine. Cup and cone bearings on a bicycle need 'preload' for them to work properly under load.
Silencing a rattling u-lock I'm not sure if they're all like this, but my u-lock is a bit loose between the two pieces, the U and the bar. The provided mount snaps very very tightly onto the U, leaving the bar to fend for itself, so when I ride, any little bump makes the lock rattle. I believe the main source of the no...	I wrapped elastic/rubber bands round each end of the U. Enough to put force against the lock when seated. Grease helps shed water, but it also fills voids which will cut down on the rattle.
Are there research graphs for the Rotor Q Ring system? I was looking into Rotor Q Ring system that supposedly increases power by 4% which is rather significant especially when climbing. It should shave off quite some time off your resulting time due to this info. But I can't seem to find any detailed research done by ...	As an aside, if you are testing round vs. eccentric chainrings, you must account for the difference in cadence within the pedal stroke for eccentric rings. If you want to know about independent research, a good place to start looking is PubMed.
Do your legs get tired faster when riding a recumbent trike compared to a upright bike? In my quest for getting as much information as I can before configuring my recumbent trike, I was thinking if my legs would be get more tired as they are in a horizontal position? In an upright bike, my legs would be "resting" on ...	On a recumbent bike you do not have any part of your weight on your legs. Once your legs get used to the new position, as Adam mentions, I doubt you'll get any more fatigue or whatever than you did previously.
What items should be in a bare-minimum first-aid / emergency kit? Yesterday I was hit by a car; very minimal injuries and overall a very minor accident--but in hindsight it's made me realize I was ill prepared and really should have a small emergency kit with me at all times. This kit would be for true "emergencies" o...	If you're going for bare minimum: Betadine (or some sort of antiseptic) roll of sterile gauze Ace bandage Epipen or Benadryl space blanket I have my name, address, emergency contacts, etc on a gummed label stuck to the top bar of my bike and covered with clear tape And, of course, cell phone, money, and ID (placed some...
Where to find bolts for an old Raleigh Bicycle? The college kid in our family has a old/ancient Raleigh 3 speed bike with long fenders. Those fenders are held in place with a strange bolt that is threaded on both ends and has a head near one end. The short end is screwed into the frame, the long end accepts the fende...	You might be able to find a hardware shop or auto parts dealer that carries a variety of studs you can try to match up. It may be a piece of hardware that simply cannot be found anymore. If you want to keep the retro look of the existing mudguards, you could make your own 'P' clips with a bit of tin, some snips and a d...
Rolling dismount: leg crosses over in front of you or behind? When doing a rolling dismount, one foot stays on its pedal, the other has to cross over somehow. Would you suggest crossing over in front of you (while sitting, folding you knee to allow the cross-over) or behind you (standing on your pedal and extending the...	If you do not have clipless pedals or your left foot is resting on top of your shoes, you can swing the right foot over the back wheel, position just behind the left foot, and then hop of the bike to land on your right foot.
Can a front wheel have a different number of bearings on each side? I took my old, filthy bike apart to clean it up. I have never done this before! When I took the front wheel bearings out, I ended up retrieving 9 from one side and 10 from the other. It seems like logically there are a few explanations: There were...	So, if there is no obvious difference in the left/right sides of the hub, the most reasonable answer is to use the same amount of bearing balls for each side. Tighten the hub until it is running smoothly, then put a bit of extra on the locknuts to get everything really tight. But it's a little unusual for a standard fr...
Keeping your feet dry (or do you not even care?) I've finally gotten to the nirvana-like level of not caring if it's raining / snowing etc when I ride. While this is great from a biking perspective I still end up with wet feet / socks. While this is unlikely to kill me or make me especially unhappy (after all, I still ...	I find that wool socks keep the feet reasonably comfortable if there's a bit of moisture.
Cruiser bottom bracket is clicking and grinding My Trek Pure Deluxe 3-speed cruiser has been making a clicking noise when riding for some time. The problem is faint, and is more felt than heard. However, it's been getting worse; it now makes a grinding noise if I'm mashing a bit when going uphill. The noise seems t...	If the problem persists then you might have already 'rounded' one or other of the crank arms. It is possible that you could have done something to mess up a bearing. A 15mm socket set is what you need, and gloves!
Do Master Link pliers help with SS / fixie chain assembly? A followup to my own question , seeking specific help. I'd like to know if anyone is using a set of "master link pliers" (something like Park's MLP-1 MLP-1.2 , or try this search ) to help them with derailer-free chain work? I have an IGH without a de...	I've seen images of a different tool, a sort of vice, that gives you some slack for both disassembly and assembly (by grabbing the links adjacent to the master link or taken-apart standard link and holding them in alignment) that I would think would be a more useful tool. I'm doubtful that it will really help you with ...
Any source for Shimano shoelaces? I have a pair of Shimano SPD-compatible shoes that have served me well and have a couple more years of good service in them. But the shoelaces are about to disintegrate. I've looked online and at several stores for replacements, but can't find anything to match. The existing laces a...	When I replaced mine I found similar laces at a sporting goods store, but I've seen similar sport laces at some of the big box stores as well.
Adjust reach on Ultegra ST-6510 levers? I'd like to adjust the reach (distance from the drop bars to the brake levers) on my Ultegra 6510 levers. The Shimano instructions don't mention the ability to adjust this at all, which seems odd to me, since even basically junk mountain bike levers are adjustable in this way. I...	Sometimes you can push the levers mounting position forwards/down, to interact differently with the curve of the bar to give a shorter reach.
Where to buy bar end shifters I would really like to pickup a pair of bar end shifters but none of my local bike shops are able to get any for me. My local bike dump laughed in my face when I asked them where I should/could find them. Where online could I get some bar end shifters for a reasonable price? (Bonus poin...	Finally - you can always try eBay for used parts, but that is hit and miss for both quality and selection when dealing with more obscure parts like these.
Where Can I Find an Inexpensive Bike Stand Clamp Are there any recommendations for where I can buy an inexpensive bike stand clamp? I do not know what they are exactly called but the actual part that the bicycle is held onto in a work stand. <Q> If you are looking for just the clamp, and want something produced commerc...	If you really are looking for a cheap option, plumbers supply shops will have cheap clamps used for holding pipes for bending.
Why should I not coast while training (even after intervals)? A comment in this answer about building up stamina for a commute says not to coast, even after intervals. Why not? How is coasting different from light pedaling with minimal load (which I'm assuming is the alternative for recovery)? <Q> The reason (and I...	Basically, for all the same reasons that you should cool down for a few minutes after any strenuous exercise. I would add that it is also a matter of form.
Can a Reynolds 753 aero fork steerer tube be unbent? I was hit by a car and now the steerer of my Reynolds 753 aero fork is bent. Is it possible to bend them back? Would that be safe? I can't afford a new pair! <Q> If by "steerer" you mean the top tube that turns in the bearings, it would be very bad for that to be b...	But it's so hard to be sure that there are no beginning stress cracks in a weld or casting that using the fork (with or without straightening) is risky. My guess is that few if any would be happy about the idea of doing this to an aero 753 fork (kind of the most corner case permutation of this question you could ever a...
How do I know if my cone/cap/bearings need to be adjusted? I have a custom road bike with (mostly) Shimano parts. I love to ride but I'm not so strong on the technical side. I have quick-release wheels; I regularly (3-4 times a year) put the bike in a bag and travel by train to a cycling destination. When I did so, ...	Once you've checked your cones aren't loose, try spinning the wheel and see if the rim appears to wobble in relation to the brakes. Both tasks -- adjusting bearings and truing the wheel -- are things that a competent basement mechanic can accomplish, but not particularly suited for a newbie, so in either case it needs ...
For a slightly warped wheel, is it worth getting it repaired? My son has a relatively cheap kids mountain bike, no suspension or anything flash, and after a minor crash into a friend the back wheel is slightly out of true. It only causes issues under braking when the warped area of the wheel leads to stuttering braking...	Use an actual spoke wrench - if you use pliers you can round the ends of the spoke over and if you use a wrench you'll put too much torque on it My solution - looked around for second hand bike which we got for less than the price of new wheel! If you have moderate mechanical abilities you can attempt it yourself.
How do I clean chain grease off my clothes? I commute to work, and often wear my khakis on the ride in. As such, my clothes often get chain grease on them. What products or cleaning strategies do you know that work to remove chain grease from clothes? <Q> Most ordinary baby wipes will get grease out of clothing if yo...	I use a combination of chain degreaser (hey it works good on the chain right) and Fels Naptha soap. To prevent grease from getting on your pants leg to begin with on the commute, I'd suggest using those straps to hold your pants legs from flapping around.
What are the risks of untrued wheels? I understand that wheels should be trued for efficiency. Are there any safety risks (or risk of damaging the bike) in using untrued wheels? Are the risks different between wheels untrued left-right and up-down? My question is motivated by the following fact: I have an up-down un...	In theory, an out-of-true wheel probably affects spoke life, and a wheel, once out-of-true, will tend to get worse over time. Straightening out the wheel need not be something that you need to get the bike shop to do.
How to make the most out of daily commute? I have heard that bicycling is a great form of cardio exercise. I bike to and from work everyday and the whole way everything is flat. I am not sure what the best way is to make the most out of the exercise. Should I pedal as hard as I can the whole time? Is this a good enou...	Interval training is an excellent cardo workout and a great alternative to jogging. I would recommend take a different path to work everyday or every week if you can. Take it easy on the way into work in the morning to save your energy, then go have some fun after work.
How do you wrap a bicycle frame with used inner tubes? What is the best way to wrap a frame with bicycle inner tubes? The bike is an aluminium framed MTB with suspension (rather than a roadie-courier bike that usually gets subjected to such treatment). Can you use puncture repair glue or does it have to be 'gaffer ta...	I tend to use zip ties - they're very strong but can be replaced/moved without damaging the tube.
Eliminating chainslap on a 90's Stumpjumper I have a mountain bike - a Stumpjumper hardtail frame with a Shimano drivetrain - where I'm getting a good amount of chainslap. Before I start fiddling with stuff, I'd like to understand the problem better. This is a new-to-me bike that's only recently been built from a mix...	If you are feeling the chainslap only while careening down a steep bumpy downhill ( not doing alot of cranking) try using the middle or big chainring,this raises the derailleur and makes the chain less likely to slap as it is farther from the chainstay.
What bike (carrying) racks are available for Pop-Up Campers? I've got a popup (tent) trailer and need to carry 6 bikes. I'd prefer not to put them on the roof of my van (the roof rack is rated to only 100 lbs and it's really high for lifting bikes onto). So far I've found this one: http://www.discountramps.com/pop-up-...	Add a second towball on the rear of the camper and fit a car bike rack for three bikes.
How to store bicycles outside during winter Okay. I have a bike which I would like to store for around six moths. Winter temperatures can be as low as -30 C. The problem is that I do not have an indoor storage space, so it is going to reside on a balcony. We also have lots of snow. So, my plan is: 1. Inflate tires to ...	In the case of "sorta outside storage", if you cover it be sure that air can circulate under the cover to keep it dry No more than that is really needed, cleaning the bike up will remove that protective layer of dirt and grime that has built up. If bike steel, add nice layer of car wax and buff You might even want to c...
Are runners or pedestrians allowed to use the bike lane? This morning on my commute I encountered a runner in the bike lane I was riding in. This irked me because: The bike lane was on a busy street, with three lanes of motor vehicle traffic in each direction. (I was northbound on Embarcadero in San Francisco, for ...	No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility. There should be enough room for a bike and a runner in the bike lane, provided the runner isn't in the middle of the lane. So, the short answer is "no", but may be different wherever you are. No use risking...
What are the most highly attended US & International charity bicycle rides? Yep, it's all right there in the title. Thx! <Q> I am not sure how you would find the individual rides with the highest participation, but there are a few organizations that reach thousands of cyclists across the US by holding rides in several ...	The list below is based on my perception that they hold the larger rides in the most areas: MS Bike Rides (National Multiple Sclerosis Society): Most are two day rides and many rides attract 3,000 riders or more.
Is a tire patch kit really necessary for urban commute? I'm cycling for urban commute, on well-maintained roads and bike paths, Vittoria Randonneur "puncture resistant" tires, and at no point on my ride am I more than 1/2 mile (usually within 1/4, I bet) from a bike shop. I also presume that I'll never be without a wa...	You have to decide the best balance between The disadvantages of carrying a tube, pump and levers and The disadvantages of being stranded with a flat tyre. If it is not an absolute "bother", I would feel WAY more carefree if I did pack a patch-kit. Are you sure that all the bike shops will always have your tube size in...
Wheel rigidity, is it noticeable and should I care about it? I have a friend who shopped for Aero wheels recently and I heard a lot of talk about how this wheel was more rigid than that wheel and so on. While I understand that a more rigid wheel should have less loss of energy, can it really be felt? I have entry leve...	So, a high rigidity wheel may increase energy transfer, and decrease rolling resistance. If you are racing a lot of time trials then it's possible that it will make a difference. Mix into the equation average miles per ride, type of terrain, road surface, rider weight, typical wind and climate conditions and the variab...
Child seat (or rack) at the seat post I have 2 bikes (mountain and road) sometimes I use them in races (mostly MTB) so I don't want to have any fixed accessory on them. I'm looking for a child seat (or rack where a seat can be mounted) that goes mounted to the seat-post so that I can easily replace the seat and post an...	Seat post racks have limited carrying capacities, and none of them are safe for carrying children.
How should I deal with bike messengers + others (salmon) riding the wrong way in a bike lane? Frustrated cyclist "jegrgic" poses this question at the New York Cycling Club (NYCC) website . They say: When I see this, I want to just go over to the person and try to give them some common sense. But typically, I just d...	Unless someone has actively endangered me with their stupidity, then I'm inclined to just ignore it. I have in the past stopped and held up my hand in a 'stop' gesture and had a short conversation with people riding the wrong way. I simply do my best to avoid them and not collide with them. I think the one thing I know...
Do cyclocross/interrupter/touring brake levers reduce brake performance? I have bullhorn bars, with a Tektro cyclocross lever and a TT style bar end lever as well, operating rim brakes. The calipers are Tektro dual pivot. The pads are cartridge style pads (I don't have the exact make and model with me right now). ...	Flex in the system robs you of useful cable travel and feel, but does not reduce power (provided the lever is not bottoming out). The back brake is less crucial as you skid on that anyway, but you might want to be on the lookout for a complete brake setup replacement
How long does it take to get used to a hard saddle? I recently "upgraded" to a Romin Comp Gel saddle from a soft racing saddle because my old one, while extremely comfortable on long road rides, wasn't working for the TT position I'm now practicing for an upcoming Ironman. I've been professionally fit with the seat,...	It can take a few weeks to get used to a new saddle, or other components, but if adjusted properly they should be 'uncomfortable', not
Should I ring my bell before going around corners? I'm in a town in Bavaria, Germany and the local custom with the more dangerous corners is to honk a horn or ring a bell. Will this actually make me safer? Currently I am cycling in a half-urban environment. Having moved recently, I find the new city's biking infrast...	I also use it when I don't see anyone, as I enter a blind corner, when I'm prepared to brake if someone is in the wrong place: then my bell might help the other person (if there is one) to prepare to brake too. I understand that there are some places in Europe where everyone driving a car honks their horn at every corn...
How can I stop my mudguards from rattling? Is there a simple way to stop the mudguards on my bike rattling? They're securely connected, but when I go over bumps in the road they tend to wobble about and rattle against my front wheel. <Q> I think it's a problem that must be solved on a one-off basis, since there so many...	If it's a road type then the stays can sometimes be moved along the mudguard to make the contact points wider and reduce rattling. A close-fitting front mudguard can only take so much before it breaks, particularly if SKS chromo-plastic (rather than vintage steel). I've had success with leather washers . If you bend th...
What statutes govern the directing of traffic by citizens in Massachusetts? Are there laws or statutes governing the directing of traffic by citizens or "members of the public"? A scenario I often encounter is one in which someone — typically another rider or pedestrian in a group that has stopped or slowed at road cr...	If I'm driving I'd like to take responsibility for my own conduct, and not drive into anyone no matter who or how anyone might signal at me.
Do any bike sharing schemes provide a way to rent or share helmets along with the bikes? Do any bike sharing schemes provide a way to rent or share helmets along with the bikes, either in a kiosk or through an arrangement with local businesses? None of the schemes that I've used ( London , Vienna , Boston ) or am a...	A helmet is included with each bike rental and LSU UREC recommends for it to be worn for the rider’s safety while operating the bike. The Brisbane Council is expanding the sharing scheme and I am often seeing people on these bikes where I work in South Brisbane.
Is it better to have mountain bike tyres for the winter? I have a hybrid commuter bike that is more at the mountain bike end of the spectrum Currently I have slick road tyres on it. Is it a good idea to get mountain bike tyres on it to deal with the wet and icey winter conditions? I've heard conflicting stories ab...	As other posters have noted, knobby tires will definitely help in snow and other winter-type road messiness. If you are planning on just riding in wet conditions, there are a number of slicker MTB tires that will help displace water, offer some off road affordance but still offer a good speed on the road, i.e. traction...
Enhancing brake force with steel rims in wet conditions? I currently own an old racing bike, that still has ripped steel rims and a side pull caliper brake. The braking power is acceptable when the street is dry, but as soon as it gets wet (even morning dew) it is getting harder and harder to stop. On the first time st...	Any Koolstop salmon pads will give you better braking on steel rims.
What is the recommended type of tire for riding on wet pavement? I am commuting in rainy Seattle, and the rain has started. Right now I have Continental Gatorskin tires on my commuter, but yesterday I noticed I was braking to stop the wheels and skidding quite a bit on wet roads. I know I can gradually adjust brak...	Bicycle tires for on-road use have no need of any sort of tread features; in fact, the best road tires are perfectly smooth, with no tread at all! A wider tire will be a little more helpful because your contact patch is larger. But if you're doing office-park crits in the rain you're better off with the michelin/avocet...
How often should hydraulic disk brakes need bleeding? The brake handles for my disk brakes became very loose four months after I bought the bike. The bike shop bled the brakes and put new oil in them, which sorted it. They're feeling a bit loose again (6 months later), but not as bad as last time. I use my bike most d...	In general, hydraulic brakes should only need bleeding when the system has been "opened up" for some reason, or when a leak has either allowed air in or allowed enough brake fluid to drain out that the master cylinder is pumping air.
What is the best way to prevent skidding/fishtailing on wet pavement? This is related to the " What is the recommended type of tire for riding on wet pavement " question. I also live in Seattle. So now has come the time where I often need to go down some steep hills on wet pavement. When I need to stop I sometimes ski...	Brake harder on the rear wheel than the front wheel; doing this reduces the risk that your front wheel will lock and cause you to fall. Hang your back end over the saddle, to shift weight toward the rear of your bike.
How can I add full fenders to a frame with no braze-ons? I recently picked up a bike I want to ride in Seattle rain, but missed the fact that the frame had no braze-ons for attaching full-coverage fenders. I already have a set of SKS Raceblades, but they only provide partial coverage. Do any manufacturers make full-cov...	Otherwise, zip-ties or hose clamps can mount the fender stays to the seatstay and fender brackets to bridge the brakes
Drop Handlebars on an Old Bike I'm shopping around for a vintage bike (maybe an old Raleigh or Schwinn), but I'm looking for two things: Fenders and a Chain Guard Drop Handlebars I'm starting to think that drop handlebars are newer than most of the vintage bikes I'm looking at. Is it realistic to expect a 50s-70s...	But you're unlikely to find the combo of fenders, chain guard, and drops on a bike of any vintage. The 'Northroads' bars are a real treat and, if I did not already have a 3-speed with them, I would look for a bike with them. When I bought my old Raleigh in 1972 the shop had a number of bikes with drop handlebars.
Getting a cycling saddle that fits I'm thinking of getting a new seat on my exercise bike How can I ensure that the seat will fit? Are there different types of fitting? How many types? My one the bike seat involves 2 hexagonal bolts one on either side and it looks like it can slide if one is loosened, or turn if the...	Any saddle bought from a bike shop will fit. The general idea is that the bolt goes behind instead of in front of the post, you tighten it up on both sides so that the top of the seat is level and the seat is centered on the rails.
Regaining confidence to ride after an accident I was able to put my best friend on bike. Things went well for a several months. Then, unfortunately she was caught in an accident (the one caused by the so-called "target fixation"). Fortunately, she recovered from her injury. The sad part is that she has lost her confid...	Perhaps a slightly different route that avoids dangerous intersections might be safer and make her feel safer. Try "breaking the spell" by riding for totally different reasons than before -- if she was competitive before, try casual; if she was a work commuter, try riding to a dessert spot; basically ease back into rid...
A good bicycle trailer I can order I would like to purchase a bicycle trailer, to take bottles to the depot and pickup stuff from the hardware store from time to time. What is a good one to get? <Q> Interestingly enough most child trailers are rated for up to 100 pounds were as the BOB trailer is only weighted for 75 (...	The only advantage of a BOB or Extra wheel trailer is that they single wheel trailers. For what you are asking about I would recommend buying a used kid trailer (for about $50 - $150), cutting off the fabric and adding some kind of floor/bin.
Bar end brakes and handlebar swapping I have one road bike that I use mostly for commuting, sometimes for fast alone rides and infrequently for group rides. I was thinking that since most of my riding is alone I should put my tri bars back on my bike. I had an extra set of drops in my closet so I chopped them off t...	It's not the case that swapping bars and stems frequently would put undue wear on those components, but it certainly increases the chances that you'll over- or under-tension parts at critical moments and cause a failure.
Bike Direction on Roof Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions on which direction bikes should sit on the roof I've Thule bike carriers which can be left or right opening. So do I place both bikes facing forwards, or do I have the bikes one front facing, one rear facing? If the answer is simply try ...	With my Atera carriers, fitting the bike 'backwards' means that it can pivot forward on the frame clamp under very heavy braking.
How do I maintain my weight while cycling more? I started cycling more to get fitter and lose a little bit of weight. I started taking a longer route to work and upped my daily ride from 6 miles to 16. After 2 months of this and consuming less biscuits I've lost almost a stone and am now really happy with my weight. M...	You will find that your body will probably stabilize at a healthy weight, the weight you are losing is fat, as you cycle more you will likely build up muscle weight as well.
Riding a Mountain Bike in the city I just moved from where there wasn't much of a biking system infrastructure. There were lots of trails though, so I bought an OK mountain bike ($350). Now, I've moved to downtown Seattle and everyone bikes. I'd love to get into it but not sure if a mountain bike is efficient for ro...	I would at least put road tires on your mountain bike - they really improve your efficiency on pavement.
Choosing lights for my bike I recently bought a bike and I'm looking at getting some lights for riding at night. I live pretty well lit city so I would just want them to make me more visible to drivers. What kind of things should I look for when purchasing lights for my bike? <Q> The main things to look for when purch...	It's nice to have different flashing modes on your rear because it catches people's attention at lot quicker than a steady light. Basically your variables (not independent) are cost, brightness, and battery life (if not using a generator).
Front brake only on a fixed-gear bike Is it considered safe-enough to only have a front-brake on a fixie in a urban area that has many hills? I've been considering buying one, but I want to get some opinions before I move forward. <Q> Yes. <S> The front brake provides basically all of the stopping power in a bicycle, ...	However, if you have a hill that requires you to apply some force from a normal brake to keep your speed controllable, you should have two independent normal brakes.
When accompanying children on roads - ahead, beside or behind? When accompanying children (in my case roughly in the 5 to 9 range) on a moderately busy (by rural standards) road on our commute to their school I'm sometimes ahead, sometimes beside (at least the smaller one) and sometimes behind. What is best practice? ...	Sometimes traffic is loud, and shouting from behind doesn't work well, so them seeing you lead off can be effective as well. Kids that drift left into the lane sometimes need to be placed immediately behind the lead parent to give them a more distinct target to follow. On beside, I'd ride beside the less experienced ch...
Is there anything special to pay attention to when preparing a bicycle for powdercoating? I am thinking of having an old bike powdercoated to spruce it up a bit. What do I need to do to prepare the frame? Remove all components? What about stickers and decals? Some kind of chemical etching dip? It is an aluminium MTB ...	If there is residual grease or frame-saver compound in the tubes, the powder-coater should have solvents to remove this stuff. From my experience they will sandblast the frame before so you do not need to worry about it being dirty or having stickers... it will all be taken care of with the sand. You'll definitely need...
Starter Road Bike for Tall Man I'm a marathoner that is interested in mixing in some duathlons and triathlons, but I am having trouble finding a starter bike (< $1500) made for a tall man. I am 6'6". Any brands and models that you can recommend that offer a frame that fits someone around my height? <Q> I said "probably...	Eventually, you may want to get custom geometry ($$$), but tall folks can get by with frames that don't quite fit. At 6'6" you're probably going to be looking at the top end of most manufacturers size ranges, road frames of 62cm and above are the range you'll be looking at. Nothing "off the shelf" is going to fit perfe...
My bike leans to the right. What should I check? The bike I use to commute - a cheap, no brand city bike - is unbalanced, and naturally leans to the right. This is not noticeable normally, but it's enough to make riding without the hands on the bars requires quite some effort to avoid drifting right. Of course I can't...	Then check to be sure that neither of the crank arms is bent (a common problem with bikes that are frequently dropped on their sides).
best rear rack for fuji absolute bike? my trail bike (only i've ever attached a rear rack) have a straight line from the seat stays holes to screw in the rear rack and the top clearance for the rear tire. my wife's fuji bike has the rear tire way higher than the holes on the seat stays. Can i add any brand of rear rac...	With racks, carrying capacity is far more important that brand or model.

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