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Is it normal to wear out the rear tire with in a few months when using a trainer? Early this year I attached my bicycle to a trainer, around the December time frame of 2011. The rear tire and inner tuber where shot by March of 2012. Riding about 24 Miles per week. Is this normal with the use of a trainer? I have had ... | One condition that accelerates the wear is low pressure in the tire and high pressure on the roller. I know use less expensive tires, or older tires that they no longer trust for use on the road when they switch to the trainer.
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Maximum weight an average bicycle can carry? A few years ago, I've bought this (see edit) bike. At that time I was around 90 kgs and I didn't have any problems. Today I'm around 120 kgs and I was considering (among other things) starting cycling again. Is this bike "good" enough to carry me? What should I expect? An... | Compared to the force when a bike with even a light rider goes over say a pothole or a jump the static load from a 120Kg rider is small.
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Can I soak my helmet in water? I have a lot of sweat in all straps and padding in my helmet. When i ride in heavy rain the salt from my sweat starts dripping down my face. Its very unpleasant especially if it goes in my mouth. How can I get rid of this salt? <Q> The helmet itself is (probably) polysterene foam inne... | If pads are removable, remove them and wash separately, but washing with the helmet should not harm the pads (or their adhesive) any more than riding in the rain or sweating in the helmet.
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What is causing phantom shifting on front chainring? I have a steel cyclocross bike which doubles as my weekend bike and my daily commuter. About a month ago I got in a wreck and bent the rear derailleur hanger and the rear derailleur. Got the hanger re-aligned and put on a new derailleur. Chain was not all that worn ... | Since you didn't have this problem before the accident I'd suspect something tweaked or cracked in the frame, especially in the bottom bracket or chainstays (this is where most torque is transmitted to the rear wheel).
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Can you reverse the sprockets on a cassette to lengthen its lifespan? I know my bike's rear cassette needs replacing, but before I do that, is it feasible to dismantle the 8 sprockets to reverse their spin? Can you increase the lifespan of a cassette by letting the cogs wear and tear the other way? <Q> Assuming you hav... | You do have to knock the pins out of the cassette which hold it together and file down the small index slot on each Cog to reverse the Cog on the cassette and it will work. Get rings which are not recessed on one side for the screws that hold them together, then when you flip them the spacing between the chain Rings wi... |
Rear wheel sliding/slipping on turns? When I take turns, my rear wheel is sliding to the outside of the turn. I'm riding a 2012 Norco Heart, brand new stock tires, single-speed. I'm not carrying much weight, or taking turns too tightly. Any ideas? <Q> Try adjusting the tire pressure you may be to high or to low. <A> Yo... | If it is low the sidewall can squirm inturns making handling inconsistant, too high and the tire can be so hard it bounces off the surface when hitting any imperfection. So as you lean and carve into the corner, you may need to lean the bike, and your body at different angles.
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How does a two wheel drive bike work? A two wheel drive bike is a bike without a motor that can still turn. The front and back wheel both get power. How does a bike with this type of drivetrain work? <Q> The obvious answer is a linkage up to the head set, and down to the wheels. <S> Hydraulics would be viable as well. ... | Have a reciprocating shaft running down the steering tube, operating a crank on the front wheel, and driven by a crank axle above.
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Will a change from 26x2.10 to 26x1.95 tires improve speed? If I change my 26x2.10 MTB knobbies by 26x1.95 slick tires, will I feel any difference on my speed on paved roads? or is it going to be the same? I am kind of confused about how much I should change the width of my tires to notice an improvement in my speed... | If you run your knobbies at typical MTB pressures, and you run your slicks at higher pressures, you should experience less rolling resistance, which could translate to higher speed. You won't notice a speed improvement, but there will be a very slight effort reduction that might lead to a tiny bit more speed. I don't k... |
Can a (relative) beginner adjust spacing on a 501 cromo road frame? Have acquired a cheap old Peugeot road bike from ebay; nice cromo frame, but it needs a new rear wheel and unfortunately I didn't check the dropout size before buying. It has an OLD of ~120mm, but I am finding it very hard to source any new or second ... | The rear dropouts on road bikes are typically 120mm, 126mm, and 130mm.
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Does the inner tube affect the maximum PSI? If I have road tires that have a recommended pressure of 110 PSI and maximum of 120 PSI can I safely pump my tires up to that level or does the inner tube effect the maximum? I currently have the tires pumped up to 90 PSI however the question What Pressure Should I Run My ... | Cheap rim tape can prevent higher pressures since they, and the tube, will dimple into the spoke holes of the wheel. But most riders would probably think 110 pounds as excessive unless they are very heavy.
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Protocol for slipstreaming another cyclist? I have a nice 12 km commute where lots of different bicyclers travel. The entire stretch is only for pedestrians&bicycles, no cars to worry about. I ride a regular old 5-speed bike (not a racing bicycle or mountain bike), but I'm a very fast biker compared to the general b... | I've also had someone ride into the back of me because I've had to slow down due to foot traffic on the bike track. And if you "invite" me to tailgate you by overtaking and cutting me up, I'll probably respond with a rude gesture. There's no asking involved, but it is appreciated if you switch up to lead for a little w... |
What are the side effects of blood doping? It has been in the news that endurance athletes such as cyclists sometimes increase their red blood cell count by blood doping. I don't understand how you can just pump more blood into yourself, there must be some bad side effects to doing this, right? <Q> Basically, the inten... | Taking other peoples blood may well mess you up, if some unexspected immune reaction kicks in.
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Would silica gel inside my bike frame be effective in preventing corrosion? I ride my bike in all weathers, and I'm concerned over the possibility of rust forming inside the frame and going undetected. I can't easily obtain FrameSaver or the like, so I'm thinking of dropping a packet or two of silica gel desiccant i... | Good bearings correctly installed should have seals that avoid water getting inside them, and also keep it from geting into the frame.
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Why does my floor pump only fill a presta valve tire after a pop sound? I have had a generic floor pump from an online bike catalog company for years, and have filled many Schrader valve tires with it without any problems. I have recently started to use Presta valve tires. When I try and pump air into a Presta valv... | Then, before installing the pump chuck, press the knob in briefly to let out of burst of air and assure that the valve is not stuck closed.
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Is a self cleaning lube enough for chain maintenance? I've been trying to figure out what I should use when cleaning my bicycle chain. When I first purchased my bike, I knew I needed to lube my chain when i did regular maintenance. I purchased some White Lightning Self Cleaning Bicycle lube, which suggested to me tha... | One important thing to do, after lubing, is to use a rag to wipe the outside of the chain. Since White lightning is not a grease, using a degreaser is probably not necessary except when you switch from an oil based lube to a wax one. For the last several years I've used wax on my daily, all-season, lives-outside, fixed... |
How does stiffness in carbon frames increase speed? I have a Specialized Roubaix with a 7r carbon frame; the Tarmac has 11r. Will I notice a speed change if I ride "exactly" under the same conditions? Does the additional 4r = more speed? I am thinking in upgrading but I dont want to make the investment without some goo... | Less of your power goes into flexing the frame, so more power gets translated to the wheels, which results in a faster bike. The stiffer a frame is, the more it resists flexing under load.
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Why are there a large number of businesses that do not allow bicycles in the drive through? What are some reasons that business owners choose to prevent cyclists from using the drive-thru? Are there legal issues? <Q> Probably one of two camps: 1) <S> They just don't think it's proper to ride a bike through a drive thr... | They don't know if it's going to expose them liability if a cyclist is hurt or killed by a car pulling in to or out of the drive through.
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What is the "3 foot law" and which US states have it? Some states seem to have something called the 3 foot law to keep cars away from cyclists. Why 3 feet? Which states in the USA have it? <Q> This law is rarely enforced by itself. <S> Can anyone cite an instance where a motorist was ticketed for passing in under t... | But more than anything else, the intent is to create some level of awareness in motorists about how to deal with cyclists. The 3 foot law is an example of a law that exists mostly to create awareness rather than having some direct practical function. Five feet seems to be a popular variant of the 3-feet law.
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Can I replace the 32 mm tires on a Trek 7.3 with 35 mm tires? When I bought a Trek FX 7.3 instead of the 7.2, the bike dealer told me that the tires were the same. They looked narrower, but I thought it was just that I was used to my other bike. I found out later that the FX 7.3 indeed has narrower 32 mm tires. Can ... | The difference between 32 mm and 35 mm tires will only really be seen if you're using exactly the same tire in a slightly larger format. All the geometric specs are identical for all sizes between the two models.
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Is there a good way to clean brake hoods? I just picked up an old bike with white brake hoods. They are pretty gnarsty, covered in a greyish brown layer of filth. I've tried a soapy rag and scrubber brush with elbow grease. It takes care of most of the issue, but they're not pure clean. Is there any trick to this? <Q>... | One of the best cleaners I've found as far as both results and price, is a product called "Totally Awesome" liquid.
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Which foot to put forward when coasting or track-standing? I am mostly concerned about track-stand here, because it requires much balance, so the question on "which foot to put forward" seems important enough. This tutorial says "stand up with your strong foot on the forward pedal" (at time 0:46). This tutorial say... | I'm always left foot forward on bmx, but that was mainly because I didn't want to wreck my right hand drive sprocket when I was first learning how to do grinds on my left side. Just trackstanding on a flat road, mountain bike or other regular situation, just use the foot you feel most comfortable with in the forward po... |
How do I make a MTB shifter fit on a Road dropbar? I'm about to buy a MTB, since we don't have cyclocrosses here in my country. I'd like to have a road dropbar, but can't spend money on a road shifter like tiagra sti. I know the mtb handlebars are thinner than the road handlebars. Is there a way to make, say, a deore s... | You could mount regular rapidfire shifters on the top center part of the drop bars. the answer is no unless someone is making a drop bars with an MTB bar diameter (I don't know of any).
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How do I make a road brake lever work alongside a mtb brake lever If I manage to get a dropbar on my mtb and want to use both the MTB brake lever AND the road dropbar brake lever (like the Tiagra STI, but no gear shifting)... Is it possible? Can they use the same brake cable? I want something like <Q> What you're looki... | Standard Drop Bar levers have a shorter pull and you'll want ones that are compatible with V brakes longer pull (same issue if you're running MTB Disc brakes).
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The pros and cons of crank self-extractors I'd like to know more about the reliability of self-extracting crank bolts, but haven't found much information on how they perform (or how they don't). My interest stems from touring and international travel, but also from practicality. It seems like a no-brainer to be able... | In the end, you're talking about a much more reliable (and rapidly becoming more universal) crankset that only (maybe) requires a single specialized tool, and could most likely work well enough until you happen to stumble across that tool.
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Why are there almost no bikes with a single chainring? Bikes with two or three chainrings are the norm, and then there are singlespeeds, but except for kids' bikes, you see almost no stock bikes with a single chainring in front but a cassette and derailleur in the back. It seems like for a lot of people this would be a... | There are however several bikes on the market with a single front chainring and an internally geared rear hub.
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What can cause vibration and noise from the chain? I just replaced my front cogs and back sprockets with new ones (I didn't use a torque tool or replace the chain). I also replaced the sealed bearing bottom bracket on my pedals. The old bearings were 115 mm long and the new one is 117,5 mm long. Now I feel some sort o... | If they were worn the chain most likely is also worn unless it was changed recently.
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Correct riding position on a road bike I've been riding my bike for a while it's a 55cm square frame. I recently used the online calculator on competitive cyclist. It told me I'd need a seat tube of 53 and top tube of 57cm. So I'm riding a bike essentially too small for me... It's not a massive amount out, so I'm sur... | Your knee never fully extends (locks out) when the crank is at "dead bottom center"; basically in line with the seat tube Adjust the handle bars so that your back is at 45 degrees, and the bars obscure your view of the front axle (or higher for more comfort, or lower for better aerodynamics)
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Saddle bag for food container I have a ~2 mile/~20min cycle to work and currently take a rucksack with me that generally only contains my food for the day in a standard take-away container measuring about 17cm x 12cm x 4cm give or take. I end up with a sweaty back in the morning which is a little annoying; so I'm wond... | If you opt for a full rear rack you may also want to consider just going with a single pannier bag.
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You just had an accident, what's next? This question pretty well covers what to do when you collide with a vehicle. But how do you best handle the following situations: You are a biker and you hit a pedestrian You are a biker and you hit a biker You are a biker and you hit an inanimate object You are a p... | If there is an injury or either party thinks it necessary, exchange contact info and/or wait for a responding officer. Exchange contact information or leave a note if appropriate. Also, before you hop back on your bike give the rims a thorough going over. Both parties will assume that the other is at fault. In addition... |
Why did the bike shop put grease on my seatpost? When I bought a new bike my LBS put grease on the part of the seatpost that inserts into the frame. Why is this? Surely it can't seize? <Q> On old steel bikes a good reason would be to prevent the seatpost from rusting onto the frame, thus preventing saddle height adju... | It may also keep the seat post from seizing in the seat tube.
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How to clean white handlebar tape? I have bought not so long ago (about two month) brand new and the shiny white from my handle tap have become pretty dirty: I am tempted to just change the tape to another color - that would be problem solved for me - but that would basically be a dirty hack. How can I clean the whi... | I've never gone wrong cleaning wraps using a soapy rag and elbow grease. I use a citrus degreaser and its great.
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Storing an inner tube I got a spare inner tube with my bike, which is good. I checked how it was packed and found it was sticking somewhat when I pulled it out of the box, which I can only imagine is bad. Would it be an idea to put someething on the tube for storage, talcum powder maybe? <Q> I always carry a tube... | For a road trip, I carry a second new spare tube in its box, in the jersey pocket. I doubt that this is necessary but with or without the carton, the tube fits perfectly at the bottom of my Camelback, and the bit of added weight doesn't freak me out, too.
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What are the main differences between road saddles and mountain saddles? There are thousands of saddles out there. Some are designated as road saddles while others are mountain saddles. However, the marketing copy does not seem to describe the difference between the two types, even between two similar models (for examp... | There is a lot of variation across models of saddles even if you stay within one genre (eg only consider road or only consider MTB).
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Clacking noise as right crank goes 'over the top' once per revolution Every time the right pedal goes over the top I get a single clack noise with a little more 'travel', a point where the bottom bracket moves without any resistance, from that point in the rotation. I have only just noticed it recently and it seems to ... | If the problem is a loose crank (which you may not detect by simply shaking the crank), then riding with it loose will destroy the crank in short order. I've had this kind of click since and loosening the front quick release reseating the wheel and tightening it again always fixes the problem.
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Crate of beer as cargo I recently bought a two wheel cargo-trailer without suspension, and I am quite happy with it. My main issue is that it gets incredibly loud when carrying a crate of beer, especially an empty one. Is there a trick to keep the noise down? I tried to wrap the crate in towels, but it does not reall... | buy cases of beer with the cardboard dividers between the bottles.
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Do helmets go out of style and get discontinued by manufacturers? Issue: My head is on the smaller side, so all "universal adult" helmets don't fit me. I've been to a couple LBS's recently and tried on just about all their helmets, from most of the popular brands (excepting Specialized). Most Small sized helmets I trie... | In most bike shops, if they have a helmet in stock, they will sell it even if it's last year's model, rather than ship it off to a remainder seller or some such. My understanding is that even just lying around, the crash-resistant foam in helmets gradually degrades.
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How do I change my single-speed to a fixed gear? I've been biking on single-speed for a few months and would like to play around with a fixed gear. I've heard of a flip-flop hub, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. And without any fellow bikers - I'm completely lost. <Q> Benzo and Glenn Gervais are right on, but I th... | The fixed gear side will have two tiers of threads, one larger diameter section for a fixed cog and a smaller diameter section for a lock ring which is reverse threaded. Flip-Flop hubs have freewheel thread on one side, fixed-gear threading on the other side.
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Must cyclist yield to car turning right across a bike lane into driveway? While riding in the bike lane on a four lane street in Northern California, a car passed me on my left, stopped in the right-hand lane twenty to thirty feet ahead of me, and signaled to turn right into a parking lot driveway. Who has the right o... | If a cyclist is in the bicycle lane, motorists must give way.
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Does pedaling while standing damage my knees even if I don't feel pain? I am in my mid forties and ride a seven speed cruiser or maybe mountain bike. I enjoy pedaling while standing, and I don't really care about speed or efficiency. When there is even the slightest uphill grade and I stand. I get in a high gear and en... | Standing pedalling does require more core and upper body strength than seated pedalling and maybe that's why your shoulders are aching check out When you are sitting down their motion is limited because the top and bottoms of your legs are 'fixed' in position.
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How to stop handlebar from creaking Ever since I bought my hybrid bike the handlebars creak. It is worse when torquing them such as climbing a hill, but just shifting my weight on the bars will make them creak. The problem gets much worse in hot weather. The bracket is as tight as I can make it. Is there any thing I ... | It's highly possible that the noise could be from the stem to steer tube interface or your headset or the spacers on your steer tube or topcap or another source, while it may sound like it's coming from your handlebars. You could try removing the handlebar and sticking a Nitto or beer (the idea is not to degrease, but ... |
What's special about bicycle socks? I do understand why I'm wearing cycling pants all the time. I'm totally used to the pockets in my back of my jerseys and jackets. I understand where my gloves and helmet help. And I could continue going through my wardrobe but there's one more thing I'm seeing all the time: Socks. Wh... | The reasons why I stopped using regular cotton socks and started to ONLY use bike-specific socks for long rides (always wearing clipless cycling shoes): They are snug around the ankles and avoid dirt entering the sock. Other than wicking sweat and drying quickly, there's nothing special about them.
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What type of shoes should a commuter/road biker use? I have a hybrid bike that I use for commuting (8k round trip to work). Currently, I wear low-backed converse shoes when biking. I've been biking for about 5 months. After the first 2 months, I started getting Achilles tendon pain . I read about ankling and think th... | I HIGHLY recommend cycling shoes with cleats and the appropriate pedals for them. I wear what ever shoe i feel like for the day.
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Is a pad spacer needed when installing disc brake pads? I need to replace my disc brake pads on my Shimano XT brakes. This seems like a pretty straight forward procedure, and I have all the tools needed except for the pad spacer. Do I need this to install the new pads correctly, and if I do, is there something else I c... | It is not required, for any part of the adjustment or installation process, as long as you do not need to bleed the brakes, and as long as you refrain from squeezing the lever without a wheel in place.
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There is a lip on my brake pad from bad positioning. Can I remove the lip? One of my bikes had the brake pads positioned poorly and they developed a pretty pronounced lip where the pad hung off machined braking surface on one side. The bike is using cantilever brakes. These brakes have great stopping power, but It's h... | I would be inclined to use a coarse wheel on a dremel tool. Re-surfacing the pad is part of normal brake pad maintenance. Slice it off with a sharp knife if it is really big because a file will take too long and sometimes the large mass of rubber gets stringy on the edge with a file.
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Saddle for beginner rider! I havent ridden a bike since I was a kid. And now I just purchased a second hand one to go to and from work and I found the seat like sitting on a block of wood. It was horrible! What is the best seat to get? I was going to get a large padded one but now after reading some posts saying they w... | If your bum is not used to sitting on a bike, it will get sore during the first few rides.
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For a complete beginner, what bike would you recommend? I live in a tiny apartment on the 4th floor, narrow stairs and no elevator. I'm looking to buy a bike, and planning to put in 50-60 miles a week at least. Could you recommend a bike in the 300-350$ range? It would be better if it is a foldable bike <Q> I'd reco... | I recommend aluminum so that it is light enough to haul up to your apartment for those extended periods when you won't be riding it (also so it doesn't rust). Downtube has a a sub-400$ folding bike, the 7sp.
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for a single-speed conversion, is it always necesary to change bottom bracket? I want to convert my old raleigh, which has 3 chainrings on the front, into a single-speed. Do I have to replace the bottom bracket? I keep hearing conflicting things. Thankyou. <Q> You need one of four things: An eccentric bottom bracket.... | It's usually possible to position the chain rings on the inside or the outside of the crank's spider and get it correct, but not always.
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Front derailleur sticking, not shifting. Will soaking in solvent damage parts? I've got an older deore lx front derailleur for a mountain triple crankset. It wasn't shifting properly, and it seems that it's sticking and not returning back to a neutral position when I shift it. I've tried loosening both limit screws wi... | The danger (other than explosion) would be with a cheap derailer that contains plastic parts (eg, bushings) that are not resistant to petroleum solvents.
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Least worn tyre: front or back? Where should I put the least worn tyre? on the front or the back? This is for XC MTB. <Q> The Good or less worn tire should go on the front wheel as indicated in this Sheldon Brown Article on Tire Rotation <S> Although the article does hint to the fact that you should not be really ro... | Generally you want the best tread on the front, as a front tire skid is much more dangerous than a rear tire skid. Your riding style and ground you ride will dictate to some extent what you do.
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Help needed identifying mystery screws on 1940s tandem My tandem has two small screws above each bottom bracket, one on each side (so four in total). I've not seen them on any other bike, and I can't figure out what they're for! Suggestions so far have been (a) letting water out (except that they're on the top) and (... | It's hard to tell from your picture because they're out of focus, but they look a bit like grease nipples: i.e. like the ones in the top left of the picture. They could be used to somehow secure the crank bearings.
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could I mount a different manufacturer brand rotor to use with my brakes? I've a tektro draco hydraulic brakes on my mtb and I would like to know if it is possible to mount a different brand rotor to use with my brakes? <Q> The brand of brake doesn't matter. <S> The only variables you should care about are: Rotor dia... | As long as the bolt pattern is the same and the rotor is the same size, it should be fine.
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Do flat fenders work fine? There are some stylish flat fenders out there. I'm referring to those fenders that have no curvature across the width of the tire, though they do curve around the wheel. Some of these fenders seem to only be as wide as the tire. This question is posed to people who have used flat fenders: ... | They seem to work reasonably well, but they aren't as good at protecting people behind you - the arc behind them is narrower than the traditional curved in guard.
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Adjusting disk brakes after taking off the wheel I recently took off the front wheel off of my mountain bike, and have been having considerably difficulty getting the front wheel on the right spot such that the wheel doesn't rub against the brake when I'm riding. I know there is clearance possible, because if I pull th... | The fixed/non-moving pad/side in the caliper on my brakes are adjusted with an allen key from that outer side of the caliper. One possible solution, and one that works for me when I'm in an "I need silence" mood, is to catch the front wheel of the bike in a corner, or even against a wall or a tree or a fence, and TWIST... |
Six speed chain on an eight speed bike So in the shop they asked me "what chain do you need" and I said 7. They said "you could try this 6-speed, it is half the price of a 7, and we put it on 7-speeds all the time". I said "ok", only to determine later that my bike is 8-speed. (Excuse: I never use the several highest c... | As 6-8 cog groups share the same spacing, it is usually possible to use, say a 7 speed indexed shifter on a 6 speed cog group, since the derailleur has to move the same distance to perform a gearshift. (As other people have said, the sprockets having worn to the old chain is also a likely problem, but the chain being s... |
Why do i have a cramp? I think Ive been getting a cramp in my right quad. I assume its a cramp, but ive never had one before. I bike 10 miles per day 5 days per week. I always ride the same way (to and from work). On one particular stretch (comm ave in boston) i usually try go about 25mph the whole way. This is where... | If you don't use either "peddal cages" or clip peddals so you can lift up with one leg as the other leg is pushing down on the opposite pedal, this can cause fatigue in your legs. You have not eaten enough food to fuel your ride You may have to experiment for awhile to see what works or doesn't work, so keep a record o... |
MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks Given that frames are generally brazed, not welded and given that MIG welding will work on simple bike hacks what are the downsides of MIG welding these hacks? For example, I would like to make a frame mounted front rack (rather than handlebar and/or fork mounted rack). I ... | As far as I know, nowadays most bikes (not the extra cheap neither the extra fancy) are TIG welded. The reason that brazing is traditionally used on steel bikes is so that the temper of the chromoly tubes won't be wrecked.
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Good backpack for carrying groceries So, I need to be able to carry 3-4 days worth of groceries for one person, about a mile from the store to home. I'm not too keen on the idea of panniers or anything else that mounts to the frame. I don't want any extra junk burdening me during the 99% of rides that aren't grocery ru... | A quick release handlebar bag and a large backpack sound like the best answers Also (touch wood) a fall with a heavy backpack is in principle (more cyclist mass=less acceleration) better, but in practice much worse than a fall with panniers, when the extra weight rests on the bicycle. However, if you do not transport a... |
I unscrewed the lockring, and *both* BB cups rotated - what's going on? I'm fixing up an old tandem, and the cup-and-cone bottom bracket at the front sounds very gritty, so I picked up my c-spanner and applied it to the lockring. With a bit of effort, left cup and lockring both rotated together. Not hugely surprising... | Unless the bracket is so corroded it's useless, both cups being stuck and the whole eccentric moving (as astabada suggests) is the only way I can see that the cups can be stiffly linked. I'd try doing the bolts that grip that back up first (assuming they are the ones on a saucer in your photo).
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Is it safe to ride on an unevenly bulging tyre? Most of the tyre looks fine, true and straight but the section photographed shows bulging. The rim itself is true, is this safe to ride on? <Q> Short answer, no <S> it is not safe. <S> The other, less likely, possibility is a weak area on the tire. <S> This is usually a... | This looks like the tire bead is not correctly seated (not clinching the clincher) in which case deflating and reseating will likely fix the issue (check the bead...if it's damaged, the tire is done). Be safe, fix or replace. I would suggest that you remove the tire and inspect the inside in the area in question.
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Resources for finding dirt roads for planning gravel grinding rides What are good resources to use to find dirt roads, fire roads, gravel roads, or disused paved roads for planning a gravel grinder or ultracross style ride. Any particular atlases, online mapping resources, government departments to check? <Q> Good qua... | I found this map of Pennsylvania with dirt roads overlaid a while back.
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How do I prevent neck and back pain, and recover physically/mentally on a multi-day ride? I'm nervous about the ride and looking for some motivation, support and answers to a couple of questions. I'm a 53 year old female and I've done 75, 80 and 100 miles before but never a two day ride for a total of 180 miles. I've... | If you don't have to pee during the first days ride you aren't drinking enough. When it's a training schedule, you (well me anyway) would normally say "Best to rest and recover" - so it's not something you will have dealt with much before. Don't be afraid to get off the bike.
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Unscrewing a rounded allen bolt I need to take out my rear shock but one of the 2 allen bolts that is holding it (the upper one) has been rounded. I've been told about various ways that such a bolt can be taken out including: hammer a torx in and unscrew drill a line using a dremel and unscrew with a screwdriver ... | When I've drilled a complete circle around the threads of the bolt and nut, I could hammer the bolt out. It was impossible to unscrew it.
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Removing bottom bracket from 79 peugeot frame I would like to remove the bottom bracket from an old french peugeot race frame. I believe the frame was built in 79 judging by the decals and stamp on the bb. The bottom bracket and spindle at the moment will spin, but feel very dirty and sounds gritting so I want to take... | Might I add that after I removed the lock-ring and then finally the cup, it was apparent after I started cleaning both up that someone might have used a thread-lock to keep the assembly from coming undone.
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Spokes keep breaking - bad hub or bad build? Background information A bit of background information (I'll try keep it brief): Last year I bought an old but unused bike, 5 speeds with internal gearing . Apparently the shop bought a lot of bikes somewhere in the 90's (not sure), but never got around to selling them. W... | If the wheel is ridden loose, the fatigue damage to the spokes can be permanent, and require rebuilding the wheels again. That said, it sounds like, unless you've a particular reason to keep with them, finding another shop might keep you safe and sane - and a second opinion is rarely a bad thing in this sort of situati... |
How should I store inner tubes to maximize their shelf life? The LBS's in my area tend to have major sales around the same time once or twice a year. During this time, I can get replacement tubes at about half their normal price. I can buy several tubes, enough to last a year or more. What is the best way to store the... | It also helps to store them in a somewhat thick plastic bag and tuck them tight
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Route mapping tool - INSERTING a point I'm kind of frustrated by this, because after long time of internet searching, I found none that would satisfy my needs. The problem is that I want to HAND-DRAW my route by first clicking it's endpoints, then refining the route in between. So, I need a tool that will have ONE fe... | It sounds like you need to use gmap-pedometer.com , which allows you to either automatically or manually connect point on google maps to create your own routes regardless of road, trail, or anything.
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Dahon handle post hinge loosens too quickly I noticed that the handle post hinge on my Dahon Speed D7 now requires attention much more often than it used before. Unlike main frame hinge which remains tight for long after adjustment, this one now requires tightening at least once week, otherwise handle post becomes shak... | These are nuts with a nylon (or similar) insert in the aft part of the threads which prevents it from working loose. In any case, continue to be vigilant in inspecting those parts for wear and adjustment. The easiest thing would be to buy a tube of Loctite (or comparable) thread locking compound. A good cleaning won't ... |
Any way to transport kids on a folding bike? I LOVE my Strida, but have noticed that the only way to transport kids with it is in a trailer, which seems to defeat the purpose of a compact bike. I've seen a crazy expensive Brompton bar attachment that becomes an extra kid seat in front of your seat (Here's a thorough r... | Montague is probably the most obvious, they make full size bikes that pivot to fold.
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What effect does head tube angle have on a bicycle? My girlfriend and I are looking at a new bike for her. The one we're looking at has a 70 degree head tube angle while her current bike has a 70.5 degree head tube angle. Unfortunately, none of the local shops has one in stock for her to try out. So my question is: Ho... | When the head angle is shallower/ slack, the bike becomes smoother and more stable, but prone to understeer. However, if you're a casual rider than a half-degree probably won't make a difference.
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Chain slipping off a non geared bike I have a normal ranger bike without gears, I've had this bike for quite a while now, been 8 years. But recently it's chain has started slipping off. I have maintained it well, changed the chain a couple of times and got new tyres twice. What could be the reason of the chain slippi... | Maybe the threads on your axle are warped, making the bolts on the rear axle come loose faster, causing the wheel to slide in the dropouts more easily. Hence my guess is that you have to replace the rear sprocket.
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How to properly clean and lube the bearings on a sram apex bottom bracket (GXP)? For this bottom bracket type I am not sure you can take the bearings out to lube them. How do I get grease in there. Also how do I get the old grease out? Does it even matter? I found this video ( External Bottom Bracket Cup Bearing Remo... | Once the seal is removed, clean and degrease the exposed bearings, replace the grease with fresh grease, then replace the seals.
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Is it better to breathe through your nose or mouth when cycling? I just watched the 'Road to Glory' documentary about Team Sky. I noticed when they were warming up on their Turbos, some of them had cotton wool up their noses. Is this because it's better to breathe through your mouth than nose? If so, why don't they ... | As far as I know, breathing through the nose might be the healthier option if you don't need the extra oxygen (for say, intense uphill efforts). For some people, weather conditions (specifically: temperature and humidity) make a big difference.
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Exercises to Counter act muscluar imbalances I have overdeveloped quads, which has affected my knees, what are some exercises that will help counteract this imbalance? <Q> Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a fairly common complaint from cyclists. <S> (Lay on back, hold leg straight, lift without bending knee.) <A> Firs... | You really should consult with a medically-trained therapist, but straight leg lifts, oddly, are a good place to start.
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Failing to unscrew BB - what now? I have an external bearing BB, that I need replaced (It is quite badly rusted). I opt to do the repair myself. The bike is a Specialized Hardrock, the crank arms are SR Suntour. Having removed the crank arms, I proceed to unscrew the plastic sealing rings of the BB. I removed the non... | I usually hammer energically the part that is stuck, perpendicular to the screwing direction. Because heating too much will definitely ruin the paintwork, I suggest that you use some sort of large container (I'd say 40 cm long, but it depends precisely on the frame geometry). Removing the front wheel and/or placing the... |
How can I warm up/cook food while cycling? I've been doing lots of long-distance cycling this year (150+ kilometers). With that much riding, there's obviously a need for some sustenance, and I'd rather not stop just to eat. The protein/carb bars have been getting incredibly boring... especially for my second meal on ... | If you are carrying a backpack or have things on a rack a propane backpacking stove can be very fast for creating a hot meal on a break. Cooking while riding doesn't seem practical or safe! " Now, instead of drinking gatorade\similar and eating gels\bars\gummy things, I drink water and water + electolyte mix and eat th... |
Does a three foot passing law actually require drivers to give three feet? Utah has a three foot passing law that states: Title 41 Chapter 6a Section 706.5 Operation of motor vehicle near bicycle prohibited. An operator of a motor vehicle may not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly operate a motor vehicle withi... | The operator can't do it knowingly or recklessly: so whether you the operator are aware of your position or unaware, you're in violation of the law if you are within 3 feet of the bicycle. So the bottom line is keep a reasonable and safe distance. Less than 3 feet probably isn't reasonable unless you're going under 5 m... |
Where can I find a 9mm x 26thread axle nut? I have a Gravity Swift 2 that I got off Bikesdirect. Somehow I lost the left front axle nut. I have been to two LBSs and neither of them have (or have even seen) an axle nut this size. I e-mailed the company and searched on Google but haven't gotten a response back yet. ... | If you can make it to any bike shop they should be able to hook you up with the missing nut.
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Trek Domane and undamped motion with Isospeed? Being a car guy and autocrosser, I'm familiar with suspension systems and the necessity to find a balanced spring/shock combination to create the best possible compliance, ride quality and performance in the suspension. So I can't help but think that the Isospeed technolo... | If you want to know how the bike does, you really do have to take it for your own test drive.
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How do I use retro drop down handlebars with no hoods? The preface this, I am just going to say that I am awful on a bicycle. I have recently gotten a bike that I love , it's beautiful, and I love riding it, however the drop handlebars have no hoods so the brakes are on the tops, and I have no idea where to put my ... | I'd recommend either swapping you bars to a riser bars (or for a more vintage cruiser look maybe moustache bars or albatross bars) with different brake levers suited to those bars or adding drop bar brake levers which you can use on the hoods (which is a bit more stable in city traffic) or from the drops.
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What is the purpose of suspension lockout? I'm trying to decide which 29er bike I want to purchase and one of them has lockout. I know what lockout does but I'm not sure what it is used for and if I will need it. Thanks Update: We're good now. It's been 6 years (Holy crap) since I've posted this. I'm definitely fully... | Lockout gives the rider blow-off valve adjustment options (how loose or stiff the compression force is on bike) not only helps pedaling efficiency while climbing/flat trail mode, but also gives the rider options to unlock when riding DH. The decision to lock out, or not, depends on terrain, riding style & ability, as w... |
Schrader tubes in Presta configured Rims? My 26" mtb rims support presta sized tube stems, however can I drill the diameter of the holes in the rims bigger in order to support Schrader stemmed tubes? what is the proper way to do this, is there a kit? <Q> It is true that the rim gets weaker, and very narrow rims should ... | You can get "presta schrader rim adapters" that fill in this gap and prevent the tube from bulging through or the valve rattling: search term: In case you really want to drill, the only thing you need is a 10mm drill bit, and a sandpaper to give a smooth finish. I have yet to see anyone have a wheel collapse due to con... |
Should I fight a ticket I got for riding my bicycle in a crosswalk? I was riding my bicycle home. I live on a one way and was waiting in the crosswalk while oncoming traffic down the one-way was green. This was at a 4 way intersection. There was no oncoming traffic and all other lights were red. I rode into the crosswa... | If you're riding in a crosswalk or on a sidewalk, you're not following the laws for vehicles. It does sound possible that what you were doing doesn't meet the definition for the citation you were given, depending on the details. By all means, talk to a lawyer if you want to pursue it.
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Why does my bike make a noise when I pedal hard? When I pedal forcing a little with my right leg, the bike makes a noise that I don't know how to describe. I'll try to do it. It's like: a short "ting" a tiny bell if a small rock hits the down tube I don't know what is causing this noise, but I think that it could... | when stomping on the pedal you may be exercising a small crack in the frame that is pinging -- check all the welds first - particularly round the BB area. If the bike's older a tuneup won't hurt, but expect to pay more. Grease the bottom bracket/frame interface thoroughly. You can also get noise from a cartridge BB if ... |
Is a 100mm travel hardtail ok for light downhill and a few jumps? I bought a haro flightline two dx and i want to upgrade it (fork,brakes,derraulliers,...)iam scared that if i do this with this bike that my fork is going to fail or something like that so could i do this with a 100mm sr suntour xct v2 or could i upgrade... | As for breaking the bike etc - it will probably not fail catastrophically from normal riding, but it's not a 20kg downhill tank, and parts breakable if abused. Since you are just starting out you need to focus on the basics of riding (proper stance, cornering, braking etc) which will allow you to ride better, faster an... |
Touching the front wheel with my foot when turning My girlfriend got a new city bike today and she touches the front wheel every time she has to make a hard turn. Is there anyway to avoid this besides replacing the whole bike? LATER EDIT: I think I found my answer here . <Q> This is a common problem, but really not ... | Don't pedal while turning Pump the pedals instead of normal pedaling, so that only your inside foot goes forward Get your feet into a good position (outside foot just below where the pedal overlap happens) as you start to turn. Since it can only happen at slow speeds, it's not particularly dangerous. But since you are ... |
How do I figure out which size chain my fixed gear bike has My fixed gear bike is going to want a new chain soon, how do I figure out which width I should use? <Q> There two sizes of chains that can be used on a fixed wheel bicycle 1/8" and 3/32". <S> It all depends on the width of the teeth on the cog and the chain ... | If you don't have calipers, but have a piece of 1/8" chain, then put the chain on the cog and the chainring and see if there is a large visible gap between the plates of the chain and the teeth, if so then can probably use a 3/32" chain, if it's pretty snug you probably need a 1/8" chain. The most common one is 1/8" ... |
Spray new bike with teflon to repel dirt and moisture? I'm getting a new road bike. Would a light spritz of teflon spray help in repelling dirt and moisture? I wouldn't coat it completely, just focus on those dirt collecting areas, the undersides of the frame, the crevices on the brakes and derailleurs, etc. and of c... | I've used the teflon spray on my cross bike before, especially when it was new, it seems to keep the dirt away for a short period of time, but only a few days.
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Why are BMX saddles so low? I've seen a lot of teenagers riding BMX bikes recently. It seems that most if not all of the guys I've seen riding their BMX bikes around the streets, car parks, local parks, etc have a frame that's really small, and a saddle that's as low as possible. It looks like the rider's knees are a... | It protects your balls from being smashed and when you ride if bike it feels nice to just sit down and be low to he ground with a low center of gravity.
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Are shifters compatible with different derailleurs? Can I simply choose one shifter without taking into consideration the derailleur that will be used with it and vice-versa? <Q> <A> Derailers differ in the amount of "pull" needed to get from one gear to the next, and, for front derailers, whether they are "spring in"... | No, different maker or different model with different number of "speed" shifters have different pull ratio (i.e. the length of cable pulled by a single shift).Usually it's safe to use different model with same number of gears from the same maker.
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Which MTB Inner Tubes I have tried a few brands of inner tubes for off road riding, mainly slime and dr. sludge but recently I have suffered more punctures than I'd care for despite the 'green goo'. My question is what are people's recommendations for good off road inner tubes or tubeless systems. <Q> Maxxis DH or Fre... | Alternatively, you can buy tubes that come pre-filled with sealant. Some tubes (Continental is one brand) have removable Presta valve cores. Kibbee is on to something, your tire is your best defense against punctures no matter the terrain.
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What options do I have to charge my GPS and Phone using a dynamo hub? I'm planning to purchase a supernova infinity-8 dynamo hub and wanted to use this during daylight hours to charge my Phone and GPS during bike tours. What products are available that will work with hub dynamos to charge iphone and Garmin GPS units?... | Here's one option: http://h1987995.stratoserver.net/magento/supernova-the-plug-ii-plus-usb-dynamolader.html
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I know there are better rain-forecast sources than "hourly forecast" websites. What's the best such source? When biking, I'm not so concerned about how the temperature will fluctuate. I'm much more concerned about whether or not it will rain. I sometimes wonder about two things: Will it rain in my city? If so, when? ... | Use the moisture radar, it's your best tool to see when the rain is coming and when it's going with great detail.
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What can I do to keep my knees warm? It's getting chilly out there and my knees are starting to hurt from my short commute. I tried layered trousers (thick jeans + windstopper on top), but to no avail - my knees still get cold, while my whole legs sweat. I am thinking of some kind of kneepads. If a product could provi... | As far as knee joint support goes, you should probably just get a proper knee support from the pharmacy, and wear it under (or over, depending on fit) You might also want to try a wind resistant material as it is likely to be the cold air rushing past that is causing the symptoms.
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Comparing gear ratios on different bike types How can I compare gear ratios on different wheel sizes? How can I compare gear ratios on MTB with tracking bikes with bigger wheels? How can I compare gear ratios with gear hubs? <Q> Typically you quote gear sizes in gear inches , very basically this is the drive wheel dia... | You first calculate gear ratio, which is the number of front teeth divided by the number of rear teeth, then multiply that by wheel diameter.
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Effective use of heart rate monitor I have a Garmin Edge 500 with hear rate monitor, which I use while riding. Now I have all this hear rate data which I don't know how to apply. Can anyone point out how I should use this data for training, with the intention of racing? <Q> As others have pointed, heart-rate alone is n... | When you know your maximum rate, then it is possible to calculate the HEART RATE ZONES, as percent ranges of that maximum, which are directly related to training levels. Basically, to train with a HRM, you need to set up your zones.
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"wound" on the tire side The other day I was stopped at a traffic light when I felt my bike moving slowly forward. Did not pay really attention, thought there was a slight slope, so hit the brake and voila.But it did not stop moving and I realized an idiot in his car was pushing me!!I should have gone and yell at the g... | If any of the fibers are torn or frayed, you should definitely replace it.
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Were these bearings defective? A couple of days ago my girlfriend's bicycle broke. The rear wheel was stuck. Tonight I had finally some spare time to have a look. The bearings had failed, so much so that the wheel must have spun for some time piecewise with the axle. As a consequence, if you are picturing this right, ... | Good properly tightened bearings should last for many thousands of miles/kms, and usually races tend to show the damage more clearly before the balls do.
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How to break reinforced Shimano pin? Sorry if my technical English is a bit imprecise. I just put on new Shimano CN-HG53 chain. I joined the ends not with regular pin, but with provided reinforced one (like one of those below). The problem is the tip (end) of that pin is entirely outside the link now, and I should b... | 2) I have used sidecutters or pliers to cut the pokey bit, or I've also used bullnosed pliers, but pulled them back toward the chain in the horizontal plane rather than trying to pull the pliers around the chain. The pointy end goes right through and out the other side.
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Why do my tires keep losing air, even after having the tubes replaced? I had a problem a few weeks ago where my tires were flat and needed air every time I took my bike out of the garage. I brought it to the local bike shop, and they replaced my tubes. This made a difference for a little while, but unfortunately, I se... | A missing or miss-positioned rim strip can cause a tube to puncture in short order. The most likely cause is a poor quality valve, one variant of built-in obsolescence.
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Can I buy handlebar tape in bulk I have a couple of commuter bikes with bullhorn handlebars . When I replace the tape on them, I always have heaps left over, since the bars are much shorter overall than standard drop bars. There's never enough to do both sides of the bar with a single roll though, so I end up throwing... | Or my other technique is to use up leftover pieces of bartape, tape them down temporarily and then slip a piece of 35mm heatshrink over the top and compress that with hot air.
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