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train · 95.7k rows

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What are the benefits of nickel-plated chains? Bicycle chains with higher model numbers (and slightly higher prices) are often nickel-plated or half-nickel-plated. What are the benefits of nickel-plated chains over non-nickel-plated chains? How durable is the plating--does it wear off, or do its benefits last for the ...	The main benefits of nickel plating for bike chains are hardness, corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Lubricity Tarnish Protection Decorative Appearance
Converting Mountain Bike for Road to complete in 33 mile mini triathalon I have a very good mountain bike and like to ride trails. I recently signed up for a mini triathalon that requires a 33 mile road ride. I don't want to buy a new bike, so I was thinking about buying a new set of rims and swapping them out for th...	You'll be a lot happier if, instead of spending a bunch of time and money messing with your mountain bike to make it not horrible on the pavement you instead spend about the same amount and just rent a road bike for the event.
Learning to ride fixed gear: Clipless or not? Which strategy is better for learning to ride fixed gear, if you're already comfortable with clipless pedals: Flat pedals at first, clipless after you're comfortable with being unable to coast. Learning to ride clipless from the start, probably with the tension turned w...	With the pedals always moving under your feet, it's even more important to have your feet firmly attached as it's too easy to lose contact with the pedals otherwise. In traffic, I prefer flat pedals, just because I might want to put my foot down, like, now .
How to remove rust from unpainted parts? I would like to remove rust from some old parts such as cassette, bolts, and nuts. Most of the rust is just surface rust, and I would think there would be a good technique for doing this. Besides using steel wool, I have heard of either using ultra-sonic washer or an acid ba...	A simple trick that works to remove thin rust is to rub the rusty part with aluminum foil.
Hybrid electric bikes, how do they work? I'm about to move further away from work, so my 5.5 mile commute is going up to 12 miles (24 there and back). I'm not interested in using an elecrtic bike because I can't be bothered to pedal.. I want to use an electric bike to speed up my commute to work and back. I estimate t...	Some Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles come with an "off-road" mode which removes the speed limit.
Messenger bag or handlebar basket? Fairly straightforward question the answer to which I presume depends upon ride distance, terrain, bike type, and bag weight, but I'm hoping there's a rule of thumb that generally applies to all scenarios. This question dawned on me as I was mounting a Citi Bike last night: Should I...	Just make sure your messenger bag is secured to your back and doesn't slide around.
Why are people with full suspension bikes concerned about 'Stiffness' added by thru axles? Why are people with full suspension bikes with several inches of travel be concerned about 'Stiffness' when discussing the advantages of thru axles. I would think this is more of a concern for rigid bikes which don't have suspens...	For suspended rear triangles it also makes the structure stiffer, this allows better distribution of forces through the stays, so those forces reach the shock absorber with better alignment, also allowing for smoother operation and longer component life. There is some controversy around the need for the smaller through...
The right saddle for touring In a month time I will be doing a two week tour in southern France. I was wondering which is the best kind of saddle for touring? I have a Specialized Tricross that came with a modern narrow and not so cushioned saddle with a hole down the middle (any idea what this is for?). I also have ...	That said, I agree with a previous post that says use the saddle that is comfortable to you . Given that you "love" your Brooks, I'd suggest looking at another Brooks (maybe a narrower one), or if you're confident it will be comfortable over longer distances, use your B66. A very wide saddle might start to rub excessiv...
How do I identify an SR SunTour fork exact model? I recently located this SR SunTour service manual , containing schematics of a load of forks. Trouble is, my fork only has "XCR" on a sticker, and production date stamped. At some forum this is discussed and links are provided to SunTour's XCM, XCR and XCR product l...	You have to try and deduce the model. The same model can have two different bottom cases which support disc and v-brake or just disc mounts.
Can small pebble inside tire puncture the tube? Shortly after changing a flat in a dirt road near home, I got another one. This last tube got a very small puncture. Inside the tire I also found some small pebble (like 1mm or less in length), but no thorn or wire. I wonder if this small gravel trapped inside the tire ...	Each time before you change the tube, check the tire from the inside for any thorns that stuck or (something that happens quite often) glass particles that left inside.
Training Wheels for an Adult I have a friend that refuses to attempt to learn to ride a bike without training wheels/being a tricycle, despite being 22 years old and an avid jogger..... I have an 30 year old touring bike, and a hybrid that is more on the mountain bike end of things. I've noticed that adult training w...	Training wheels can be effective if someone has balance issues, but for those people a tricycle is normally a better approach. If you don't have the tools a bike shop should be able to do this cheaply. Do it off the street, obviously, preferably in a park with grass available to deal with the inevitable "what if I fall...
Are there road bike tires invulnerable to popping? I am a mountain biker now living in Minneapolis and so I bought a road bike, but I can't keep tires on it to save my life. I 'upgraded' to Continental Attack/Force tires, got a glass shard in the rear, and now just went over a pothole that popped both the front Contine...	most brands have them- or aftermarket anti-puncture tire liners that sit between the tire casing and your tube. One last thing to note is that the number of flats you're getting may depend on what part of the road you're riding on. I use Continental Gatorhardskins on my road bike
How can I use a bent seatpost to move my cruiser's seat farther back? I realize this isn't everyone's taste, but indulge me for a moment... I just bought a beater cruiser bike on craigslist, and I'm trying to move the seat farther towards the rear of the bike for a more "relaxed" riding position. Some questions: Is...	I used an old chromo handlebar section to make a layback seat post and used it for one winter of riding without problems. There are seat posts available that have a curve that can be used to the rear or to the front.
How to shoulder a bike? In a previous question it was explained to me that no cables pass under the top tube of my Specialized Hardrock, so that the bike is easy to shoulder. Well, it isn't. The top tube is quite thin (V-shaped) and the only way I can pull this off for more than a couple of minutes is to place the ...	When shouldering any bike, I always have my hand up next to my shoulder so it actually takes a large part of the weight, and it is key to stopping the bike bumping up and down on my shoulder ( There are some designs that shoulder better than others.
Clicking noise from crankset A month ago I bought a Scott Aspect 60, and for about a week everything was ok. Then, I started hearing a noise coming from the crankset. First thought was that it was the front derailleur - after adjusting, the noise is still here. Next, I tried cleaning the chain and lubricating it - d...	If they are not properly tightened or greased, they can also make noise. I bought a new chain, cleaned and lubed it, installed it and the clicking noise was gone.
Cause of spalled cones? Was getting a sort of rubbing sound from my front wheel, like rubbing brakes, but the sound continued even with the bridal loose. So I disassembled my front hub. Everything looked good until I got to the cones. One has a rather noticeable line worn by the balls (more so than I've seen on othe...	This kind of pitting on the hub cone is usually because there was some small amount of play in the hub. Extreme Pressure grease might also help, not just thin oil. In the oil additive aisle of your auto parts store, look for crankcase additives containing zinc d. Rislone (zinc supplement( is a good brand--this stuff is...
Rolling backwards while pedaling forward on a Freecoaster Can anyone tell me what happens when rolling backwards while pedaling forwardon a freecoaster bike? I mean does it gradually slow it down, or does it cometo an abrupt hault? I have not tried it yet. <Q> I think there is some confusion about the difference betwee...	If you were to pedal forwards while coasting backwards, your pedal force would engage the clutch into the hub shell. As soon as the freecoaster engages it will come to an abrupt hault.
Which tires should I buy for an old road bike? I am upgrading an old road bike, which has Reynolds 531 tubing. (just to date it for you!)I know the wheel dimensions: 700 x 28c, and have found several sets of tires, but am unsure which to choose. The bike will be used as a road bike, if that helps? http://www.halfords....	A wider tire is more comfortable with the only disadvantage being that it is a bit heavier. If the bike originally had 28mm tires, I would expect it to take 25-35mm with no problem, but check the rims for any other indication.
Replacing 42/52 crankset to 39/52 - will it make a difference? I have several questions that arise from the fact that the current drivetrain on my old Peugeot road bike is pretty tough to ride when climbing up some steep hills: so I've got a 42/52 up front and 6 speeds (largest: 24) on the back. So my first question: ...	If you are really cheap, a fleamarket wheel might be the ticket, just check tor trueness and tight spokes.
Should thighs touch the stomach to reduce flab? I got myself a new bike and i have been told by many to reduce the seat height or bend more to cycle such that the thighs touch your stomach or atleast closer to stomach as you cycle. They say it will reduce the flab quickly and better workout. Is this true? <Q> I think...	The only way to reduce flab in one area of the body is to lose fat period. I guess what I am trying to say is this: set your bike up properly such that it is comfortable to ride, and keep putting the miles in. Get it wrong and your knees will complain.
Why the wobbly/loose cassette? Why is my used Ultegra 10-sp cassette wobbly to the touch on a new Ambrosio hub? All spacers present/correct and 11-sprocket well-seated before torquing 40nM lockring. I tried another (used) 10-sp 11-21 cassette on the same hub and there is no wobble for that one. Puzzled! <Q> Note: Diffe...	If the cassette is not sticking past, then (just like a compression headset), you won't be able to tighten it properly and you will need to put additional spacers behind the cassette. If you are in a very low gear and crank hard up a hill, that bearing can get warped or crushed.
Lights wiring polarity and wire marking I am re-wiring my bike lights to add a smartphone charger and improve the connections. Wires are going in pairs, one wire in a pair being marked with a white stripe. Since I am using LED lights, polarity is important. On electronics SE and in many places on the Internet I found...	Some dynamos ground one side of the circuit through the axle and some don't.
What is the logo gear worn by non-commuter cyclists? I live in the suburbs where there are many routes for road cyclists to go for rides. I assume these cyclists are riding for fun and/or exercise and/or to train for some kind racing events. Sometimes they are alone, other times they are in pairs or small groups. Ma...	Sponsors of local clubs or teams: A local cycling club may have team apparel that includes logos of the local bike shop and other local companies that sponsor the team.
Can I carry my tandem on a bumper carrier? I would sometimes like to transport my tandem by car, and it would be convenient to use one of those "strap-on" bumper carriers. Is it feasible to use this type of carrier? <Q> If it sticks out from the width of the car DO NOT carry the bike in the bumper carrier. <S> If nece...	If the tandem is loaded onto the carrier at an angle, it won't extend much beyond the width of the car or minivan (maybe not at all for a larger vehicle).
Pain in left hand I'm a relatively new cyclist (started about 4 months ago). Lately, I've noticed that I have numbness and tension/pain in my left hand (but not my right one) throughout my ride. Every 15-20 minutes or so I have to take my left hand off the bike and stretch my fingers a bit. I feel like there is some...	If the saddle is too high and the handle bars are not positioned appropriately, you may be exerting a fair amount of weight on your hands. I would strongly recommend that you consult a doctor.
Does the term "domestique" have negative connotations? As far as I understand, the cycling term "domestique" (referring to a supporting member of a professional cycling team) comes from the French word for "servant". According to Wikipedia, it was first used in cycling as an insult: "He is unworthy. He is no more than ...	Domestique by itself is neither a good nor a bad term. To an extent, yes it does have negative connotations. It simply refers to riders on a team whose role is not to work for their own race ranking, but to perform the day to day tasks and support that enable the team leader to advance their own race ranking.
Hydraulic disk brake stops working when hot; back to normal after cooling - is this expected? I have experienced a strange failure of my brake. I was descending a steep smooth road, using only my front brake (my rear brake was broken; it was an unplanned bail from a route). I tried keeping the speed low, so i could ju...	Because gases are easily compressible, boiling brake fluid causes a loss of braking ability.
what type of bike/frame to use when overweight? I'm around 230lbs. Since I do enjoy biking, I was looking up old school racing bikes on craigslist. Some of the frames are built with "Tange 1" steel which specify weight limits (180lbs). Is it really possible that I might damage the bike if I choose to ride it? For some...	The things where weight matter are usually pedals, since you apply a LOT of force to a fairly small piece of medal. While I have cracked my Ti frame (and gotten it welded) and broken some steel frames, it is a very rare thing. The only thing I'd warn you about based on my own experience is tightening your seatpost clam...
What are the most common causes for hysteresis in the rear derailler? I have often seen derailleurs on cheap MTBs to degrade in performance by showing hysteresis. By that I mean that to switch to a certain cog, one needs to shift one cog further and then immediately one back to get the chain to the desired cog. What c...	If the bearings in the links are worn out in a way that there's some clearance, the derailleur may bend a bit, changing the alignment of the derailleur in respect of the frame and the cassette.
Why are the rear wheels of time trial bikes disc shaped rather than having spokes? Won't having disk shaped wheels cause more wind resistance with crosswinds? What are the benefits of having these sort of wheels? <Q> Disc wheels have lower drag than spoke wheels. <S> See Wheelbuilder aerodynamic data and Aerodynam...	The benefit of a disc wheel is that you can ride faster than with a spoked wheel, on flat and rolling roads and at steady speeds.
Exertion time vs heart rate or %LT(Lactate Threshold)? Are there any tables out there that show how long a person can exert themselves at a given heart rate or %LT (assuming adequate fueling)? events lasting up to(LT = 185): 3 hours: 170+ 4 hours: 165 6 hours: 150 ??? IM: 130? <Q> Source - Metabolic Factors Limiting...	There is a lot of variability that determines how hard a person can work out for a specific amount of time - a few of the factors include: Genetics Amount of training Type of training (if you train only forlong periods, your ability to work hard at a high intensity will below, for example).
Expected chainline from 103 mm bottom bracket to 107 mm bottom bracket? Frame Windsor - The Hour Hub Width - 120mm Stock Bottom Bracket Sizing - 68 x 103 mm Miche Bottom Bracket Sizing - 68 x 107 mm Miche Crank Set Requirements - 68 x 107 mm bottom bracket I'm looking to grab a pair of Miche cranks which c...	I replaced my stock 103mm BB with a 107mm BB and had no problems with the chainline. Crank manufacturers specify a BB length for a given chain line. If you use a BB that brings the crank inwards 2mm each side, the spider arms (where the chainring bolts on) may hit the chainstays.
do I need to change my disc if the brake pads got oil on them In trying to change the brake pads on my mountain bike, I managed to get oil on my new pads and empty out all the brake fluid, and consequently also get some oil on the disc. I took the bike to the shop and they are now telling me I need to change the pads a...	Just to add to the top answer - brake cleaner (sold by bike shops and car service places) is the ideal product for cleaning your brakes - just spray it on liberally and let it drip off.
Tightening a quick release wheel and having one spring I’m fairly new to mountain biking and I’ve recently removed a quick release wheel and I’m trying to reattach it. However if I tighten it too much it makes a squeak noise around the axle. Also I’ve noticed that I only have one spring and I’m sure I’ve bought it from...	If the spring was installed backwards the wide end of the spring can get jammed into the frame and hub axle, potentially making a squeaking noise when tightening the QR.
Are tubular tires still used today? I bought an older second-hand racing bike, which has tubular tires mounted. I went to a bike shop and wanted to buy a spare tubular tire, but they told me: Wow, such an old bike! No, we don't have tubular tires. No shop has them. They are not used anymore nowadays. Instead, use a...	And as was mentioned tubulars dominate the cyclocross scene. I think most people who haven't done it are afraid of the gluing, but if you like to tinker with things its not difficult. Finally, for most places in the US you have little choice but to buy your tubulars off the web since the LBS is unlikely to stock them. ...
Fix / clean or throw away tire with 30+ thorn punctures? I recently rode through a horrible thorn patch. I came out with 2 flat tires. Upon examination, I found that the tube was punctured in 10+ places. Throw away. The tire has 30+ small thorns in it. Some thorns go all the way through, others are lodged in the tire...	If you don't replace the tyre there's a decent chance that you will suffer an additional puncture from a thorn you miss.
Safe saddles for men's health As a continuation to Why is it important to have good saddles? I would like to know: Are there non-expensive saddles that are safe for men's health that you can advise. A slightly different question, are there saddles that are safe for men with urology problems? For example, this is wha...	ISM makes saddles that reduce pressure on the perineum and according to their Marketing Material is better for riding and having adequate blood flow.
Disc brake rotor size and forks strength I have been told that every fork has a maximum rotor size characteristic. For example, for my $75 Suntour this is listed as 185mm. The explaination that I have been given for this limitation is that any larger rotor will have significant chance of breaking the forks ! That is...	If you imagine ideal calipers anchored at the bottom of the fork that could grab the rim at the back (where a huge disc brake rotor would) with force equivalent to a disc brake system, they'd probably snap the end of the fork off (or the brake mount itself) very easily. Another controversial point is that their more ex...
Tri-bars/Aerobars on Mountain Bikes I am trying to work on endurance in the hopes of one day touring the GDMBR in a reasonable amount of time and after watching Ride the Divide , I noticed a lot of the riders are using aerobars. When I am training, I can ride close to 40 miles on my bike with a Specialized flat bar ...	The main reason that aerobars may have an advantage over flat or road bars is that they are designed so that your main support mechanism is skeletal, rather than muscular. The right handlebars make a world of difference to comfort. don't get tt bars unless you want your wrists to be so sore you wont be able to pick you...
Will I notice the benefits of changing wheels? I've got a 2010 Specialized Tarmac Comp. The wheels are Mavic Aksiums and are pretty well known to be dam heavy (but sturdy) I'm seriously considering swapping them for something like Fulcrum Racing 3's, that alone should save around 500g I've never ridden another bike a...	I think I'd be better off losing some weight than paying big money for lighter wheels, but I might think differently if I was lighter and doing a lot of climbing. I didn't see my average speeds jump or anything, at least not enough to notice. A bicycle mechanic friend related an anecdote regarding someone who once test...
What is considered a good "safe biking distance" to bike to work? I'm curious about what is the maximum distance you can live from work so that it's a reasonable biking distance. I am interested in biking about 30 minutes to work. It would be about 5 miles away. I have a heavy cruiser bicycle (Schwinn). It would be a ...	The most important thing to consider is not the bike, but your clothing and amenities at your destination. It would depend on a lot of things, such as terrain, weather, traffic etc. The main safety point I would say is how you ride when you're tired. Five miles should be easy to cover with a cruiser type bicycle. I sta...
Why did my tire just blow up? I finished a 2 hour bike ride outside today, and I parked it next to the wall in my kitchen after I got home. 3-4 hours later... all the sudden the front tire just "blew up". What happened? Thanks! <Q> Check the tire carefully for a split in the carcass. <S> There may have been a small spl...	Sometimes it was due to mis-matched tire/rim max-PSI ratings (tire could handle a lot more pressure than the rim), or a ripped sidewall.
My stem keeps moving side to side even thought I tighten it I just got a new Demolition Stem.I tight it with all my force And It keeps slipping side to side Like it doesnt match with the fork lined up And whenever I check it its fine but after a while it is always not lined up with the fork..Please help me <Q> Is it po...	One of the most common reasons for this in a new BMX bike is that the riders tighten the fork bolt without loosening the stem bolts.
Tips to Alleviate Hand Soreness I've recently switched from a hybrid with straight bars to a touring bike with conventional drop bars. My commute is just over 5km, and my palms have been getting very sore just below my thumb. My theory is that my saddle is angled too far forward and I'm resting too much of my weight ...	The saddle being set up too high may also cause the rider to exert more pressure on the hands. Padded gloves or bars only slightly increase the size of contact area and thus only slightly raise the amount of weight that can be supported. Getting a professional bike fit.
How does a chainstay length affect a mountain bike performance? (wrt: 26", 650B, 29r) The trade offs for 26" through to 29" with respect to rolling resistance, contact patch, obstacle rollover, etc... have been well discussed. However, it occurs to me that as the rear wheel gets larger the clearance eventually requires...	Again, all else being equal, longer chainstays are going to be more stable at speed and typically provide better climbing traction, but they will cause the bike to not handle as sharply and to no turn as quickly-
Compact gears and chains Wanting to know if you can use a compact crank and also use a compact cassette , I have placed both on my bike but the chain seems to be at the extreme when placing the chain in the smallest gear and then also the biggest gear.Or is this normal? <Q> This is probably normal, but if the chain goe...	If you just replaced your chain rings and sprockets with smaller ones, that is to be expected.
smaller wheels on big bike to reduce height I have a SEKAI sprint 1000 bike which is a tiny bit big for me as I have problems reaching with my feet to the ground. The existing seat is already down to the lowest level so can't reduce the height any further.What I am thinking is to change the wheel to a smaller size. The...	Changing a bike with 26” tires to 24” tires would be easy, if it has disc brakes. If you are much older than early teens and have reached your growth potential, I'd consider finding a bike of the proper frame size so you can enjoy the bike rather than curse at its short comings and spend money on something you may not ...
How to fix/prevent blocked cleat bolts I've had my SPD touring shoes for about seven years. The cleats are the originals and are now quite worn and I noticed recently that one of them (not pictured) is at a rather wacky angle that can't be doing my pedalling action any good. As the shoes are more or less OK, I'd like ...	If you don't have a screw extractor, you can use a dremel tool cutting wheel to put a slit across the cleat bolts and try to remove it with a standard flathead screwdriver. I have yet to try this, but my thought is to install new cleats, then fill the bolt holes with shoe-goo or something similar to prevent the issue. ...
Should or can I (car) wax my frame? Having spent the whole summer taking a bike apart, painting it and now in the process of building it again, I was thinking about waxing it. I want the finish to last as long as possible, after all, I've spent sooo many hours on this project. Would it help in anyway? Protecting the f...	After your new paint has had a few months to cure, you should be able to use car polish or wax on it to protect it.
Disk brake brakes work poorly after annual maintainance The disk brakes practically don't brake anymore. If I pull the brake lever as hard as I can, the wheel still turns if I push the bike forward. Is this normal? Do they need a "brake in" period? UPDATE: It's a mechanical brake, and the levers are properly adjusted...	2)the brakes arent actually properly adjusted and the actuator arm is bottoming out. Clean your disks with white spirit also. It is important that the cable is properly adjusted for this to work.
Are there any generic hose extensions for frame pumps? I see two kinds of portable frame pumps to carry with me on my riding: Pmps that have a flexible hose that is either integral or pulled out and/or screwed on (e.g. Topeak Road Morph, or Lezyne). The nozzle is at the end of the hose. Pumps that have a nozzle tha...	There will be many different options, most are generic replacements for various types of pumps, but these small hoses usually are sold as "adaptors" so the word "adaptor" may be somewhere in the product name too.
Can the Tensioner Spring go Bad on a Rear Derailleur? My bike chain has been "skipping", so I've gone through the obvious: I replaced the chain I replaced the smallest cassette cog, which was showing significant wear After my replacements I noticed what the real problem was. Every once in a while, rather than the ...	It's also not impossible that the sprockets are worn not quite enough to match the old, worn out chain, yet still worn too much to match the brand new chain. Try adjusting the limit screws on the rear derailleur to make sure that it's shifting all the way to the center of each gear.
drum brakes and drop handle bars I have sturmey archer xfdd and xrd5. Which brake lever are suitable for these and drop handle bars. The cable is road type with a barrel rather than a nipple. <Q> I can not find anything suggesting that these components require special parts, so it looks like any road bike brake lever...	Any drop bar lever that isn't designed for V-brakes (which is almost all of them). If you are replacing the shifter as well, then you should be sure to buy and indexed 5 speed shifter.
Buying a used higher quality bike vs a lower quality new bike I'm in the market for a new or used bike in the $1000 range and am trying to figure out whether it is worth it to buy a nicer bike with better components if they are already used and worn. For specifics the used bike i'm considering is a specialized tricro...	Used really is a great way to get the most bike for your buck. Search with a good LED light for cracks in the frame, especially around the welds.
Knee Pain and Injury I ride a road bike, mainly on flat terrain. About two years ago following a 100k ride I had major pain in the front of my knees, just above the patella. The pain did not subside, was present during the following rides, and I have not been riding (due to a number of unrelated health issues) at all...	(My personal experience has been that some sort of toe clip or clipless pedal arrangement helps this condition, vs plain pedals, though there are probably arrangements that can make it worse.) Fit is important but to assume you will not be injured because your fit is good is wrong.
How to determine if a decline is too steep for safety? I often find myself confronted by a steep and bumpy bit of hill on the trail, or one or two steps on the path, and end up with three possible results: A) ride down with no trouble (usually) B) step off the bike and walk down (often) C) attempt to ride down and f...	When a hill is too steep to ride very slowly down, then it is too steep for me ( as I do not trust my brakes or my competence to go full-speed down ), and I fall to the side (which is not a problem as I am riding at walking pace) and push down. Looking at the steep section that flipped you over, see if you can find why...
Front pannier and child-seat balance I transport my 15 Kg kid on a child-seat. I want to set a pair of panniers. Even if I could put them on a rear rack ( I don't know if I can ), would it be a good idea to choose a front pannier system aiming to balance the weight? I mean to do not have almost everything in the back p...	In fact I often feel better with panniers front and rear than with either on their own. You'll need a bit more air in your tires to avoid pinch flats with the extra weight (especially the rear).
How often should I check rear derailleur adjustments? If I remove the (rattling)plastic disc - How often should I check the limit screws on rear derailleur? If the shifter cable tension is less than optimal, would this be a possible cause to drive the chain in between the spokes and the rear cog-set? Excluding t...	However, there could be a case where too much tension could cause the derailleur to move through the last shift enough to stress past the limit screw, but I think this is unlikely.
Is vehicular cycling legal in France? I learned to ride in Toronto, where behaviour such as the following is legal : if there is not enough space to share the lane safely with another vehicle, it is legal to ride near the centre of the lane, so that drivers must wait or change lanes to overtake Is this also true i...	But keeping a safe distance between your path and the right side of the road, such as around 1 meter, is what most riders do. but if the side of the road is covered by debris, move closer to the centre!
How do I determine my wheel size Would someone explain wheel sizes. If I am not mistaken, the wheels on my Trek 520 touring bike are 700C. There are no markings, and of course, no documentation of any kind. I assume 700 means 700mm, so 700 / 25.4 = 27.56 inches. If I measure the rim however, its diameter is approxima...	Nowadays, all tires labeled as 700C mount on a 622mm rim. Originally, tires were sold in sizes based on the outer diameter of the tire. And, while 26" tires vary, 27" tires are (almost) always XX/630. So the only sensible way to match tires to rims is via the ISO sizes (which are tied to the rim size, not the tire).
Grinding sound on new disc brakes I have a new bike, probably a month old, which has Hayes cx 5 disc brakes. I've noticed that the front brake pad is making a grinding sound when I brake at low to moderate speeds. What could be causing this? The pads that come with these brakes are Semi-Metallic. The rotor bolts are ...	Contaminants on the the rotors or pads will cause some extra noise as well. If you're not used to running this type of brake, it may be difficult to form a basis for what sounds normal vs what sounds like trouble, so if you still have doubts I recommend you pay a visit to your local bike shop.
How can I reduce back pain on a shared bike with poor shock absorbers I ride a bicycle to work every day for several months now.I use a bicycle sharing system that my city offers, and it's very convenient: I don't have to worry about locking the bike or maintenance, I can use the bike only one way etc. However, recent...	I would recommend riding a more typical bike when possible as I am not sure this will be enough to relieve your back pain. the first thing to try is to move it a bit higher. I eventually saw a physical therapist who was able to help me to the point where the problem no longer occurs (even on days where I ride ~20 miles...
Are Shimano R440 road flat bar shifters compatible with a mountain bike front derailleur? The Shimano shifter flat bar series have the same cable pull length than the mountain bike shifters. Is this series compatible with a mountain bike front derailleur, Deore, for example? <Q> There's a great thread here <S> that...	When working with Shimano, "flat-bar" shifters are really just mountain-bike shifters in different colors. "Mountain" chainrings are typically smaller, and trying to get a "mountain" front derailleur to work on larger chainrings often involves compromised adjustment or hand-modified cages.
How fast can my bike go? I have an old mountain bike and want to change to a Pashley style girlie bike. I use my bike to go to the shops, pop to places and go out and about with my dog running along side. I find the seating position of my old bike very uncomfortable in all areas. My concern is, Pashley style bikes on...	If the new bike's chain ring is smaller than the one you have now, it will probably be slower, unless it has a much smaller gear on the rear wheel as well. If you're just riding around the city, stopping frequently, and even expecting your dog to run along side, a Pashley bike will go "fast enough".
How to decode tread patterns? I'm searching for new tires for my MTB, but I'm lost with the many options available, even within a single brand (like Maxxis). Under "Mountain" category alone, Maxxis lists 22 diferent tires, every one with many variants by size, compound and bead, while the only visible difference for me...	Even so, you're better off just trusting what the manufacturer recommends the tire be used for ( downhill cx/ wet/mud/gravel etc ) rather than spending so much time picking apart the details.
Are all ready-made wheels sold "cassette compatible" only? I will have to change my wheels on my old trusty late-80s Peugeot (PS28) soon. The rear wheel is mounted with a freewheel-type 6-speed hub (not cassette). I was wondering if all ready-made wheels that you can buy are only cassette compatible (therefore 7-8-9 s...	If your hub is in good condition & you wish to keep it having the wheel rebuilt is the way to go. There is a US based company called Wheel Master that most shops can get.
Can I change a 3speed sturmey archer to a derailleur system? Might be daft but can I change an internal hub for a derailleur option. I have an old bike which is slow but I do love it. I want to upgrade my running gear but the "chassis" is still tip-top. I don't want to loose my beloved but am sick of the three speed gr...	Adding multiple chainrings in the front is a problem because you still need a chain tensioning mechanism, which is usually done by the rear derailleur mechanism. If you have a local bike coop, they're likely to have pretty much all of what you need very cheaply:
What are these diagonal marks on my innertube? I'm on my second inner-tube in as many weeks and the culprit seems to be the same between them; these diagonal marks on the side around the whole of it—but only on one side (sorry, didn't make a note of what side that was when removing it :( ). Some are shallower, some d...	Those are scuff marks from running the tire flat (or nearly so), and/or from a tire whose sidewall is breaking down.
How to thread gear cables through outers and end caps? I'm currently putting a bike together with recycled parts and want to get away with not having to purchase a new gear wire. On my first attempt to thread the RD wire I ended up fraying it, cutting off too big a length and having to purchase a replacement. The old F...	The method I've found that works best is: clamp the cable tightly at the desired length with vise grips. On the outer ends (if cut) check, that the iron isn't bent inside, as it will impede the wire.
I want to remove my front derailleur? I'm new to biking only doing it since the past 3 months. I don't use my front gears much since i'm pretty tall and lower gears means going at a very high cadence for little output. so wondering if i could remove the derailleur. Does this create any problem? <Q> I would fix the dera...	If you use the chainrings you have, which are designed to be shiftable, you will find the chain comes off them quite easily if you are in the extreme ends of your rear gears.
Does the value of an old bicycle depreciate if old tires replace with new ones? I have a 1969 Columbia Newsboy Special that I have had for many years and I have never replaced the tires. Got the bike out of the garage and pumped up the tires to ride and the front tire poped. Rear tire still good. Will replacing both ti...	If you are concerned, though, and you plan to ride the bike, replace the tires with new ones and keep the old ones somewhere so they don't wear out further. Rubber tires don't last forever and will continue to degrade even if stored in a basement.
Why did my tire explode? Been running a set of quite nice slicks at 120-140 PSI for a couple of months. Might have done 400-600 km on the bike in that time. Tonight the rear tire exploded while the bike was sitting in my entryway. It's split right along the seam, with a roughly 2 inch long gap. Very loud bang etc. Bef...	It may have gotten "bruised" at some point, or the cord may have simply fatigued to the point of failure. Age would be another suspect, but you indicate you've only had the tires a few months, and it would take several years for that to be a factor.
Can you use a SRAM 10-speed Powerlock with a Shimano chain/drivetrain? I just bought a pair of SRAM Powerlocks for 10-speed chains. The packaging says that they can only be used with SRAM chains. Will anything nasty happen if I use it with a Shimano chain and cassette? <Q> They will work fine together- same if you swap...	If you look at Wippermann Connex Link compatibility they say that the one link is compatible with SRAM, Shimano, and Campy. I've done this many times for myself and for others with no issue and it's common practice amongst bike shops. I put a sram powerlink onto my shimano chain, but it was so tight that the chain was ...
How do I stop my rim brakes making a squeaking/squealing sound? I bought a Schwinn Frontier Sport few months ago and started riding happily. After a few weeks my front rim brakes started creaking. It's so annoying in public places. My rear brake doesn't produce any sound but isn't as powerful as the front brake. The r...	Make sure the braking surface of the rim is clean. Use rubbing alcohol and a green scrub pad to scrub off any crud, and then wipe the braking surface off with a clean towel with a dab of alcohol on it.
Which spokes should I get for an Expresso Coaster Brake with a Velocity Deep V 700c I'm working on my first coaster project with an old 700c frame which I want to make really clean using an Espresso Coaster Hub. http://www.espressowheels.com/griptape.html Rear black coaster brake hub with 32 holes. Includes 16T chrom...	For a more general answer: just go to a bike shop with the hub and rim and they'll be able to help you.
Front derailleur won't spring back to lower gears The front derailleur on my mountainbike sometimes gets stuck in high gears. When this happens and I want to shift down I can nudge it a bit with my foot and it will spring back to the lower gear. I think the spring is still strong enough because just a small nudge is e...	Clean the clutch joints and housings properly. apply WD-40 to any moving parts on the derailleur but focus on the pivot points to remove old lube. If you believe you have diagnosed the problem then a clean and a service should be all that is required.
Should I wait for clear views of the sky before turning on my Garmin Edge GPS? I have a Garmin Edge 200 GPS unit. I commute from the center of Melbourne CBD, where there are many tall buildings and not a good line of sight to satellites. I park in an underground garage, so there isn't an option to turn on the GPS for a...	The best advice is to turn it on before you ride and wait until it has a lock before you start riding. I've found that I don't really need a view of the sky, as I can turn it on in my house or in my garage, and get a signal no problem. Signal is also affected by where you are on the earth.
Hydraulic Brake Loud Noise and Vibration I have a shimano br-m446 installed in my MTB, i recently replaced it with new pads, my problem is that it is squealing so bad, with a mild to moderate vibration during braking in downhills. and it's really really annoying. I haven't placed anything on them, i clean my rotors wi...	Also clean the disc with a volatile oil solvent such as alcohol or methylated spirits. It's possible that you swapped from organic to metallic pads which may have caused the issue to surface.
SRAM Rival front derailleur throws chain to the outside, even after professional adjustment TL;DR: if you have a SRAM Rival front derailleur I'd love to know if yours looks "funny" like mine does--it's described in bold . I have a SRAM Rival groupset (from late 2011), including front derailleur/mech, crankset, and br...	Try adjusting it yourself once you checked the height of the derailleur... Not all "pro's" are equally good at gear adjustments: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/front-derailleur-adjustments Make sure you don't have a bent a tooth on your chain ring.
What to look for in a Messenger Bag For the purpose of work commuting, what are the features that one should look for in a messenger bag? Size of the bag? Strap configuration? Color/Design? Not looking for specific product recommendations (Unless the product illustrates the concept) but instead want generalizatio...	I'd recommend getting a bag which has separable compartments, zipped pockets (inside and out) and is waterproof of comes with a waterproof cover. Strap configuration should be such that you feel comfortable riding with it. For straps, ensure that the bag has a cross-strap (that loops around the other side of your body ...
Different tire and rim widths front and back - Why? Should I replace one? I just bought a Trek 7.2 hybrid bike on Ebay and got the surprise (didn't read the listing closely!) that the front and back tires and rims are different widths. I am wondering if I should give it a try or spend some money on making the front whe...	Other times it's changed to meet a specific need such as wanting a rim that supports a wider tire or a stronger rim if you're riding over tougher terrain. It is quite uncommon for new bikes to have different width of tiresbut used bikes
Slippage Under Load [New Bike] I got a new bike a three or four weeks ago and have noticed the issue arise this last week or two. When I'm going up a hill (or any heavy load), my gears will slip. I don't think it's moving gears, it just seems to slip a bit. My pedals will lose tension as I hear it slip, then will ...	If the bike is three or four weeks old it is most likely due for an initial readjustment. What I did was to tension up the cable for my rear d via the barrel adjuster, making sure to check for correct shifting on all cogs.
Is it harmful to store a bike in a repair stand when held by the seatpost? I am currently storing my bike in a repair stand where it hangs by the seatpost. I was wondering if this might not be ideal and that the prolonged hanging might put too much stress on the bike and that I should instead store it standing on the f...	As others have pointed out, keeping the tires unweighted might help lengthen their life in storage, though it should make no difference with the bearings since they're metal on metal with no movement. The force that is transferred through the seatpost to the bike when you sit on it and ride some bumpy road is vastly mo...
Which way should a seat post clamp be oriented? I heard somewhere (I don't remember where) once that a seat post clamp should be oriented with the gap at the front of the seat tube, opposite of the gap in the top of the seat tube. The logic behind this was that it supposedly exerts more equal pressure around the entire...	Aligning the gaps will allow the clamp to compress the tube a little better, therefore reducing the amount of tension needed from the clamp to hold the seat post in.
Alternative uses for an aluminum MTB frame Any alternative use for old mountain bike tyres and inner tube? So my frame has a large crack near the headtube and I am replacing it. Could I use the frame in any other way? E.g. give it away for recycling, get a few beers with the money make vases from the tubes make s...	As others have suggested, parts of the frame can be turned into a desk lamp, a work light holder, or a tool tray holder for your home shop. At our local bike coop, we've welded some old bike frames together to act as a anti-burglary window grille. The whole idea is to think of it as raw material, taking advantage of an...
How to compensate broken thread in brake barrel adjuster? On my disc brakes I realized the barrel cable adjuster has its thread broken and most of it is stuck inside the calliper. The picture is not my brake but they are quite similar: the black barrel thread is broken and a part of it is stuck in the silver-y th...	As you drill through the broken piece the drill bit will often grab the broken piece and screw it out through the opening on the other side. If you have such a part flying around that is no longer needed you could see if you can take the adjuster from there.
How to properly position foot on flat pedals? I recently replaced my clip-in pedals(SPD) with regular flat pedals on my commuter cycle with the hope to avoid wearing shoes with cleats on my commute. I want to wear my water proof boots to work when cycling. The problem I face is that my feet are not positioned properly,...	The first thing that you will notice on flat pedals is that your feet naturally go to a mid-foot position where the ball of the foot is placed in front of the pedal axle. As far as getting the same spot every time: practice!
How do I stop my bike tires from puncturing? I recently bought a specialized Stumpjumper 29 and its only been a few weeks but I've punctured the tire four times already. I think im getting the punctures from the trees and bark on the trail but is there any type of tire that is more puncture resistant that the stock one...	Chances are your tyre has something sharp on the inside, that is rubbing on the tube while you ride and eventually causing another puncture.
How do you fix a puncture on tubeless tires? I recently got a new bike with a set of tubeless compatible rims. The stock tires are clinchers with tubes. I'm thinking about putting tubeless on there, but I don't have any experience with them. We have some trees here that drop huge thorns, like nails. They're big enough ...	There are tubeless tire boots available that you can use to patch a puncture that sealant won't seal.
Is there a collective name for the non-groupset parts? I would like to estimate the price of a bike if bought in parts. One thing is the frame, that is easy. The front and rear shock can also easily be checked out as individual components. Tires A groupset seems to include: brakes shifters drivetrain BB hu...	You could call the collection of groupset and other parts minus the frame and fork a build kit. As far as wheels go, there's not really a standard pairing that's going to allow you view those with anything else.
How long should pedals last? I use cheap flat pedals, aluminum or plastic. They lasts about a year (1K-2K kms) before dying (cracking noises at each stroke). I don't mind paying US$10 each year, but it hurts my eco-heart: I want to recicle, to repair and not pollute the Earth. How long should pedals last? Do servicea...	If you feel any sort of catching, it is using very cheap ball bearings, and it isn't worth installing on your bike. Properly made pedals that are looked after should last longer than the bike they're attached to.
Treacherous ride - top half of fork points backwards, but the bottom points forward I have a Kent Glendale with dual front suspension. The top half of the fork is turned around so the right shock was installed into the left stanchion and vice-versa. and I cannot figure out how to remove the lower half of the fork. Ther...	On a side note, you can probably remove the stanchions from the crown, but judging by the amount of rust in your pictures, they're probably fairly stuck by now.
how do i stop my Formula disk brakes from squealing I have seen a number of posts about stopping discs from squealing, but mine don't always squeal, when the squealing starts it doesn't stop (as if something has worn off) and it's not worn out pads. Is it true that some makes and models of discs just squeal? If so, ti...	My understanding is squealing can also be caused by micro vibrations, and not necessarily in the brake system itself, for example, due to slightly loose forks. When mine squeal I remove the pads, buff with some wet and dry, put them back in, and re-center the calipers.
When Should I replace the rotors on disk brakes? I've probably done about 20k on the rotors I bought the bike with. They still work fine, but are visibly worn and slightly grooved from me not replacing the pads soon enough a few times. How do I know when it's time to get new rotors (apart from by finding out the hard ...	So for a sake of measurements, 30% thickness reduction would be a good indication to replace the poor thing.
How to prevent wrist pain on road bikes? When I started bike-commuting with my road bike I developed chronic pain in my wrists. It probably took a year to go away, and now I have been free of complaints for several years. My wife just started bike-commuting with her road bike and she started to complain about painful w...	I'd suggest checking the saddle angle (it may be too downward), raising the handlebars if possible (this may or may not be possible), and checking her posture. clearly you want a harder grip as even small bumps can be dangerous, but squeezing very hard on the handlebars will give you cramp in no time at all. A good bik...
Where can I find Shimano jockey wheels? I have a Shimano RD-M510 rear derailleur that needs both jockey wheels replaced. Were can I find them for this older unit?Jerry <Q> The compatible part is SHIMANO RD 5700 and the part number is 5XH9812. <S> The set come as a pair and is available at a number of places such as C...	Tacx manufactures some great jockey wheels which are compatible with Shimano/Sram/Campagnolo products. Most on line retailers Chainreaction cycles, BlueSky cycles, Excel Sports carry them.
Best way to patch road bike tubes I've scoured the internet for this answer, as I recently just tried to repair a tube on my Purefix fixed-gear bike which I assume uses tires and tubes similar to road bikes, as the tire size is 700cx28. Anywho, the patch pinched the tube and was no longer usable. I used the pre-glued o...	Clean the area to be patched, this makes the glue/solution adhere better to the tube.
Cyclocross racing with fixed gear road bike with cross tires I would like to take part in three local cyclocross races in the coming weeks but have a bike dilemma: Should I convert my track frame to a new fork and put one cantilever brake on it and change the tyres, or change the tyres on my Kona road bike (I checked...	If your road bike will fit a cross tire, then I'd just use that.
Plastic screw with ripped-off head stuck in the frame So I attempted using a couple of shitty plastic screws to attach an air pump to the water bottle mounting holes in the frame. I was using a long-arm torque wrench and the head of one of the screws just came off, leaving the body inside. I need those threaded holes ...	The source of the problem was that the plastic body of the screw threads difficultly into the thread. Screw extractor : Inexpensive and easy to use. Next I tried a soldering iron. You will have to drill eventually.
Significant difference between 28C and 32C tires? I have a Schwinn Sporterra 2011. It has a 622x20 rim and the default tires are 700x38C. I'm thinking of "upgrading" to thinner tires. Now, my local cycle shop has Specialized tires that are 32C. They can also get me Schwalbe 28C tires, but in 2-3 weeks time. What I'm ...	You can try running wider tires at their max pressure to reduce rolling resistance and see how they feel, but it will likely give you a rough ride and have fairly poor contact with the road surface, compared with a narrower tire at the same pressure. Tires below 28 are only for road bike use, ideally with a carbon fram...

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