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Wobbly splined cranks, yet bolts are very tight I have a road bike with ISIS splined cranks. I've been noticing front derailleur rub lately, and when I took a look, both of my crank arms are wobbly. The retaining nut is very tight, so tight on the drive side that I can't even back it out. The bike is an entry level ... | The problem, I believe, is the interface between the hard steel of the bottom bracket, and the soft, light aluminum alloy of the crank arms; once you crank them down there's no way to keep the arms from wearing out.
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Are two different tires marked with the same dimensions (700 x 25c) the same size? Both sets of tires are from different reputable manufactures but the details are the same. ie Clinchers folding etc. I recently changed my tires on a road bike, the clearance on top section of the rear seat stay was always very small w... | Tire manufacturers have become much more consistent in their sizing, but there are still small variations.
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Can I put a lower geared cassette on my bike? I bought a bike recently that has a 34 front 28 rear gear ratio. It is an Elfama E2500, which is a Korean brand I believe. It has a Shimano Claris (which is rated for up to 32 teeth) rear derailleur and an 8 speed 11-28 cassette in the back. I would like to go with as big... | You'll also need a medium or long cage rear derailleur to help take up the difference in chain length.
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Front derailleur cable tension too high with Acera shifter and Ultegra derailleur I'm trying to install some Acera trigger shifters to use with my Ultegra derailleurs. The rear derailluer/shifter combo (8 speed) is working great. The front however (3 chain rings) seems to have a problem. I have to push extremely har... | You could have the high screw setting too tight, preventing the cage from moving out enough so the cable can pull it and the chain onto the 3rd chain ring. 2)Be sure that the cable guide underneath the bottom bracket shell is clean.
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What's the story of Shimano PD-T780 Deore XT Pedals? I've seen these alleged XT group pedals on several web sites, but they aren't on Shimano's site. The "PD-T780 Deore XT Pedal" is sold at Arts Cyclery ( http://www.artscyclery.com/ ), Amazon, and REI, but at none of my usual online bike retailers. It's odd for an XT ... | Shimano Deore XT T8000 is a groupset designed for trekking, touring and commuting bicycles.
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Dual water bottle brackets on a single frame mount? I'm looking for a way to mount two water bottle cages on the seat tube . Is there any way to make this hold two water bottle cages on one bracket / mount point? <Q> There are lots of clamp-on bottle cages <S> (google link), letting you add bottles wherever you hav... | I suggest grabbing a couple of bottles and trying to fit them into the frame. You'll have problems getting both in there unless your seat tube is really long.
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How can I remove the small slitted nuts to open an old rear hub? This is an old back hub that has back-pedal break, and two internal gears. As pictured it has two slitted nuts that lock the hub. Which tool should I use to remove these nuts without damaging them? Is there some way of removing them without a special to... | As suggested above you can fashion a tool or use a hammer and screwdriver/ punch to loosen the nut.
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Is it ever useful to use lubricating grease with EP additives anywhere on a bike? In the shops where I buy lubricating grease there are two main kinds: Regular lubricating grease of semi transparent yellowish quality. Lubricating grease with EP additives (Extreme Pressure additives) that is grey and not transparen... | Any of the common bearing greases are fine, and if the bike ever gets ridden in wet conditions then water resistance easily becomes the most important variable factor among greases.
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Is the shifter really broken? My high shifter isn't shifting in gears 1-4 (5-8 are fine). I took it to a shop and they said I need a new shifter because it's in "really bad shape". No details or anything. Does it seem like they're pulling a fast one on me? Thanks. <Q> But if you don't know whether to trust them or not... | Normally, a shop will not lie on their customers, as they do want you to come back again.
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How to pass another bicycle in a bike lane I bike to and from work in New York City, and I have noticed that while I stay very far to the right in the bike lane (literally on the line that marks the right most boundary of the bike lane), maybe about 70% of the cyclists who pass me do so on the right, despite the fact t... | In my opinion, you should not need to ring your bell when you overtake, unless several cyclists are cyclist abreast and making it impossible for anybody to pass, but this is more likely on a bike path than on a bike lane. You're doing the right thing by generally staying to the right. The correct way to pass is to firs... |
Is there an online bike map for the Grand Rounds bike trail in Minnesota? This one is solid but not detailed. This is just the south loop. This says it's "available at the Longfellow House in Minnehaha Park and at rec centers and refectories along the route." Google just shows a place . Edit : Minneapolis just... | It seems most of it is mapped on OpenStreetMap. Once a year the Minneapolis Park Board puts on the Grand Rounds Scenic Bike Tour , which is an opportunity to ride the whole path in a big group.
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Where do people in Netherlands wash their bikes? This would seem to be an absurd question, but I would like to know (especially from the Dutch or people staying in Netherlands) where do they clean their bikes? I am talking about: a) Cleaning bike that's badly covered in mud / sand. In Netherlands there are not many t... | In my little experience washing too hard a bike is usually counter-productive. I use a portable weed sprayer with warm water in it.
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How tight should the tandem front chain be? I have a Thorn Me'n'u2 triplet (three seater tandem), and was having a problem where whenever I tried to accelerate suddenly (either solo or with stoker(s)), the front chain seemed to fall off (happened at least once every time we went out). I tightened it up (removed a lin... | On the other extreme, if its rock hard then its too tight, and will accelerate wear on timing chainrings and the chain itself. Notice how freely the cranks turn when the chain is too loose. Opinion answer - maximum of 8 mm of slack/displacement when you push the top of the timing chain down.
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Touring on a Tri bike? I'm going on a coast to coast tour, fully supported, so only carrying what I need for the day. I have a Trek Speed Concept I have used for Ironman races and a few multi day tours (75 mile days). I used a touring bike with a triple for a similar ride a few years ago. It was great in the mount... | Most people, even pro racers, would find that everything about what creates a desirable rider position on a tri bike would be close to the diametric opposite in terms of priorities to what you want on a touring bike As long as you are aware, careful, bring your own second TT bike, or comfortable with the possible delay... |
Dull pain in knees I recently bought my first road bike, a secondhand 2014 Specialized Allez. I've so far cycled roughly 250km over the last 4 weeks. I'm 195cm, 87kg. The frame is a 58cm. I'm struggling to determine whether the very dull ache I have in my knees is due to my body adapting to the new motion of cycling,... | The seat should be high enough that your knee is almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke (though not so high that you must rock back and forth in the saddle to pedal). Well, if you did your own preliminar fit, it is time to tweak it based on how you feel.
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Can I use silicon spray to lubricate my hybrid cycle chain? Can I use silicon spray to lubricate my hybrid cycle chain? (Of course, after de-greasing it using a de-greasing spray) Thank you for your help <Q> Can you? <S> Yes. <S> It is not optimal for use on chains though. <S> It washes away rather easily leaving ... | But since that's insane to do at home, your best bet is a drip bottle (like most bicycle lubes are sold) for oiling the chain. One suggests not using anything more than a bit of soapy water when necessary, along with a brush. Sprays are generally a bad idea for bicycles -- they tend to get on places where you don't wan... |
How to mount TT shifters and TT brake levers together? I am starting a new project to build a custom bike with bullhorn handlebar. It'd most likely be made either with road or hybrid type of frame. I am planning on having both front and real derailleurs, and brakes (writing all this because, you know, fixies :) There a... | You'll probably want the brifters where the brake cable can exit "downwards" not backwards.
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Do pedals come in widths? Do pedals come in widths? Can I get a wider pedal to fit my wide feet? I wear a size 13 EEEE, a wide shoe. I'm biking in regular shoes, not cleated. My pedals are plain platform style (not cleated, no strap, no toe clips, just flat). I'm having trouble fitting my feet on the pedals. I'm eithe... | @Kibbee's answer above is correct: if you need a wider stance than a stock pedal, you can get spacers or extenders that fit between the pedal and where it threads into the crank. There aren't standardized ways of measuring pedal and they aren't all the same width (even in the same type of pedals). Speedplay's Zero stai... |
Can storing bicycles upside-down damage hydraulic brakes? I usually store our bikes for the winter hanging upside down by the wheels from the rafters. I would assume that I can't do this with a hydraulic disc brake bike: am I correct? <Q> From Shimano Service Instructions : <S> When turning the bicycle upside down ... | If the bicycle has been turned upside down or on its side, be sure to operate the brake lever a few times to check that the brakes operate normally before riding the bicycle.
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Cantilever brakes gets very weak if it rains I have a bicycle with cantilever brakes. Under light rain or dry weather the braking action is not very powerful, but good enough. However, under heavy rain the braking action gets close to 0.This become especially problematic if I carry luggage or am going downhill (it ca... | Rusty cable and rusty bowden are the places where you lose the braking force. Be sure the pads are properly aligned.
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Bike weight limits, fatter tyre for more weight? I have a touring bike which I use for commuting, I carry about 30 kg of tools with me usually on this pannier type thing I made on the back. And usually a work belt on the front which is 7 kg I'm wondering how much more I can safely carry on the bike without stressing ... | A wider tyre is also deeper, so when you hit a pothole there's more give before you pinch flat. From memory of a long time ago, I used to carry 50kg or so on a fairly stock MTB when I weighed 70kg, on fairly rough roads.
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How to measure pedal axle/spindle size? How do you measure pedal axle/spindle size? Replacement pedals and accessories specify a size like 9/16" or 1/2". How do I measure my current pedal to see what I need? Is it just a matter of putting the pedal threads in a caliper and measuring the outer diameter of the threads... | I measured my 9/16" pedal threads at their outer diameter using a caliper, and got .561", which is darned near the decimal of 9/16".
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Can an individual gear/cog on the rear cassette be replaced? I'm trying to figure out how the rear cassette is put together, and I found this related question that suggests at least maybe the lowest gears can be replaced. I'm trying to figure out if in general any and all of the cogs in a rear cassette can be swapped... | Personally, if a few of the sprockets in my cassette were worn, I would just change the whole cassette (and the chain also of course).
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Is this change normal? I have recently had my tyres on my bike changed from mountain bike tyres to road tyres. I was also advised by the man who fixed it that my saddle was too low for me and he raised it. Since these changes it almost feels like I am cycling with slightly flat tyres. Uphill doesn't feel massively stre... | Raising the seat height will allow for a more efficient pedal stroke. The main difference by changing from mountain bike to road tires will be the tire pressure.
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How long can I ride my bike with a worn cassette? I took my bike to the mechanics the other day and along with needing my chain replaced they said that I also need my cassette changed and the front cogs. I was wondering how long I can ride my bike now with a worn cassette before it becomes unridable? The teeth on the ... | You can either run the whole transmission system in to the ground, and replace cassette/chain/ 2xjockey wheels and the chainrings, or you can change the bits that are worn while getting more mileage out of the chainring. First of all make sure that the bicycle mechanic actually measured the chain using the special chai... |
How can I carry a heavy bag without a rack? I want to buy a heavy 20kg bag of rice and bring it home. The problem is that I only have access to a bike without any rack or formal way to store bags. The bag is too big to fit in my backpack. The distance is about 3km from the shop to my home. I am using a Bixi (Shared b... | I'd probably have the sack sideways across the backpack, rather than vertical, as it's less likely to slip between the straps.
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Identifying an eccentric bottom bracket? I have a bike powered by a Gates belt-drive and a Shimano Alfine 11. It also has an eccentric bottom bracket to adjust the tension on the belt drive, and a SRAM GXP bottom bracket. The other day, just by following videos on Youtube since no other help was available, I tried rep... | Look up the crankset name and google what BB goes with it. I would never recommend riding on a loose cup, but people do all the time, with the main consequence being noise and play in the cranks. But, if you're going to try to source a new eccentric yourself, you really should pull it anyway to get an exact measurement... |
Clipless pedals for my 9 year old My 9 year old son has a Trek 220 mountain bike and really wants to get clipless pedals because he tried a mountain bike race and is doing a cyclocross clinic that he loves. Problem is that he rides his bike to school and around the neighborhood so needs regular pedals too. What is ... | Another option worth considering is another bike.
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Other commuters riding too close I have been commuting to work for a few months now, and generally I enjoy it. Unfortunately I've noticed that on the way back (never seems to happen in the morning - I set off quite early) I will often find someone rides much too close behind me, i.e. within half a bicycle length, tryin... | It will happen eventually with other riders and I would say that the only choice is to have a bit of trust and actively check before any stopping or turning. It does not seem practical to talk to everyone on your tail. Just wave him past, that's what I do. Probably most important given your example is to use the "Slowi... |
Can I use Shimano 105's brakes with vintage bike? Complete newbie here, looking for better stopping power and less rusty calipers. I have a Nishiki Custom Sport with Dia Compe brakes and I was wondering if I could use the Shimano 105 5800's on them. I've heard conflicting comments on the compatibility with the SLR de... | There were small differences between levers but essentially every lever across all bike genres in one camp would work with every brake in that camp.
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Can adjusting handlebar height help reduce hand numbness? Riding my mountain bike on the roads in experiencing tingling and numbness in my hands, especially the left, after 10-15 minutes. It's intermittent and I can disperse it by wiggling my hand when it's safe to take one hand of the bars for a few seconds. I wonder... | * Raise the handlebars until they are comfortable (maybe an inch or so a ride) I installed the Ergon grips with the pads angled up a little to keep my wrists flatter instead of bent back.
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PSI and tube size I ride a giant hybrid with tires that say SRX4 with 700x40c / 40-622 / 75 psi max. I recently had a tube go bad in the back tire. Today I replaced it with a tube I bought at the bike shop which reads 700x35-40 27x1-3/8. I got it back in and the tire back on. However, when I inflate it, 75 psi seems li... | It seems like something is preventing the air from flowing inside the tube itself and it is being trapped somewhere between the tube valve and the pump.
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trek road bike puncture and then gears stop working advice needed? I wonder if any one can help me I have a trek road bike, I have had it several years and it has always worked really well gears changing well and never had a puncture. A couple of weeks ago I went out for a ride and back wheel went bang and had a punct... | Second, the cable housing that runs from the shifter to the derailleur may have gotten bent, pinched, or otherwise damaged while you were taking the wheel in and out.
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hybrid bike ... too small? risks? I bought a Schwinn from a big box. I'm regretting it for technical reasons (shifters, brakes), but I'm starting to wonder if the frame is too small. I have the seat way up and going down steep (paved) hills is a bit scary. It feels a bit unstable. It's a hybrid because my wife and ... | It sounds like the bike is too small for your comfort - some people like small, whippy bikes and others like to ride much larger, more stable, bicycles. Frames usually are quite big to the point where they looks bigger that same size mtb frames (they both looks quite similar).
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Standing up, worth practising for a casual cyclist? I have no interest in racing, for me a bike is a mode of transport or a pleasant way to enjoy the countryside. Currently, the only time I ever stand is to accelerate from stationary or for a very short, steep hill... I can't do it for more than about 30s and it ruins... | As you have found, pedalling out of the saddle can generate more power than remaining in the saddle, but it is also a more difficult position to maintain. standing can help you get over the hill. You need to checkout explicit instruction to train to use the muscle and tendon around the knee.
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Strange long squeal sound when I pedal hard - how to track this down? It's kinda hard to describe but there's a sound coming from somewhere on the bike when I pedal hard - I can't figure out where it's coming from. It's sort of like a high pitched pig squeal. It started happening randomly really and hasn't stopped sinc... | Give your rear wheel a wiggle - it could be a loose axle contributing to some movement. Frame flex -Stand over the bike and with both brakes hard-on put some load on a pedal in the horizontal position.
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Native BB30 crankset or adapted Shimano? I have a bb30 frame, and I need to change my crankset. However, I am baffled by the reviews online if it is better to get a native BB30 crankset, like SRAM Force 22, or an adapted Shimano Ultegra 5800 with the wheels mfg adapter , which I slightly prefer. Would there be any per... | If the frame is made for BB30 I'd recommend using that. The Praxis conversion BBs have a very good reputation, and the FSA press-in threaded adapter also seems to work well when properly installed (ie generously Loctited in place). Your stance will likely be wider with the adapter.
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Single speed to multi-speed conversion with internal gear hub I currently have a single speed 52m Crew District. I got it as a commuter once I got moved closer my workplace. I live in a fairly hilly area and I am thoroughly missing the option to downshift and give my legs a break on the way back. Current gearing is... | Once properly serviced those hubs are in fact maintenance free (though you need to adjust the shifter cable every now and then) and last forever. This is actually what I've done on my old city bike - I got a second-hand wheelset with Sturmey-Archer and roller brakes, cables etc. If you find IGH that fits your rear fork... |
Why is standing more common on hills than on flats? We all know that standing on a hill feels better than standing on a flat. Even pros seemingly only stand up for hills (not counting sprints). What causes this? Here's what I've thought of so far: Often you can ride up a hill without shifting out of the gear you w... | Because standing requires the legs to support much of the body weight, therefore require more of the riders energy, bulkier riders are less likely to stand, while the more svelte riders may stand much more often. However, there are some riders that do stand for much of the climb.
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How does weight influence your speed when descending? I have recently bought a road bike and went on a little trip with a friend who is also a novice. We have approximately the same height but he weighs a lot more (I weigh 67-68kg for 1m81 and he weighs around 80-85kg). While descending a road, he outclassed me easi... | The heavier person will present more area to the wind, but this is mitigated by two factors: The bicycle presents a fixed area to the wind and the area presented by the heavier person is not proportional because of the 2/3 power law.
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Rekindling a love for cycling after an accident How can one "start" to love cycling as a hobby again after losing interest in it after having bad experience(s)? — Since having a car-on-bike accident and subsequently not riding for quite some time, I've lost the love of cycling: I'm not afraid/angry/stressed when on a b... | Buying a new commuter won't necessarily help you get over being burnt out on commuting, but maybe a new road bike or mountain bike will. This year I've altered my commuting route a bit to stay away from busy roads. Having plans with friends to ride means that it's harder to just cancel if you don't feel like it, becaus... |
Dangers of commuting outside town to work I live in the Canary Islands, more concretely, in Gran Canaria. Our towns are pretty spread on the island, and it is really common to live in one town and working in the capital, which on average is approximately 20 minutes by car. Some of my coworkers come to work by bicycle,... | Next, I try riding the road when there isn't much traffic. Also be as safe as you can: wear bright colors and have flashing lights, use a mirror on your helmet, carry identification, and tell someone about your exact plans when you ride.
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Will trailer be my best option? If not, what is? I need to take a backpack with me that's literally wider than my body and about as tall as my torso and neck, it weighs around 15-20kg. What I'm concerned about is roads that aren't so good or places where I might even need to go offroad (I don't know) as well as be es... | You might be able to get a rear rack to take the pack on one side, with the tent and everything else on the other. Riding long distance with a 2 wheel trailer is unpleasant.
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Minor but persistent saddle sore - Safe to continue riding? A few months ago I switched from a heavily padded saddle to a Velominati-approved one: http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#61 It was very uncomfortable at first (even with padded shorts), but I quickly grew accustomed to it. My shorts are of the cheaper ty... | Next time you make a change to your bike, or your gear, including these suggestions remember to do test rides before doing anything serious. If your first ride of the season is a century, you will be sore. Get a couple of pairs of properly padded (chamois) shorts. Padding isn't everything and there is a lot to be said ... |
What type of bicycle parking rack should my company install? Recently there are many people coming by bicycle to our company. I would like to solve the problem about where they should park their bikes. Do you have any suggestion about what type of bike racks are suitable for us? <Q> As someone who rides their bike ev... | Security - how will the rack be fastened to the ground so that it can't be stolen full of bikes. One company that our city gets most of it's racks from is Dero .
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What will the difference in speed be between an endurance geometry road bike and a race geometry road bike? I am looking to get a new road bike and am wondering if there will be a difference in speed between an endurance geometry bike like the Fuji Sportif or Specialized Diverge, and a race geometry bike like the Fuji ... | More importantly, an endurance bike may have more compliant ride characteristics built into the frame.
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Can I intentionally overfill my hydraulic brakes to adjust contact point? I have a bike with SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes. They do not have contact point adjustment, but I want the lever to firm up earlier in its travel. Can I just overfill my brakes with fluid to adjust contact point? If so, what would be the best... | No,overfilling the tank/hose will probably or not work because there is already enough fluid, or it will just cause the pistons to be further out and to make the pads rub against the rotor. The best way is to adjust the levers from the adjustment screw next to them (normally a 2 or 3 mm Allen key hole fitting/screw, ha... |
How to fix raised shoulder posture? When riding, I have found myself in a posture where my shoulders are raised (like a shrug). I assume this is a bad posture. When I notice it, I correct myself. However, sometime later I might find myself in this position again. What can I do to correct this, besides just trying n... | I have had this problem a few times, and found it was due to my stress. When I decided the stress was external to cycling, I made an effort to focus completely on the ride, and on longer rides. Although you didn't mention any pain, I have found myself in this position and on long rides I think it contributes to neck/sh... |
Can't get over 50psi in bike wheel I've just replaced my mountain bike tyres/tubes with new 26x1.50 city slicks.Max psi is 80 but my foot pump won't push more than 50 in.Is this because it's a schrader valve, or do you think my foot pump is past it.If it's the valve type is there any work around apart from bying presta... | I would add from my experience that when a pump seems to have a hard stopping point, like absolutely refusing more air or not letting me depress the handle, it's usually a problem somewhere between pump and tire valve, as a tire would probably keep going till it popped.
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How to waterproof Shimano dynamo connector? I have a Shimano DH-3N31-NT hub dynamo with following type of connector: Yesterday, diodes in the bridge rectifier of my front LED light exploded. While I was disassembling the light, I noticed that the wires inside of the connector were more than a bit patinated after some... | Or, if you can't find liquid electric tape, clear nailpolish might work okay. I might put some ShoeGoo on the outside of the wire before sliding it fully into the connector to ensure that it's well sealed. I also find it hard to use shrinkwrap to waterproof connections where the diameter of the two parts is more than 1... |
Preparing for long term storage (2 years) I have two bicycles - one is an alloy MTB and the other is an old steel frame roadie. I intend to box them and keep them in my parent's garage for the next ~2 years while I will be overseas for work. Selling is not an option (for emotional and real value). I plan to box both bi... | First, make sure to give your bikes a good cleaning. I wouldn't bother with the tire swap unless you need the money, since they won't degrade all that much in a reasonably temperature controlled dark environment like the one you have.
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Need help with picking right shoes for riding my new bike I haven't been on a bike since I was a child. I have had had weight-loss surgery due to being extremely over weight. I now have a bike but my feet keep sliding off the pedals or just don't feel secure so I've been looking into the different types of shoes. I ... | Like any bike shoe they have a stiff sole, which helps with keeping your feet on the pedals, and stops you hurting the arches of your feet, which can occur with ordinary runners / tennis shoes / sports shoes.
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What are the disadvantages of securing your foot to the pedal? I understand that there are many benefits when it comes to different methods of securing your foot to the pedal, and how they allow for more power through an entire revolution of the pedal. However I am struggling to find a source talking about the disadv... | You need to carry an extra pair of shoes when commuting. The higher price for clip-less pedals and the need to have cycling specific shoes (which are usually not comfortable in walking)- Not being able to comfortably ride your bike with normal shoes again.
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Using cyclocross tires for winter riding I've currently got a fixie road bike with some stock road tires. They're fairly low-profile, as in, they aren't knobby, and have low-profile treads. Because my fork and stays have enough clearance for it, I'm debating using some CX tires at least early in the winter, before rid... | However, I don't think that a CX tire would be much better (and likely more expensive) than a nice inverted tread commuting tire like the continental Touring Plus or an equivalent.
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Can you open the trunk with the Saris Bones 2 trunk rack attached? I'm looking into purchasing a Saris Bones 2 bike rack for daily use (driving part way, then biking the rest of the way to avoid parking fees), and occasional use on long road trips. I intend to keep it on the car most of the time. This is a trunk-moun... | I can confirm that you can indeed easily open the trunk with the rack installed. The manual also states never to open the hatch with the rack mounted, but that doesn't mean anything (they're just trying to avoid a lawsuit).
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Lemond Revolution - Upgrading 9s Cassette to 11 Speed I currently have a 9 speed cassette on my Lemond Revolution trainer. I just purchased new bike which is 11 speed and want to use it on my trainer. Is there a way I can do this? I have looked everywhere for an eleven speed upgrade kit from Lemond, but they no longer ... | The Lemond manual might answer this question with an odd footnote on page 19, which states "11-speed components will fit, but may not allow full use of the cassette."
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Dawes Galaxy OLN and horizontal dropouts I want to build up a steel framed commuter/light tourer/utility bike with hub gears. A Dawes Galaxy from the 1990s era looks about right to provide the frame. But I want 135mm rear dropout spacing (for hub gears) AND semi horizontal dropout (for chain tension). Looking at bik... | Find an older steel frame and spread the frame . It is possible to reduce the spacing of the Nexus Rollerbrake/freewheeling models to as little as 126 mm by leaving off the Rollerbrake and using a narrower locknut.
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Is a fitting worthwhile for me? I'm a guy with banged up knees. I'm trying to decide if it is worthwhile for me to splurge for a high-end bike fitting or go with a more ordinary fitting or skip getting a fitting altogether. Background One of my knees is missing a whole lot of articular & meniscal cartilage. I'm exp... | Alluxx frame is light but sturdy which helps and the low gearing of a mountain bike is great for when the knee pain is bad. My advice is that you consult a sports medicine specialist, for example a physiotherapist, especially one who specializes in knees. Personally I think the fact that you are riding through the pain... |
Are there any clip-on fenders that provide as full coverage as bolt-on fenders? Are there any clip-on non-eyelet fenders that provide as full coverage as bolt-on fenders? I live in Seattle and am buying a new carbon commuting rain bike. Many of the high end bikes do not offer fender eyelets. On the other hand, there a... | Yes, Crud Roadrace mk2 do offer as good coverage as a bolt on fender of the same size.
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How to indicate you are going straight? I live in a country where people drives on the right. Say I am riding my bike like this: - main road vvvv vvvv - narrow path vvvv vv \ \ | | \ \ |* | <-- I want to get here \ \ | | \ \|P | <-- pedestrians crossing ... | If you are not following the main road, you signal the direction on which you leave the main road (in this case, you're leaving the main road trough the right, so you signal right). Pedestrians are not all going to look at your hand signals and understand them; pedestrians can barely be relied upon to understand motor ... |
increase highest upper ratio with gear hub I have a 20" folding bike with a shimano Nexus Inter-3 ( most probably this one ), and I find that even on flat terrain (not to mention downhill) the 3rd gear is simply too slow: I often find myself cranking very fast exerting a very low torque, and 2nd gear is good for most s... | I can't speak for the IGH specifically, but increasing the front chain ring size and/or decreasing the rear cog will help with the ratios. So, in the end, my advice is learn to pedal faster. The force on the chain is higher for smaller chain rings, not larger ones. You may be able to move the rear axle aft to tighten i... |
Am I using the crank extractor correctly? I have this X-Tools crank extractor: X-Tools crank extractor tool for removing standard Square Taper and ISIS type cranks. Here's the end that pushes against the crank: Here's my crank: (it's threaded on the inside, but there's also threading on the narrower bit further ... | If you have a piece of metal pipe at hand, use it for extra leverage, or get a longer wrench.
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Polite way to ride in the dark Sometimes I ride in the park which has no light. There always are dog walkers, runners and other cyclists.So, when I ride towards someone I have two options: dim my light and slow down (since I can't go fast anymore) speed up to to minimize time that I light on those people My front ... | There are now many bike lights on the market which have a shaped beam with a "horizontal cutoff" giving strong light onto the road or path, but much less above the horizon. Even without considering politeness, you might prefer to illuminate the ground ahead of you, instead of (as you would on a lit city street) pointin... |
How can I prevent glasses fogging when cycling in the cold with face covered Related to this question: need cycling eyewear, but fogging is a big problem but that is more focused on the eyewear itself, whereas I'm interested in the face covering material. I cycle to and from the train station every day. Only about 2... | These helmets keep your head toasty and may reduce the need for a head/face wrapping that contributes to the fogging problem As far as materials go.. My solution for skiing was to get contact lenses, and wear them under ski goggles. What I look for in a balaclava is the ability to raise and lower the face protection on... |
How can I find my wheel size I was wondering if anyone could help me find out what size rear wheel I need to buy as a replacement (wheel is EXTREMELY out of true) as I cant seem to find it. Bike: REACTION HYBRID HPA PRO 400Tyres currently on bike: 28 x 1.65 - 700 x 42c Thanks in advance,Dan <Q> This is actually a mo... | You also need to match the frame spacing of the bike (135mm if it was made in the last 20 or so years), the brake type (rim versus disc), and freewheel versus cassette rear cogs.
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Does a spinning class fixed wheel bike affect real world form? I just had my first spinning class and hadn't realised it was going to be a fixed gear bike, when the instructor was asking us to get out of the saddle (or half out) the necessary technique felt very unnatural and much more 'bouncy' than what I would do cli... | Also, when standing on a real bike you rock the bike to keep your body in place, but since this exercise bike does not allow sideways motion you have to move your weight sideways to put force on pedals. When you jump out of saddle, your body moves forward in relation to bike.
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What are the benefits of joining a team/club and when to join? This is probably a stupid question and the answer is more or less subjective, but when should you join a team or club? I've just started to take road cycling seriously and noticed on my rides there are many teams/clubs out riding where I live. Is there no... | Keeping it general - if you're interested and keen on cycling for health or fitness, or you have a competitive streak, then joining a club is a good idea at any age, and at any skill level.
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What is the proper position for quick-release levers? Is it best to have the front wheel release lever in front of the fork, tailing the fork, or aligned with the fork? How about the rear; ahead, behind, or alingned with the chainstays, seatstays, or between the two? <Q> Rule #41 Quick-release levers are to be carefull... | For the back quick release, I position it between the seat and chain stays. The idea is that they are less likely to catch on something and open as you are riding. So: for the front wheel it should be aligned with the fork.
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Would a MTB frame be too long if fitted with drop handlebars to build an adventure bike? I would like use a MTB frame to build an adventure bike, for the following reasons: Use disc brakes use wider tyres avoid a using a gravel/cyclocross bike/frame because doesn't allow wide tyres and they are expensive I am wor... | Bicycles can be anything really - roadies, MTB, single-speed, recumbents, even giant A-frame types that have steps to get to the saddle!Your question is very theoretical and will require a proper re-write because you're not being specific to a particular bicycle or size that we could say ok.. You could combat this with... |
V-brake arm not returning to "open" position I have a folding bike with v-brakes and I noticed that when I pull on the rear brake lever, one arm of the v-brake doesn't go back to its original position. I tried adjusting the screws but it still doesn't go back. Although I'm not entirely sure if, when it stays in place, ... | If the brakes are free to move and spring back firmly, its likely a problem with the cable or the brake lever. If the cable is kinked, you may have luck straightening it, but again, a new cable is always a better option.
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Tick sound on every pedal only for 5 minutes I am having a new MTB Montra Rock 1.0D 2016. When I ride my cycle, for first 5 to 10 minutes, I hear a tick sound on every pedal when my pedal is at 3'o clock to 6'o clock position on my right foot. After few minutes, no noise at all and everything is quiet and smooth. Ne... | , I'd guess that the clicking noise has something to make with a grease in either the pedal or the crank bearings.
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What is better, Average speed or long distance? I am rebuilding my bike fitness and was wondering the effects of slow long distance training vs maintaining a decent average speed. What difference it makes if i choose one of the above? <Q> It depends what sort of bike fitness you are trying to build, your current level... | Distance cycling at a certain threshold will help improve your endurance, as Interval training improves your fitness and cycling strength. I'd start by saying that simply trying to maintain a high average speed is a poor training method for anything, and I think you'd struggle to find a coach that advocated such traini... |
Did my bike frame crack? during my morning ride today, I slipped and fell down, and as a result, a crack formed on my carbon frame. I have checked the entirety of the bike and this is the only crack, but I am not sure if I would need to go repair this. My bike is Cannondale Supersix Evo Hi-Mod Ultegra. Thank you very ... | I'd recommend getting that check out professionally by someone with experienced in carbon frame repair.
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How do I wash a bike indoors? There are many sources describing how to wash your bike but all of them are for people who live outside town with a nice garden and a lot of space. Provably most of people live in small flats in a city block making it impossible to use these guides. How can I wash a bike properly without ... | Spray soap mixture onto bike to clean dirty parts of frame, rims, spokes, pedals, etc. Put the bike on a bike repair stand inside of a room that doesn't have a carpet or any fancy hardwood floor covering.
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What brands of handlebar tape match the Brooks B17 Aged saddle? This is kind of a frivolous bike question, but I am rebuilding a 1980s road bike to look like an old French porteur bike. The frame of my bike is a light silver blue color and I'd like to swap out the current saddle with a Brooks Aged B17 saddle. But I can... | It's easy enough to buy an old leather handbag, belt, or jacket at a thrift store that matches the color; cut it into strips; and sew it up using leather sewing thread or cord available at craft supply stores.
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Can a bike computer be used on the rear wheel? As the weather gets colder and colder, I find myself on a trainer more and more. The only way to gauge my workouts is by time, unless I set up the sensor for my bike computer on my rear wheel. Will the computer work accurately on the rear wheel? Are there any disadvantag... | : It depends, since most bike computer sensors (The Reed switch / Hall sensor) are designed for a front fork - spoke clearance and usually this is smaller when compared with the chain/seat stays. The Cateye Strada wired cycle computer connects to the crank arm and the rear wheel.
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Will a pedelec spoil cycling for me? During the last few years I moved farther and farther away from work. I used to commute by bike a lot when I lived nearer to my workplace, but now it would by about 40km one way. I am thinking about getting a pedelec for the commute, which would allow me to cycle to work at least ... | But if your normal ride isn't particularly joyful, a pedelec can make it bearable, even fun. Many aren't optimised for long periods in the saddle and use unusual components making geometry changes harder. If you spend as much as for a reasonable hybrid (call it £1000/€1000/$1000 within rounding error) you'll end up wit... |
What are some recommendations for a trainer to get better at going uphill? Right now, I have a Specialized Epic Expert '07 and a set of Bike Nashbar Rollers. It is pretty fun to roll and watch a movie, but it gets boring fast and never feels safe. I was looking into different trainers to do something different and act... | Whilst it is true that there are some differences in muscle recruitment between pedalling uphill and on the flat, the main difficulty hills present is an increased power output for a sustained period of time (unless you have a tiny gear of course). If you have the money and time, you can find a pair of Kreitler rollers... |
What's the specific use in carrying a pump? I've seen people fit tire/tyre pumps to their bikes. What's the use in that? If I have a puncture it's usually a sizable hole in the tube, such as a piece of glass that pierced the tube. I could image that the pump is for if you also carry a puncture repair kit, plus le... | Yes , people riding with a frame pump or a mini frame pump will use this in conjunction with a repair-kit (spare tube, patch kit, tire levers). Pumps have other uses as well. Over a long course , it may be well worth it to put additional air in your tires if trail conditions improve or the temperature drops significant... |
Hand strain when off road I tried fat biking this week, I've done hardly any off road or MTB cycling before and was very nervous. I found keeping my hands over the brakes in case I had to stop suddenly strained my hands between thumb and first finger, especially as the ground was very rocky. Is this just something yo... | Along with checking position on the bike it's worth checking to see whether the reach can be adjusted on your brakes in case you're over-stretching your hand. If you start riding like this regularly, it will get better as your skills improve and as your muscles get used to it Check the angle too - stand behind the bike... |
Any fix for a schrader valve that won't open? I have the all too familiar problem of being unable to pump up my tyre :( It's not a problem with the pump (because it works on the other wheel) so I guess there must be something wrong with the schrader valve. I've done all wiggly woggly poking efforts to get it to releas... | After removing the valve, no air was escaping so a solid clog for sure in the valve or tube.
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Does anyone manufacture a seatless bicycle? I need to stay fit and cycling is a great non-impact exercise. I don't see the point in sitting when cycling, instead I rather standing as such as it creates a better form of exercise. Are there any bicycles that are designed without a seat specifically for this purpose? <Q> ... | You might want to just use a regular bike and stand up instead as it will probably ride better for normal riding while standing.
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handlebar light (or mount) with ball and socket joint Is there a handlebar light or mount that uses a ball and socket joint or otherwise allows complete freedom to change where it points? I like to adjust my light depending on a # of factors. For example, as I approach someone on the trail, I'll adjust the light down a... | Personally I'd look for something that uses a rubber strap to hold it onto the handlebar, loose enough that you can move it to point up and down, but tight enough to stay stable when moved. I suggest using a light designed to be attached to a bike, instead of a flashlight.
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MTB Hardtail preventing flipping backwards on steep gradients When climbing longer 40-50% gradient sections my front wheel starts lifting even at cadences around 70. Leaning forward doesn't help much, I am already balancing myself on the rear wheel. Today the bike suddenly got out of control, I flipped and fell on my b... | As well as the suggestions already mentioned there is one tip that may help - when you are on a steep climb you will almost certainly be pulling on the bars - You might be able to vary your track on the path by zigzagging, or taking a slightly less head-on approach. Generally the answer is momentum, and lots of it.
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Cheap solution to vertical bicycle stand I would like to know if there is a cheap way to put up my bikes vertically on a wall (like a hanger that I could put my bikes' wheels on). I am doing this because firstly they are taking to much space just being parked there... Secondly I have heard people say that the tire g... | If you hang them outside, then the bike blocks access to the screws so its a moderately secure fastening if you chain the bike's frame to the hook.
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automotive lubricants (ATF, manual trans fluid, or heavy motor oil) as bike chain lube? Good afternoon, I'm quite mechanically inclined (formerly an auto mechanic and currently an engineer) but relatively new to cycling. Compared to other contexts I'm familiar with, I've noticed that bike chain lubricants, for exampl... | In my experience, the objective of a good chain lub for a bike is to maximize lubrication time while minimizing dirt attraction. This may not be a popular answer, but I recommend 80-90 weight gear oil.
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Parking a bike with wide tyres in a narrow bike rack I park my bike at work in a rack like this: At the moment I have 26 x 1.9" knobbly tyres and the wheel just squeaks into the rack. However I'd like to replace these with 26 x 2" Schwalbe Marathons for a smoother ride and better puncture resistance, and these almost... | The same width slot is often used in double stacker racks where it's not the only support for the bike and the risk of damaging anything is much less.
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How to gain confidence with new "big" bike? I just aquired for the first time a 29er mtb, the 2017 cube acid! Although it is the right size for me, no19 for my 1.81m height, I feel it's HUUUGE for me, a whole lot of a bike, and I actualy feel afraid ! of it! Will I get used to it and feel safe and comfortable with my n... | Try other mtb, maybe the problem is not in you but in the bike. One last bit of advice: be careful when riding on your own, as you practice what you've been learning.
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How to protect bike frame mounted on the carrying rack? The ropes I fix the bike with on the rack and the rack itself (although covered with a plastic layer (an old inner tube) make marks on the frame. I would like to avoid using extra pads, sponges or foams that always gather dust and dirt or fall off the correct plac... | I use cheap foam self seal pipe insulation of various diameters and put them on parts of bike that can be damaged during transport (fork, top tube, chain stay, etc) or you can fix it to your bike rack . Pool noodles and pipe insulation are great, but be careful when the foam degrades or is in high heat (think black foa... |
Practical way to park many bicycles in one garage for everyday use? I have seven bicycles, four of my personal use, and three for each one of my wife, stepson and nephew, all of them adult-sized. My lifestyle involves one or two short daily commutes and a lot of daily errands with one of three bikes (cargo with rack a... | I would look at floor mounting for daily used bikes and hang/suspend from ceiling ones used less often. While you at it, have a place to store helmets, gloves, pumps, car racks etc that is easy to access and setup so each item has its place.
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Do 27.5" wheels fit a 29" mtb? Do 27.5" wheels fit a 29" mtb? The 29er is with disc brakes. If they fit, is there any other problem <Q> They fit, in the sense that you can install them in the frame (if the axles are correct, hub width is correct, etc). <S> The problems are: <S> The bike stands a few centimeters clos... | However, 27.5+ tires (2.8-3") get the tire outside diameter into the ballpark of normal 29", so the bike's geometry and clearances still work as intended.
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Selecting a drivetrain for touring bicycle I am planning to build a touring bike with a Surly LHT frame. I'm looking for some advice on selecting a drive train. My requirements are: Reliability - I am planning on doing weeks or months long tours. Ease of repair if necessary in remote locations, including in the dev... | For Ultimate durability I would go with downtube or bar-end shifters that can be switched to friction mode if things go horribly wrong...
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Replacing a 1950s or early 1960 solid rubber 20" bicycle tire How can I replace a '50s or early '60s 20" solid rubber bicycle tire? I have been looking everywhere. The wheel measures 17" by 1 1/2". New ones are too small to fit. Any information would be appreciated. <Q> I suspect it is a 16 x 1 3/4 tire. <S> I th... | Measuring the wheel diameter will not give you the correct tire size. My own suggestion would be to go to Goodwill, junkyard, bike coop, or somewhere that has a large assortment of old children's bicycles.
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There is a grinding feeling at the end of my pedaling at high speed I bought a road bike about 6 weeks ago, but I just only realised it now that at the end of my pedaling (when either foot pushes down), I can feel a bit of a drag/friction/grinding on either pedal. I don't know what's the cause. It just feels unsafe, li... | Rings rubbing on the frame would be caused by installing the crank on a bottom bracket with too short a spindle length for the frame: incorrect "chainline".
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Two spokes broke in 10 days interval on rear wheel, should I worry? I am the proud owner of a Commencal FCB 2016 and I haven't had to do much maintenance since I've bought it a few months ago. But that was until two weeks ago. I decided to change tyres to better fit the current weather, and in the middle of the process... | If spokes continue to break it's often cheaper to replace the wheel than have it rebuilt with new spokes, assuming it's nothing out of the ordinary. Because I rarely broke spokes when my weight was less than 90 kg / 200 lb / 14 stone, it seems as though my weight is the problem.
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Wrapping alloy brifters for cold weather I have a bike with alloy brifters that get very cold during winter season riding. I wear a nice pair of gloves and the cold comes right through because my hands are wrapped around them and usually in constant contact with some part of the alloy brake lever or the alloy shift pa... | Sand between coats and add some clear coats as the top layer. Do apply sealant/varnish to the cork to protect it from the cold. One might use heat-shrink tubes .
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Are electric bike speed limitations set in stone? I'm thinking of getting an electric bike, and like most, it states the speed limit at 25Kph, which also happens to be the speed I typically cycle at. My question: is this speed set in stone? Is there a limiter of some kind preventing me from going faster? If there is, i... | If you typically ride at 25km/h there may still be benefits to a compliant electric bike: being less tired, acceleration, and hill climbs. You can make them go faster through tinkering, but if it goes faster than that it's considered a Moped, and must be registered to drive on (or beside) any roads. As long as you do n... |
Road Bike or Mountain I have a 2014 Apollo Evade mountain bike that I have upgraded to ride on the roads for long journeys and commute. This bike now runs like a dream pretty fast for a bike that cost me £120 new plus £30 each for tyres (schwalbe city) and £50 each for lighter sports wheels. I roughly ride about 150 mi... | If you are happy with your current bike, I suggest start saving for a new one then ride the old one until buying a new bike is less about worry about what it costs and more about looking forward to riding a better bike. You should stick to the bike you have that is working perfectly well for you.
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What are the advantages of bikepacking bags? It seems that bikepacking bags are all the rage these days (frame bags, handlebar rolls, big saddle packs). To me it seems that they are prone to moving around and getting in the way, and it also seems that they make the centre of gravity very high. I can understand it if ... | Bikepacking bags also help packrats reduce their load, simply by being more constrained than large panniers.
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Starting off with shimano gears I am completely new to multi gear bikes, the last time i rode a bike was in 1965.My question, what gear combination do i need to start off on level ground.If i try to back pedal just a bit, to get the pedals at 12 and 6 o' clock to get maximum leverage to start off, the gears won't let m... | If you try to select a different gear and then backpedal before it engages the drive train can lock up; this is probably why you can't backpedal if you changed down without pedalling forwards.
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