Bicycle frame construction, selection, maintenance, and repair.
20
votes
5answers
9k views
Why is carbon fiber inherently weak? Or is it?
This question got me to thinking: If it were possible for me to use a carbon frame, I would, but the expense and my riding style keep me using steel and aluminum. (I like hauling stuff on racks and ...
16
votes
4answers
3k views
How can you recognise a quality steel frame?
I'm looking to buy/build a road bike and I would like it to:
last 100 years
have a low environmental cost
As I'm not interested in shedding grams (a diet would be more helpful for me), I'm leaning ...
15
votes
1answer
6k views
Road bike carbon fiber frame life span
I have read in several places that the carbon fiber has a shorter life span than the aluminium, and i was wondering just what would it be.
I am not referring to accident related failures of the ...
14
votes
2answers
4k views
Explaining the effects of frame geometries
I asked about buying a bike here, and someone asked on my behalf about test-riding a bike before buying.
My question is, what should I know, or should have known, about the sizing or 'geometry' of a ...
12
votes
5answers
789 views
Why is it common for cheap bikes to have the frame sawn in half below the saddle?
These days cheap bikes often seem to come with the frame sawn in half below the saddle.
What does the manufacturer gain from this design, and why is it associated mostly with cheap, low quality ...
12
votes
3answers
3k views
Repairing a bent bike frame, is it worth it?
I have a bike with an incredibly bent frame. The bike itself I have tried to replace with other inexpensive bixes, but this one just had a certain geometry that I keep wanting to resurrect it. It is ...
12
votes
2answers
801 views
Bamboo bikes - the verdict?
I'm curiously interested in buying a bamboo bike for use as a Sunday road bike, and I'm just wondering whether they're suitable:
Strength at high speed? I live near Parbold, which has nice hill ...
11
votes
8answers
2k views
Removing Seat Post rusted into downtube
I have an old steel frame (Columbus Number 2 I think) that has the seat post (Suntour Superbe Pro - see, I said it was old!) rusted in. I have tried lots of WD-40 but it will not budge.
Any tips on ...
11
votes
5answers
2k views
Rear wheel slipping out under load
My commuting/cyclocross bike (a Surly Crosscheck) has a problem.
If I tighten the quick release skewer to a normal level, sort of firm to close it, then if I step on the pedals hard at some point, ...
11
votes
6answers
1k views
I keep breaking my road frames - why?
I've gone through four frames in the last decade or so, all from different manufacturers, all steel but both lugged and welded. Every one of them has eventually developed a crack, been repaired and ...
11
votes
3answers
2k views
How do I measure the size of my bicycle frame?
From what point to where do I start measuring? I suspect the bike I'm trying to measure is a 56cm because I usually ride a 54 and this is slightly too big, but I want to be sure.
10
votes
2answers
1k views
Dealing with rust on a steel frame
I have a small spot of rust on the bottom side of my steel frame's top tube (Columbus Niobium tubing). It's from abrasion during transport that I didn't notice until it was too late. The spot is ...
10
votes
2answers
577 views
How to prepare a frame for a new paintjob
I want to have my bike frame repainted.
What should I do before I give it to the paint shop? How would they like to have it prepared?
9
votes
8answers
3k views
How does a bike's weight affect the overall experience of owning it?
Naturally, carrying a light bike up the stairs is much more enjoyable compared to a heavier bike. Are there any other aspects of a bike which are affected by its weight?
For example, would the weight ...
9
votes
3answers
11k views
DIY Painting a Bike Frame: Is it possible?
I have painted a couple bike frames (think really cheap garage-find rebuilds) with varying degrees of failure. Can you help me correct/fill in the missing pieces of my frame painting process?
...
8
votes
2answers
678 views
Is it possible to repair a dent on an aluminium frame?
I have Centurion Cyclo Cross 4000 bike. Recently I got into an accident with a car door. As a result I have a significant dent on my frame(see the photos below).
I have two questions:
Is it ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
Why would a bike feature a “carbon wrapped aluminum frame”?
I saw a link to what appeared to be a Carbon bike on amazon. The price was extremely lower than any carbon bike I had ever seen. After reading a bit, it seems that the bike frame is really made of ...
8
votes
3answers
906 views
What are the advantages of investment casting?
I'm starting to see more and more frames using investment casting for head tubes, drop outs, seat tubes, etc. Such as the new WTP c.r.e.a.m. frame . It looks nice, but I'm suspect on how much more ...
8
votes
1answer
367 views
What's the definition of a Mixte?
What makes a mixte frame? Further, what's the etymology of 'mixte'?
8
votes
1answer
310 views
Bamboo Bike Frames
I've seen some bamboo bike frames out there in the world. I am curious as to how they ride? Is it similar to a steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber frame?
Do you think it's worth the effort to build one ...
7
votes
4answers
1k views
What should a big guy look for when buying a road bike?
I'm 6ft 4" (1.8m) and 22st (139kg). I do a fair bit of cycling, mainly spinning and mountain biking.
I would like to get into road riding so I'm looking to buy a road bike. I want to spend between ...
7
votes
5answers
1k views
Is there such a thing as frame failure?
Several general questions have been asked regarding how long a bike or bike frame will "last", and the gist of answers seems to be that a bike can last quite a while of the replaceable components are ...
7
votes
3answers
498 views
Is there any difference between professionally painting a car and a bike frame?
I'm getting ready to purchase a new bike which I love but I hate the color scheme.
I can't find any custom bike paint shops in the area. Can I simply take it to a car paint shop and get a ...
7
votes
3answers
362 views
non-steel frames and longevity
Until recently, I had a late 80's Schwinn aluminum frame bike (now a thief has a 80's Schwinn aluminum frame bike, but that's another story). I had heard a number of horror stories about early ...
7
votes
2answers
492 views
How to match a paint color?
Do you know how to match a color on the frame ?
I want to buy a paint from a tool shop but I'm not sure if it's match with the frame color.
I'm going to use the paint for a touch up.
Thanks for the ...
6
votes
3answers
976 views
How can I tell if a bike is too big for me?
Today I disassembled my current fixed-gear, and reassembled all the parts in another frame, which I am considering to purchase.
The current owner of the frame warned me that it might be too big for ...
6
votes
2answers
545 views
MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks
Given that frames are generally brazed, not welded and given that MIG welding will work on simple bike hacks what are the downsides of MIG welding these hacks?
For example, I would like to make a ...
6
votes
2answers
490 views
Switching Parts to a New Frame
What things do I have to consider when planning to switch parts from one frame (old one) to another frame (new one)? Will all the parts transfer? What items may need replacement because they won't ...
6
votes
2answers
567 views
What should I consider when choosing a bike frame?
In thinking about building a road bike from scratch, what should I consider when choosing a frame?
I'll be building from all new components and plan on just doing day rides of a few hours a piece, ...
6
votes
2answers
430 views
How to choose between a race bike like a Madone and a classics bike like a Domane
I ride regularly for exercise in New York City but do not race. I currently ride on a steel frame that handles the rough roads easily. I want to buy a carbon bike and am torn between a "classics" bike ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Should I Get the Paint Job Touched Up
My wife's bike recently got scraped up and the paint got scratched down to the frame. It's an alloy frame. Should she be concerned about rust or any kind of damage? If so, do we need to get it ...
5
votes
6answers
551 views
What are the differences between a mens and womens bike frame?
Why do women's bikes have a diagonal bar in the frame instead of a horizontal frame? Is this the only difference?
Sorry if this has been asked (but I cannot find it by searching) and I also just ...
5
votes
3answers
734 views
Why are steel bikes more expensive than aluminum?
It's hard to find a chrome moly bike for less than $1000 these days. Is it because it's actually less expensive to manufacture aluminum bikes these days or is the market for chrome moly bikes so ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Why offset the rear rim to the hub and not the hub in the frame?
I'm currently reading The Bicycle Wheel by Jobst Brandt, and I'm reading all of the issues with offsetting the rear rim toward the drive side of the hub...
Asymmetry in a rear wheel built for a ...
5
votes
3answers
2k views
Metal seat post with carbon fiber frame?
Is using a metal seat post on a carbon fiber frame advisable or not? I want to use a seat post mounted rack on my road bike (no regular rack mount points are on this bike), but I have been told that ...
5
votes
1answer
245 views
How feasible is it to transfer modern (2010) components to a 90s frame (road bike)
My 2010 aluminum frame may be toast (stripped bottom bracket) and I was considering getting an older chro-mo frame and transferring the components to it. It's a racing/sport style with drop bars and ...
5
votes
1answer
717 views
Experience with welding Titanium frame?
My Litespeed Tachyon, a 1996 model, of which I am the second owner, (So Litespeed will not honour the warranty) has now developed its 3rd crack.
First was in the seat tube above the deraullier and I ...
4
votes
5answers
1k views
Which type of frame is better for a touring bike, steel or aluminium?
I hear that a steel frame is more comfortable to ride for a long tour but that it is heavier and easier to rust than aluminum.
Which material is better for a touring frame?
4
votes
2answers
303 views
Why are bike frames getting so much bigger
This is just a general interest kind of question, but I've really been wondering about this lately. We've had a lot of advancements in bikes over the years, and people are always trying to make them ...
4
votes
3answers
8k views
What are the advantages and disadvantages of riding a smaller Mountain Bike frame?
I am 182cm (5' 11'') tall and am looking into buying a new frame for my mountain bike.
Right now i have a 19'' frame and i found a good deal on a 17'' frame.
The guy from the shop told me that it ...
4
votes
3answers
264 views
Cable routing and why is there no optimum solution
This is a general question, regarding the routing of the cables of both brakes and derailleurs on a frame.
I find it highly practical to mount all cables along the bottom of the top tube. This ...
4
votes
6answers
3k views
Fixie/Single speed frame information for beginner
I don't want to buy a ready made bike because singlespeed or fixed gear bikes are way expensive due to their popularity.
I want to make my own bike, I haven't build a bike from scratch before. I want ...
4
votes
2answers
140 views
Does frame size inside a particular model affect the ride characteristics of the bike?
I read an article stating
that the smallest of a particular model of bicycle doesn't fully reflect the original design concept of the model
when I was about to buy the smallest (430mm seat tube) of ...
4
votes
2answers
509 views
How does stiffness in carbon frames increase speed?
I have a Specialized Roubaix with a 7r carbon frame; the Tarmac has 11r. Will I notice a speed change if I ride "exactly" under the same conditions? Does the additional 4r = more speed? I am thinking ...
4
votes
4answers
952 views
Why aren't sportive' 'bikes popular outside the UK?
I recently bought a 'sportive' bike, i.e. very much like a road bike but with a taller head tube to give a slightly more upright, more relaxed, less 'heads-down' riding position, and a triple chainset ...
4
votes
2answers
437 views
Determining which derailleur hanger is compatible with a frame
When your derailleur hanger needs replacing, is there a good resource for matching frames to hangers?
Mine was recently bent, so I had to dig through some websites and compare pictures of the hangers ...
4
votes
2answers
584 views
Is torque relevant for steel/aluminium? Where do I find torque specs?
When you are not dealing with carbon, is torque relevant?
I've never seen it mentioned on the hundreds of answers here, or the hundreds of how-tos I've read elsewhere.
Should I just tighten ...
4
votes
2answers
23k views
Frame sizing: “medium” vs. inches vs. centimeters
How in the world does 17-18 inches match up to 53-54 cm??
I was looking up bicycle sizing charts and found the ones on the Evans website interesting, if somewhat confusing. For example, see the ...
4
votes
1answer
384 views
Cyclocross bike frame considerations
I'm considering putting together a cyclocross type bike together for fun and variety.
Is a typical road frame suitable for this? And, what do I need to consider in terms of sizing?
On sizing, it ...
4
votes
1answer
98 views
Can i stop my frame scratching my seatpost?
I have an On-One Scandal aluminium frame, into which i have put a carbon seatpost. I have been adjusting it to find the right height, and i have noticed that it is getting seriously scratched - see a ...
