Bicycle frame construction, selection, maintenance, and repair.
4
votes
1answer
304 views
What tools are required to begin building a frame?
What tools are required to begin building a frame? Are there DIY substitutes for any of them?
Are there things that aren't requirements, but simplify the process enough to be worth the cost?
Aside ...
3
votes
7answers
1k views
How can you remove logos from a bike frame?
I'm trying to remove all these annoying labels from my bike. On the main frame there is one big logo, but I'm not sure if it's a sticker or not. The frame is black, but it's very cheaply made, and the ...
3
votes
4answers
210 views
Is a custom road frame worthwhile?
I've been riding a Marin San Anselmo hybrid for some 13 years and I'd guess I've done over 7000 miles on it almost exclusively on the road (and it's not my commuting bike).
I'm gradually doing more ...
3
votes
2answers
177 views
Trying to build a bike, confused about fork/headsets/compatability
I have a fork with a 1" steerer tube, and a frame with a 1.5" head tube.
The steerer tube is slightly short, and when inserted into the frame, is flush with the top of the head tube. The fork is ...
3
votes
2answers
301 views
Is a tri frame suitable for track racing?
I'm considering getting a fairly cheap bike built up for track racing at my local club, reusing my old carbon tubular road wheels.
However, most track frames have a narrower hub spacing (120mm) ...
3
votes
2answers
319 views
Possible to repair a pushed in braze-on?
I have a Trek 7200 (Alpha aluminum frame) and it has two water bottle holder mountings, the top braze-on on the seat tube seems to have broken from over-tightening and has sunk into the frame. These ...
3
votes
2answers
208 views
Can missing cage mount screws cause the frame to rust?
I have a Cube Analog Disc 2012 bike, and recently discovered that I have no screws inserted in the bottle cage mounts. Is it possible for rust to form in this area? Also, is it possible for the water ...
3
votes
2answers
740 views
Tight Seatpost Installation
I'm having a bit of a problem installing my seatpost.
I have a 31.6mm carbon-wrapped aluminum seatpost which fit perfectly fine in my previous aluminum frame. Unfortunately, that frame cracked, ...
3
votes
2answers
289 views
Is there much of a difference between flatland and park/street frames?
I am a newbie at biking, and I've been wanting to get into BMX for a few years, and I can now since I actually have some money. Primarily I've been wanting a 20" BMX bike with front and rear brakes ...
3
votes
1answer
183 views
How to find a frame given a geometry
In 2007, I bought my first bike: a Bianchi Boardwalk 2006. It was a great bike, but I didn't treat it well and it now needs about $300 worth of work.
I've been thinking that maybe I'd like to take ...
3
votes
3answers
691 views
Can I use normal grease for a car on the surface of carbon bike?
Helo Guys,
I want to know your experience about carbon material and grease
Can I use normal grease with carbon ?
I want to put grease onto fork and stem....
Or WD-40 or silicone penetrant would be ...
3
votes
1answer
798 views
How do I fix a dent on my frame?
I suspect that something has pierced my frame. At any rate, I have a dent in my bike frame. I would like to avoid the possibility of corrosion, with minimium cosmetic trade off. So, how do I go about ...
3
votes
1answer
736 views
What does a good weld look like
Reading various questions and answers around here, I've heard a lot of people say you can tell the quality of the bicycle by looking at the welds. How do I know what a good weld looks like as opposed ...
2
votes
3answers
806 views
Difference between “Track Frame set” and a “TimeTrial/Triathalon frame set”
I am going to make a custom fixie bike (possibly with a front brake) that I will use to race on tracks and even commute with.
I have been looking at a Planet X frame, and they seem to have very ...
2
votes
3answers
571 views
Vibrations in frame when pedaling
Recently, when I pedal sufficiently hard, I begin to feel vibrations through the whole frame of the bike. They are not so strong as to make the bike un-ridable, but neither are they road chatter. I ...
2
votes
5answers
7k views
How to tell if a carbon frame is damaged or if the paint just has stress cracks
I am looking at a carbon framed road bikethat has me concerned.On the topside of the bottom bracket,drive side there is a very small hairline crack in the paint.The seller states that it has been ...
2
votes
2answers
659 views
Why don't frame manufacturers ream/face their frames?
Before building up a new frame, it's crucially important to ream/face the headtube and crown race seat (and the bottom bracket, if using press-fit cups). You should also ideally chase the threads of ...
2
votes
3answers
604 views
How important is it to face the head tube?
I have a frame that I've built up and I'm having trouble getting the tension perfect on the headset, which is not usually something I have trouble with. A friend of mine who is much more knowledgeable ...
2
votes
1answer
319 views
How to grease a hub?
I have a question about hub,
When should I grease my hub ? every 20000 km ?
How do I know it needs new grease ?
Because I can not see if the grease is dry or not...?
Thanks
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Clear lacquer on steel frame
I'm currently working on a steel frame that I got off ebay. I'm removing the existing paint using wire brush adapters for a drill (didn't want to get involved in nasty chemical baths). One result of ...
2
votes
2answers
89 views
Putting brakes from a fat frame onto a skinny frame
I took a bunch of parts off of a bike with a hybrid titanium/carbon frame (it died), and am using them to build up a bike from a sweet steel frame I got on ebay for a song. It's my first time building ...
2
votes
1answer
67 views
Could paint build up on a bottom bracket be considered a warranty issue?
On Saturday I received the new frame for a steel xc bike I'm building up. I went to start on the weekend but noticed a large paint build up on the bottom bracket. The build up is about 15x3mm (don't ...
2
votes
1answer
608 views
How to pull a carbon seatpost out of a carbon frame?
How do I pull out a carbon seatpost on a carbon frame?
It seems so hard for me...
Do I need a special tool, or just ask help from a local bike shop?
done with the seatpost.
I made the frame and ...
2
votes
1answer
288 views
Do kickstands damage the frame by being used?
I was told once that kickstands warp the frame when used, especially when the bike is laden down, and that some materials are more susceptible to this than others. Is there any truth to it?
2
votes
3answers
2k views
What are some other places to buy MTB frames online?
I am looking for sites that sell bike frames online. i find many sites list all things (forks) but stop short with frames.
The best places I have found are:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
and
...
2
votes
2answers
327 views
How do I know if the tandem bicycle I've inherited is worth repairing? It has a serial # 459310 on it, no other identifiers
I've inherited a vintage tandem. It looks as if it has been spray painted, and has no identifiers, etc remaining on the frame. The serial # on the bottom reads -459310. Any ideas on a make or model, ...
2
votes
3answers
4k views
What belt-drive compatible frame and belt-drive kit would you recommend?
I would like to build a custom belt-drive bike for my daily commute. I am looking for a frame and a belt-drive kit for a total budget of about 500$.
I ride all year long, and winters here (Montreal, ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
What benefits does a tapered head tube afford?
I've just read a review of Tom Zirbel's Jamis Xenith SL on Bike Radar and flicking through the pictures there is one of the head tube with the following caption:
Tom Zirbel's (Jamis Sutter Home) ...
2
votes
1answer
88 views
Derailleur Hanger replacement for GTS R5 road bike frame
I'm looking for an online site where I can buy a derailleur hanger replacement for my GTS R5 road frame.
The frame is the one in the picture ...
2
votes
0answers
44 views
How to calculate bike stand-over height using frameset geometry and wheel radius?
While it's best to buy through fitting a bike in store, it's not always possible (discussed here).
On some websites, the stand-over height of a bike may not be listed as part of the specifications.
...
1
vote
3answers
848 views
Can a (relative) beginner adjust spacing on a 501 cromo road frame?
Have acquired a cheap old Peugeot road bike from ebay; nice cromo frame, but it needs a new rear wheel and unfortunately I didn't check the dropout size before buying.
It has an OLD of ~120mm, but I ...
1
vote
4answers
598 views
Is there a quality alternative to powder coating when it comes to repainting a steel frame?
I'm not a paint expert and want to make a choice that will last a few years. I know that powder coating will last a long time, but I'm restoring an older bike and don't want to spend too much. Maybe ...
1
vote
4answers
362 views
What type of bike is appropiate for my situation?
First off, sorry for being unable to phrase my question more precisely. Currently, I ride a 26" hardtail mountain/trail bike to and from work/university (around 7km each way). Surely, this is not the ...
1
vote
3answers
231 views
Skid on small frame
I bought a new, cheap and maybe nasty fixed gear bike. They were only in sizes 54cm and 56cm, so I had to go for 56cm, even though my road bike is 61cm and I'm 186cm. My first few skidding attempts ...
1
vote
1answer
87 views
Rear tire has started rubbing frame at one spot
Riding my bike within my suburban residential neighborhood, I felt a shock, like a snap although I don't think anything snapped, followed by a rubbing noise every few seconds. Pedaling and the brakes ...
1
vote
2answers
538 views
Why does a bike frame have to be above 56 cm usually to fit 700c tires?
I first came across this when I was looking at the Surly LHT, but I started to see it everywhere. It seems to me they can just put on a longer fork or something, or is it more for the back wheel?
1
vote
3answers
280 views
Is it safe to ride with bent fork?
My bicycle went from this when I bought it:
To this when I crashed (note the front fork bent where it attaches to the stem; front wheel almost touches the down tube):
Update: Just looked at the ...
1
vote
2answers
441 views
Maintenance on an Aluminium frame
I have an aluminium frame.
The top tube has become slightly scratched or pitted (by something hard, presumably, I don't know what; maybe while it was parked).
Does it need maintenance (e.g. does the ...
1
vote
2answers
375 views
How to convert 17“ bike to 18” without changing frame
I bought Author Basic (2012) with 17" frame.
But I have some back aches after 2 or more hours of cycling (just cycling or with little jumpings) and sometimes I feel little unsure while riding ...
1
vote
2answers
6k views
Building my own full suspension MTB: How to I select a frame?
I've recently gotten back into mountain biking. I took my 5 year old Iron Horse full suspension out to the mountain with some friends that had recently purchased new bikes. I haven't ridden for a ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Is this aluminum “rust” in my frame?
I found an aluminum bike in the trash and it seems like it has been exposed to the rain, especially because some of the metal is slightly rusty.
The frame is a different thing, because altough it is ...
1
vote
1answer
136 views
How bad is this damaged lug
I have noticed a little crack in one of the lugs of my gazelle steel frame. I hav not ridden it since, because I am worried it will break.
Here are some pictures. The lug in question is the one ...
1
vote
2answers
346 views
Am I better off buying a new bike, or upgrading my old bike?
Half a year ago I started to use again my old Schwinn Woodlands MTB for commuting. I didn't want to spend a fortune on a new bike, I wasn't certain that I would like to bike commute daily.
Bike has ...
1
vote
5answers
496 views
What's a good second lock option for around the frame and wheel?
I've seen a few people, specially bike messengers that use a main lock to secure their bike to a post/fence/etc. but also have a second smaller one to lock the other wheel around the frame.
Which is ...
1
vote
4answers
284 views
Does the top tube typically open into the head tube?
This must be a very basic question, but as it often happens with very basic questions, it is often hard to find the answer by searching.
On a modern bike with metal (welded) frame, is the interior of ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
Does anyone have experience with Bottom Bracket Tap/Facing sets?
I'm interested in recommending my boss get the workshop in which I work a bottom bracket tap and facing set.
As it's quite an investment it's important to me to know what you're getting for your ...
1
vote
1answer
114 views
How can I use a small Shimano BB on any frame?
I have a Shimano BB-ES25 bottom bracket and 45T crankset that was removed from a Giant-CRX City with an eccentric hub (it had Shimano Alfine internal hub gears).
They have literally never been used, ...
1
vote
1answer
213 views
Purpose of partially filled in rear drop out
I have an old MTB frame that has the drive side rear dropout partially filled in as if it was part of the original forging of the dropout. And, I have seen this on a few other frames -- even ...
1
vote
1answer
274 views
Will a track wheel work with the dropouts on my frame?
I've got an old 7 speed steel frame. I've ordered a track wheel with a spacing of 120mm.
My frame has correct drop outs for it, but does it have the correct spacing? If not, what are my options?
...
1
vote
1answer
184 views
34.9mm front derailleur on steel frame?
Can I fit a 34.9mm front Shimano derailleur on my steel frame? I understand that steel frames are narrower. However, is there some sort of adapter that I can use, or can I even wrap the frame around ...
