Mountain bike (MTB) can mean almost any kind of off-road bicycle. Wide knobby tires, flat handlebars, maybe shocks, probably a sturdy frame...

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4
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2answers
172 views

Protecting yourself from briars / brambles / jaggers while mountain biking

Riding in the northeast US, I find myself encountering a lot of overgrown mountain bike trails in the spring. Many of these trails are bordered by briars / brambles / jaggers. I can't totally avoid ...
1
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3answers
1k views

Bottom bracket is ticking

Recently my 2008 Devinci mountain bike sounds like it's ticking when I push down on my left pedal on a usual rotation. When I turn the bike over and go through rotations, I can't get it to tick. ...
5
votes
2answers
226 views

Is the Power-Link designed for routine usage?

I have a Power-Link which i intended to use in emergencies (when the chain breaks and i'm far from home). Used it once, worked pretty well. Now i wonder, what if i use it permanently with my chain? ...
1
vote
3answers
321 views

Are Allen key or Security Key skewers appropriate for bikes with rear facing horizontal dropouts

I have a surly karate monkey set up as a single speed. The frame has rear facing horizontal dropouts (track style). I don't like quick releases due to potential theft when locking up my bike. Are ...
1
vote
1answer
396 views

Bunny Hop, Stoppie or Wheelie? Which one to attempt first on MTB?

I am 21 years old. I'm overweight for my age..171 ibs. I have started cycling few months back and I'm lovin' it. I have a Merida mtb(mainly used on the road) I was thinking about practicing some ...
12
votes
7answers
2k views

How can a beginner cyclist build up power?

I am a 44-year-old guy, 250 lbs (yes, overweight). I have not been on a bike in over 15 years. I just picked up a 12 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) this weekend, and after riding for about 2 ...
0
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3answers
452 views

First Bike in 15 years '12 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) Gloss Platinum, 23-inch [closed]

I am thinking about getting my first bike in 15 years I am a 44 year old male 250lbs..... I am thinking about getting '12 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) Gloss Platinum, 23-inch. I would love ...
2
votes
1answer
376 views

Remote rising seat posts and heavier rider

I am looking at remote adjustable seat posts that I can adjust the height of using a lever on my handle bar. They have a high price tag. Examples are Rock Shox Reverb Seat Post and Crank Brothers ...
2
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2answers
2k views

Suggestion on buying a single speed 29er mountain bike

I'm interested in buying a single speed mountain bike for about $400-600. Can anyone recommend me one? I tried buying this http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/mtb/2012-monocog-29er but it is all ...
3
votes
1answer
446 views

Transitioning mountain bike into city commuter bike

In effort to transition my mountain bike to a city commuter- can I replace the mountain tires with thinner city tires without changing the bike wheels?
1
vote
1answer
377 views

How can I unbend, straighten or flatten a bent rotor?

Some possibilities, which I haven't tried: try to bend it back into shape with my hands while still mounted take off the rotor, sandwich it between a couple of wooden blocks, put some weight on it ...
2
votes
2answers
539 views

Biking with spinal disc herniation

I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal disc herniation and told that I should exercise. I always liked biking, so I want to do that. I have an older rigid mountain-bike and will be mostly driving on ...
6
votes
4answers
8k views

How to tell when to replace cassette?

How do you tell when it's time to replace a cassette? Are there any specific wear patterns on the teeth to watch for or symptoms specific to a worn-out cassette?
-1
votes
1answer
129 views

High End Bicycle Rentals in New York City

Does anyone know of any shops that rent high end bikes like Santa Cruz, Titus, etc. by the week or month? I've checked SpeedGoat, Competitive Cyclist and the rest of the usual suspects. Ideally I'd ...
4
votes
5answers
7k views

How to find a mountain bike that can handle a heavier (250-260lbs) rider?

I am a 44 year old man that is very heavy (250–260lbs(113-118kg)) and I am looking to buy my first mountain bike to do some riding on the weekend to burn off some of this fat I have.
1
vote
1answer
175 views

Is it possible to fit this Tioga Mc Groove saddle on my bicycle?

See images here. The bar the new Tioga saddle is mounted on is a bit thicker than the one the original (terrible) saddle is mounted on and won't fit as is. I can take the old saddle off its bar ...
1
vote
1answer
331 views

How to choose a set of tyres

I have been riding my hard tail on the road for the last 3 years on some knobbly 26 x 2.1 tyres. After just starting a new job and with the need to commute further I am considering purchasing some ...
5
votes
4answers
403 views

Are there any things to avoid when being given a free bike?

Someone has just given me a free mountain bike (No obvious branding on it, but its got a 21-speed Shimano gear system and a shock absorber between the front and back of the bike in the middle of the ...
-1
votes
1answer
1k views

What do you think about the B-Twin bicycles? Is it better to buy a new B-Twin or an used bike by a more famous brand? [closed]

I was in a sports store the other day I've felt in love with this bike http://www.btwincycle.com/EN/rockrider-5-1-c1-2011-170478654/ What do you guys think? I'm gonna ride it mostly in the city, and I ...
3
votes
3answers
7k views

How long should MTB disc brake pads last?

I'm fairly new to mountain biking and I was able to put in around 900 miles on my first set of brake pads on my Giant Anthem X2. At that point they started grinding metal on metal. I went and bought ...
0
votes
2answers
1k views

Which spoke type do I need for my bike?

I have a Giant Trace X3 2012 It has 26" rims. Which of these spokes type do I need for my bike? Strongest or best match for the spokes I already have. DT Swiss Champion Stainless PG Spokes DT Swiss ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views

What options do I have when replacing my fork's elastomers?

I'm rebuilding an AntiGravity Fork and converting it to threadless for my 'Blast From the Past' bike (GT Bravado frame, U-Brake, Bullseye hubs and cranks, 21 speed). I really like these forks and I'd ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views

Cube Analog Disc vs. Cube Aim Disc

I am willing to buy a new bike and I'm stuck between Cube Analog Disc and Cube Aim Disc. What should I go for? What are the advantages of one over another? I will use this bike on all kind of ...
4
votes
1answer
451 views

What brand / model of brake is this modified U-brake?

I have been searching for a while, and I cannot find any information on my rear u-brake. It has served me well for many years (10+), and has a surprising amount of force. It's stronger than any ...
1
vote
2answers
756 views

Where can I get a new steer tube or 1 1/8" 6061 Aluminum Rod Stock?

I have an Anti-Gravity fork that features a removable steer tube, but it is a threaded fork. Where can I buy a threadless steer tube to clamp into it to convert it? All I can find are threaded steer ...
6
votes
7answers
3k views

How do I put grips on mountain bike handlebars?

I just spent the last 10 minutes trying to put a new set of grips on to my mountain bike handlebars.. The old ones came off fairly agreeably and I've got the new ones 80-90% of the way on, however, ...
2
votes
1answer
433 views

How do I fold a bicycle tire?

I have Race King (continental) 2.2 MTB 28" tires that I need to store until it's winter and snows again. They are foldable, and I planned to store them in their original boxes, but how do I properly ...
2
votes
2answers
329 views

Puncture resistant tires

The the default tires from my scott aspect 30 (Schwalbe Black Jack, 26 x 2.1, 50TPI) are peaty worn by know and i need to buy new ones. My main complain is the punctures made by vegetation every day ...
12
votes
12answers
26k views

Converting a MTB to a Road Bike

I just bought a new MTB and am planning to change my previous MTB into a Road Bike. How do I do it? What kind of parts do I need to change or add or remove? I am not looking to for a full ...
15
votes
8answers
3k views

How do I prevent my pants from getting caught into the bike gears

I have the unfortunate habit of always getting my jean pants stuck in my gears and end up with a nice rip on the seams. I've used those velcro braces to keep the bottom of my pants leg close to my ...
0
votes
2answers
1k views

Good resources to learn about forks

Quick question. I have a lower quality mountain bike with a bad suspension fork. Overall the bike isn't bad. It fits me well and I have a lot of fun on it. I would like splurge on a new mountain bike ...
1
vote
2answers
409 views

Information about Lotus Explorer bike?

I just bought a 20" Lotus Explorer for $200. The frame is Tange CR-MO and has Shimano components, the bike shop guy said it was a good frame. I don't know a lot about bikes; I'm just looking for a ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views

Whats the easiest way to clean my bike?

Simple question, however, I am used to cleaning my bike at my parents house, I use some eco bike spray stuff leave it for a little then rub and hose down (I normally get it quite dirty riding down ...
0
votes
1answer
330 views

How could I have fixed a flat tire?

My tire was flat and I could not fix it, so I had to carry the bike all the way. How could I have fixed it?
1
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1answer
284 views

Santa Cruz Blur linkage maintence

How much maintenance and what is it specifically that needs attention on 2006 - 2010 Santa Cruz Bur VPP rear linkage mountain bikes? Im looking to buy a used Blur XC, but I hear they need a lot of ...
7
votes
2answers
9k views

What is the “preload” setting on the front fork suspension?

I've made a photo of the actual "thing" as I find it very difficult to explain otherwise: I'm wondering what this "thing" sets and how it actually works. So, what is "preload" and what happens when ...
1
vote
3answers
795 views

Is my interval training routine effective for mountain bike training?

During these winter months I am currently attending the gym 3 times a week. On each of the days I start my training on an exercise bike with the following: 5 minute warm up 30 minutes, 1 minute ...
2
votes
2answers
527 views

Looking for a 29x2.25 tire for my first sprint tri-athlon

I have entered a sprint triathlon on a whim and have a 29er mountain bike. Is there a road suitable tire for a 29x2.25 wheel out there? Looking for something that will give me good roll and as little ...
1
vote
4answers
455 views

is it worth to change slx 2011 rear derailleur for xtr 2009?

I bought a bicycle last summer a Specialized camber comp and it mounts Shimano SLX as rear derailleur. My intention is to change it for a xtr derailleur (from 2009) which is mounted in a bicycle I ...
1
vote
3answers
415 views

Suggestions for budget mountain bike with opportunities for upgrade

I live in Bulgaria and I am looking for suggestions for budget mountain bike with opportunities for upgrade, budget 400-500$ . I am planning to travel from home to work (dayly) and to take part in ...
3
votes
1answer
314 views

Is my front derailleur angled straight?

I am attempting to adjust my front gears and have also been following a video to adjust the high/low position of my front derailleur. The issue I am having is that the low adjustment is no where near ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views

Can you run a standard tyre on a tubeless rim?

I have some new tubeless MTB rims and I'd like to avoid buying new tyres for them. The tyres are reasonably sturdy (Continental Race King Protection - 4 plies / total 240tpi) and I have sealant. As I ...
6
votes
6answers
5k views

brake lever will not return

My friend has a mountain bike that survived last years Queensland's floods (Australia, that is), but is all battered and bruised after not being ridden for a year. With my beginner's repair skills, I ...
3
votes
2answers
591 views

What maintenance is required for a thru axle?

A thru axle is a hollow axle that gets clamped by each fork leg and through the hub. Like what a motorcycle has. Much stiffer and stronger design then the typical QR dropout. My sons newer downhill ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views

Are all skewers compatible with all bikes?

I'm switching from a 1999 Rock Hopper mountain bike to a new Jamis Aurora road bike. I want to move my cheapy security skewers over to the new bike, but they look a bit different from the skewers the ...
3
votes
2answers
640 views

Tightening rear quick release stops rear wheel

I have a medium sized Trek Mountain Track/Antelope with a seven speed freewheel. When I tighten the rear quick release, I have to carefully back off on the tightness so that the wheel will actually ...
1
vote
3answers
245 views

What's the beefiest front shock (26"), avail in quick release, with travel of 100-125mm (no more)?

Details: I mostly enjoy XC and all mountain riding. However, I also from time to time, will go out with friends on some much more intense downhill trails. I'm also about 240 pounds, give or take. ...
1
vote
3answers
507 views

Full suspension or hardtail for offroad in South Wales

I mountain bike in the hills of South Wales. I am due a new bike and have been riding a 17kg full sus for a few years now. I mostly ride 15-20 miles every week (hopefully more when the summer arrives) ...
1
vote
2answers
214 views

Speed and the sizes of tires/gears

Does the speed of a normal mountain bike vary according to the diameter of the wheels? If it does, will a larger diameter increase the speed or decrease it? Similarly, if the speed varies according ...
7
votes
6answers
2k views

Kickstands and mountain bikes

Why is it that many people often recommend against using kickstands on mountain bikes? Does it have something to do with offroad riding (perhaps something could get caught there?), or are kickstands a ...