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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7answers
1k views
How much of a difference will I notice going from a Mountain bike to a road bike?
I have a Mountain bike with 1.95 tyres on it. Most of the cycle path I take into work is fairly well paved/asphalted, I'm not going over any dirt tracks or anything like that although there is the odd ...
3
votes
5answers
239 views
Are single-speed bikes better equipped to handle cog/chain wear?
I need to decide between a single-speed and multiple-speed bike.
I usually ride multiple-speed mountain/city bikes in the highest gear anyway (around town). They're not intended for that, and doing ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
My crank fell off, how do I re-attach it?
I was out riding on my mountain bike when my crank unexpectedly fell off (video).
How do I reattach the crank? There's a torque range specified (25-30 Ft-Lbs):
how critical is this? I don't own a ...
3
votes
3answers
466 views
Which parameters should I track with bicycle computer so I can analyze changes in my riding?
I'm building Arduino-based bicycle computer with GPS at my free time as a hobby project.
So I have to find out which parameters of ride will be useful to track to see a progress (or any changes) in ...
3
votes
3answers
317 views
How is this kind of cycling correctly called?
Sometimes I like to make rather high-speed descents (during which I also make jumps) in the forest near to my house. I want to know how this kind of activity is correctly called. Is it downhill, ...
3
votes
2answers
183 views
What is a better gearing combination for downhill?
One of the tracks I've been riding recently is testing both my skill level and my bike. The track is a combination steepness and roughness that makes it significantly different to what I've previously ...
3
votes
3answers
294 views
Does rear-shock placement affect suspension characteristics?
I know that suspension type(Horst-link, Four-bar etc.) affects how a full-suspension mountain bike handles, but you can often see these same types of suspension systems used with different shock ...
3
votes
2answers
445 views
Are there LED based dynamo powered lights suitable for night time MTB riding on singletrack?
Are there LED based dynamo powered lights suitable for night time MTB riding on singletrack?
Likely they would need to have:
High Brightness, likely 500 lumens or better. Not sure how that translates ...
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 ...
3
votes
5answers
9k views
Clicking sound coming from pedals/pedal spindle/crank
I recently bought a Trek 4300 series MTB, but after only several weeks of use, I'm getting a clicking sound coming from both sides of the pedals.
It seems particularly pronounced when more torque is ...
3
votes
2answers
297 views
Do I need to take my weight off the bike to lock out the suspension?
I've recently bought myself a new mountain bike (my first since my schooldays...) and it has front suspension with a lock-out function. Suspension is new to me and I'm not sure how to use the ...
3
votes
1answer
296 views
Is it possible to replace a 1 1/8 steering tube with a 1"?
I have a 94 Giant ATX. Threaded 1 inch steeering tube.
I need a shorter stem, and would also like to install a suspension fork.
Is it doable? Could I take a modern suspension fork, heat the crown, ...
3
votes
4answers
366 views
How does stiffness affect experience and performance?
I see many mountain bike reviews and articles discuss the stiffness of frames, forks, wheels and other components.
Here are some questions which cross my mind:
What is the definition of stiffness?
...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What bikes will be used by the competitors in the Mountain Bike Olympics?
I'm just curious to know what bike models and setups will be used by the competitors? Is there any data out there on the web?
3
votes
3answers
460 views
Mountain bike rear wheel tilts after remounting
Backstory: Total newbie regarding repairing cycles and the proper cycling terminology, so please take that into account.
Actual story:
I had a fall and the rear wheel started touching the brakes ...
3
votes
1answer
192 views
Why is my front Derailleur not shifting as smooth as it used to?
I have a Specialized Hard Tail 10' Model. When I ride and am shifting to the bigger gear on my front derailleur it isn't as smooth as it used to be or sometimes doesn't shift to the gear I'm going ...
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 ...
3
votes
5answers
4k views
mountain bike vs. cyclocross bike
I've recently started trail riding on my mountain bike and i love it, but my bike is really old (circa 1992 steel Trek with Deore LX). I really want to get a new one, but I'm also really attracted to ...
3
votes
2answers
877 views
Carbon Fibre Mountain Bikes
Has anyone had experience with carbon fiber mountain bikes? I'm still skeptical as to how robust they are. Is it true that a scratch will make the frame useless? And Trek has this process called OCLV ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Does a rear derailleur guard provide effective protection?
I recently caught my rear derailleur on a log and snapped it in two. I have done some recent work on some department store bikes and noticed that some come equipped with an axle mounted guard around ...
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 ...
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Replacing grip shift shifters on department store bike with thumb friction shifters?
I have a department store bike with a twist grip shifter (3 chain rings, friction shift and 6 sprockets, index shift - Torque Drive One derailleur) and I want to replace it. I am not able to get ...
3
votes
1answer
556 views
Using a bike with Trek ABP on a trainer
I was planning on doing my winter training this year on a mountain bike (for ergonomic reasons), but it occurred to me that the skewer for the Active Braking Pivot on my Top Fuel might not be work ...
3
votes
1answer
315 views
Will a road brake lever work with a v-brake?
I'm planning on changing my commuter handlebar to a drop handlebar. As the diameters are different, I need to know if the new brake lever will work with the existing v-brakes.
(My intention is to ...
3
votes
4answers
808 views
How do I make a MTB shifter fit on a Road dropbar?
I'm about to buy a MTB, since we don't have cyclocrosses here in my country. I'd like to have a road dropbar, but can't spend money on a road shifter like tiagra sti. I know the mtb handlebars are ...
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?
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
1answer
614 views
Tips for radial wheel truing
Several drive side spokes on a mountain bike rear were damaged the rear mech being pushed into the wheel by a rock, with one snapping completely. I've replaced the affected spokes and have managed to ...
3
votes
2answers
224 views
Rear gears don't turn anticlockwise
I've taken the rear wheel off my bike but the rear gears are stuck and do not spin freely anticlockwise.
It had been out of use for about 4 days, kept in a dry garage. I took the wheel off because it ...
3
votes
3answers
520 views
Where should I mount a mirror?
What do you recommend as an optimal point and orientation for mounting a rear-view mirror? I'm open to handlebar-, glasses-, or helmet-mounted.
Some of the considerations, as I understand it, are:
...
3
votes
3answers
548 views
Which type of handle bars are best for off-road & road use?
There are quite a lot of types of bars. Some best bit for aerodynamics, some best fit for control, some offer significant amount of positions.
I am looking to change my handlebars to the best fit ...
3
votes
1answer
271 views
All Mountain Bomber recommendations
Looking for recommendations on a Full Suspension bike - trying to spend < $2000USD.
Looking for an All-Mountain bike - something with at least 6" of travel but I don't want a full on DH or ...
3
votes
2answers
155 views
How do I align my front brake disk with the caliper?
I have manual Avid disc brakes.
I took my front wheel off like I've done hundreds of times. When I put it back on the wheel is aligned properly with my fork, but the disc presses against one of the ...
3
votes
5answers
481 views
Which footwear is the safest for summer cycling?
This morning I could not find my training shoes. So, I used my sandals. I found that the sandals not only kept my feet cool but there was no pedal slippage as I had expected. The more I think about ...
3
votes
2answers
528 views
How do I know if mudguards will fit my 2009 Carrera Kraken?
With the nice (and muddy!) weather coming up, I'd like to get some mudguards, but I'm really unsure of what will fit my bike
I have a 2009 Carrera Kraken, no modifications.
I will probably buy them ...
3
votes
1answer
102 views
Bike type suggestion for packed limestone trails
Sorry, for the beginner question.
Where I live (Ontario, Canada), I am lucky enough to have a number of packed limestone trails (former railways). Those are fairly flat and great for bicycling. They ...
3
votes
1answer
144 views
Is my disc brake caliper correctly mounted on the frame?
I have been in the process of upgrading my bike a bit. A friend of mine convinced me to upgrade my brakes from my stock Shimanos to some disc brakes. After having a look around and asking question, I ...
3
votes
1answer
393 views
What MTB 10 speed double cranksets exist with 180mm cranks?
I am looking for a a 10 speed dual crankset that has 180mm cranks.
I see the SRAM cranksets only come in 170 and 175mm.
3
votes
2answers
154 views
Can a 10-speed mountain bike chain be used on a 10-speed road bike?
I would like to use a Shimano Deore XT Chain CN-HG94 on my road bike. Are there any differences between roadbike chains versus mountain bike chains that prohibit this?
Sample Road Bike Chains:
Dura ...
3
votes
1answer
107 views
Does riding with suspension locked do any harm long term
I bought a Trek 4300 MTB a few months back as my main intent was to ride off-road on local dis-used railway paths. I've since moved house and my main use of the bike is now for my commute to work. ...
3
votes
1answer
187 views
Specialized Hardrock rear hanger
I just fixed my first puncture on a recently bought Hardrock (Evans)and discovered that the rear hanger is not attached to the frame. This made refitting the wheel a bit of a struggle.
There is a ...
3
votes
1answer
232 views
Proper fork length for a bike with 5.5 inches of rear shock
I purchased an older Santa Cruz Blur frame today. From what I can gather the shock mounted on the frame gives 5.5" of travel. I'm looking to buy a fork to match. Do I need to go with a 140mm fork, ...
3
votes
0answers
67 views
Suspension fork - Can you leave them locked for a long time?
My bike's two years old (about 1800km on it, almost all road and bridleway) and kept in a garage. Back in November or so I locked the front suspension fork for road-riding, and over the winter ...
2
votes
5answers
618 views
What skills/drills should I learn to descend faster and more confidently? (for mountain biking)
I've ridden road and mountain bikes for years, and this is my first year riding as a part of a team (and actually doing races). I've been stuck at nearly the same level of skill when descending and ...
2
votes
3answers
293 views
Should i get a hydraulic or spring type rear shock on my full suspension mountain bike?
I have not bought one yet, and i am very new to the sport. The type of riding I will be doing is dirt jumps(rather large ones), and rugged trail riding. I used a BMX for these things previously, which ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
Tube constantly getting punctured near the valve
I have been using my bike for a few years now, and for the last month i am constantly getting this problem. After riding a day or two, it looks like my tube gets rotated a little inside the tire, and ...
2
votes
2answers
169 views
Could rubber parts on bike rack damage the rear shock?
I have Specialized Stumpjumper Evo FSR and as all the FSR frames its' shock is underneath the top tube. Now the issue that the only option to put the bike on the rack is to put the shock shaft on the ...
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
191 views
What happened to 69ers?
For a year or two, I remember there being a pretty big buzz around 29" front wheel, 26" rear wheel mountain bikes. They seem to have fallen off the face of the earth. What happened?
