Bicycle components without which it's not a working bike: wheels, brakes, saddle/seat, bottom bracket, derailleur, stem, handlebars, bolts, etc. Also tag with specific part.
0
votes
1answer
18 views
Is there any replacement for the chainrings of a Shimano STX crankset?
I have a Shimano STX Crankset (probably FC-MC series or similar, around 2001) with worn out chainrings (5 Arms). Is there any contemporary replacement opportunity for either the chainrings or the ...
5
votes
3answers
130 views
Good Quality Road Platform Pedals?
I am trying to find good quality but not exorbitantly expensive platform pedals for a road bike. I tried Shimano SPD, but ended up concluding that for me it was more of a deathtrap. I did end up ...
0
votes
0answers
27 views
Long Quill Stem?
I picked up a used mid 1990s Serotta Colorado CSI (lugged steel) bike. It is a size 54L which in Serottas from that era means it has a 54 seat tube but a 55 top tube. The size was not intentional, it ...
0
votes
1answer
38 views
FC-M330 replacement
I have a Trek 4500 with a Shimano FC-M330 crankset. I need to replace the crankset and was hoping that someone could tell me the current replacement. I believe that I have narrowed it down to the ...
0
votes
0answers
17 views
ISO Rhode Gear Bike kid trailer parts (axle and spring for the wheel)
I have Rhode Gear bike kid trailer and I am missing the axle and spring for one of the wheels. Any advice on how I can obtain those parts? Can I replace them with another brand? The trailer is in ...
2
votes
1answer
76 views
DIY colouring components
I find silver, black and occasionally red are quite dull colour choices. Granted there are some components out there in more interesting colours, but the engineer in me won't let me choose the "wrong" ...
3
votes
2answers
157 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
106 views
Is it possible to date Shimano components?
I have heard that Shimano releases an updated or redesigned component line about every four years. The old technology then passes down to the less expensive product line. If this is true, theoreticaly ...
6
votes
2answers
124 views
How much of the saddle rail is suiteable to use
Is it possible to safely set the seat to the max to get the saddle as far forward as it will go. Or should it only be clamped within the marked range 0 to 3.5? I have marked the points in red. The ...
20
votes
5answers
2k views
what makes a good entry level road bike?
I've been riding a mountain bike for years, but I prefer to go longer distances on paved ground, so I think a road bike would be better. When I ask what is a good bike, I don't need brands/models - ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How to make a lockable front suspension last longer?
Lockable suspension is very handy on every ride. But I have witnessed a few cases where they break way too soon, in comparison with other types of suspension. The locks fail to be effective, or the ...
3
votes
1answer
83 views
longer seatpost for a folding bike
I bought a Hopper 20" Folding Electric bike. This is basically a white-branded Viking E-Go bike when sold via Tesco UK.
But I am quite tall so I need a longer seatpost for it to be comfortable to ...
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votes
0answers
37 views
Can I use my old wheel for my trainer [duplicate]
My bike has a 8 speed Shimano cassette and I've been using this wheel on my trainer over the winter with a training specific tire on it (so as not to wear out my street tires). Since spring is coming ...
11
votes
6answers
6k views
Why would one ever buy a 12-25 cassette when an 11-25 is available?
I was looking at purchasing some Sram Rival components. Looking at the available cassettes, there is a big variety of sizes available:
11-23: 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23
11-25: ...
15
votes
4answers
861 views
Equipping a commuter bike
My commute is a bit over 5 miles each way through the city. It's not that long a commute; in traffic, it takes about 35 minutes door to door, and I'm never far from public transit that I could use in ...
2
votes
1answer
185 views
Why does my non-drive side crank arm come loose?
I tighten the bolt super hard. Ride for a while. Then it comes loose again. I don't know if its my BB or the bolts. How can this be fixed??
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votes
3answers
139 views
Do shops that sell used bikes normally also sell used parts?
I'd like to buy some used bike components. I don't want to shop online. But I don't want to have to travel too far to make my purchase.
Do bike shops that sell used bicycles normally also sell used ...
5
votes
3answers
335 views
Where can I buy a wide range of used bike parts online?
Does anyone know of a reputable website that sells a wide range of used and second hand bike parts and components?
I'm helping a friend rebuild an older commuter bike and we are having trouble ...
7
votes
1answer
335 views
Chart for bicycle component quality?
I'm not very familiar with all the different component groups available and wondered if there's a chart that ranks their quality (or price).
So I'd know that Shimano 105 is the same level as SRAM ...
2
votes
1answer
340 views
Is it Shimaro or Shimanno?
A friend told me the best bike parts are shimaro/shimanno?
I saw both companies online! Which one is faking other ones name?!!
3
votes
8answers
3k views
What are the parts needed to build your own fixie?
I've always wanted to build my own bike and I figured that a fixie has the least number of parts.
Please post one part per answer. Please explain what I should be looking for in the part. Also please ...
0
votes
2answers
346 views
Buying from AliExpress
I've notice that the business to business site AliBaba and it's more consumer friendly AliExpress website have a number of bike components for sale. They tend to be complete component groupsets and ...
7
votes
3answers
4k views
How do I choose a bicycle fork?
I'm putting together a bicycle on a budget from a frame I was given and various parts from a bike with a broken frame. The only part of any expense that I really need is the fork, and I want to get ...
1
vote
3answers
177 views
Buy a new cycle or assemble new parts?
My budget is $300 - $400. I live in India.
My doubt is whether, its better buying a new bike or just assemble different good company spare parts (used or new).
I am very new to cycling, so please ...
-3
votes
2answers
181 views
Helmet Camera pros and Cons [closed]
I'm considering buying a helmet camera for my commue - what are the pros and cons of a helmet camera that I should know about?
2
votes
2answers
141 views
Would like to custom-build a bike but I'm not sure on what parts to buy
Currently I have a 2011 Trek 3700 (no disc brakes) and just this year have gotten into riding mountain bike trails and would like to have a bike better suited for doing that.
I'd like to keep the ...
0
votes
2answers
125 views
Rear hub-adjuster thing - What does it do?
I bought a basic wheel set for a hack bike project. The rear wheel has a single speed cog, and a dangly adjuster thingy - maybe 2 inches long. What is that for?
3
votes
2answers
2k views
What to consider when changing V-brake for a disc brake?
The frame of this bike has the capacity for V-brakes and disc brakes. There are some problems with the rear V-brake and I am considering installing a disc brake instead (just for elevated coolness). ...
3
votes
2answers
104 views
Are derailluers always or usually compatible with any cassettes?
Is it OK to choose a derailleur without taking into consideration the cassette that will be used with it and vice-versa?
1
vote
3answers
141 views
Are shifters compatible with different derailleurs?
Can I simply choose one shifter without taking into consideration the derailleur that will be used with it and vice-versa?
14
votes
4answers
4k views
Whatever happened to solid bike tubes?
As a child I had solid rubber inner tubes in my bike. They were a pain to get on but after I never had a flat again!
Now I've recently started biking again and have had two flats in two days, each ...
5
votes
1answer
248 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
4answers
800 views
Would hydraulic disc brakes be easier on my hands than mechanical disc brakes?
I ride MTB in a coastal town where all roads are dirt roads with lots of uphill/downhill. Nothing extreme, I just ride to relax and enjoy the landscape. I have mechanical disc brakes and after a 2-4 ...
3
votes
3answers
186 views
Where can I find a 9mm x 26thread axle nut?
I have a Gravity Swift 2 that I got off Bikesdirect. Somehow I lost the left front axle nut. I have been to two LBSs and neither of them have (or have even seen) an axle nut this size. I e-mailed ...
6
votes
12answers
372 views
Bike touring/camping tip(s)
I have a tentative first-time bike touring/camping trip in the planning stages and working out my set-up. I have a good idea of the essentials. My question is especially directed to those who have ...
11
votes
4answers
4k views
Differences between Biopace and Rotor cranks
On mountain bikes of a certain age, "Biopace" chainrings are ubiquitous. These chainrings are (purposely) not circular. It seems that most people today agree that Biopace rings didn't live up to the ...
18
votes
7answers
2k views
Are Z-shaped cranks a good idea?
I've stumbled across this kickstarter project, which promotes an original shape for cranks:
They claim a wider arc of useful push during rotation. While their main point is rendered moot by ...
1
vote
1answer
674 views
How to determine size of freewheel?
My previous question was: How to take apart this rear BMX hub?
How do I determine the size of my freewheel to replace it?
I have seen on bicycle sites that a freewheel comes in sizes like 14t, 16t, ...
14
votes
7answers
5k views
What is the biggest component difference between a cheap road bike and an expensive road bike?
I am shopping around for road bikes now, and I wanted to know what components to look for. I am not talking about the frame, carbon or otherwise, I mean types of shifters, brakes, cranks, rims, etc.
2
votes
1answer
164 views
What is a modern equivalent to “fir el 201” rims
What is a comparable modern-day rim to these "fir el 201" rims? I believe they came stock on a 1996 Bianchi Eros.
I need to replace the rims, and I am trying to gauge the quality that I am used to ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What initial improvements can I make to a Schwinn Sidewinder?
I bought a Schwinn Sidewinder from Walmart last night in a desperate attempt to get some exercise. I took it home and rode intensely for an hour, it was fantastic! I may be wrong, but I see bicycles ...
22
votes
7answers
1k views
What should I look for in clipless pedals and shoes?
I am just thinking about investing in some clip-in pedals (and presumably shoes). I want to use them mostly on my older road bike but in the future I might want to move them over onto my mountain ...
6
votes
4answers
3k views
Tapered Head Tube
I am wanting to understand how a tapered head tube works. Does it require a tapered steerer, or is it the case that the steerer is a consistent diameter top and bottom and just the bearings differ in ...
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 ...
8
votes
5answers
8k views
What kind of bicycles do they ride in the Tour de France?
I've been looking at a lot of the coverage of the Tour de France. All of the attention is on the cyclists, and no attention whatsoever on the cycles. Even in photographs or videos, they are so far ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I determine the model of my Shimano Rear Derailleur?
I recently damaged my rear derailleur and am trying to find the replacement online. It is a Shimano Tourney SIS Index. I have found several models in the Shimano website that are pretty close ...
1
vote
2answers
274 views
Does “Carbon & Aluminium” really mean cheap plastic coated aluminium?
I'm looking to replace the suspension fork on my MTB (which has blown a seal) with a rigid fork now that I'm exclusively commuting in the city. During my research I came across the
MOSSO 26" MTB ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Is there a practical gain from elliptical/oval chainrings?
I have seen competitive (amateur) cyclists with oval chainrings (front). What is the deal? Are they just for showing off, or is there a practical gain from it (different force transfer).
3
votes
1answer
309 views
Source an internal/hub derailleur for Bianchi Bergamo
Is this really such a novel piece of equipment?
2006 Bianchi Bergamo internal/hub derailleur
I commute with a lot of weight on the rack and pop spokes in my rear wheel at least a couple of times a ...
14
votes
8answers
2k views
How much maintenance?
How much maintenance does a bike need?
Specifically, in this question (with this answer) I asked about a commuter bike, which is to be ridden 40 km every weekday, in the city. And apparently for this ...
