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.

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30 views

Best thing to do with my time and money for the best ride [closed]

I currently have a cadd 8 with full dura ace, and a six13 with a 105 and ultegra mix and a sram rival crank both bikes are 08, just want some real opions if it makes any sense to spend The time and ...
0
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1answer
56 views

Crankset for SRAM Apex Groupset

I have SRAM Apex Shifters, FD, RD, and Brakes. Can I use a SRAM Force BB30 Crankset? Thanks Paul
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0answers
29 views

SRAM APEX Upgrade [closed]

I just bought a SRAM APEX Groupset - This includes: Shifters, FD, RD, and Brakes. So i need to get a Cassette, Chain and Crank. After using my google-fu. Crankset: I found that i can't use a ...
0
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1answer
94 views

Thinking of upgrading my brakes to these, is there an issue with “mushy” braking?

I want to get these in combination with new levers for my bike, but under the description it says: "Use of these calipers with standard SLR enabled STI and brake levers results in a "mushy" brake ...
4
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2answers
2k views

What's the performance difference between a front-load and top-load bike stem?

I recently bought a bmx and after doing a few tricks on it, the front-load stem became loose enough for the bars to slide forward (they rotated towards me about the point the bars were connecting at ...
0
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3answers
97 views

how to convert my 21 speed mountain bike into a road/cycling bike?

I was wondering if I could convert this https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/q71/s480x480/430156_461794267240029_1042500253_n.jpg to a cycling bike like what would i have to do to that bike to ...
1
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1answer
49 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 ...
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1answer
61 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 ...
7
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3answers
282 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 ...
1
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1answer
63 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
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0answers
37 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
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1answer
80 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
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2answers
220 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
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1answer
131 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
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2answers
132 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
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5answers
3k 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
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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
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1answer
102 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 ...
0
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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
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6answers
7k 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
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4answers
891 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
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1answer
200 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??
0
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3answers
145 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
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3answers
342 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
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1answer
496 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
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1answer
342 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
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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
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2answers
400 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
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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 ...
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3answers
186 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 ...
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2answers
185 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
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2answers
151 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
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2answers
129 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
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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
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2answers
106 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
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3answers
146 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
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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
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1answer
269 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
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4answers
823 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
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3answers
208 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
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12answers
382 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
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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 ...
19
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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
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1answer
749 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
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1answer
171 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
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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
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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
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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
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8answers
4k 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 ...

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