Bikes designed for road use only. Could be any road-only bike, but typically means bikes optimized for speed / racing / club rides with drop handlebars, narrow tires and a crouched-forward rider position.
3
votes
1answer
697 views
Is it practical to replace two sprockets on a cassette?
My bike has 53/39T chainrings and a cassette with 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 sprockets, but I like to ride up steep mountain roads. Is it possible (without great expense) to replace two sprockets to ...
1
vote
2answers
360 views
Bottom Bracket Size for Specialized Roubaix Elite C2 2009
I think my bottom bracket has worn and I would like to replace it. I was looking at the Shimano 105 BB. BikePedia lists the size as 68mm, which is fine, but there seems to be another dimension. I ...
0
votes
0answers
38 views
What sort of bike chain do I need for my bike? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can I tell which size chain my bike uses?
I have a vintage Ross road bike, and the chain recently snapped during one of my rides.
The bike has 2 gears in the front ...
3
votes
1answer
197 views
Is this a collectable bicycle?
I have purchased a new bicycle, it is a clasical one (downtube shifters etc). I want to use it for commuting. Some guys told me that it might be a collectable bike and maybe i should try and find a ...
1
vote
3answers
626 views
Efficient gear shifting
I've recent purchased a road bike bit of a classic with the downtube shifters, lugged steel frame etc etc.
Before I mainly road my fixie, thou I do have another geared bike, but it left a bit to ...
3
votes
3answers
309 views
Wheel set consideration
Background: I'm overhauling/refurbishing my second road bike that I use mainly for training. It needs new wheels.
I found a couple of nice used 2011 wheelsets that were spares for a women's bike team ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the positions on drop bars called?
I've heard the different places to put your hands on drop bars given different names, like "hoods" which I think is the flat part on top or maybe the brake levers, or "drops", referring to the lowest ...
2
votes
2answers
272 views
Should I get wider tyres/tires for my tour if I'm not going to go off-road?
I'm going to do a ten-day long tour down the west coast of New Zealand. I'll have some luggage in rear panniers, but no tent (staying with friends and in backpackers accommodation). There'll be a fair ...
14
votes
7answers
10k views
How often should I change road bike tyres?
My road bike has now done 500 miles, but unlike cars, I've no idea how often the tyres should be changed. It's used on normal road conditions. The brow of the tyre is now smooth.
How do I know if my ...
1
vote
4answers
432 views
Calluses on palms/Pressure on hands - what to do?
I've been cycling for several years, but recently I developed calluses on the pads of my palms. I'm referring to small raised lines, similar to those you would get from weightlifting. And, by the ...
5
votes
4answers
10k views
How can I increase my speed on my hybrid bike?
I have a Specialized hybrid bike, and when I'm out biking with friends who are on road bikes, I'm always lagging behind. Besides just plain getting better at biking, which of the following would make ...
1
vote
1answer
209 views
Best rest length for “getting your seat”
I am just getting back on my bike after a couple years and have quickly been made to remember that it takes time to get your butt used to the saddle. I've read articles about "getting your seat" and ...
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
Measuring stem clamp / handlebar diameter
I have a new-ish Bianchi Cortina hybrid that I'm trying to find suitable drop bars for, but I can't figure out the proper size to get. It seems like the bars mostly come in 25.4mm, 26mm and 31.8mm. ...
2
votes
3answers
6k views
Are fixed or floating SPD-SL cleats most suitable for a long commute?
After much procrastination, I've finally jumped in and bought myself a road bike, under the cycle2work scheme we have here in the UK.
I opted for a Boardman Road Race, as it seems to be the most ...
1
vote
1answer
329 views
Specialized Sirrus specs any ok?
I can get this bike for good price, bit I was wondering of the specs are "okay"?
And does anyone have any experience with it?
specs. sheet (image)
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Changing from Shimano Road Double Chainset to Triple Chainset?
Road bike setup at the moment is:
Shimano Tiagra (9 Speed) Shifters / Front Derailleur / 52-39T Chainset / Short Cage Rear Derailleur / Casette 27-11T.
Will I be able to do a straight swap and ...
5
votes
1answer
668 views
Carbon 700c Wheels: What does 33/50/60/88 mm refer to?
I've been browsing 700c carbon rims on ebay, and noticed most are listed with the 33/50/60/88/etc mm in the title. What does this represent? It doesn't appear to be spoke/nipple holes.
...
5
votes
5answers
5k views
What is the downside to me purchasing a road bike instead of a hybrid?
I'm about to move to a place closer to my work where I'll be able to ride to and from the office (9km ride each way).
I'm not super fit but I occasionally ride to work from where I'm living now ...
9
votes
7answers
925 views
Best way to train in an area with many hills
I recently bought a bicycle, mostly for exercise and fun. I am not fat, but I am really out of shape, I get tired quickly and cannot stand very long rides.
I know riding a bike constantly will reduce ...
2
votes
1answer
886 views
Shimano 105 early- to mid-1990s SLR groupset on eBay worth it for 70s SuperCycle rebuild?
Is the below groupset a good value for this frame?
I picked up a vintage SuperCycle Medalist frame (I'm guessing 1970s) and am looking to make a comfortable but capable bike for commuting and ...
2
votes
2answers
966 views
Picking a bike for a cyclist new to riding on the road?
I've gone a few years without riding at all, and I'm getting back into cycling to improve my fitness. I've typically ridden light mountain bike trails in the past. I want buy a new/second-hand road ...
5
votes
3answers
16k views
How do I correctly set the angle of my drop bars
Are there any tricks to setting the correct angle for the drop bars on my road bike, when adjusting my handlebars in the stem?
Is it just a matter of personal preference or is there a general ...
4
votes
2answers
4k views
Why does my gear slip when going uphill / standing?
I have a road bike that I use to commute ~6 miles to work every day. Some of the portions of the ride are at a steep incline, and I've noticed that when I get up to stand on some of these hills, my ...
9
votes
2answers
266 views
Ladies and cycling
I just started cycling with a racebike. I still have some questions concerning ladies biking and personal health issues.
I do find very little information about ladies and biking. I kind of want to ...
5
votes
5answers
7k views
“Proper” cycling posture on a road bike with drop bars?
Sometimes I feel a little pain in my lower back after cycling (nothing too long, mainly cycling around London for general commuting...5-10Km). It could be due to a number of reasons (I have a bad back ...
4
votes
4answers
4k views
How do I calculate the power required to climb a hill at a given cadence?
Suppose I ride at a cadence of 50RPM for 10 minutes with a 39x23 gear ratio on a hill with 10% grade. Is there a simple formula to calculate the power output required?
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 ...
1
vote
2answers
683 views
Disc brake pads are loose in the calipers, is this a problem?
I recently bought a new commuting bike (Norco ccx3) which has mechanical disc brakes (Promax DSK-715 Road Mechanical Disc). Thus far I've been pretty happy with them.
In the last couple of commutes, ...
1
vote
3answers
204 views
One vs Two Piece Axle?
After finding out my bike has a road rear (130 mm) & disc brakes, it's been difficult to source rear hubs. Cyclocross allows disc brakes, and more commuter/cx frames are appearing but all seem to ...
12
votes
8answers
7k views
What are the benefits of 700c23 tires?
23s come on almost all new road bikes, and tire selection is much better for 23s than other tire sizes at most shops.
The benefits of 25s and 28s are a better ride, more traction, and are more flat ...
2
votes
1answer
396 views
Is the Nashbar Fluid Trainer loud?
I am trying to find out how loud the Nashbar Fluid Trainer is, as I don't know anyone who owns one. How loud is it, compared to other, similar trainers?
3
votes
3answers
760 views
What affordable rear brake can I get with nut/bolt rather than Allen Key?
I am looking for recommendations for a rear brake for a road brake. The problem is that I can see plenty of options for the newer 'Allen Key' style but not the older 'nut/bolt' style. I also want just ...
4
votes
4answers
330 views
Building a road bike
I've seen a lot of answers here about building a fixie specifically, but I'm looking to build up a road bike. I currently have a Surly Pacer frame and fork, a Richie handlebar and stem, and that's ...
5
votes
2answers
3k views
Can I convert hybrid to mountain bike. Tyres and tubes?
I have a mountain bike looking frame with wheels that currently have road tyres. The bike is classified as a hybrid.
My tyres state: 28" x 1.6 (42-622)
The rim: ETRTO 622 x 18
I am having ...
2
votes
2answers
3k views
Road Shifters, Mountain Rear Derailleur?
I have a road/cyclocross/commuter frame that is currently spec'd with road components - all Shimano 105, with an Ultegra rear derailleur.
The cassette (10 spd) tops out at 27 teeth, and the rear ...
4
votes
5answers
4k views
Starter Road Bike for Tall Man
I'm a marathoner that is interested in mixing in some biathlons and triathlons, but I am having trouble finding a starter bike (< $1500) made for a tall man. I am 6'6". Any brands and models that ...
2
votes
1answer
390 views
Older road bike: squeaky crank?
I have an old Free Spirit road bike. It's in good shape and runs fine, but I started noticing that when I'm going uphill or pedaling in a high gear there is a squeaky sound coming from what seems to ...
5
votes
4answers
721 views
Choosing lights for my bike
I recently bought a bike and I'm looking at getting some lights for riding at night. I live pretty well lit city so I would just want them to make me more visible to drivers. What kind of things ...
4
votes
2answers
591 views
Legal to ride bikes on sidewalks in Seattle?
I know in parts of the US it is illegal for bicyclists to ride their bikes on the sidwalk. I've been seeing it a lot in Seattle, WA, US and not sure if it's allowed.
14
votes
11answers
32k views
Can I use a cyclocross bike for regular road-biking purposes?
I want to race cyclocross, and I also want to ride some longer rides out on the road. Can I buy a cyclocross bike and use it for both cyclocross and some serious road rides (I'm talking century type ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
How to get more tire clearance with caliper brakes?
I've discovered the brakes on my Bike Friday Tikit don't allow for enough clearance to run Schwalbe Marathon tires. The bike - a folding bike with 16" rims - ships with Kojak treadless tires. It looks ...
7
votes
4answers
505 views
Wheel rigidity, is it noticeable and should I care about it?
I have a friend who shopped for Aero wheels recently and I heard a lot of talk about how this wheel was more rigid than that wheel and so on.
While I understand that a more rigid wheel should have ...
5
votes
2answers
821 views
What is the purpose of the 'tire guide' screws on shimano brakes
On Shimano Ultegra and Dura-ace brake calipers there are round-head slot screws in the lower section of the brake pad holder. In the BR-6600 spare parts catalogues they are labeled as 'tire guide' ...
8
votes
3answers
300 views
Why should I not coast while training (even after intervals)?
A comment in this answer about building up stamina for a commute says not to coast, even after intervals.
Why not? How is coasting different from light pedaling with minimal load (which I'm assuming ...
1
vote
3answers
404 views
Storage or bag on road bike
I am looking for a bag to attach to my road bike that I can attach quickly without having a rack on my bike.
I saw one a few weeks ago (on someones bike) that attached to the seat post and extended ...
0
votes
2answers
909 views
Adjust reach on Ultegra ST-6510 levers?
I'd like to adjust the reach (distance from the drop bars to the brake levers) on my Ultegra 6510 levers. The Shimano instructions don't mention the ability to adjust this at all, which seems odd to ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
How to select an inexpensive road bike for a heavier rider?
I want to start riding a bike from home to work so I need to buy a bike. I don't want to spend a lot on the bike and also I'm not interested in bikes that Target and Walmart sells. I want something ...
1
vote
2answers
339 views
What is this simulator like device called?
The following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I13wJyUZL_4 has a man limp to a bike (a Pinarello) leaning against a wall, climb on to it and ride the bike for a good minute to a minute and a half, ...
12
votes
4answers
2k views
Why am I slow on flat surfaces?
I've been riding about 300 miles a week for the last 2 years. I'm not riding in races, just riding with friends. I always ride 60+ miles (95+ km), and I'm in excellent shape. I have a low end road ...
