All Questions
2,995
questions
15
votes
7
answers
11k
views
Are road brakes designed not to brake too much?
All of my cycling fellows always told me that it's much more difficult to fully stop a road bike, compared to a mountain bike, because "road brakes just don't work so well" (and perhaps because of ...
15
votes
8
answers
15k
views
If a derailleur cable snaps on a long ride, how can I keep going?
A couple weeks ago I rode around Crater Lake, a 35 mile ride with over 4500 feet of cumulative elevation gain – the sort of ride you really want functional gears for.
The night before my rear ...
15
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Why are almost all bicycle tyres cross-ply/bias ply and not radial construction?
Most times when I see a failed bicycle tyre (one where the threads are showing through) they look something like this, with diagonal threads clearly visible
Here's a random manufacturer's cutaway ...
15
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Most favoriable collision with a car? How should I act before collision, supposing enough time?
Suppose a car is going to collide with you. What can you do to minimise the consequences?
By collision I mean that it may be intentional or an accident. Anyway I am looking for tips on how to act in ...
15
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What kind of flat is this?
I'm stumped. For the last yew years I have been getting flats that look like this:
As you can see, it's a tiny, tiny hole that can only be found by inflating the tire to twice its size or so. I know ...
15
votes
9
answers
2k
views
Is cycling in the Netherlands without a helmet safer than cycling with a helmet in the USA?
We moved to Netherlands and no one seems to wear a helmet. My teenage child did have a helmet but said she lost it. When my wife wanted buy her a new helmet, my daughter said she will refuse to wear ...
15
votes
6
answers
3k
views
What is the "3 foot law" and which US states have it?
Some states seem to have something called the 3 foot law to keep cars away from cyclists. Why 3 feet? Which states in the USA have it?
14
votes
1
answer
9k
views
What effect does changing the stem length have on my bikes handling
I'm finding that when jumping my mountain bike seems to be very nose heavy no matter how far back my saddle is. What effect will moving to a shorter stem length have?
My bike, a Boardman FS-PRO came ...
14
votes
3
answers
19k
views
Is it safe to ride on an unevenly bulging tyre?
Most of the tyre looks fine, true and straight but the section photographed shows bulging. The rim itself is true, is this safe to ride on?
14
votes
5
answers
8k
views
Why doesn't Shimano use shadow technology on road derailleurs?
Shimano has been using their 'Shadow' technology on their high-end mountain bike rear derailleurs (> Deore) for many years. In addition to the benefit described in the images below (from here), ...
14
votes
2
answers
3k
views
How do I remove the wheels from my bike (not a typical nut)?
I just bought a used Kona Roundabout bike and I can't figure out how to remove the wheels. I've never seen this connection before.
The same connection is on both the front and rear wheels and ...
14
votes
3
answers
14k
views
Using Anti Seize in place of Grease
I bought Nickel Anti-Seize to prevent any corrosion issues between metals, and I generally like using it on my vehicles on bolts and anything I plan on removing later. I'm wondering where it would be ...
14
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Are fluorocarbons in chain lubricants a real environmental issue?
Some chain lubricants contain fluorocarbons like PTFE or other substances
called PFAS. Is this a genuine environmental issue? Should I avoid all
lubricants containing fluorocarbons?
I have heard that ...
14
votes
6
answers
5k
views
What to do when a car turns into a side road (etiquette)?
If a car is turning right onto a side road and not an intersection, what must I do?
Perhaps I am 25 feet/7.5 meters (and another cyclist just passed the car that's turning right), should I
A) Try ...
14
votes
7
answers
915
views
How do you decide your route to commute to work?
I'm seriously considering bicycling to work, and I'd like some advice on the way to choose a route. Specifically, I have these two options:
Go on a path with only 2 cross streets, but a road that is ...
14
votes
2
answers
405
views
Unicycle recommendation [duplicate]
I know that this is a 'bi'cycle forum, but I'm going to chance it and ask for unicycle buying advice.
What should I look for when buying a unicycle? I probably will do some leisure riding with it, ...
14
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What powder is used inside an inner tube?
I just cut open an old inner tube I had laying around and noticed there is a white powder in there. What is it? Why is it there?
14
votes
5
answers
11k
views
Why does a loose pedal destroy the crank threads?
Can someone cite with sources the process by which a loose pedal pretty quickly destroys the crank arm threads necessitating a helicoil repair?
I'm interested in how the thread on the crankarm gets ...
14
votes
7
answers
2k
views
How to mark seatpost position?
Is there an effective, non-destructive way to mark the seatpost position?
We share some bikes within the household, meaning that the saddle height is adjusted often. When I had an affordable Decathlon ...
14
votes
10
answers
120k
views
What makes a folding bicycle so difficult to ride?
I got a folding bike from Citizen (like the Miami) with dreams that I could take it on the road with me when I go to conferences but it's REALLY hard to ride very far with it. Is it because of the ...
14
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is a good way to learn how to ride a bike on rollers?
After seeing a few questions about rollers pop-up, such as this one, it has spiked my interest in these things again.
So how do you learn how to ride on rollers? How long does it take you to get the ...
14
votes
2
answers
6k
views
Why does my inner tube have brown liquid inside? Now with internal photo
I flatted the front wheel going up a climb the other day - I heard the pop and the PSSSSHH, and I could see a geyser of pale "steam" or vapour coming out the puncture.
I swapped out the tube for the ...
14
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Why are derailleur jockey wheels commonly made of nylon?
Almost all derailleurs seem to come from the factory with nylon jockey wheels . What is the rationale for the use of nylon (rather than alloy or aluminum)? Is it merely weight savings (which would ...
14
votes
4
answers
34k
views
Spoke tension is way off but wheel is true, How do I fix this
After truing my front wheel, it seems that it is laterally true. However, the spoke tension seem very uneven, with a few spokes that are very taut next to other spokes which are more loose. If it ...
14
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Is it safe to wear a helmet without a plastic covering?
A friend of mine gave me a foam bike helmet had the plastic covering removed from it. Besides for the plastic being removed, the helmet is in excellent condition. Is there any issues with using this ...
14
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Mountain Biking And Clipless Pedals
I have never been seriously off-road on a trail with a mountain bike.
I am curious; for any mountain bikers, do you ride clipped in on trails, and when if ever do you proactively clip out (e.g. like ...
14
votes
6
answers
11k
views
How seriously should I take the maximum pressure rating of my cyclocross rims?
I own a very nice cyclocross bike that I use for daily commuting. It is currently fitted with relatively wide cyclocross tires (Continental Cyclocross Race 35-622) that I inflate to 4 bar (58 psi).
...
14
votes
10
answers
3k
views
Techniques for safely leaving a bike for 1-2 minutes in a safe-ish place
In the last year, 3 of my friends got their bikes stolen by leaving them "just for a minute" in front of a shop "while watching them through the window".
Nevertheless, sometimes I do the same. Maybe ...
14
votes
9
answers
2k
views
Multi hour ride nutrition
Ok. We're talking about when you'll be on the bike for 5+ hours. For example, a Century or 200K.
What is the best nutrition for a ride of this type?
So, I'll be on the bike for 5+ hours, with few ...
14
votes
10
answers
145k
views
Why does my bike make a noise when I pedal hard?
When I pedal forcing a little with my right leg, the bike makes a noise that I don't know how to describe. I'll try to do it. It's like:
a short "ting"
a tiny bell
if a small rock hits the down tube
...
14
votes
8
answers
2k
views
Sandals in the winter? Other winter footwear options?
I used Shimano cycling sandals during the summer months here in the Chicago, Illinois area. I'm wondering if I can use these during the cold winter months also or if different shoes are required. In ...
14
votes
7
answers
9k
views
What are the risks of fenders/mudguards?
I've seen fender/mudguard descriptions that mention things like breakaway stays and discussions about the relative safety of metal vs plastic fenders, but I'm not getting what the concerns are.
Can ...
14
votes
8
answers
7k
views
How to improve one's bike handling skills?
Are there any time tested ways to improve one's bike handling skills?
Outside of regular riding (road) are there certain exercises one can do to increase body awareness on the bike, improve ...
14
votes
7
answers
7k
views
Is it worth buying a high end light bike (8.5 kg) from 80' vs recent mid range bike (10kg)
I want to acquire my first road bike with a limited budget (~400€) but I'm faced with a lot of choices, found an old vitus 979 equiped with campagnolo chorus, a little rusty but really pretty and ...
14
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Touring with little kids?
I'm curious, has anyone gone on bicycle tours with small children? I did some long-distance camping touring a while ago and would like to do more eventually. For the moment, though, we have a toddler, ...
14
votes
7
answers
34k
views
Mysterious case: chain falling off large chainring, how to fix?
On my commuter bike I decided to rid myself of the small inner chain ring (which is almost never used) and front dérailleur (now redundant). However, I have come across an unusual problem. Whilst ...
14
votes
5
answers
6k
views
Is it poor technique or physiology that causes people to cycle with their knees sticking out to the side?
Why do some people cycle with their knees sticking out to the side instead of parallel to the frame?
14
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Do mountain bikers yield to hikers?
I've seen rules and graphics online that basically say that bikers are to yield to hikers. Is this the generally accepted rule, and if so, how do you define "yield"?
Background
The areas I normally ...
14
votes
6
answers
20k
views
What harm results from riding with a stretched chain?
Due to sheer laziness, my maintenance amounts to an annual trip to the LBS. After moving, my new LBS suggested that I replace my chain immediately, before it destroys the drive train. What they didn'...
14
votes
0
answers
519
views
Does drafting a rider slow that rider down? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does drafting cause resistance to the lead rider?
Would the lead rider notice any difference if there was another rider drafting behind them?
14
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Are revolights a good idea?
I've recently seen this:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/revolights/revolights-join-the-revolution?ref=spotlight
Basically it's leds on the wheel + a timing mechanism + persistence of vision ...
14
votes
1
answer
34k
views
Which pulley is which on my Shimano STX RC derailleur?
I disassembled my rear derailleur to clean it; when I removed the sprockets they basically looked the same; both jet black and caked with all sorts of black grease-like-stuff. I figured they were the ...
13
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What are the advantages of flat spoked wheels?
Following on from my earlier question about truing them, I was wondering if anybody could point out the advantages (and perhaps disadvantages) of flat spoked wheels?
13
votes
4
answers
4k
views
I got glow-in-the-dark tape. Where do I place it?
Would I be able to use glow-in-the-dark duct tape to help illuminate a bike at night? I already ride with forward and rear lights.
13
votes
4
answers
27k
views
How often should I clean my bike?
How often should I clean my bike?
I've used it several times over the summer, but only once in muddy conditions, should I clean it after every ride or once per quarter?
13
votes
5
answers
784
views
Lock for extremely frequent use
Are there lock products out there specifically designed for easy handling when locked unlocked dozens of times a day?
I'm using a normal, chain-based lock at the moment and I'm annoyed because
I'm ...
13
votes
4
answers
13k
views
When do I need more than one bike? How many bike is enough? How many bikes is too many?
I see questions where people want a bike to commute, road ride, and take on trails.
Not one bike will do it all.
When do I need more than one bike.
How many bikes is enough?
13
votes
5
answers
19k
views
Clipless pedals: Why clipping in so darn difficult?
I do understand that this question been asked million times, and million people have million different opinions and it's all down to personal preferences, yet I am struggling and need to find a ...
13
votes
9
answers
13k
views
What can I use for a DIY cable end?
I am in a pinch and need something to crimp onto the end of my brake cable to stop it fraying. There aren't any hardware shop's nearby and its a long way to the nearest bike shop.
Any household ...
13
votes
5
answers
6k
views
Do expedition bikes offer advantages over standard touring bikes?
I have seen a few bikes marketed as "Expedition Bikes". They seem to be designed for the purpose of touring off-the-beaten-track. Typically they have 26 inch wheels and either butterfly or flat bars, ...