All Questions
2
votes
3answers
107 views
How do I tighten up my headset?
I've got an old bike with a quill stem, and the headset arrangement has a nut, and a textured lock ring. I presume I should tighten with a combination of a spanner and mole grip. Is a mole grip the ...
4
votes
1answer
117 views
How do I remove the freewheel side of a flip flop hub?
I've got one of those flip flop hubs, and I need to remove the freewheel side and either service or replace it as it has started slipping really badly. What tools do I need?
0
votes
1answer
26 views
Ball bearings replacement for Windsor 4500
After riding my Windsor 4500 for about 2 years, I got some advice to replace the ball bearings for both tires before going on a long bike trip. I plan on replacing these myself. Could someone tell me ...
-1
votes
1answer
80 views
Where should I sell my H.R. Bates frame? [closed]
I've been told very good things about this bike frame and there are a few sites devoted to it like: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/bates.html
I have been intending to upgrade and give ...
0
votes
1answer
118 views
Minimum mountain groupset hard enough to resist abuse
I'm looking to upgrade my mountain bike and I would like to get something better than I have, if justified. I've never ridden any groupset better than alivio/deore, which work ok for me and have ...
5
votes
3answers
401 views
What does “claiming the lane” mean?
If one is "claiming the lane" does that mean:
a) they simply ride on the street (i.e. on the left side of the lane in the US, Germany, France, ..) or
b) they are riding in the middle of the lane, ...
-1
votes
0answers
51 views
What are some ways of coping with asthma while biking? [closed]
I have suddenly had more trouble with it this year after years of no trouble. I use a balaclava in even slightly chilly weather. I also take it easy when I am feeling congested. I always carry ...
1
vote
1answer
99 views
Chain guards for front derailleurs: Metal alternative to SKS chainboard?
Can anyone recommend an aftermarket, front-derailleur-compatible chainguard (along the lines of the SKS chainboard) that's not made of plastic? Maybe something like the one on the Marin Bridgeway ...
3
votes
3answers
189 views
What factors determine stem length ?
Recently I went to a local bike shop to get a bike fitting advice. After taking body measurements, I was given a frame size recommendation. According to that, seat tube size, top tube size and stem ...
1
vote
2answers
62 views
Watts per wheel on my cyclocross
I have a pair of Continental Cyclocross Race, 700x35c, folding for my Fuji Cross 2.0 cyclocross. I just bought a pair of Continental Grand Prix 24. I had a look at this study where different tires ...
3
votes
1answer
110 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. ...
0
votes
1answer
98 views
Cycling fast - and brakes don't work - what to do? [duplicate]
I hope this doesn't occur to any of us, but it can.
What must the cyclist do when he/she is cycling (too) fast and needs to stop or slow down immediately, but neither the front and rear brakes work ...
3
votes
5answers
249 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 ...
5
votes
5answers
226 views
Can fresh hot asphalt damage slicks?
Today I was riding with my road bike when I suddenly hit a patch of hot asphalt. The day before the one side of the road was already filled with a hard first load, so I didn't think much of riding ...
4
votes
3answers
180 views
What can I do to help me sustain frequent long-ish rides?
After nearly a year of commuting by bicycle to and from work 2-3 days per week, I have recently started cycling to work every day, 5 days a week, rain or shine. My commute is about 11-15 miles each ...
3
votes
2answers
159 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 ...
-1
votes
1answer
101 views
Can anyone identify this frame?
I've recently picked up a 'beach cruiser' frame from a local free-add site. It was claimed to be a Huffy, however I can't seem to verify this (I've emailed Huffy and I'm awaiting their response, and ...
2
votes
2answers
68 views
SRAM x9 3x9 with a 10 speed Shimano SXL FC-M660 Crankset
Ok so let's start this out by saying I have not a ton of money to work with, and really want to get my bike up and working with little cost as possible. I have friends that have changed out parts on ...
2
votes
2answers
148 views
How to avoid riding on a gravel on the road sides? + Riding through traffic lights
I'm commuting to work almost every day. The roads on my way are quite thin so I have ride on the edge of it. But there is usually some gravel and it's quite hard to ride on that especially when riding ...
3
votes
5answers
229 views
Are there pedals that are both flat and cleated on each side?
I use the same bike for commuting, fast lunch-time rides, and not-very-fast weekend touring. I recently switched from flat pedals to clipless (Shimano PD-M520) but am finding them impractical on my ...
3
votes
2answers
178 views
Brakepads are burning tyres out
I have a Jamis Allegro Sport Hybrid (6 months old) and has gone about 400 miles so far. Today I had an accident (in the UK) because the rear tyre got punctured after hitting a good size pothole. I ...
4
votes
2answers
81 views
Seatpost maintenance : removing rust
I have an aluminum seat post in a steel frame. The post was really hard to extract and I don't want this thing corroding on me.
You've discussed how to take care of the rust on a steel frame and on ...
8
votes
5answers
267 views
Worth it carrying spare spokes?
Truing a wheel and lacing spokes is a big deal, requires a truing stand and everything. I know some do it without tool just with the spoke wrench and the naked eye, but feels like a big deal to me.
...
4
votes
2answers
157 views
What is the largest hole a tire can bear before replacement?
Saw this question today. The tire in question has a 2cm long hole on the inside, from a knife.
I sometimes get puncture flats from e.g. glass. Never as big as 2cm. Usually if they're less than ...
2
votes
1answer
235 views
Can Garmin Edge 500/510 and 800/810 be charged while riding?
Extended battery life is very neccesary for using the device on long brevets and multi-day endurance racing. Can Garmin Edge cycling GPS units 500/510 and 800/810 be charged while riding via external ...
1
vote
1answer
102 views
What could cause a screeching noise when going downhill without brakes?
Going downhill on my road bike with aero bars without applying brakes results in a terrible screeching coming from what seems to be the front wheel. Are the bearings going out?
6
votes
4answers
241 views
Is it worth time to rebuild an old steel frame?
I found an old Favorit racing bike. I didn't weigh it without all the parts but I find it pretty light, and it has a nice classic look. It is however really rusty (superficial damage only). Right now ...
5
votes
5answers
376 views
Hybrid or Road Bike?
I was given a Raleigh Venture comfort bike as a gift a few months ago, and took to riding very well. I am overweight, but dropping quickly. I started at 275 and sit around 250 now after two months of ...
3
votes
2answers
119 views
Can outer tyre (casing) punctures/cuts be fixed?
My flatmate got his tyre stabbed. With a knife, it seems. (The bike was tied to a staircase railing in the building and was obviously in some maniac's way. Though there was plenty of room around. And ...
-2
votes
0answers
196 views
What components do I need for a road bike that will endure touring on bad roads [closed]
I want to put together a road bike. However, what is the different between a standard road bike and one that will endure more rough conditions, further distances, etc that would be required for ...
5
votes
4answers
673 views
Is it better to get an entry-level carbon bike or a similarly priced aluminum bike?
I am going to buy my first proper road bike, and I have been comparing entry-level carbon frames with top-level aluminum frames in the same series (Giant Defy). What are the benefits of carbon vs. ...
2
votes
1answer
46 views
Turbo trainer compared to road / air resistence - Magneto Classic
For reasons I won't bore you with I have been confined to the garage for my training for the last six-seven months.
I have been using my road bike on a Cycleops magnetto classic (see: Here)
What I ...
0
votes
2answers
63 views
Recovery from surgery, and want to race in November
I'm six months after a double ankle joint fusion surgery. Both my surgeon and my physio have suggested cycling. I have a wind trainer and have plinked my road bike on it and being working on my ...
3
votes
4answers
157 views
bike racks for outdoor use at a school
We're looking for some bike racks for our school, but we're unsure as to the styles of bike racks and what's best. What features should we be looking for? Are there styles of racks that work well for ...
2
votes
1answer
73 views
What should I be looking for when buying reflective lights for night riding?
I would like to buy some reflective tape to stick on my wheels and to my frame to increase visibility at night.
From a look on ebay, it seems there's a variety of different types of reflective tapes ...
1
vote
2answers
151 views
Food during cross country ride
I'm trying to put together a list of foods I can easily replenish in the USA as I tour around the country on my bike. I'm looking for things that are:
non-perishable or last in 100F heat for at ...
5
votes
5answers
273 views
walkable clipless pedal shoe to replace normal shoe?
I have a touring bike which I use almost exclusively for commuting. I am thinking about getting a clipless pedal with walkable shoes. At the same time, my normal shoes which I wear when not cycling ...
2
votes
1answer
124 views
Are these chainrings the reason my chain skips/hops?
When I ride my bike normally, then chain skips like crazy. I know it skips in the front because I stuck some paper in the chain to see if it moved and it didn't.
Chainrings:
2
votes
2answers
104 views
Getting the right cockpit position. Sliding forward. What should I adjust to keep my sit bones on the seat?
I am experienced rider and I'm looking for some advice on how to adjust my cockpit position. I am a daily commuter, and do regular 40-50k rides on the weekends, and with the warmer weather will work ...
3
votes
1answer
57 views
Should I grease pins when re-installing them on cottered cranks?
I'm restoring a vintage Peugeot with cottered cranks. When reattaching the cranks to the bottom bracket spindle, should I grease the pins or put them in dry?
6
votes
2answers
117 views
Can oil/grease damage tires?
I've noticed a small puddle of light oil beneath the rear wheel of our Rohloff-equipped tandem. I'm told that a small amount of leakage is normal and I'm not worried about that.
The issue is that a ...
0
votes
0answers
53 views
Any idea of the origin of using the term 'gucci' for parts? [migrated]
A number of the guys who ride near me and have been riding bikes (mtb) since the 90s still refer to high spec parts as being 'gucci'. It's an effective term and easy to understand what they mean but ...
5
votes
3answers
144 views
Is it possible to transport many (up to 12) bikes using some sort of auto-trailer?
I would like to be able to use a trailer, either open-air or enclosed to transport multiple bicycles at the same time. When I google hitch racks the maximum is 5...I am looking for a towable ...
2
votes
2answers
111 views
How can I tell what frame model/year this bicycle is? [closed]
There is a bicycle that is locally owned that I want to buy and the only information I have about the bicycle frame from the dealer is that it's just a OCLV 110. With a couple of zoom-ins and ...
8
votes
5answers
260 views
Training fasted: just about weight loss?
Preparing for a 100mile ride in August I was thinking of following a training plan which came in a "Sportive Guide" given away with Cycling Plus magazine this month.
Some of the days on the plan ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
80 views
How to repair shifter housing
I have shifter with damaged housing. It shifts well, but I guess if housing is not repaied, rain and elements will quickly put an end to it. Which material would be suitable to fix this hole? Epoxy ...
0
votes
2answers
93 views
Should I get a 18/25 tube or a 25/32 tube? [duplicate]
I have a 25mm size tyre and I'm ordering some inner tubes on the net.
So far, I seem to have a choice between either the 18/25 range or the 25/32 range.
Both would fit but would one size be better ...
0
votes
1answer
87 views
Replacing thick wheels with thinner ones
My heavy bike (~15 kg) has thick wheels, the rim width of each is about 3 cm. Accordingly, the tires are also thick (~4.5 cm). Unless the tires are fully pumped up, the bike is difficult to ride and ...
3
votes
1answer
126 views
Can I take a bike into central London on the Underground?
I'm coming from Canada and will be riding in the London-Edinburgh-London randonneuring ride which finishes in Loughton. The London Underground info. shows that I can take my bike on the Central line ...
