All Questions
19
votes
3answers
1k views
Is fluorescent clothing effective?
I read recently that fluorescent clothing was not effective at all at night. If this is the case, how effective is it during the day, and should I stop buying tops that are fluorescent to use on my ...
19
votes
2answers
2k views
Does the chain direction make a difference?
Recently, I helped a friend install a new chain on her road bike, and for the first time read the instructions for installing one. It seems to claim that there's a forward direction, and that it ...
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 ...
18
votes
7answers
3k views
Why are both Schrader and Presta valves still used on tubes?
It is standard for road bikes to adopt Presta, whereas nearly all else use Schrader.
I personally think Schrader are better:
I've had less Schrader valves break on me than Presta
No problems if ...
18
votes
7answers
933 views
What are some alternatives to fruitlessly ringing my bell at a motorist?
I doubt that motor-vehicle drivers can hear the "ding" sound that a bicycle bell makes. What are some better alternatives?
18
votes
2answers
688 views
Do I really need to replace my helmet every 2-3 years if it hasn't been in a crash?
OK, I know from the top answer here: When or how often should I replace my bike helmet?, that I should buy a new helmet every 2-3 years, even if it hasn't been in a crash and shows no signs of damage.
...
18
votes
5answers
317 views
What are some good tips for riding in a large group?
One of the popular bike routes near me has a few groups that ride together on Saturday and Sunday. The groups get as big as 30 to 40 riders and they move fast (25 to 35 mph). I have occasionally ...
18
votes
12answers
24k views
Creaking from cranks/spindle. How to fix?
Recently the cranks on my bike started to creak.
I checked with my usual "bike-bible" Park Tool. They recommended dis-assemble, lubricate, re-assemble.
So I did that.
Remove cranks.
Remove spindle.
...
18
votes
7answers
614 views
What are important items for a touring first-aid kit?
When riding long distances, either solo or with groups of people, it is obviously necessary to carry a first-aid kit in case of a crash or other injury. What are the most important items to pack, ...
18
votes
4answers
976 views
What should I look for in a good pair of cycling shorts?
I don't currently own a pair of cycling shorts. I just wear a pair of running shorts underneath some running leggings. I'm thinking of getting my first pair of cycling shorts, but as there are so many ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
Why do bikes have their drivetrains on the right?
Every bicycle I have seen in my life has its gears and chain on the right side? Why is this? The only thing I could find regarding this question is this forum topic, which speculates about things such ...
18
votes
2answers
3k views
How to store bikes inside a house or unit with limited internal space?
Between my girlfriend and myself, we have 5 bikes of which 3 would ideally be stored inside (the two road bikes and my duallie). However, my house is a relatively small terrace house which doesn't ...
18
votes
1answer
297 views
Selecting the right crank length
What is the best way to determine the correct crank length for my height and more specifically my leg length?
17
votes
10answers
534 views
Safety guidelines for cycling in traffic
Please post your safety tips for cycling/commuting that should help you get to your destination place in one piece.
I came across a nice printed guideline a few years ago when working as courier, it ...
17
votes
8answers
2k views
Arguments for/against bike lanes?
What are the arguments for and against bike lanes? Can anyone summarize the best reasons they're good for and bad for cyclists and automobile drivers?
For example, Are there some environments ...
17
votes
6answers
816 views
Lock my bicycle on busy or quiet places?
When I lock my bicycle I try to lock it on quiet spots, usually on street racks situated on secondary streets.
I think it will be less visible so it will attract less looks. On the other hand, if a ...
17
votes
5answers
416 views
How should a bicycle helmet fit?
I see enough folks wearing helmets in such a manner that they might as well not be. What is the proper way to fit & wear a bicycle helmet?
17
votes
13answers
3k views
What is a good iPhone app for bikers?
There are tons that are out there for recording routes, and such. There's also the physical mounting. Is the iPhone actually good/useful for bikers?
17
votes
7answers
7k views
Am I too heavy for my road bike tires?
I am wondering if bike tires have a weight limit. I have to admit, I am a large guy at 6'3" 250lb (190 cm, 113,5 kg), and I have always had issues with my road bike's tires getting pinch flats. I ...
17
votes
11answers
4k views
SPD shoes that look like normal shoes
We all know that SPD shoes can be worn off the bike (that is why they were designed), however there are not many SPD shoes that you would want to wear off-bike. There are even fewer (if any) SPD shoes ...
17
votes
6answers
2k views
How do I change a road bike into a commuter bike?
I have a road bike that I commute to work on, just a 9km trip each way. I also have some tightness in my lower back, especially since I usually sit in front of a computer screen. My wife wants me to ...
17
votes
5answers
2k views
Pros/Cons of Bar-Ends?
I've always heard "never use barends" and they're banned equipment for some of the local clubs/group rides. A number of people on-line swear by them though. What's up with that!? :-) Why would I ...
17
votes
11answers
862 views
Most suitable and tasty ride food?
I ride relatively long distances on a road bike on Sundays, usually around 90-100 miles and have experimented much as to what to eat. Here's what I've found so far.
Soreen - tastes good, full of ...
17
votes
8answers
2k views
How can I keep my feet from falling asleep while riding?
I have mountain bike shoes and clipless pedals. When I go on long rides, my feet fall asleep and then very, very painfully wake up (on my most recent long ride, this started happening after 30ish ...
17
votes
2answers
904 views
Practical cleaning routine for a commuter bike
I regularly (almost daily) ride my bike, often in bad weather. I mostly ride on roads, but sometimes through parks, forest etc. on unpaved surfaces. My bike is usually rather dirty, at least the lower ...
17
votes
4answers
362 views
Spokes keep breaking - bad hub or bad build?
Background information
A bit of background information (I'll try keep it brief): Last year I bought an old but unused bike, 5 speeds with internal gearing.
Apparently the shop bought a lot of bikes ...
17
votes
2answers
436 views
How to wash a bike properly?
I use my bicycle in a typical urban commute setting. No extreme MTB, but it still accumulates some dust and grime.
How should I wash my bicycle?
16
votes
11answers
1k views
What's the purpose of cycling gloves?
I haven't cycled for many years already and long ago when I was cycling I didn't pay much attention to equipment. Now I see that many cyclists wear a certain kind of gloves - that only cover the palm ...
16
votes
18answers
571 views
Bike sharing services and systems
What are some bike sharing services out there? I know that there have been some in Europe. Here's wikipedia's entry.
This is one that I heard of recently in NYC.
...
16
votes
9answers
19k views
What pressure should I run my Road Bike tyres at?
There's a question for mountain bike tyres but I can't seem to find anything on here for road bikes. At the moment I'm running at around 90psi. Is that too much? too little? Also, am I more likely to ...
16
votes
9answers
5k views
Using a ski helmet for winter biking
I am cuirious if anyone uses a skiing helmet for winter biking? Would this be safe? Are skiing helmets designed to protect you from the same kind of acidents that you would have on a bike?
I am ...
16
votes
9answers
2k views
Why Do I Need a Better/Lighter Road Bicycle to Train For 'Fitness'?
I'm about to purchase a bicycle in the very near future and have been shopping around at different bike shops to see what I like and what they offer.
My primary goal here is to commute to work. It's ...
16
votes
7answers
6k views
What pressure should I run my Mountain Bike tires at?
Should I run my mountain bike at the suggested PSI/Bar on the tire/rim? Or should I run it a bit lower? Or is it more about conditions? Should I run lower if I am running on softer terrain?
16
votes
7answers
2k views
How to achieve an always clean chain
My chain and cogs always look very dirty as the oil attracts dirt. It is a constant problem as you can't fully avoid stains on your trousers and hands. Also, that looks ugly and I believe it wears the ...
16
votes
6answers
1k views
What is the hand gesture for “I'm sorry”?
I usually signal "turn left" and "turn right" and "pass me by, take point". However, there is one more situation that happens to me often and I do not know a widely accepted gesture to convey my ...
16
votes
7answers
4k views
How many miles of riding require the same effort as one mile of running?
A co-worker and myself are having a friendly bike / run contest. What is a good ratio for miles ridden vs. miles run? I know it depends on pace. But I'm curious what a generally accepted range of ...
16
votes
7answers
11k views
How can I check tire pressure without a pressure gauge?
I would like to tell if my tires are correctly inflated, in this case road tires, but I do not have a pressure gauge.
Is there a handy heuristic for checking the pressure? Could I do it, for example, ...
16
votes
8answers
592 views
Where to find good bicycle maintenance info?
If there is a good book what would it be? I'm pretty sure I can find stuff on YouTube (any particular user?). Any blogs out there?
16
votes
4answers
4k views
How are the categories for climbs decided?
In cycle racing, there are five grades or categories for climbs - Category 4, 3, 2, 1 & Hors (Above Category or HC). How do they decide what is category 1 and what makes it so hard it is a HC?
16
votes
7answers
571 views
How to convince fellow cyclists to follow the rules, like stopping at red lights?
I'm basically a year-round cyclist in Toronto, Canada. The popularity of bicycling as a form of transportation and commuting here has been growing over the past few years, and I'm generally happy ...
16
votes
4answers
463 views
How to descend mountain roads?
What skills and techniques are required to descending at high speeds while maintaining control of the bicycle? How does this change when the roads are wet or have gravel in them?
16
votes
11answers
271 views
Safely overtaking pedestrians
When riding on bike paths or mixed-use paths, there are usually pedestrians walking along them as well. Pedestrians tend to be somewhat unpredictable; they may suddenly turn around or step to the ...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
How can I improve my pedal stroke?
I know a part of biking endurance and speed come from having a perfect pedal stroke. What should I do to improve my pedal stroke?
16
votes
3answers
252 views
Submitting road data to Google
I have really enjoyed Google Maps cycling directions but find it lacking a lot where I live. I really want to update the maps with new/better information but I don't know the what, how, or where.
...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
How can I teach my capable 20-something friend to ride a bike?
My friend, let's call him Jack, does not know how to ride a bicycle. Jack is a fully capable 27-year-old man. His father was incarcerated during a block of his upbringing, leaving him without a skill ...
16
votes
4answers
3k views
How can you recognise a quality steel frame?
I'm looking to buy/build a road bike and I would like it to:
last 100 years
have a low environmental cost
As I'm not interested in shedding grams (a diet would be more helpful for me), I'm leaning ...
16
votes
2answers
2k views
How to know when to change a chain?
A bike shop employee used a tool he said would check the wear on the chain, and said that it should be changed.
He said it took a measurement that meant the chain had expanded, but it is still hard ...
16
votes
6answers
3k views
Why is the front brake lever on the right if you 'drive' on the left and vice-versa?
I live in the UK and I expect my front brake lever to be operated by my right hand. However, I recently went on a friend's bike that had the brakes 'back to front', which would be the 'right way ...
16
votes
2answers
7k views
What height should drop handlebars be - relative to my saddle?
I've done most of my cycling with flat handle bars on a mountain bike. I'd like to start commuting to work though and am considering getting a road bike with drop handle bars.
The thing is though, I ...
16
votes
3answers
292 views
How much do you need to concentrate when using rollers?
I'm consider getting bicycle rollers for use over winter, and I expect after the initial newness has worn off it might become boring. Can I realistically watch a DVD while using rollers? Or do they ...
