All Questions
20
votes
3answers
5k views
Cycling uphill on a road - sitting or standing on pedals?
When cycling uphill on a road, what are the pros and cons of cycling while standing up on pedal versus sitting on saddle?
6
votes
2answers
492 views
Switching Parts to a New Frame
What things do I have to consider when planning to switch parts from one frame (old one) to another frame (new one)? Will all the parts transfer? What items may need replacement because they won't ...
1
vote
0answers
136 views
Best cargo storage on a commuter bike [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Pros and cons panniers and messenger bags
I commute about 5 miles each way to work. I usually travel light; I don't carry much with me other than the contents of my ...
7
votes
1answer
146 views
Does chamois creme affect the life of cycling shorts?
Does chamois creme have any effect on the life of cycling shorts? I know it's made to be used for cycling but does it make the chamois (or maybe a synthetic one) wear out faster?
5
votes
1answer
96 views
Picking Chamois Creme
What should one look for when picking Chamois Creme? Are there ingredients to stay away from or that should be in a quality creme?
7
votes
3answers
7k views
Do Pros use compact cranksets?
Do pro riders use compact cranksets for hilly races? I'm trying to determine if switching to a compact double will mean I don't have the top end speed to be competitive in higher levels of racing (I'm ...
5
votes
3answers
104 views
How can I tell if a helmet will be comfortable before buying?
Barring taking a helmet on a 50-mile ride before buying it:
Some kinds of chin straps, for example, won't stay tight, and some kinds of cages aren't comfortable no matter how I adjust them. What ...
5
votes
14answers
351 views
Outstanding Organized Rides
As an annual rite, I typically ride in one or more organized centuries and other organized rides. All of those rides usually have a name that exemplify the ride in some way. For example "The Chilly ...
14
votes
7answers
889 views
Is a leather saddle appropriate for all-weather riding?
In our climate, it rains pretty steadily for 3 seasons. Would a leather saddle (like a Brooks) be appropriate for my bike, or should I look for a different material?
12
votes
2answers
851 views
What is the proper way to store tires to prevent cracking?
I have several extra tires, two on a spare wheelset, and others in a bundle. I am not riding as much as I was a year ago, so I will not be wearing out tires as fast as I was.
What is the best way ...
31
votes
8answers
2k views
Why don't cyclists wear all-encompassing motorcycle-style helmets?
It is possible to get a helmet that covers your entire head and face, and in theory would protect you against more kinds of falls. In particular, Why don't bicyclists wear them, and why do ...
21
votes
4answers
282 views
Do I have to simply wait for google maps to add cycling directions to my area? Or can I help?
Related to this question about submitting road data to google maps. I'm curious to know if there is any way to get Google started on cycling data in my city. There are a lot of cyclists in my city, ...
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 ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I tell if a chain has a master link?
I need to remove the chain on my internal-hub cruiser to clean it (i.e., no rear or front deraileur), and I'd rather not remove my back wheel if I can avoid that. What do I look for to find the master ...
13
votes
2answers
529 views
Passing cars on the right, and later merging into their lane
My commute takes me along a fairly busy road, with 4 lanes of traffic and parked cars along most of it. There are no bike lanes, but in some places, it's wide enough that I can easily pass traffic on ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
Does my bottom bracket need replacing?
About two months ago I bought a Boardman HT Comp. Today I took it into my local bike shop for a service. While I was in the shop one of the technicians had a quick look at it and told me that my ...
14
votes
2answers
758 views
How do I lubricate my chain?
I know I should lubricate my chain regularly. I got some lube at my LBS; how should I apply it? Do I just drip some on one spot, and turn the pedals around a few times to spread it out? Drip it all ...
37
votes
14answers
7k views
Bicycling apps for Android [closed]
I have an Android smartphone, with GPS, accelerometer, 3G internet connection, and other features that seem useful for bicycling. Are there any good bicycling apps on Android?
One app per answer ...
6
votes
6answers
390 views
Charities that accept bike donations
I have a few old-but-still-working bikes collecting dust. Instead of trashing them, I'd like to give them to a charity so they can have a new life. I figured we could make a list of charities who ...
10
votes
3answers
422 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 ...
19
votes
10answers
1k views
What to wear when it's cold?
If I put on heavy clothes it will be very hot inside them after the warm-up. If I wear only a T-shirt I'll freeze.
What's the solution?
I ride around 20 km in a hilly city, with temperatures between ...
7
votes
3answers
419 views
What are the features that I should seek in cycling glasses?
I am seeking eye protection for cycling. I don't know if I should buy glasses or goggles.
16
votes
3answers
293 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 ...
14
votes
4answers
1k views
Should I buy a PVC or aluminum roller?
I'm currently trying to choose between the CycleOps PVC roller and the CycleOps Aluminum roller. How big of a difference is there between them? I don't really care about riding the roller outdoors, so ...
5
votes
2answers
400 views
Do you need to lubricate gears after cleaning gears and chain?
I just cleaned my gears and chain with a biodegradable degreaser. I'm going to lubricate my chain. Do I also need to lubricate the gears or do I just pedal and make sure that I hit all gears? Will the ...
6
votes
2answers
587 views
What is the difference between DOT brake fluids?
I know that the two main categories are the mineral oil (Shimano, Magura) and the DOT type (Avid, Hayes).
But what is the difference between the DOT 3, DOT4, DOT 5.1?
Which one should I choose for ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
What do I clean disk brakes with?
I know I need to keep the disks clean on my bike, but if I've got them covered in grease, what should I clean them with?
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.
...
12
votes
4answers
312 views
Determining if a road is safe to bike on
How do you determine which roads are safe to ride on and which should be avoided? What traffic patterns do you feel comfortable riding in, and which ones set off alarms? What sorts of intersections do ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Is there any advantage to using pedal straps over clipless pedals?
Other than not having to buy special biking shoes, is there any clear advantage to using pedal straps over clipless (aka clip-in or step-in) pedals?
15
votes
8answers
491 views
Finding good pants for winter biking
Winter is soon upon us here, and I'm gearing up for the season. I currently have a pair of rain over-pants which I use during the other 3 seasons, but honestly I really dislike them. They're baggy, ...
12
votes
4answers
467 views
Is complaining to companies about bad driving like howling at the moon?
On my commute in this morning I found myself in another situation where I was in conflict with another road user. (Briefly, a truck and I arrived at a roundabout at a roughly similar time, but I was ...
3
votes
26answers
896 views
Which bus networks allow you to transport a bike?
In the UK I have never seen a public bus system that allows you to take a (non-folding) bike on the bus. (There are long distance coaches that do allow bikes, however I am asking about local busses.)
...
5
votes
1answer
81 views
What are the rules about take a bike on London Dockland Light Railway (DLR)?
I know that the rules for the DLR are not the same as the Tube, but what are the rules?
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Changing sprocket sizes: will front derailleur still work?
I have a hybrid, which for better or worse, I am going to use as my commuting and conditioning bike for the foreseeable future. I am interested in changing the largest chain ring for an even larger ...
10
votes
3answers
1k views
How close do I have to be for effective drafting (while commuting)?
I commute and want to draft another bike, but still have room to stop when someone opens a car door in front of the rider in front of me. At what distance does drafting significantly reduce drag? Are ...
4
votes
2answers
985 views
Can I take my bike on the New York City subway or buses?
Do I need a folding bike to do this? What are the rules? Also, even if it's allowed, is it practical to do so? Subways get pretty crowded during rush-hour, and it's hard to imagine taking a bike there ...
6
votes
2answers
83 views
What factors affect the price of a chain?
Just like most bicycle parts, chains have a pretty wide price range. What are the factors weighting in on the price of a chain ? (Other than width/bike-compatibility characteristics)
7
votes
2answers
363 views
How to remove branding from tire?
I have bought a new tire. It has big white labeling on each side which I don't like.
Do you know any method to remove this white text from the tire?
14
votes
2answers
949 views
How much motor do I need for my electric-assist bike?
I take my twins to preschool by car, and I'd like to switch to doing it by bike.
There's a hill, and we're heavy, and I'm not in great shape, so it's hard. I've done it a few times, but I always ...
14
votes
6answers
453 views
In shared bicycle/pedestrian facilities next to a road, do I obey the pedestrian or the vehicle traffic control devices?
My commute takes me on a bike path that runs parallel to a road (with a sidewalk in between). When crossing other roads, the sidewalk and bike path merge, and there is one curb-cut and cross walk with ...
13
votes
6answers
395 views
If I'm riding on the road, and there is a red light but a walk signal in my direction, should I go?
I frequently come to stop lights in which there is an all-way stop and a pedestrian signal. I always stop at such lights, but I'm wondering if I should then bike slowly across after determining that ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
How do you carry a dog on a bike?
Over the years I have seen a few people transport a dog on a bike. What options have you seen? Please include a photo in your answer if possible.
4
votes
3answers
306 views
Upgrade my Globe Vienna for commuting and distance riding, or look for a new bike?
I've been cycling for about six months now, and am looking to get into some distance cycling and want to get my speed up on my commute.
I currently ride a Globe Vienna ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Stopping interference between LED lights and wireless Cycling Computer
My LED lights seem to be causing my wireless cycling computer to not pickup the signal (suggested by the manufacturer and verified through tests at home).
What strategies/options are there for ...
2
votes
5answers
143 views
How do you remember which rack you have left your bike in?
I have more than once had to spend time looking for my bike at the station, what’s your method to remember the rack you put it in?
Do any town have a system of numbering or labelling the bike racks ...
3
votes
1answer
290 views
What are the rules about take a bike on the London Tube?
Can I take a bike on the Tube (underground) in London, if so how much does it cost?
4
votes
1answer
128 views
How can I rent a bike in Paris (France) for a short time?
Is there a system in Paris that will let me rent a bike to get across town, if so how does it work?
23
votes
14answers
3k views
I wish to get fit, therefore should I have a heavy bike?
A lot of people seem take up cycling to get fit, and they'll talk about how light their bikes are.
However, as I understand it, a heavy bike uses more energy to pedal it. Should someone that wished ...
4
votes
1answer
296 views
What is a “Boris bike”?
They are black and blue, are not light, however what is one?
Have you had any experience of using one?
