All Questions
3
votes
1answer
179 views
Complete beginner's question: inner tube too big?
My tire wall tells me that my tires are 26 x 1.95. I bought a 26 x 1.75-2.15 inner tube. When I change the inner tube, though, the tube is bigger than the wheel by two inches. How do I determine inner ...
1
vote
5answers
130 views
greasing closed bearings on the outside
Assume I have a couple of closed bearings on some pivots on my bicycle.
These bearings:
are fitted on a housing
have an axle going through them
are tightened by bolts which also have cups to ...
2
votes
3answers
78 views
Tubeless fatbike setup, does valve choice matter?
I've got a pugsly setup as tubeless, running endomorph tires, typically I run between 8 and 12 PSI in the tires depending on the conditions.
Is there a significant difference between performance of ...
3
votes
2answers
112 views
How do I find the right derailleur (gear-mech)?
I have a 9 x 3 speed mountain-bike. The derailleur got broken (and was since lost), I'm trying to find a new one. What do I need to go by to ensure I get a good fit? The rear-casette (sprokets) range ...
6
votes
3answers
193 views
How can I determine whether rust has made my bike unsafe?
I ride a 1972 steel frame bike year round through Canadian winters.
When I got the bike it was in good shape, but after putting a few thousand km worth of commuting on it, it has a lot of scratches ...
6
votes
2answers
169 views
wind noise obscuring traffic noise
My eyesight isn't so good so I'm more reliant on my ears to let me know that there's traffic close by. Normally I'm fine, but at higher speeds, the noise of wind blowing past my ears can obscure the ...
1
vote
2answers
91 views
Sun protective clothing interfering with bike mirror
I have had a "third eye" type bike mirror on my helmet for years. However, recently I have learned of some genetic predisposition to certain types of skin cancer which affect the skin on the ...
0
votes
1answer
71 views
Continental 4Seasons vs 4000S
I am currently riding Conti GP4000S tyres, in 700x23mm version, inflated at 115 psi.
The grip is great, the (light)weight is amazing. I have punctured twice with them (in 1500 km) which is more that ...
3
votes
1answer
177 views
What does the label on a tire mean?
I went to a bike shop for new tires. I did not know which tires fit on my bike, so I just showed them my bike.
When I took a look at the new tires, there was a label at the side, which says:
...
-1
votes
2answers
194 views
Looking for the right bike
I have been needing a new bike and I need some help with what kind of bike I should purchase. I plan on riding on mainly paved side walks but when traffic is bad I need it to endure riding over curbs ...
6
votes
2answers
309 views
How hard is a category 2 climb?
I am moving to Ojen Spain for work for 3 months and will be biking to marbella and back.
I have put the ride into mapmyride.com and it says that the ride is a cat 2.
Climb Start End Length ...
7
votes
2answers
144 views
Baby Transportation Safety Statistics
Is there a resource comparing different safety statistics for transporting babies on bicycles, specifically using different methods?
I'd like to see some information about how safe it is to compare a ...
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Rear internal hub won't shift gears
I have a 1963 Sears cruiser, three speed, which I bought very recently. On my third ride, the middle speed stopped working, and went loose; there wasn't any "traction" when I pedaled. It happened as I ...
0
votes
2answers
168 views
I'm lost with all the names of bike parts flying around!
Ok so I've been riding bike since I was as young as I can remember. Now I'm 18 and I've been given a fixie. But I know nothing about bikes I've always just ridden them and brought them to a shop when ...
4
votes
4answers
177 views
Are there electronic/active theft deterrents for bicycles?
In addition to mechanical/passive deterrents (locks, chains, etc.), what electronic/active bicycle theft deterrents exist?
* My dear bicycle was stolen two weeks ago and I then vowed to dedicate my ...
3
votes
3answers
131 views
Which is the most stringent bicycle helmet certification?
There are numerous safety standards for bicycle helmets available, but which certification is the most stringent one in terms of safety?
3
votes
1answer
277 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
221 views
Tires for 28' city bike (622x19C) to reduce rolling resistance?
I've got a simple city bike that needs some new tires. The bike has been fairly hard to ride lately, and I would like to speed it up a bit. The rims are 28' 622x19C, the current tires are 47mm or ...
1
vote
1answer
85 views
dishing on alfine hub
I am building a wheel with an Alfine 8 speed hub which has space for a disk brake.
I am measuring the dishing by supporting the rim and measuring the distance from the table to the end of the through ...
3
votes
1answer
167 views
Is my disc brake caliper correctly mounted on the frame?
I have been in the process of upgrading my bike a bit. A friend of mine convinced me to upgrade my brakes from my stock Shimanos to some disc brakes. After having a look around and asking question, I ...
2
votes
3answers
124 views
GPS with maps for touring / using an iPhone
We are going to do a bike tour through France and Spain with a friend at the end of the summer. I was wondering what is the best option for a gps. Ideally we want something with the ability to display ...
4
votes
1answer
104 views
How Can I Prevent Slime Barrel Pumps from Clogging?
I work at a bike shop that Slimes tubes. We have both pre-filled Slime tubes as well as a keg of Slime that we use to fill tubes on customer request. Unfortunately the tube connected to the pump for ...
3
votes
3answers
166 views
Why isn't my suspension bouncy?
I recently bought a Carreras centos limited edition mountain bike. I want to find out how to make my suspension bouncier and I want to experience a MUCH more comfortable ride. I have tried fiddling ...
3
votes
2answers
264 views
What Shimano jockey wheels are compatible with my old Shimano 105 9-Speed Derailleur?
I'm in the process of getting my Cannondale CAAD serviced, which I reckon is from about 2006 (I got it second hand). I have had the rear cassette and chain replaced, like for like, but the bike shop ...
1
vote
1answer
111 views
Is there such a thing as a cyclist philosophy? [closed]
I've done a fair bit of cycle touring, I've been a regular mountain biker and now I cycle regularly in the city. I would definitely say that cycling shapes my life and the way I think.
Is there such ...
1
vote
1answer
66 views
Are there any community bike shops in the Netherlands?
I'm a Canadian who's visiting the Netherlands for a few months. I'm awed by the strength of the bicycling culture here, but, to date, I haven't been able to locate any community bike shops. By ...
3
votes
3answers
299 views
Sizing guide for road bikes vs mountain bikes
i usually take a 21 inch size in mountain bike, but I want to buy a road bike. I'm 6'2'' and have a 34 inch inner leg. How do the sizes translate from mountain bike to road bike?
Thanks
11
votes
2answers
166 views
What are the bumpy parts around the spindle of some pedals?
Does anybody know what the bumpy part near the threads of this pedal are for? They look like they might fit a special wrench, but I can't find any that would fit.
I feel like I must be missing ...
1
vote
1answer
170 views
Straight or Drop handlebars?
Can someone explain to me the pros/cons of drop or straight? I've never used drops before and have never owned a good road bike (just cheap mountain bikes) - I am buying a decent single speed soon and ...
1
vote
1answer
103 views
Rear tire has started rubbing frame at one spot
Riding my bike within my suburban residential neighborhood, I felt a shock, like a snap although I don't think anything snapped, followed by a rubbing noise every few seconds. Pedaling and the brakes ...
1
vote
1answer
143 views
Why are 3 inches mountain bike handlebar hard to find? [closed]
I'm looking for a new handlebar, ideally 3 inches. But looking in some of the online shops it seems quite hard to get 31.8mm bar clamp diameter handlebar with 3" rise.
Do you know if there is any ...
6
votes
5answers
222 views
I live in a place where it frequently floods. How can I keep my chain from rusting?
My poor bike's chain lasted all of three months before it gave in to the winter floods where I live. Storing it indoors is not an option, and despite my maintenance efforts, the knee-deep floods that ...
8
votes
3answers
249 views
What is the purpose of the rubber stripe between the wheel and the air chamber?
I had a flat tire and replaced the air chamber. While doing that the rubber stripe that stands between the wheel and the air chamber ripped and it's no longer a ring. It´s hard to put it correctly and ...
3
votes
1answer
112 views
Electronic bicycling ranking for the office cyclists?
in the office many of us cycle to work. We though it would be cool to have ranking of cyclists with different sorting (distance, avg. speed and such). We can track our trips with Android or iPhone ...
4
votes
2answers
120 views
What alters the efficiency of (cantilever) brakes?
I have installed on my bike brand new cantilever brakes (Shimano CX-70).
On the rear, the braking is justas efficient as I would have expected it to be.
But on the front, it feels quite weak. Front ...
3
votes
2answers
151 views
Waterproof spray or waterproof pannier cover?
Does anyone have experience with either waterproofing panniers with a waterproof spray or using waterproof covers for panniers? Which one was best?
I don't want to invest in waterproof panniers as I ...
28
votes
11answers
1k views
Ride with someone who is less trained
Barbie and Ken both love to ride the bike. Ken is a strong guy who likes to ride 60km as fast as possible, enjoys of getting to the edge of his strength. Barbie is more relaxed, likes to enjoy the ...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Question about chain re-attaching
I have a question about chain "closing" (not sure of the english word, but you get it, right?).
I know how to open a chain with a chain tool, and I know I must not "go too far" as to remove the rivet ...
0
votes
1answer
205 views
Is a bike faster than a car for the first ten metres? [closed]
The city I live in has just installed cycle boxes in front of traffic at light controlled intersections. This has spark a lot of debate online.
My experience is that I will generally, through timing ...
2
votes
1answer
72 views
Could paint build up on a bottom bracket be considered a warranty issue?
On Saturday I received the new frame for a steel xc bike I'm building up. I went to start on the weekend but noticed a large paint build up on the bottom bracket. The build up is about 15x3mm (don't ...
2
votes
2answers
107 views
Jammed rear brakes
My rear brake is jamming to the point that only half seems to be moving. With worn blocks I got away with it, but now I have changed the pads I finally need to sort the problem. Could the brakes be ...
7
votes
2answers
351 views
I'm a CAT 4 racer, will I be suspended from racing by UCI / USAC if I participate in non-sanctioned races?
I'm not a pro, just a CAT 4 racer with a USA Cycling License. Can I be suspended and fined by UCI / USAC if I participate in non-sanctioned races? I've heard they are cracking down on licensed pros ...
5
votes
3answers
323 views
Are aerodynamic rims worth additional weight?
I was under the impression that reducing the weight of your wheels is important. However, I'm noticing that many of the extremely high-end aerodynamic rims are actually heavier than cheaper rims by ...
2
votes
2answers
191 views
Fixing Carbon Fiber
I have a Cervélo S2 and absolutely love my bike. It has been rock solid. Unfortunately, I had a bad case of chain suck when my chain fell off my chain ring right when I was grinding up a hill. The ...
0
votes
0answers
154 views
Is there a real difference between Kross Evado 4.0 Hybrid and Merida Speeder T1-MD Hybrid? [closed]
I'm looking for new bicycle and stopped at these two models - Kross Evado 4.0 Hybrid and Merida Speeder T1-MD Hybrid.
Because I don't know so much about bicycles it would be nice if someone could give ...
2
votes
0answers
98 views
Overhauled hubs: still some noise
I've just, for the first time, finished servicing the hubs on my bicycle. They are of the cup & cone type (Shimano). The cones of the front hub where pitted so I got them replaced, along with the ...
2
votes
3answers
662 views
Is there any kind of adapter to mount v-brakes or cantilevers to a frame that's not designed to accommodate them?
I have an aluminum single-speed frame that was marketed as a fixie. I'm wanting to convert it to a single-speed commuter. (I'm getting older and the fixie doesn't agree with my knees anymore.) It has ...
2
votes
4answers
132 views
Painful Feet: Might be related to pedal-foot positioning
Sometimes when I set out on a ride I will get the absolute worst foot pain. It is like a cramp in my arches on both feet.
I am wondering where exactly the center of the pedal should fall in relation ...
4
votes
4answers
174 views
Packaging a bike for flying with a bike bag
I am doing a cycle tour of Japan starting from Fukuoka and ending in Tokyo. I will be flying with the bike and as my start and end points differ I will not have the opportunity to use a box (unless ...
2
votes
4answers
106 views
Minor hamstring pull, can I keep going at easy pace?
I'm 53 and for the past year have been pushing it slightly. Have always been careful to not push it too hard, but yesterday I got a mild pull in my right hamstring. Just a slight soreness right ...
