All Questions
4
votes
2answers
127 views
Does frame size inside a particular model affect the ride characteristics of the bike?
I read an article stating
that the smallest of a particular model of bicycle doesn't fully reflect the original design concept of the model
when I was about to buy the smallest (430mm seat tube) of ...
0
votes
0answers
14 views
FC-M330 replacement
I have a Trek 4500 with a Shimano FC-M330 crankset. I need to replace the crankset and was hoping that someone could tell me the current replacement. I believe that I have narrowed it down to the ...
0
votes
1answer
33 views
Brake cable housing too long?
I replaced the no-name brake calipers on my bike with Ultegras today. Am I correct in thinking the rear brake housing is too long and needs to be shortened? And if so, how do I determine how much to ...
1
vote
0answers
58 views
Cycling Shorts and underwear
About one year ago, when I first started cycling, I noticed that during long trips (60km or more) I get skin burns on the inside of my quads. That is when I decided to buy myself a nice pair of ...
1
vote
2answers
51 views
Transmission (cassette/crankset) considerations for 1st road bike purchase
I currently have a touring bike, with fenders, rack, panniers, and so on.
I currently run a triple crankset 28/38/48 and 9sp 11-34 cassette.
I mostly commute and tour with this bike. And with a fair ...
2
votes
1answer
30 views
upsweep and backsweep for mtb handlebars
Characteristics of the following bars for MTB are:
• 780mm wide
• 30mm rise
• 5˚ up-sweep
• 7˚ back-sweep
I know what effects do the width and rise have on the feel and riding. But what about ...
3
votes
5answers
772 views
Is reversing the stem (pointing it backwards) a safe way to reduce reach length?
Assuming a steerer/fork/brake/cable setup that does not rely on the stem facing forward: is it safe to point a stem backwards as a way to reduce seat-to-bar reach (i.e. as a way to 'fit' a too-large ...
8
votes
5answers
313 views
What should I look for in an indoor cycle trainer?
I'm considering getting an indoor cycle trainer . I had a look on ebay. There are a lot, and the price ranges from under 20 pounds to several hundred pounds. Quality and function range accordingly, ...
1
vote
0answers
34 views
Is it possible to cycle from Manhattan to Williamsburg, Brooklyn on cycle paths only? [closed]
Is it possible to cycle from Manhattan to Williamsburg, Brooklyn on cycle paths only? Or do you need to ride on normal roads as well?
1
vote
0answers
27 views
How to calculate bike stand-over height using frameset geometry and wheel radius?
While it's best to buy through fitting a bike in store, it's not always possible (discussed here).
On some websites, the stand-over height of a bike may not be listed as part of the specifications.
...
0
votes
1answer
48 views
Squeaky rear wheel when rotating
I had my bike on a stand yesterday and decided to check the rear wheel for any issues. I then noticed this squeaking noise coming from the rear hub. It happens regardless of whether I am pedalling or ...
12
votes
8answers
2k views
How can I charge my phone while cycling?
I have an HTC Hero, which is a great phone, but the battery life is pretty poor if I'm using the GPS and music player on it as well. The phone uses a mini-USB connection for charging, and I have a ...
-1
votes
5answers
97 views
Good locks seem awfully heavy [closed]
I am looking at buying an electric bike (possible the smart ebike) -- these are not cheap. So I began to look at locks and stuff and -- these are ridiculous! 3.5-4kg even 6kg for a chain?? How do ...
4
votes
1answer
71 views
Are there mechanical advantages and disadvantages of various front derailleur styles?
In general there are:
High clamp
Low clamp
Braze on
Top pull
Bottom pull
And in particular, is any of those better choice regarding reliability and durability for touring bicycle.
2
votes
4answers
109 views
Is having your hands “on the hoods” of drop handlebars safe for braking?
I've never had a bike with drop handlebars, but may get one for commuting in busy London (likely a single-speed with mechanical disc brakes).
This would mean riding with my hands mostly on the hoods, ...
1
vote
3answers
199 views
Protecting beater bicycle from scratches and rust
I have a beater commuter steel bicycle that is subject to all kinds of weather, abuse and a lots of scratches. Several hot-spots on the frame have appeared over the time where most of the damages and ...
4
votes
2answers
98 views
Evaluate hill gradient
I mostly commute and have never had trouble climbing a hill sometimes by using my lowest speeds (or close to them).
How do I evaluate even roughly what grave %age I climbed?
What I mean is that I ...
14
votes
6answers
12k views
Why don't road bikes use v-brakes?
In my experience, linear pull brakes (v-brakes) have more stopping power than other types of cantilever brakes (let the flames start ;). Modern road bikes always come fitted with dual pivot brakes. ...
2
votes
3answers
158 views
Does never using the easy front gear give a better workout?
I have a road bike with a 52/36 crankset. I make it a point to never use the easy gear because I think that it gives me a better workout when climbing hills. Another reason I don't use it is because ...
2
votes
1answer
43 views
Buying slicks for a cross bike
The whole rim/tire size thing baffles me. I have a Specialized cross bike that has DT Swiss rims (622x 14). The tires are Tracer Sport (700 x 33). I would like to get a pair of slicks for longer road ...
1
vote
0answers
28 views
When not in use, How should I store my tubeless tires?
I have a bike setup with tubeless mountain bike tires. I tend to ride about 20-25 PSI.
How should I store my tubeless tires? Does it matter what pressure I store the tires at between rides? Should ...
2
votes
3answers
308 views
Why did I feel like crap after racing against a car?
I raced against a car yesterday for fun, in doing this, I rode at about 25-29 mph (40-47kmh) for about 3 minutes. The temperature outside was in the mid to low 40s (5-8 Celsius).
Afterwards I felt:
...
3
votes
1answer
60 views
High pressure water cleaning and chain lube
After mountain biking in muddy conditions I clean my mountain bike with a high pressure water blaster. I'm assuming that after this I should re-lube my chain?
1
vote
1answer
66 views
Replaced Shimano Bottom Bracket, now front derailleur won't shift to largest gear
OK, so in my quest to get my old Trek 7000 ZX MTB running again after a long retirement, I am having an issue with replacing the bottom bracket.
The bike came with a Shimano LP25 that is marked BC ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views
Italian bottom bracket Shimano BB-6400 fixed cup tightening - what tool?
All,
I have a Shimano 600 Italian-threaded bottom bracket (BB-6400) and after riding with it for a few weeks, the fixed cup is loosening. I've since read up about Italian BBs and learned that the ...
20
votes
5answers
5k views
How often should I lube my chain?
I ride less than 200 miles a week, and I'm at about the 200 mile mark on my new road bike. Most of my riding is done on the road in an urban city, so there is a lot of odd, unnatural debris. My LBS ...
3
votes
5answers
338 views
A bike for city commute - disc brakes, bar-end shifters, tires
I'm planning on buying a bike for city commute.
My commute to work is approximately 12km (7.5 miles) one way. I live in Vancouver which means:
I'll be riding in rainy weather frequently.
I'll be ...
24
votes
15answers
7k views
Toddler bike seat vs. bike trailer?
Our 2.2 year old toddler seems very interested in a random, abandoned bike seat we found, so we're considering some method of letting him ride with us. But I am not sure whether to get ...
A bike ...
3
votes
1answer
69 views
Does handlebar tape go inside the bar, under the bar-end shifter, when using bar-end shifters?
I'm installing bar-end shifters for the first time (Shimano 9-speeds, for what it's worth) and was wondering if I should be running the tape over the bottom of the handlebar with surplus to insert ...
5
votes
3answers
180 views
Is this an abnormal rate of spoke breakage?
I just broke a spoke and this is the fourth spoke I've broken in the last 12 months. This one was very puzzling because it came at the very end of an easy 30 mile (48 km) ride. I was pedaling very ...
10
votes
4answers
830 views
What hand signals work best for cyclists in the US?
I am looking for some guidance on what hand signals and strategies to keep me alive on the roads.
1
vote
4answers
233 views
Thinking of quitting due to dangerous driving [closed]
I used to cycle a lot, and decided to try taking it back up after last year's Olympics.
But it feels like almost every time I try to go out for a ride I nearly get taken out by someone passing far ...
-2
votes
3answers
156 views
exploding inner tubes [closed]
Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence...
I just patched my inner tube, rode the bike a bit, parked it in the sun, and about an hour later --BOOM! the tube exploded tearing a 4" gash near the ...
5
votes
1answer
92 views
Number of gears for a racer
I am looking to upgrade my racer, I currently have a Bottecchia racer from the mid-80s and it has 14 gears. While looking around for newer racers I noticed that a number of them had 20 gears while ...
0
votes
0answers
13 views
ISO Rhode Gear Bike kid trailer parts (axle and spring for the wheel)
I have Rhode Gear bike kid trailer and I am missing the axle and spring for one of the wheels. Any advice on how I can obtain those parts? Can I replace them with another brand? The trailer is in ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
How do you protect your bike from scratches?
Anyone here use protective tape to protect a new frame? To which areas do you apply the tape? I have a new frame and I am worried that other bikes sharing bike racks will scratch my ride.
0
votes
2answers
86 views
Cannot fit pump nozzle properly to the presta valve of my tyre
I bought a Reebok Bike pump yesterday which is this one. I have presta valves for my Jamis Allegro Sport 2012 hybrid bike and I was trying to pump the tyres using the pump as part of my monthly ...
3
votes
6answers
729 views
How can I find an adult-sized passenger trailer? [closed]
Are bicyle passenger trailers limited to child sizes? I have looked for larger sizes but most stores only offer trailers sized for children. It would be an inline trailer sized for a small to medium ...
1
vote
3answers
90 views
Bags for longer touring
I am planning to go on a 2 week touring trip in a few months and I'm looking for some bags/panniers to buy.
What are your recommendations regarding the capacity of the bags (considering the length of ...
47
votes
16answers
4k views
How to clean up at work after a commute?
I would like to bicycle commute to work, but we don't have showers or any place I can change. How can I clean up and carry clothing? My office is business casual, but I need to look neat and ...
1
vote
1answer
66 views
Rear derailleur hits spokes when switching to largest sprocket
I accidentally ran a bungee strap through my old rear deraileur and it tore it apart. I have fitted an identical replacement but cannot work out how to adjust it so that the tension pulley does not ...
0
votes
2answers
365 views
shaving your legs, arms, or both?
I understand why cyclists shave their legs. I shave my legs. But as of recently have felt kind of funny that my legs are smooth and my arms are hairy. Is there a reason why we don't shave our arms ...
0
votes
1answer
47 views
What are the possible upgrades to a 95' Cannondale M900?
Everything is original except for saddle, tires and forks. I have a sentimental attachment to this bike but would like to bring it into the 21st century. I'm looking to make this a nice project bike ...
21
votes
7answers
7k views
Why don't brakes come with 'Safety Levers' any more?
It used to be very common to see bikes with dual pull brake levers (if that's even the right name) as shown below. However now it seems almost impossible to find brakes like this. Even finding a ...
2
votes
1answer
103 views
Brand new disk brakes are barely stopping the bike
I just built a mountain bike with Avid BB7 brakes and Shimano V-brake levers. I used the exact same configuration on another bike, and it worked beautifully. But on this one, the brakes are just weak ...
0
votes
1answer
55 views
How can I fit this mudguard?
I thought this would be simple.
The problem is that the entire brake assembly needs to be rotated to screw into a thread built-in to the fork. There's also a hex/allen hollow tube-nut at the back ...
0
votes
0answers
23 views
Can I use a “short pull” brake lever with a set of V-brakes? [duplicate]
1) Can I use a "short pull" brake lever with a set of V-brakes?
2) If not, Do long pull brake levers work effectively on drop handlebars?
3) Am I better off using short pull with dual pivot brakes?
...
-2
votes
0answers
59 views
Looking for a solid MTB/hybrid bike for my girlfriend
My girlfriend is 5' 1" and I was looking at this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/3htw_womens_xiii.htm#geo
but wasn't sure if motobecane bikes are good or not. She's new to biking ...
3
votes
2answers
193 views
What is the braking (stopping) distance for bicycles?
A vehicle driver must keep enough braking distance (aka stopping distance) between him/her and a vehicle in front in order to avoid collision. It depends on the driving speed.
What is the braking ...
4
votes
4answers
835 views
How can I stop a belt brake (band brake) from squealing?
One of our bikes is an electric bike. It's an older iZip HG 1000, and although we got it through the American "manufacturer" (Currie Technologies), like most of the low-end ebikes it's made in China ...
