All Questions
410 questions
13
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Gates CDN - frequent belt failures
update at the bottom
I ride a belt drive bike fitted with a Gates CDN front sprocket (on the crank), a CDN belt and a CDX rear sprocket. Around the 2200km/1400mi mark, the CDN belt failed and teeth ...
- 131k
2
votes
0
answers
32
views
Shimano 105 FC-R7100 crankset on a 10 speed cassette
I have a Shimano Ultegra 6750 crankset with worn out chainrings that need to be replaced. A Shimano 105 12 speed crankset is cheaper and more readily available in my market than replacement rings. ...
- 51
4
votes
1
answer
143
views
Bike squeaking when pedaling
Over the last couple of days my bike has developed a constant squeak when pedalling, which is annoying and sounds unhealthy. I've added some Fenwick all weather chain lube to the chain, but it's made ...
- 233
0
votes
1
answer
53
views
Switching from a mainly Shimano Alivio 3 x 9 configuration to a mainly Shimano 3 x 10 configuration
Greetings to everyone and all from a newcomer to this forum. I have in mind the following hypothetical scenario:
a happy bike owner has a hardtail equipped with a Shimano Alivio 3x9 configuration (to ...
- 24.7k
1
vote
2
answers
10k
views
Understanding SRAM chain sizing guide
I'm having trouble understanding the latest SRAM chain sizing guide.
I run a 1x11 on a full suspension bike (not eagle).
You can see in the image there two scenarios for chain overlap. They have the ...
- 1
37
votes
13
answers
24k
views
Is there such thing as an automatic transmission for bikes?
Has anyone ever designed or manufactured an automatic transmission (or automatic shifter?) for cycling?
I imagine such a device would automatically change the gearing to allow the rider to maintain ...
- 1,403
1
vote
0
answers
48
views
Recently replaced fixed gear drive train and the chain has stretched 1/8th inch over 24 links in under 200 miles
I have a wabi classic. Over the last few months it became apparent that the drive train needed to be replaced. I would replace a chain and it would be badly stretched after a week or two (~100 miles). ...
- 21
5
votes
1
answer
98
views
Cassette Lockring sizes
I replaced the 8 speed cassette (Shimano) on an old wheel with a 9 speed cassette (ZTTO).
However, the lockrings seem to be different sizes, in 2 ways:
The old 8 speed lockring had a shorter threaded ...
- 30.1k
2
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Cues U6000 and Deore M5100 11 speed compatibility
So we have two basically the same looking and working derailleurs:
Shimano u6000 and m5100. They have different pull ratios. The question is if friction shifter would allow me to mix "old" ...
1
vote
1
answer
207
views
pedals only move bike at highest gear
Recently my bike will only move if I’m in the highest gear. I can pedal at lower gears but it will not move my bike forward at any reasonable speed and when I get up to even a very low speed the ...
CommunityBot
- 1
26
votes
8
answers
40k
views
What are the advantages of using paraffin wax vs wet lube for bike chain lubrication?
I'm thinking of waxing my chain (with paraffin wax). What would the advantages of this be over wet lube (I use Muc-Off)? Does anybody have any experience with waxed chains?
- 36k
2
votes
1
answer
682
views
Running DUB wide crank with 52mm chainline
I have a set of sram xx1 carbon cranks that are DUB wide. My bike (2023 Specialized Epic Evo) is DUB crank 52mm chainline. If I add BB spacers to the DUB wide crank and use a 6mm offset chainring ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
Rear derailleur won't shift into easiest gears
I recently bought a used bike with a SRAM Force 1x drivetrain. The bike came with a medium-cage Force 11 speed rear derailleur and a fairly small cassette (SRAM PG-1130, 11-36t). I wanted easier gears ...
- 1
3
votes
0
answers
70
views
What causes the Brompton shifter to "click" between gears?
What is the mechanism that causes the shifter in a pre-2017 M6R Brompton to "click" between the two gear positions?
I have a 2015 Brompton M6R. I was touring on this bike when I hit a pot ...
- 537
1
vote
4
answers
4k
views
3x9 versus 1x12
I don't know much about bikes.
I bought a "Kona Dr. Dew" 10 years ago, it has a 3x9 set of gears. The front rings large and small have 50 and 30 sprockets, and so I guess that's (9 * 50 / 30 ...
- 24.7k
9
votes
7
answers
1k
views
For steep hills, should I train harder or get lower gears?
I’ve just done a 1500km ultra cycling event, the lowest gear setup are front 30t back 40t. Along the journey there are many very long climbs that have more than 10% gradient. To conserve power I ...
- 24.7k
2
votes
0
answers
43
views
Upgrading My Yuba Mundo V4 from SRAM X3 3x7 to Shimano CUES 2x11
I'm looking into getting better gearing for the Yuba Mundo V4 that I just got since even though the drive train works fine and doesn't have any issues, it's got less than adequate low gears, so to fix ...
5
votes
6
answers
1k
views
Can 2x12 and 3x11 drivetrains have (practical) range greater than 700%?
I’ve come across 2x12 and 3x11 triple cranksets. Can these systems necessarily provide more range than 2x11 and 3x10 @ > 700%?
Edit: My question is really what can practically be accomplished, with ...
- 1,403
8
votes
3
answers
945
views
How artificial is the lack of 450%+/50t+ gearing on lesser 1x groups?
ESSA, CUES, Advent, Advent X, Acolyte, Sword, and other sub-12-speed low-end groups are all range-impaired compared to what you can get by spending more. Extend it out to 12-speed and there's Eagle SX,...
- 24.7k
4
votes
2
answers
6k
views
Can I switch to a new type of bottom bracket?
The bottom bracket on my MTB (Cube Analog '17) needs to be replaced, my local bike shop said he didn't have the required piece: a square bottom bracket 115 x 73mm.
Since I can't find this type of ...
1
vote
1
answer
182
views
Why only one front chainring for MTB? [duplicate]
Why only one front chainring for MTB ?
Is it a short-term trend or it is a must for MTB (XC) ?
Is it better than 3x8 or 3x7 (3 front and 7 rear cogs) ?
UPDATE:
Later I found a very similar question:
...
- 1,012
10
votes
2
answers
289
views
Do pros ride with 1X configuration on some courses?
I'm looking at the first stage of the Tour of California, which is on a flat course (around Long Beach, USA).
Since there's no real dénivelé (french, "difference in height"), there is no need for a ...
- 36k
4
votes
1
answer
202
views
Periodic bang on bike freewheel
First of all, this is a great community :)
I have bought a trek FX 1 Stagger recently, and there is one problem which I’m not sure how to address.
There is a noise coming out of the freewheel whenever ...
- 59
1
vote
2
answers
46
views
converting to a 48/38/28 oval tech SR Sakae
I am a 72 year old, male rider, 5’11” used to touring with a 52/42/30 triple chainring and 170mm crankarm. Would converting with a 48/38/28 ovaltech SR Sakae help with climbing the grades without ...
- 524
37
votes
7
answers
34k
views
Any experience with shaft driven bikes?
I've ridden a shaft driven bike once, when biking in deserted mines in Limburg.‡ They used shaft driven bikes because the mines are damp, and a shaft can be enclosed completely, protecting it ...
- 131k
1
vote
2
answers
3k
views
My bike is making a grinding noise when I ride
So recently whenever I am riding my bike and I push down to a certain point, my bike makes a grinding noise and I can feel the main frame grinding as well, I can't seem to identify where it is coming ...
0
votes
1
answer
71
views
Pedels move after i stop
Took everything apart cleaned regreased put back together and when I pedel to check the pedels and chain keep going what would cause it and how to fix it is a 20 inch moongoose
- 131k
3
votes
1
answer
70
views
Is play on the Schlumpf Mountain Drive chainring a problem? How to fix?
There is forward & backward play on my Schlumpf Mountain Drive chainring. Is this a problem? If so, how do I fix it?
When I hold the crank steady, there is back-and-forth play on the chainring in ...
- 88.2k
4
votes
1
answer
376
views
Will a 10 speed chain perform adequately on a Shimano CUES 1x chairing?
Situation:
10 speed Shimano hybrid/mountain straight bar shifter, 10 speed Shimano mountain/hybrid derailleur and 10 speed Shimano chain.
The person is looking for a 1x crank.
Shimano CUES crank seem ...
- 24.7k
2
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Will this mix of Shimano 10 speed components work together?
My goal is to cobble together a 1x10 groupset using some Shimano 105 5700 shifters.
From what I have read, I think that these components will work together, but I want to be sure before purchasing:
...
- 131k
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can I swap an SGS cage on a Shimano RD-M8100 having a GS cage?¹
It's been difficult to locate a new XTR M9100 or XT M8100 with the SGS (long) cage from the few reputable U.S. dealers I buy from where Shimano will honor their warranty. The GS cage versions are ...
- 24.7k
5
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Does effort require to pedal depend on the gear ratio or the gear inches?
I have a 20x1.75" 6-speed folding bike with 52x14-28t drivetrain. Even with the gearing at 52x14, ~3.71 ratio, I can still pedal uphill.
I also have a 700x25C fixed gear with 49x17t gearing or ~2.88 ...
5
votes
2
answers
223
views
Trainer quieter after swapping cassette; is there a better solution?
I recently got a Wahoo Kickr Core. All working great, except the drive train is a little noisy.
I thought the easiest thing to do would be to try the cassette from my bike wheel on the trainer. The ...
- 36k
10
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Independent drivetrains on tandem bicycle
On a standard tandem frame, is it possible to build a tandem bicycle with independent drivetrains for the two riders? Is there a custom frame builder that would build a tandem like this?
I'm aware of ...
- 1,403
2
votes
1
answer
486
views
Will a Shimano Deore 11 speed chain work on a SRAM NX 11 speed drivetrain?
I went to a bike shop today and got a complete service and new chain. When I looked at the tax invoice, it said it was a Shimano Deore 11 speed chain, however I have SRAM NX 11 speed drive train. I ...
- 73
4
votes
1
answer
323
views
Converting Belt Drive Bike With Paragon Sliders to Conventional Cassette
My internal gear hub broke on tour in Kenya, and now I'll need to convert my bike to use locally available parts. The frame uses Paragon Machine Works sliding dropouts who makes inserts which would ...
- 88.2k
1
vote
1
answer
138
views
Crank set pairing with cassette
I have a 50-32 crankset (165mm Crank arm length) and an 11-32 cassette. I'm having difficulty when I switch up to the 50. I do Sprint Triathlons as an age grouper (70-75).
Additional information: I am ...
- 36k
0
votes
1
answer
85
views
I put my bike on the bus and now the chain can't stay on
I've never had an issue with my chain falling off until today. I put my bike in the bike holder in front of the drivers window. Perhaps something got knocked or moved?
I could have a dirty cassette or ...
- 6,757
4
votes
1
answer
193
views
Are all top of the line components always compromising on durability in order to save weight?
It often written that top of the line components are less durable (Dura-Ace and XTR for Shimano), with the explanation that they meant for competition and so they compromise on durability to save ...
- 24.7k
6
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Does a 3x to 1x conversion make sense for this bike?
My daughter was given a 26" hardtail with a slightly weird setup to use as a utility/commuting bike by a guy whose hobby was to build up bikes from old but unused parts... the crankset & ...
- 62.6k
7
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Tricks for finding tick tick noise while pedaling
I’ve been trying to get rid of a ticking noise.
I think my next steps are:
a) check the chain ring for damage, and/or
b) Check the chain for damage, and/or
c) look for frame cracks
I don’t have ...
2
votes
2
answers
167
views
Specialized Stumpjumper Women's HT 2006 Worth Rebuilding Back Up?
I absolutely love my Specialized Stumpjumper HT 15.5 (26" wheels), so light and nimble - a dream for single-track and general xc trail-riding (and nice and nifty for running around town too) but ...
- 3,770
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Are freewheels compatible if they have the same number of sprockets and teeth?
I'm a novice to the cycling world and am wanting to learn to do my own maintenance, so I'm quite unsure of a few things.
More specifically, I have a Dahon Eco C7 foldable bike that I got used and was ...
- 123
4
votes
1
answer
153
views
Gun bluing chains
Is it possible to hot blue chains for rust protection? I surmise there would be parts of a bike chain that are made using hardened steel (e.g. rollers and pins). Would this process affect their temper?...
- 131k
4
votes
1
answer
393
views
New chain coming off under torque
I replaced the chain recently - the new chain unships violently when I apply a moderate amount of torque, such as when setting off standing.
As in, it comes off the big ring to the outside (i.e. away ...
- 10.8k
2
votes
1
answer
95
views
Unable to backpedal - jockey wheels on Campagnolo derailleur
I have Campagnolo Athena rear derailleur on my road bike. Never gave me a hint of trouble. Always kept clean and lubed. Never ridden in the rain or in dirty conditions.
Yesterday I was not able to ...
- 51
2
votes
1
answer
107
views
Does this chain seem short? Does this photo indicate any obvious drivetrain issues?
Addition.
Yes this is the large-large chainring.
The shifting is rather poor but I have not tuned high, low and B, tension etc.
Thank you
I recently moved to a larger
chainring.
The shifting seems ...
- 4,339
2
votes
2
answers
13k
views
Chain is locking up
This only happens in my granny gear going up hill, just started too. I am pedaling up a steep hill and the pedals suddenly stop, obviously the chain is jamming somehow. The first time it did this I ...
- 221
1
vote
1
answer
65
views
How do I find replacement parts for my 1988 Suntour drive train?
I am resurrecting my old commuter which was basically a hard-tail MTB c 1988 with a 3 x 7 Suntour system. What's the least painful method (leaving shifters and derailleur intact) to replace the worn ...
- 88.2k
4
votes
2
answers
858
views
Compatible derailleur/hanger and going 1x
So the green Kona dew plus is my bike. It's an 8-speed with a 11-34 cassette. It came factory with an Alivio 9-speed derailleur. I need to upgrade the rear derailleur because I got hit by a taxi. My ...
- 101