All Questions
993 questions
9
votes
1
answer
21k
views
How much does non-ideal frame size matter?
I have an opportunity to buy a barely-used Allez Elite for a very small amount of money (around $100). However, its frame size may be slightly different than the "ideal" size for me. If this ...
- 193
9
votes
2
answers
636
views
What small parts should I be mindful of when buying a frameset?
I have a project of building a touring bike from scratch by cherry picking every component. I started looking at some potential framesets.
One of the candidates is the Surly Disc Trucker. I can see on ...
- 4,169
9
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Will a rack fit on these rear-facing eyelets?
I have a gravel bike, a Nukeproof Digger, and I'd like to fit a lightweight pannier rack to it. It comes with 2 rear facing eyelets on the seatstays.
Pannier racks seem to mount using eyelets on the ...
- 224
9
votes
4
answers
17k
views
what type of bike/frame to use when overweight?
I'm around 230lbs. Since I do enjoy biking, I was looking up old school racing bikes on craigslist. Some of the frames are built with "Tange 1" steel which specify weight limits (180lbs). Is it really ...
- 91
8
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Why are bicycles so expensive?
I am looking to buy a bicycle to go from university to home everyday( about 20 KM per day), but I saw the price of bicycles are around $5000-$10000! I know I can buy many great motorcycles within this ...
- 189
8
votes
5
answers
18k
views
Which type of frame is better for a touring bike, steel or aluminium?
I hear that a steel frame is more comfortable to ride for a long tour but that it is heavier and easier to rust than aluminum.
Which material is better for a touring frame?
- 183
8
votes
2
answers
6k
views
Do carbon MTB frames crack easily?
I have been looking to buy a new full sus mtb (Vitus sommet 29 Cr) and saw that the main frame is carbon fibre with the rear triangle being aluminium. I love the bikes specs and aesthetics but can't ...
- 89
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Frame dropout cracked, what can I do? (Allied Alfa Disc / carbon)
The frame thru axel hole/dropout cracked while using my wahoo kickr trainer.
Is this crack dangerous?
If it is, what can I do?
- 233
8
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Can I install a screw all the way through these threaded fork crown holes?
I've got a ~2006 Trek 520 and the fork crown area has a threaded hole on both the front and back as pictured. Note that this bike is set up with V-brakes and the hole is not used for a front brake. ...
- 83
8
votes
2
answers
671
views
3D printing frames?
Are there any technical limitations that make 3D printing frames impractical? And, if it is just a matter of time before our technology is able to overcome any limitations (like manufacturing ...
- 5,528
8
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Broken rear brake - told it was unfixable
I have an older model Trek mountain bike. I took it to the shop for an annual tuneup and they called me to say that the rear brake broke off the frame and that it can't be fixed. The entire brake is ...
- 89
8
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Which measurements are most important to consider for tall men?
I am 6'8" and 255lbs so my figure is a bit between Kevin Durant (not as skinny) and Lebron (in shape but not as muscly). For smaller bikes such as what you would find in Wal-mart, I frequently see ...
- 183
8
votes
5
answers
4k
views
High-quality commuting bike with "women's" frame
My wife wants a high-quality commuting bike (riding almost an hour each way five days a week). However, she wants it to be compatible with skirt-wearing and, as a result, refuses to have a frame with ...
- 183
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is my frame cracked?
I just picked this frame up for $100. Is this a crack? It looks and feels deeper than a surface scratch. I intended on this being my 1st build, should I continue? I hope I didn't waste my money
- 321
8
votes
3
answers
24k
views
What benefits does a tapered head tube afford?
I've just read a review of Tom Zirbel's Jamis Xenith SL on Bike Radar and flicking through the pictures there is one of the head tube with the following caption:
Tom Zirbel's (Jamis Sutter Home) ...
- 1,263
8
votes
2
answers
4k
views
How feasible is it to transfer modern (2010) components to a 90s frame (road bike)
My 2010 aluminum frame may be toast (stripped bottom bracket) and I was considering getting an older chro-mo frame and transferring the components to it. It's a racing/sport style with drop bars and ...
- 1,116
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How to choose between a race bike like a Madone and a classics bike like a Domane
I ride regularly for exercise in New York City but do not race. I currently ride on a steel frame that handles the rough roads easily. I want to buy a carbon bike and am torn between a "classics" bike ...
8
votes
2
answers
5k
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 fit?...
- 6,200
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,...
- 88.2k
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Accidentally punctured through aluminum frame with a screw tip - still safe? Repairable?
I went to tighten up my rear rack and realized that it was actually a screw not a bolt holding one of the arms on my rear bike to my frame. Apparently I stupidly used a screw that's longer than the ...
- 81
8
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Aluminum frame quality - how much variation can there be and how to tell?
Take a look at these two aluminum frames. The first one is a $1k bike, and the second one is a $200 bike.
Is there a significant quality difference between these frames? And if so, how can I appraise ...
- 5,735
8
votes
2
answers
5k
views
What should I consider when choosing a bike frame?
In thinking about building a road bike from scratch, what should I consider when choosing a frame?
I'll be building from all new components and plan on just doing day rides of a few hours a piece, ...
- 4,530
8
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Chain rubs against frame when in smallest rear cog
I've set up a 12-speed SRAM Force groupset with an XDR cassette. When in the smallest rear cog, the chain rubs against the frame:
Does anyone know what causes this and how to fix it?
The frame is a ...
- 253
8
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Derailleur can't shift to 51-T sprocket. Deore CS-M5100 + RD-M5100
ISSUE:
When attempting to shift to the largest cassette sprocket, the side of the derailleur cage contacts the 51t sprocket, so the chain is not able to go up the gear.
WHAT I DID:
My drivetrain was ...
- 181
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is this a cracked frame?
Here's a pic of my Rocky Mountain Altitude 750 2014. It's the area where the top tube meets the down tube / Bottom bracket.
Is this a cracked frame or just cosmetic problem?
Thanks
- 258
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
How bad is this fire damaged alloy frame?
I got this Shimano Ultra groupset bike for free, all I need now for it is shifters as the carbon and rubber melted in them and the original seat.
But now I am wondering if I can get away with it, I ...
- 181
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why would higher fork contribute significantly to breaking the frame?
When I recently cracked my frame near the headtube, every bike shop that I went to, asked me explicitly "Did you put a longer travel fork?".
Putting aside that apparently fork travel and fork crown ...
- 14k
8
votes
2
answers
6k
views
difference between rack mounts and fender mounts?
is there a specific way that bike builders build mounts/eyelets for racks for panniers and eyelets that hold fenders? I'm specifically thinking about eyelets on the rear dropouts. I know that if a ...
- 691
8
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Can and should one install rivnuts into an aluminium frame?
I have an aluminium frame, and would like to add another bottle cage. But there are no mounts below the downtube. I've installed rivnuts into a steel frame before, which worked well.
Can I install ...
- 131k
8
votes
1
answer
909
views
How do I install this Ribble endurance SLR headset?
I've installed the bearings and now I'm struggling with which order to stack things. I can't find any documentation or manual of any description. I've attached a few photos. Does anyone have any idea?
- 429
8
votes
2
answers
157
views
Carbon fiber frame and dropout alignment
I have tried searching for these and failed to find answers.
Is there any tool available for facing a rear dropout to make the two parallel? The dropout alignment tools show that they are not aligned....
- 81
7
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Bending back a bent head tube - is it worth trying?
I have a bike that was in a major front end collision (I T-boned a car). The frame is steel and the bike bent at the head tube, the welds seem to be fine. Pictures below.
I am fully aware the ...
user21245
7
votes
7
answers
9k
views
Is it worth buying carbon fiber road bike for short commutes?
I'm planning to use a bike for rather short commutes (max half an hour), will the carbon fiber be noticeably more comfortable than aluminium one?
- 173
7
votes
4
answers
15k
views
What should a big guy look for when buying a road bike?
I'm 6ft 4" (1.8m) and 22st (139kg). I do a fair bit of cycling, mainly spinning and mountain biking.
I would like to get into road riding so I'm looking to buy a road bike. I want to spend between £...
- 621
7
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Frame manufacturer not covering crack as saying it was crash damage
My Ti frame developed a huge crack in the frame a week or so ago. A pain I thought bit it'll be covered by warranty...
The frame builder is now saying that it's crash damage.
I really really doubt ...
- 503
7
votes
3
answers
788
views
How would one determine if enlarging the loadbearing screw holes for the bike rack is a good idea?
I've had multiple times the issue of the loadbearing screw for the bike rack breaking in half, and it's always a hell to get out.
There seem to be two schools of thought:
Drill a bigger hole and put ...
- 173
7
votes
4
answers
13k
views
Advantages of mounting bottle under frame
I'm wondering if there are any advantages to mounting ones water-bottle on the bottom of the down tube, near the ground, versus on top of the tube.
I'm mainly interested in the advantages, or lack ...
- 5,528
7
votes
2
answers
50k
views
Building my own full suspension MTB: How to I select a frame?
I've recently gotten back into mountain biking. I took my 5 year old Iron Horse full suspension out to the mountain with some friends that had recently purchased new bikes. I haven't ridden for a ...
- 235
7
votes
6
answers
5k
views
I am putting drop bars on one of my MTB Shimano 10 speed 1x Deore. I am looking for a road hydro shift lever
I will be putting road drop bars on one of my mtb's for this coming winter as a project that has Shimano 10 speed 1x Deore.
My goal is to "simply"🙈😆 have road shift levers and hydraulic ...
- 97
7
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Why are steel bikes more expensive than aluminum?
It's hard to find a chrome moly bike for less than $1000 these days. Is it because it's actually less expensive to manufacture aluminum bikes these days or is the market for chrome moly bikes so ...
- 1,116
7
votes
3
answers
18k
views
MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks
Given that frames are generally brazed, not welded and given that MIG welding will work on simple bike hacks what are the downsides of MIG welding these hacks?
For example, I would like to make a ...
- 293
7
votes
5
answers
36k
views
How to repaint a Carbon bike frame?
I have recently purchased a Specialized Roubaix SL4 Elite Disc carbon frame bicycle—But I am not particularly happy with the colour. It is charcoal and white. I like to have a brighter colour.
Is ...
- 71
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Cycled through pothole on carbon frame - damaged?
Yesterday while out on my daily exercise (I live in London) I had to cycle through a pothole (bus too close behind so couldn't swerve or stop) that jolted the whole bike. I then noticed a rattling ...
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Scratch or Crack?
I'm curious on opinions if this is a crack or a scratch. No crashes. No drops. Yes creaking.
- 71
7
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How has hardtail MTB geometry changed in the past 10 years?
So I have been sitting on my 2005 Specialized Rockhopper because it is such a good fit (23" bike I'm 6'6") however I probably haven't ridden it in 5 years as it needs a new front fork. I'm just ...
- 71
7
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Chain damaged carbon frame. How to remedy?
During a recent fall, my chain came off my front chainring, and scratched up my frame. It looks to me like it's just the paint that's damaged but would appreciate a second opinion. The bike is a Trek ...
- 225
7
votes
3
answers
25k
views
Is it safe to ride a steel bike with a dented/buckled frame?
I just noticed, to my great sadness, a small-ish buckle/dent in my diagonal lower tube. (I'm riding a Cooper T200 single speed.) I just moved house; I hope I didn't do it. I probably did.
It's about ...
- 183
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Should I worry about rain getting inside my frame?
I commute to work every day and lock my bike on the street.
I have a nice saddle so I remove my seat post and take it into work with me.
This obviously leaves a hole open to the inside of the ...
- 663
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Experience with welding Titanium frame?
My Litespeed Tachyon, a 1996 model, of which I am the second owner, (So Litespeed will not honour the warranty) has now developed its 3rd crack.
First was in the seat tube above the deraullier and I ...
- 2,857
7
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Fracture in folding frame - safe to ride?
I cycle every day because I live in a city and I find it a fun, fit and convenient mode of transport. I am not a cycling hobbyist, am only averagely fit and know pretty much nothing about bike ...
- 691