Most Popular
1500 questions
27
votes
6 answers
Why has indexed shifting displaced traditional friction shifting?
I really don't like indexed shifters, at least on the front. They're harder to adjust, more sensitive to cable stretching, and limit the number of gear combinations you can use (because you can't adjust the front derailleur cage manually to not rub…
Billy ONeal
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27
votes
5 answers
Why are tubeless tyres popular in mountain biking?
I've noticed that a lot of people use or promote tubeless tyres for mountain biking. Why is this?
It seems a lot of hassle to get a special rim conversion kit and goop to put in the tyre. As far as I can see it still makes a lot of sense to carry a…
davefiddes
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27
votes
6 answers
Can you shift both the front and back gears simultanously?
Is it advisable to shift both the front and back gear simultaneously? Can this cause any damage?
carl
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27
votes
1 answer
How Strong is my road bike?
Background: I have spent most of my time riding mountain bikes but I have recently started riding road sometimes too. I really like the position the road bike puts you in and the fact that you have multiple different hand positions. So I want to…
sixtyfootersdude
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27
votes
2 answers
Why do left pedals have inverted thread?
We all know right pedals are screwed regularly in the cranks.
Whereas left ones are screwed in the other direction.
Why is it like this and not the other way around?
Here is how I see things: under normal circumstances, the direction of the thread…
Nic
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27
votes
7 answers
Best practices for commuting with rack & panniers
I've been starting to commute by bike more (about 6 miles each way) and decided to upgrade from my cheap, old mountain bike to something more suitable. I just bought a used 2009 Kona Jake off Craigslist. Pretty excited about the bike -- it came with…
Voodoo
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27
votes
10 answers
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, but it seems like a slightly awkward position to…
Baumr
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27
votes
7 answers
How to get the tyre back on to the rim easily?
What is the best/easiest way to get the tyre back on to a rim after removing it to fix a puncture for example?
Some tyres can be really hard to get back on to the rim. I don't like using the tyre levers as I usually end up pinching the inner tube…
Piers Myers
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27
votes
4 answers
Help Me Understand My Bicycle's Gears
I've recently started commuting with a bicycle (Giant hybrid bicycle). I've been trying to learn a little about bicycling to make my commute easier and my time on the bicycle more enjoyable. Please forgive me for using the wrong terminology.
I've…
Rob P.
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27
votes
8 answers
Padded saddle VS padded shorts
Why do cyclists use padded shorts instead of padded saddle? It seems like putting padding on the saddle would be more optimal. Doubly so for triathlon.
jva
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26
votes
6 answers
How to tell when to replace cassette?
How do you tell when it's time to replace a cassette?
Are there any specific wear patterns on the teeth to watch for or symptoms specific to a worn-out cassette?
Nate Koppenhaver
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26
votes
13 answers
How does one carry multiple bike bags once off the bike?
When I search Google or YouTube for this question, I keep ending up with answers on how to carry almost anything on the bike but what I want to know is how do people carry all the different bike bags once they're off the bike.
I have a saddle bag, a…
user9564371
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26
votes
9 answers
What is the most ecologically sustainable way to handle rags covered in chain grease?
I have a handful of cloths that I've used to clean and grease my bike chain over the years. Each is covered in chain grease and other gunk that was once on my chain. I'm starting to wonder what I should do when my latest cloth reaches peak…
Tom
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26
votes
3 answers
What is the purpose of whipping a bike?
What is the purpose of "whipping" a mountain bike during a jump? Is it merely a trick (show off) or is it a functional move with a purpose? It is very commonly seen in videos which made me wonder if there is a useful function to it.
By "whipping" I…
Szabolcs
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26
votes
12 answers
Safety guidelines for cycling in traffic
Please post your safety tips for cycling/commuting that should help you get to your destination place in one piece.
I came across a nice printed guideline a few years ago when working as courier, it was posted on the wall in the base and covered…
kristof
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