Bicycles Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
58
votes
30 answers

How can I make my bike (and myself) visible at night?

By winter I will be commuting on my bike at night. How can I make my bike as visible as possible to all car drivers?
b.roth
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57
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17 answers

Can you be ticketed for breaking the speed limit on a bike?

Given that bikes aren't required to have a speed indicator, can you be arrested or ticketed for breaking the speed limit on a bike?
Ian
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57
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12 answers

Why are higher-end freewheels so much louder when coasting?

I tend to ride relatively modest gear (Tiagra/Ultegra), but when I'm riding near higher-end bikes, I sometimes notice that the clicking sound that comes from their cassette/free-wheel while coasting seems to be much louder and more distinct than on…
Micah Craig
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56
votes
11 answers

Homemade bicycle degreaser liquids

Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade bicycle degreaser solution? I'd like to make my own degreaser solution instead of buying one. I have read about using lemon juice and various types of alcohols - white spirits, etc. EDIT: I should have…
Bernard Tyers
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56
votes
6 answers

How do you operate a used bike business without contributing to theft?

Businesses that sell used bikes and/or parts clearly have value for communities and the environment. They are a way of reducing waste and reallocating gear that still has useful life, they are a resource for DIY-minded cyclists or tinkerers, they…
Nathan Knutson
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56
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11 answers

How to get a very tight tire back on the rim?

I needed to change the tube as a consequence of a flat tire and I am in the situation that it's just impossible to put the tire back on the rim. In almost ten years of experience with road bikes and MTB, I never experienced this. I tried to use any…
Alessandro Cosentino
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56
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13 answers

What type of tires can prevent goatheads?

We have a lot of goatheads1 in our area, and they have a tendency to do something like this to bike tires: Unfortunately, I ride a road bike (specifically a Kona Dew), so I have much smaller, thinner road bike tires. Is there any type of tire I can…
Jared Harley
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55
votes
4 answers

What is the difference between brake cables and derailleur cables?

What is the difference between brake cables and derailleur/shift cables? When I look online for replacement cables I see "brake cables" and "shift cables." From the images they all look the same. Furthermore, what is the difference between mountain…
npsantini
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55
votes
17 answers

How to get over anger at inconsiderate drivers

Fortunately, I have very few strongly negative interactions with cars (most people generally seem to respect the way I ride), but those that do stick with me for a while. The scenario is almost always the same. Rude driver approaches, does their…
Felix
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55
votes
9 answers

Protocol for downhill cyclist overtaking a car?

Last weekend, I was driving (yes in a car, something I rarely do) down a fairly steep and very curvy mountain road (thus with very poor sight lines/visibility ahead) when I noticed a cyclist in my rearview mirror. He looked "pro" and in control,…
Jon S
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54
votes
17 answers

Locking your bike in public areas

I recently saw a small clip about how to securely lock your bike. I was wondering what are your tips for minimizing the chances of getting your bike stolen. Here are a few of my tips: use 2 chains take the saddle off ( makes it less attractive,…
Gabriel Solomon
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54
votes
13 answers

What is the proper etiquette for overtaking a horse?

What are the general rules when encountering a mounted horse rider on a trail? I understand if we are approaching each other I would dismount, move to the side of the trail, and allow them to pass. However if I am overtaking them while traveling in…
mikes
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54
votes
16 answers

Safest way to slow down a bike quickly if both sets of brakes fail

This may sound like a crazy question, however today in the wet my rear brakes decided to stop working effectively. It has been pouring rain here which makes the problem more apparent. I managed to get to work unscathed, but was wondering what is the…
going
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54
votes
13 answers

Are mountain bikes good for urban riding?

I'm planning to buy a bike - mostly using it in the city on a daily basis - sometimes long roads - But I want a cool bike and I think mountain bikes look very cool. I would like to know how mountain bikes do on normal roads, especially in the city?…
Angela
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54
votes
13 answers

How to commute to work on your bike and dress up

I have a question regarding commuting to work on a bike. I recently moved to a new location because of a new job. The drive to work is roughly 15-20 minutes depending on the traffic (no freeway or highways). About a month ago I got a new bike the…
MB41
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