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1500 questions
54
votes
4 answers
Does a helmet-mounted light affect the safe functionality of the helmet?
I am currently testing a bunch of lights for my (slowly) upcoming head lights review. Several of the lights can be mounted to a helmet using a mounting strap, like this:
I'm wondering if having a light mounted on the helmet impacts its…
nhinkle
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53
votes
14 answers
What are advantages and disadvantages of CO2 inflators over frame pumps?
I have a frame pump that I've used on the road when replacing flats, but I always see CO2 inflators advertised at bike shops. Are they worthwhile for the potential weight savings?
Drew Stephens
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53
votes
4 answers
Why do bikes have their drivetrains on the right?
Every bicycle I have seen in my life has its gears and chain on the right side? Why is this? The only thing I could find regarding this question is this forum topic, which speculates about things such as the prevalence of right-handed people, the…
Elias Zamaria
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53
votes
9 answers
Is it really going to damage a bike to wash it with a hose?
I was chatting to the guys at my LBS the other day about how they get my bike so clean when I take it in for a service. They said they use compressed air to clean it.
They warned I shouldn't use any high pressure water because it can get into the…
Mac
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53
votes
9 answers
How are the categories for climbs decided?
In cycle racing, there are five grades or categories for climbs - Category 4, 3, 2, 1 & Hors (Above Category or HC). How do they decide what is category 1 and what makes it so hard it is a HC?
Anthony K
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52
votes
12 answers
How can I make it clear to other road users that I'm an inexperienced cyclist?
I'm in my mid-20s and I'm currently learning to bike, on my own, as I don't have anyone to teach me. My goal is to be able to commute to work when I want to, be able to travel to nearby towns, and more generally to get over the frustration of not…
Jenayah
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52
votes
8 answers
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 picture to post was hard. It seems like it would be…
Kibbee
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52
votes
10 answers
Which way do I orient my bike tire's tread direction? and why?
I have a mountain bike tire that has stamped on the side something like:
<----------front rear------------->
Which seems like a pretty clear indication that the tire should be oriented in one direction when used in the front, and the opposite…
Sk606
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51
votes
4 answers
How can I tell which size chain my bike uses?
After learning how to break a chain and reattach it, and also how to add and remove a master link, I find that I can now do much more in the way of maintenance at home. I'll no longer need to bring my bikes into the shop simply for a new chain... if…
Goodbye Stack Exchange
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51
votes
6 answers
What's the real difference between cheap and expensive helmets?
Is there any real difference between the cheap and expensive cycling helmets? Is it really worth buying a helmet at say 3 or 4 times the price of a cheap helmet? Will that helmet really give you 3 or 4 times more protection?
Peanut
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51
votes
9 answers
How long should a road tyre hold its pressure?
How long should a road tyre be able to maintain a pressure of around 100psi, and what factors are likely to reduce this time?
Background:
My tyre pressures are consistently dropping to around 60psi after about a week (three commutes, total ~50…
Will
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50
votes
9 answers
Is it possible to measure your sit bones at home?
Some bike shops have gel pads that you sit on to measure the distance between your sit bones. Is it possible to take this measurement on your own at home, or does this really require special-purpose equipment?
[Related question: Should I use a…
amcnabb
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50
votes
17 answers
How to achieve an always clean chain
My chain and cogs always look very dirty as the oil attracts dirt. It is a constant problem as you can't fully avoid stains on your trousers and hands. Also, that looks ugly and I believe it wears the chain and the cassette out as the particles…
Yuriy
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50
votes
8 answers
Are slick tires worth it for commuting?
I commute to work on a Marin San Rafael on roads over a mix of flat to steep roads. My bike came with "700 x 35c with Puncture Protection" semi-slick tires:
In the bike shed at work I noticed another bike had slick tires, without any tread. After…
Peter Bridger
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50
votes
9 answers
Best type of bike lock (materials, style, etc.)
I recently lost the keys to my lock and had to borrow a bolt cutter to free my bike. It was a bit of an eye opener to realise a) just how easy it was for the bolt cutters to cut through my D Lock (<10 seconds), and b) that nobody on a busy town…
Kevin
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