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1500 questions
46
votes
5 answers
How do I know when to replace my tires?
The treads on my road bike's 28C tires are almost completely gone—they only persist along the shoulders of the tire. Do the treads matter? What is a good indicator of when the tire as a whole needs to be replaced?
Drew Stephens
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46
votes
12 answers
What are the disadvantages of "puncture proof" (or puncture resistant) tires?
Some people refer to tires that are more resistant to punctures as "puncture proof" tires.
For example: Specialized All Condition Armadillo Tyre
Even though these tires are not really puncture proof, they do reduce a lot the chances of puncturing.…
b.roth
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46
votes
2 answers
What is a thru axle?
I have seen thru axles mentioned in various places but never explained or even described.
I found a post on another site where someone asked the same question and got lots of debate in response, but no explanation.
What is a thru axle? What problem…
TBR
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46
votes
14 answers
Ride with someone who is less trained
Barbie and Ken both love to ride the bike. Ken is a strong guy who likes to ride 60km as fast as possible, enjoys of getting to the edge of his strength. Barbie is more relaxed, likes to enjoy the view when riding and rides about 20km on a…
Uooo
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46
votes
38 answers
What do you wish someone had told you before your first commute?
Four times a year I teach a workshop called "Be a Bike Commuter" for the local university's community education program. It's mostly based on my experience and information from the League of American Bicyclists. I am looking at making some changes…
Gary.Ray
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45
votes
1 answer
What is a narrow wide chainring and what are its benefits and drawbacks?
What is a narrow wide chainring and what are it's benefits and drawbacks?
Also, is a specific chain or cassette required?
Mark W
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45
votes
7 answers
Pros and cons of single-sided forks (Cannondale Lefty)?
Looks like they save some weight, but how do they have a better strength/weight ratio than a traditional two legged fork?
With the single-legged fork the fork and axle must resist huge bending all the time, producing even more of a problem than…
Jerryno
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45
votes
6 answers
How do I make my rim brakes stop squealing?
My rear rim brakes are squeaking loudly. I don't know what the problem is, but I am sure it has nothing to do with rain because it happens all the time even if it is dry.
Anybody have an idea what could be problem and how to solve it? It makes the…
Promather
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45
votes
12 answers
Different kinds of Handlebars
What different kinds of bike handle bars are there? All kinds welcome, the common and the nameless.
If possible include the pros and cons of the bar
One bar per post
sixtyfootersdude
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45
votes
7 answers
Why is it easier to follow a cyclist up-hill
Watching the Tour de France on TV I notice that the riders like to ride close behind other riders when going up a steep hill.
I understand that rider can benefit from a slipstream on the flat section, but on a climb the speed is so slow, the…
Ken
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44
votes
10 answers
Why is the front brake lever on the right if you 'drive' on the left and vice-versa?
I live in the UK and I expect my front brake lever to be operated by my right hand. However, I recently went on a friend's bike that had the brakes 'back to front', which would be the 'right way round' for people in Europe, North America and…
ʍǝɥʇɐɯ
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44
votes
11 answers
How much does bike price correspond with maintenance needs?
In this question (with this answer) I asked about a commuter bike, which is to be ridden 40 km every weekday, in the city. And apparently for this scenario I can choose either of two possible kinds of bike:
A $700 bike with derailleurs, rim brakes,…
ChrisW
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44
votes
12 answers
How often should I lube my chain?
I ride less than 200 miles a week, and I'm at about the 200 mile mark on my new road bike. Most of my riding is done on the road in an urban city, so there is a lot of odd, unnatural debris. My LBS told me to lube my chain every 150 miles, but…
Russ Warren
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44
votes
16 answers
Creaking from cranks/spindle. How to fix?
Recently the cranks on my bike started to creak.
I checked with my usual "bike-bible" Park Tool. They recommended dis-assemble, lubricate, re-assemble.
So I did that.
Remove cranks.
Remove spindle.
Clean.
Lubricate.
Reassemble.
No, the creak is…
leiflundgren
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43
votes
10 answers
How to do a track stand?
I want to be able to do a track stand. I can almost come to a halt on my bike without taking my shoes out the cleats - but not quite.
In theory, on a fixed wheel it should be easier, but I can't quite manage to maintain position, I always find…
Unsliced
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