Bicycles Stack Exchange
Bicycles Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
39
votes
3 answers

Why are emergency inflation cartridges filled with CO2?

Why aren't they filled with ambient air using air compressors? Isn't compressing ambient air cheaper than generating CO2? If it is, then those cartridges would have two benefits: Cheaper to manufacture CO2 filled tires deflate on their own far…
Tooniis
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39
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5 answers

Does the chain direction make a difference?

Recently, I helped a friend install a new chain on her road bike, and for the first time read the instructions for installing one. It seems to claim that there's a forward direction, and that it actually makes a difference. Does anyone know if…
zigdon
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38
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7 answers

What is the difference between a horizontal top tube and a sloped one?

Some comparable bicycles have a crossbar (top tube) that's horizontal: Others have one that's sloped: What are the reasons for either frame design? Is it merely style preferences? Or is there more to it, like performance and comfort? (Assume a…
Matt
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38
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13 answers

Is it safe to ride a racing road bike in very wet weather?

I'm used to riding on a MTB, but since I've got a new road bike, I'm quite paranoid about the slick tyres. How good are they in wet weather? I'm scared of braking too hard, or even just turning!!
Mark Ingram
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37
votes
3 answers

Threatening swerving by driver - should I report it? (Canada)

I'm curious to get some opinions on this from other cyclists. FYI this event took place in Ottawa, Canada. On my work commute, there are about 3 blocks where I ride in the lane with cars because there are no bike lanes or sharrows, and I need to…
SSilk
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37
votes
10 answers

Why don't road bikes use v-brakes?

In my experience, linear pull brakes (v-brakes) have more stopping power than other types of cantilever brakes (let the flames start ;). Modern road bikes always come fitted with dual pivot brakes. There isn't a massive difference in weight…
ninjaPixel
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37
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2 answers

How to know when to change a chain?

A bike shop employee used a tool he said would check the wear on the chain, and said that it should be changed. He said it took a measurement that meant the chain had expanded, but it is still hard for me understand why I should change the chain.…
user652
37
votes
5 answers

Perfectly setting up gears - how?

Every time I have my bike serviced, the bike shop sets up the gears on a stand in their workshop. The gears change perfectly on the stand, but when the bike is on the road, the rear derailleur doesn't change smoothly, and some gears are jumped.…
PeterB
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37
votes
9 answers

Any experience with shaft driven bikes?

I've ridden a shaft driven bike once, when biking in deserted mines in Limburg.‡ They used shaft driven bikes because the mines are damp, and a shaft can be enclosed completely, protecting it against the moisture. I like the clean look of a shaft…
SQB
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37
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12 answers

What's the purpose of cycling gloves?

I haven't cycled for many years already and long ago when I was cycling I didn't pay much attention to equipment. Now I see that many cyclists wear a certain kind of gloves - that only cover the palm and leave the fingers uncovered. What's the…
sharptooth
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37
votes
8 answers

How much do components really matter for a non-competitive rider?

I do not ride competitively, but plan on doing some longer distance rides (30+ miles). I've read that better components are lighter, run more smoothly, and last longer. Out of those three categories, durability (lasting longer) is the only one that…
Chris Morris
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37
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15 answers

I wish to get fit, therefore should I have a heavy bike?

A lot of people seem take up cycling to get fit, and they'll talk about how light their bikes are. However, as I understand it, a heavy bike uses more energy to pedal it. Should someone that wished to get fit find a very heavy bike?
Ian
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37
votes
13 answers

Is there such thing as an automatic transmission for bikes?

Has anyone ever designed or manufactured an automatic transmission (or automatic shifter?) for cycling? I imagine such a device would automatically change the gearing to allow the rider to maintain constant cadence or constant torque on the…
Ken
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36
votes
4 answers

What is the "preload" setting on the front fork suspension?

I've made a photo of the actual "thing" as I find it very difficult to explain otherwise: I'm wondering what this "thing" sets and how it actually works. So, what is "preload" and what happens when I turn it clockwise (plus) and anticlockwise…
Frantisek
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36
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13 answers

Theft deterrents (in addition to locking up a bike)

Besides locking a bike up properly, are there other deterrents against theft (such as engraving) that make a bicycle less attractive to a potential bike thief? UPDATE It was stolen. :-(
Jason Kleban
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