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1500 questions
12
votes
4 answers
Should amateurs install their own headsets?
Building a bike from scratch sounded like a fun challenge, but a frame builder firmly told me to get the headset installed professionally. Videos online make it look easy even if you don't have the right tools, and while it'd be…
Laoshi
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12
votes
4 answers
Why would hydraulic calipers (not rotors) only be compatible with resin pads?
These calipers aren't supplied with rotors, so the answer to the very similarly titled What features make a disc brake caliper unsuitable for use with other than resin pads can't possibly apply.
Shimano MT200 brakes are listed by several dealers as…
Chris H
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12
votes
4 answers
After I lubricate my chain, I hear a gritty, sandy crunching sound coming from the chain and chainring. What am I doing wrong?
I tend to lubricate my chain about every 150-200 miles based on the conventional wisdom and general guidance I've read and heard. I have been using Rock N Roll Gold lube for some time, as it's been recommended to me as one of the better lubes…
UnseemlyKong
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12
votes
1 answer
How do I rebuild Shimano XTR hydraulic brake levers?
My right brake lever (Shimano BL-M9020 to be specific) has attracted some dirt around the blade pivot area, and some parts look shiny. I suspect the master piston seals are starting to leak. Replacing the entire lever is the guaranteed safe…
MaplePanda
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12
votes
1 answer
Legal requirement for tire tread pattern in Germany
I heard a rumor that there is a legal requirement for bicycles in Germany to have treaded tires. I found this quite surprising and took a look at the regulations:
StVZO §36 (3) requires treaded tires with a minimum depth of 1mm on motorized bicycles…
Erlkoenig
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12
votes
2 answers
Gates CDN - frequent belt failures
update at the bottom
I ride a belt drive bike fitted with a Gates CDN front sprocket (on the crank), a CDN belt and a CDX rear sprocket. Around the 2200km/1400mi mark, the CDN belt failed and teeth started snapping off (see pictures below). Since I…
user4520
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12
votes
4 answers
Do I need to apply something on thru axle?
I've just bought my first carbon frame roadbike and realised that it has thru axle (previously I had quick release). Before I would do anything stupid, could someone give me advice if I should apply bicycle grease or carbon paste on it when I take…
Mat
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12
votes
4 answers
Tubeless Winter Storage
With winter approaching up here in Canada, I was wondering what steps if any I should take before storing my tubeless bike for winter. I store my bikes in my non-insulated (house attached) garage, so it gets pretty cold in there. Is there any…
Kibbee
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12
votes
5 answers
What conditions are studless winter tires good in?
We're coming up on the time of year when the roads freeze overnight and thaw for the day, and studded tires are irritatingly loud on bare pavement. Because of this I'm thinking of getting the studless, high friction tires (such as Continental's Top…
HAEM
- 1,080
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12
votes
4 answers
I'm not sure if a torque wrench was used in assembling my carbon bike
I was given a brand new carbon mountain bike by my uncle, he assembled it himself about 18 days ago. My problem is that I am not sure if he used a torque wrench when he assembled the bike.
I would like to check if the bolts have the correct torque…
MountainBiker
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12
votes
7 answers
What could cause this knocking sound when pedaling? (see video)
The sound stops when I don't pedal. It is most bizarre, like someone tapping lightly on the frame with a hammer, as you can see/hear here:
I took it to the bike shop and they tightened the bottom bracket, but that didn't fix it.
The noise only…
bitsmcgee77
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12
votes
3 answers
Why do I constantly have to re-index gears?
I've got a road bike with a high end 11 speed groupset that is about 3 years / 30,000 km old. Chain and cassette have both been replaced recently (i.e. 500 km ago).
What I'm experiencing is a constant need to re-index rear gears. After service at…
maupertius
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12
votes
4 answers
How often do you really need to service forks and shocks?
According to manuals, forks and shocks have to be serviced regularly. For example, rockshox forks have 50-hour and 200-hour service kits/instructions.
On one hand, I know people who swear by these values, and they obviously never had any problems.…
PejoPhylo
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12
votes
5 answers
Is it safe to ride a dual suspension bike in sub freezing temps?
I have a Giant VT3 with dual suspension and I'm thinking of using it as a winter bike. Is there any special care I should take before heading out into the cold?
foldinglettuce
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12
votes
2 answers
Should I Oil A Single Speed Chain?
My question is simple. Do I need to oil a chain on a single speed bike?
J126
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