Disc Brakes On a Standard Fixed-gear Bike – Is that insanity even possible?
By default, a fixed-gear bike a.k.a. fixie isn't designed for disc brakes. That said, it's possible to add a front and rear disc brake, but the process will require the…
The Secret to Cutting a Bicycle Seat Post Properly (Learn Why, How, and When)
Condensed answer: A bicycle seat post can be cut as long as the new size respects the minimum insertion length of the seat post. Ignoring the minimum insertion length and…
How To Shorten Bike Spokes (super simple guide)
Bike spokes can be shortened. The first step is to cut them to length. The second is to file the ends and re-thread them. Step 1: Cutting the Spokes Before…
The Compatibility of 10-Speed Cassettes and 7-Speed Hubs (a detailed analysis)
If you have a 7-speed specific hub, you won't be able to install a 10-speed cassette on it because the hub will be too short. If the hub isn't 7-speed…
What It Takes To Combine a 12-Speed Chain and an 11-Speed Cassette…
A 12-speed chain can work with an 11-speed cassette. However, it's recommended to avoid using a Shimano 12-speed chain because it doesn't play well with 11-speed chainrings. Chain Width The…
The Compatibility Of 10-speed Derailleurs And 11-speed Cassettes (an analysis by a brainy biker)
10-speed rear derailleurs do not work accurately with 11-speed cassettes when coupled with index shifters. The only exceptions are SRAM's 10-speed exact actuation road derailleurs which have the same rear…
Can You Put an 11-speed Cassette on an 8-speed Hub?
Condensed answer: An 8-speed MTB hub is wide enough to accept an 11-speed MTB cassette. An 8-speed Road hub, however, is too narrow for an 11-speed Road cassette. If you…
Mounting an 11-speed Cassette On a 9-speed Hub
A 9-speed MTB hub can accept an 11-speed MTB cassette. However, a 9-speed Road hub is not compatible with an 11-speed Road cassette. Requirements for Installing an 11-Speed Cassette on…
Compatibility Lesson: MTB Hubs and Road Bikes
Rear MTB hubs are wider than rear Road hubs designed for bikes with rim brakes. Thus, rear road wheels built around MTB hubs won't fit on a modern rim brake…
What to Choose – a Saddlebag or a Top Tube Bag (my take)
This post compares the advantages and disadvantages of saddlebags and top tube bags in relation to one another. The Advantages of Saddlebags 1. Large capacity Large saddlebags have a very…