Are a 700×23 Tube and a 700x25c Tire a Good Combination?
Condensed Answer: In most cases, a 700x23c tube can be combined with a 700x25c tire because inner tubes are elastic and the nominal difference between a 23mm and a 25mm…
When The Front Derailleur Doesn’t Move Sufficiently…
Description of the Problem When the rider tries to shift onto the largest cog, the front derailleur doesn't move sufficiently to make the transition. As a result, the cyclist cannot…
When Your Bike Tire “Pops” Out of the Rim During Inflation… (explanation & solutions)
Description of the Problem During inflation of the inner tube, the tire pops out of the rim and presses the inner tube against the rim. The contact between the rim…
The Interchangeability Of 700×23c and 700×28c Tires
700x23c wheels can be replaced with 700x28c ones under two conditions:1. The rims have to support the new tire size.2. The fork and frame should have enough clearance for the…
Troubleshooting: A “Slipping” Fixed-gear Bike (Causes and Symptoms)
There are two main reasons why a fixed-gear bike would be "slipping" – lost chain tension or a loose rear cog. Option 1– Lost Chain TensionDescription. The rear wheel of…
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Press-fit Bottom Brackets (Free Bike Theory Lesson)
This post presents the advantages and disadvantages of press-fit bottom brackets. Definitions Bottom bracket – a system of bearings and cups allowing a spindle connected to the crank arms to…
Combining a Shimano Crankset With a SRAM Bottom Bracket The Right Way
Condensed Info: Modern SRAM GXP bottom brackets are designed for spindles with different diameters on the drive and non-drive side. Consequently, GXP bottom brackets aren't compatible with Shimano cranks. SRAM…
The Compatibility of Hope Brakes and SRAM Rotors Under a Microscope
Hope brakes can be combined with SRAM rotors when the following criteria are met:1. The diameter of the rotors should be compatible with the brake calipers. 2. The rotors shouldn't…
The Compatibility of Shimano’s Front Derailleurs and SRAM’s Indexed Shifters
Mini info bomb: In general, it's possible to combine a Shimano front derailleur with a SRAM shifter because both brands use extremely close cable pull ratios for the front mech.…
Combining 24-inch Wheels and a 20-inch Bicycle Is Just Wrong
Mini Info Bomb: In most cases, 24-inch wheels will be too big for a 20-inch fork and frame, especially if the wheel is equipped with a large tire. Thus, it's…