How Can I Tell What Year My Bike Was Made (fast answers)
Goal: Determine the birth year of a bicycle. Tips for Determining the Birth Year of a Bicycle Examine the Stickers/Labels on the Frame The frame is the heart of a…
Why Aren’t My Bicycle Brakes Releasing? (fast answer)
Description Of The ProblemWhen the rider releases the brake lever after applying the brakes, the brake arms/jaws do not open fully, and the brake shoes continue to rub against the…
Acquiring Ideal Chain Tension On a Fixed-gear Bike
Ideally, the chain tension of a fixie will be as high as possible while still allowing the rear cog and the front chainring to rotate freely. If the chain tension…
Can I Use Different Front and Rear Bike Tires Or Should They Match? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: There's nothing wrong with using different tires for the front and back of the bike. In some cases, people follow this strategy deliberately to improve performance or save…
Useful Tips For Eliminating Wind Noise While Cycling
Description of the ProblemThere are two types of wind noises. One is generated by the rider cutting through the atmosphere. The other comes from the natural movement of air or…
The Absence of Safety Levers On Newer Brakes Explained
Safety Levers - a special set of brake levers designed for braking from the top position of a road bike's drop bars. They're called safety levers because they allow the…
Read This If Your Bike Gears Are Sliping On Ascents
Description of the Problem: When the rider is exerting a lot of effort uphill (usually out of the saddle), the chain slips involuntarily and switches to a different gear even…
How To Know If A Bike Chain Has a Master Link? (fast answer)
Definitions Master link - a chain link consisting of two plates that can be mechanically connected and disconnected without a chain tool. Some links are designed for single use while…
The Peculiar Reasons Why Road Bikes Married The Presta Valve
Road bikes use Presta valves for the following reasons: 1. Thin rims For aerodynamic and weight-saving purposes, road bikes have thin/narrow rims designed for slim tires. The outer diameter of…
Can You Ride a Road Bike On Wet Pavement? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: A road bike can be ridden on wet pavement, but the rider has to take extra precautions to avoid loss of balance and a potential accident. Riding on…