Will My Bike Chain Explode If I Reuse a Link Pin?
Re-using a chain pin on a multi-speed chain is considered bad practice because the pin loses its upper layer during the removal process and becomes ever so slightly slimmer. The…
Secret Strategies For Retrieving Spoke Nipples Lost In a Rim (it works)
Description of the Problem: During wheel building or when replacing a spoke, a nipple falls between the walls of a double-wall rim and starts rattling. The problem is fairly common…
Single Wall vs. Double Wall Rims (Detailed and Easy-To-Understand Comparison)
This post compares the advantages and disadvantages of single and double- wall rims. Definitions Single-wall rim – single-wall rims have a spoke bed made of one layer (wall). The spoke…
The Capabilities of a Basic Road Bike on Crushed Limestone
Road bikes aren’t optimal for riding on crushed limestone. Nonetheless, they can still perform surprisingly well on such a surface if the rider is aware of the bike’s limitations and…
Overcoming The Frustration Caused By Rounded/Stripped Spoke Nipples
Description of The Problem: The nipples connecting the spokes to the rim have partially or fully stripped edges. As a result, the spoke wrench cannot grab the nipple and rotate it…
The Reasons Behind a Wobbling Bike Cassette (ELI5 explanation)
Condensed Answer: The common sources of cassette wobble are: Hub imperfections during manufacturingA narrow cassette combined with a wide hub without the use of spacersThe cassette hasn't been tightened properlyA…
Only Uneducated Cyclists Would Think of Inflating Their Shocks With a Floor Pump
A floor pump cannot be used effectively for pumping up shocks because it operates with a high volume/low-pressure cylinder and many models cannot even reach the high PSI needed by…
Analyzing The Effectiveness of Riser Bars And Spacers
This post compares the advantages and disadvantages of riser bars and spacers as means to improve bicycle comfort. The Advantages of Riser Bars Riser Bars Do Not Decrease The Effective…
The Compatibility of 10-speed Derailleurs And 7-speed Cassettes (secret knowledge)
Most 10-speed rear derailleurs aren't compatible with a 7-speed indexed shifter and cassette. There is one exception, however. Shimano's 10-speed Road derailleurs can operate with a 7-speed Shimano shifter and…
Combining an 11-speed Derailleur With a 10-speed Cassette and Shifter – Possible or Not?
Shimano's 11-speed derailleurs have a different rear shift ratio than 10-speed derailleurs and are therefore not compatible with 10-speed indexed shifters.SRAM's exact actuation 11-speed derailleurs are compatible with SRAM's 10-speed…