“MacGyvering” Bar Tape Into a Set Of Custom Grips?
This post explores the advantages and disadvantages of using bar tape instead of grips: The Advantages of Bar Tape 1. Customization If you use bar tape for your grips, you…
Integrating a Road Bike Cassette In a Classic Mountain Bike System
Shimano and SRAM road bike cassettes can be installed on a mountain bike as the splines of the hubs are the same across the MTB and road models of both…
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…
Converting French Threaded Cranks To British Pedal Threads (With Cheap DIY Tools)
Disclaimer: The following article shows how to modify a set of cranks. Follow the instructions at your own risk. BrainyBiker.com is not responsible for any property damage or accidents that…
The Compatibility Of Shimano 12-speed Chains and SRAM Chainrings
Shimano's 12-speed chains are optimized for downshifting and have a smaller inner width than normal. Subsequently, the chain has a hard time grabbing chainrings that aren't compatible with Shimano's HG+…
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…