Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bicycle

Securing a bicycle seat

pulled_levers — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:58 -0800

Recommendations on securing a quick-release bicycle seatpost? I'd really prefer for my seat-post to stay intact without adding too much weight to my bicycle. Any recommendations?

Impervius!

Salvor Hardin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:33:14 -0800

Underground in a secret lab, the hive mind works feverishly and with a single purpose: to create...the perfect Boston bicyclist! Impermeable to wind, water, ice, slush, and mud, there's nothing Boston can throw at him that he can't handle! We had our first really miserable, blinding drenching ice/slush/rain-pelting-down days in Boston. My SO and I have decided that we're going to make ourselves waterproof.

We'd like suggestions for picking out some waterproof bad-weather bicycling gear. I imagine we'll need:

jacket, pants, shoes, eyewear, headwear, handwear, etc (anything else that you've found helpful?)

to combat the nasty winter weather that Boston can dish out. Specifically I want something that can keep me some close approximation of dry during a 4 mile bicycle commute. Let's say we each have up to $200 to throw at this (hopefully it won't take that much).

I'm a 6'2" male, she's a 5'2" female.

Here are my priorities (in approximately descending order):

1. Keeps me DRY! I'm talking hermetically-sealed/space-worthy.
2. Flexible (i.e. suitable for bicycling-type movements)
3. Stops the wind
4. Simple/fast to remove (I'm usually behind schedule, so speed of operation is desirable)
5. Not too many pieces (I'm terrible about losing accessories)
6. Not too much $$
7. Doesn't accumulate too much sweat

Any ideas are welcome! My SO already has a normal set of rain gear, and she still ends up completely drenched by the end of the ride, so I think we need something a bit extraordinary.

I've seen this question, but brands and products change a lot, and I didn't see the fervent testimonial I was hoping for. My favorite from that was the deep-sea fishing gear, but I'm not sure if it'll be flexible enough for biking, or if it'll interfere with the chain.

Thanks!

Bus bent my bike; am I stuck with the damage?

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:18:18 -0800

Locked my bike to a post, and a bus sideswiped my bike. Am I stuck with the damage? I stupidly locked my bike to a garbage can near a bus stop. A bus driver trying to squeeze past a left-turning car clipped my bike and pretzeled my wheel.

The damage is probably about $300 (unless the frame is bent in which case it's $1500). I don't have insurance. I do have photos of the scene of the collision, and two witnesses. I've made a report to the Toronto Transit Commission, and in three weeks I'll know what their claims department thinks of it.

Has anyone else tried to claim property damage from a Canadian transit system? What should I expect? If their claims department says no, what should I do?

Any not-legal-advice would be much appreciated

Slimpstreaming behind a random?

Tapioca — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:32:55 -0800

Do you think it is rude for Alice (a commuter cyclist) to slipstream behind Bob (another commuter cyclist, who doesn't know Alice)? By 'slipstreaming' I mean riding in the wind-free pocket behind the lead cyclist. Hope I've got the terminology right - think I've also seen it called 'drafting'.

Does it depend on headwind speed? Length of time? Other factors?

(I tried to frame this a neutral hypothetical. This happened on my morning commute today, but I'm deliberately not revealing whether I was Alice or Bob)

Escape from rain city

PercussivePaul — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:43:44 -0800

We want to go somewhere sunny and warm in February. We're in Vancouver BC and don't want to fly too far; cost is an issue. We would really like to bring our touring bicycles and do a mini-tour at a relaxed pace - maybe 250 miles over two weeks. So far we're looking at South Baja. Good idea? Other ideas? I have all kinds of questions about South Baja if anyone has been there. Specifically we were thinking of flying to Cabo San Lucas (looks like around $600 round trip plus baggage fees), then biking to La Paz and back in a loop, and we need to know about road conditions, traffic, availability of services, typical price of a hotel, etc etc.

But I'm also interested if any other destination comes to mind. The bike tour is not a requirement but something we would really enjoy. Touristy mega-resorts are not really our thing but we would appreciate a little bit of comfort on this trip I think. Beaches would be nice. Sunny and warm in February is the key.

Starter bike recommendations for 4.5yr old girl

lapsang — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:24:22 -0800

Recommendations pls for a starter bike for 4.5 yr old girl with princess aspirations.

Help put my chain guard on?

crickets — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:00:38 -0800

How do I install the chain guard on my bike? I bought and assembled my bike a few months ago. Things are fine but now I want to get around to installing the chain guard. The original instructions don't say anything about it, but I can't seem to figure out how it's supposed to go on. Googling hasn't revealed anything -- my guess is that it's just too simple, and I'm just being dense.

Here's my bike.

Here is the chain guard and the pieces that came with it.

I thought the little bracket would go in back, by the rear gear, and the big bracket would go on the vertical tube by the front gear, but I can't seem to make it fit; the plastic guard itself seems to be like an inch or two short. (I also don't know where the washer is supposed to go, since the nuts fit snugly inside the brackets.)

I thought maybe the big bracket was meant to go on the other tube, but that tube is too fat, and the bracket doesn't fit around it.

Any help?

you'd look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two

Juliet Banana — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:57:32 -0800

My boyfriend and I really want to win Most Stylish Couple at The Sadie Hawkins Style Ride in one week. Any suggestions? (previously) There is no way on earth we are winning Fastest Couple; normally I wouldn’t even participate in a ride since I’m the speed-racing equivalent of a child riding on the sidewalk or a pedicab, but it’s a short ride (~3 miles), you can skip checkpoints and hop to the bar if you’re not concerned with winning Fastest Couple, the money goes to a good cause, there’s beer at the end, and I really want that pair of Seagull Bags.

I have a teal&orange little boy’s bike from the late sixties or early seventies; it’s a Schwinn Stingray knockoff. My boyfriend has a yellow Schwinn Varsity.

So, how do we dress? I’m a girl with most of my somewhat eccentric wardrobe obsessively cataloged online, if you know where to look for it. My boyfriend’s most distinctive features are a blonde handlebar mustache and a collection of brightly colored skinny jeans. We’re riding at night in Chicago’s November, so all-black clothing is probably not genius, and moderate warmth is a must (it’s not snowing or anything and I generally heat up on my bike, but it’s definitely tights&hoodie weather).

The best idea I’ve had is my boyfriend dressing like an olde timey admiral with a captain’s hat and me dressing like a pirate with a pirate’s hat,with my eyepatched sock monkey riding in my jolly-roger-outfitted bike basket. This really isn’t that costumey for us (I’ve worn both those hats to shows and he wears that captain’s hat everyday to work) but given the timing I worry it’ll look like we just reused our Halloween costumes.

I have access to two bright and colorful wardrobes, a million accessories including a backpack shaped like an owl and a sombrero, and pretty much every store in Chicago proper including craft stores and a bunch of resale shops in Boy’s Town. So, what other themes could we go for to look like a super-stylish matched cycling couple?

Bicycles & physics

bluelight — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:49:13 -0800

bicyclefilter: Are there any sites or books that break down the science of a bicycle? I want to understand how a bicycle works. I have a pretty good bicycle mechanics book (Zinn and the art of mountain bike maintenance) but I want to gain a deeper understanding.

I don't have much of a physics background, but I want to understand things such as how/why the rear derailer pulley system works and how mechanical advantage and the braking system are related.

The Sheldon Brown website covers this a little bit (he does discuss MA) but I'm still looking for more sources.

Thanks!

Is it safer to do a 5 mile commute on city streets on a bicycle or a motorcycle?

realpseudonym — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:45:08 -0800

Is it safer to do a 5 mile commute on busy city streets on a bicycle or a motorcycle? Let's say we have a 5 mile commute along fairly busy 4 lane city streets. Cars are parked on the curbs on both sides of the streets. Some of the streets are very commercial with cars coming in and out of driveways. There are city buses.

Assume that I am a perfect driver, and that accidents only happen because somebody doesn't see me or sees me and misjudges how close they are to me.

Am I safer riding a motorcycle with full safety gear (going up to 35 mph) or riding a bicycle with only a bicycle helmet (up to 15 mph)?

My first thought was that the bicycle is obviously safer because of the lower speeds involved. On the other hand, I thought the motorcycle might be safer because you move at the same speed as traffic; whereas on the bike, angry drivers will constantly be trying to pass you.

Recommendations for a lightweight cruiser bicycle?

zembla3 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:45:52 -0800

I need recommendations for a relatively lightweight cruiser-type bicycle. I have an Electra Townie, and I like everything about it except the weight (about 35 lbs.) Is there a lighter alternative out there? I'm ideally looking for something that has raised handlebars, a comfortable saddle and easy-to-change gears (good for a bike novice.) I'm not looking for a single-speed.

them's the brakes...

hairgelburrito — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:16:30 -0800

I've just changed the disc brake pads on my bicycle and now the calipers won't 'grab' onto the metal disc enough to brake effectively... ...the calipers still seem to move correctly, but I noticed a fluid leak when I pushed the callipers into the forks and I've lost a lot (but not all) of the pressure in my brake lever.

i'm running a shimano slx disc brake system and would very much like to fix this myself: my local bike shop will take at least a week before they can do the repair and I'm loathe to be without my bike for that long. can anyone offer any advice?

I'm guessing the either the system needs bleeding, or the seals need replacing...?

thanks in advance!

Fit two bikes in a Toyora Matrix?

lonelyeconomist — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:32:59 -0800

Can two road bicycles fit in a Toyota Matrix Wagon? I would fold the back seats down, lay them flat and take the front tires off.

DIY bike repair?

zardoz — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:04:27 -0800

I just bought a mountain bike on the cheap and want to make some changes, namely adjust the shifters (or perhaps change them altogether), and replace the handlebars. Is this a rookie-doable project or should I take it to a shop? The bike has a full suspension, a lightweight frame, 18 speed, grip shift. I wish I had a pic to show you, but that's part of the problem--I can't find the brand Lejune anywhere on the interwebs. (It's possibly a Chinese knockoff of a different brand's design..or something). Anyway, the derailleur is Shimano, but the shifters are some weird no-name brand (Logan? Anyone heard of them?) There is considerable rust with the brake cables (which are otherwise in great shape), and the shifters (which ain't in such great shape; half the time there is a very delayed reaction when I change gears, and sometimes nothing happens at all.)

The other issue is that I think the frame might be a bit too small for me, but I think I can solve that by getting a different set of handlebars. I've already raised them the inch or so they can move up, but it's not quite comfy yet. The handlebars now are rather narrow and don't rise up at all--just a straight line. I want to get some that raise up a bit more, with U-shape bend in them. As of now I have to hunch over and my wrists get sore with the current setup.

I have some hex wrenches, a ratchet set, plyers, and a Leatherman. Your basic tool set. I'm pretty comfortable with the idea of taking my bike apart, but I wonder if I'll get in over my head before I know it.

Would it be a gargantuan task to 1) adjust--or replace--the shifters, and 2) replace the handlebars?

Help me buy a netbook, camera, and bike.

LSK — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:18:04 -0800

Help me buy a netbook, a low-end digital camera, and a bike. These are all admittedly disjunct requests, but I'm looking to get these at around the same time when I make the excursion to the local mall (Iowa City isn't so great when it comes to these, but I'd rather buy this sort of item in person.)

Netbook: I'd like to get a small and sturdy netbook. It doesn't need to have an amazing amount of storage; battery life and sturdiness are the high priorities. I'm looking to spend no more than $400, and preferably far less, before taxes. What brands/models do you recommend, and is there anything else I should know?

Camera: I'm not looking for anything much, just a digital device to take photos with. The only photo-taking feature I'd make a decision on is the ability to set exposure length, which I know some cameras don't have. Again, though, sturdiness is the top priority.

Bike: It's probably harder to recommend bikes over the internet, but I'd like to know what to even look for in a bike. I'm looking to use it to make both short excursions and to travel between Iowa City and Chicago when classes are out of session. I used to own a bike, and can still ride one competently, but I can't remember what features it had.

I can't believe there's no app for that!

Silky Slim — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:48:46 -0800

Could I possibly use my iPhone as a bike computer? Yes, there are some biking-related apps for the iPhone, but they all seem to rely on GPS. Mine is a 1st gen iPhone, so I can't use those. But even when I eventually upgrade to a 3G S, it just seems slow, inaccurate and wasteful (not to mention silly) to rely on satellites in outer space in order to track the speed and distance travelled on my bicycle.
A Google search reveals that some genius in Japan created a hack for this last year, but alas, it hasn't evolved into a consumer product to the best of my knowledge.
I'm sure there's a simpler way to achieve this using Apple's Nike + iPod doohickey. It's a physical accessory that wirelessly counts clicks from your running shoe. Couldn't it be modified to count blips from a wheel-mounted magnet? Has anyone tried it?
Or will I have to... gasp! ...buy an actual bike computer and use two devices where one might have sufficed?
Thanks in advance for any further info.

Biking in the rain

rabbitrabbit — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:19:51 -0800

Questions about bike gear for the rainy season. I live in the Portland, OR area and I've been biking to work since April. So, I'm about to hit my first rainy season and I would like to arm myself to successfully continue biking at least into the fall and hopefully through winter, too.

SHOES: My main question is about shoes that make biking in the rain not a chore. I have been using toe clips and Converse all-stars this summer, but that will absolutely not work with the rain, so I'm going to need to either get waterproof shoe covers, or buy waterproof shoes. And if I buy waterproof shoes, maybe I ought to just upgrade to clipless pedals and shoes? Also, I think I like the velcro straps so I don't have to deal with laces, but I'm not entirely sure what the pros/cons are there.

JACKET: I have a chartreuse bike jacket that has been good for cooler mornings, and it dries fast so it will be good for early on in the fall, but I am going to eventually need some kind of heavier jacket, I think. But I'm afraid that anything heavier will = more sweat, which I don't want (no shower at work). Is there something warm, waterproof, breathable, AND visible that I can get?

FENDERS: I ride a Specialized Crossroads, so it has the overlap. I kicked out my front fender early on in the summer and haven't yet replaced it because it's been unnecessary so far, but I'm going to need a new front fender or maybe one of those things that attaches to the front tube (not sure what it's called exactly) to deflect water. If I get a new fender, I guess it will need to be super-tough since I don't 100% trust myself not to kick it by accident again. Do those things that attach to the bike instead of the wheel work well, would that be a good option?

What other things do I need to bike in the rain? Waterproof gloves? A helmet liner? Goggles which don't let rain bead up on them? Etc.

I've seen this and I've seen this, and both were helpful though they're a bit old now; is there new stuff out there that is awesome?

Also, any recommendations for a bike shop to buy this stuff at? I've heard River City is good. I would love to be able to try out the clipless pedals before I buy, is there any shop which would let me do that?

Free as a bird

ghost dance beat — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:25:19 -0800

What is the most lightweight and/or the most vented bicycle helmet that you can buy? I am looking for the most comfortable helmet possible - one that almost feels like you're not even wearing it (impossible, I know). Let's assume I am not concerned about any country-specific safety regulations or certifications. Any recommendations of brands or specific models?

Warmed Over Cycling

orville sash — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:53:12 -0800

Can you please recommend some good urban winter bicycling clothes for me? I live in NYC, and I ride my bike to and from work as much as possible. Last winter, I stopped riding because it got cold, and I turned into a humungous gelatinous blob. If at all possible, I would like to avoid this fate.

Can you recommend some winter biking clothes that will give me a good range of movement and keep me warm? The cheaper the better! Any available links appreciated.

Selling a bike: can I safely allow people to test-ride it?

fermata — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:01:50 -0800

Selling a bike: can I safely allow people to test-ride it? (I could have sworn I've seen this question covered, but I couldn't find it.)

I'm planning to sell a bicycle, and potential buyers may want to take it for a spin. I assume I can protect myself by holding their driver's license or something, but do I have to worry about liability issues? Is it safe for me to allow them to take test rides?

What kind of zippy bike to get?

readymade — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:58:29 -0800

What bike to get? Indulge me, oh mighty bike warriors. Road, cyclocross, touring, zippy. I've done my best to make a responsible bike purchase, one that recognized my needs/desires/limitations. I wanted slow and steady, reliable, reasonable, maybe even cute. I'm tiny: 4'11" which has been a huge hurdle in finding a good bike as well: still no bike after patient searching over the last year-and-a-half.

Tired of whinging I went to a bike shop two days ago and tried the polar opposite of these bikes to mix it up:Trek 1.5. And I hauled ass up this hill that would have murdered me on any of my Dutch-commuter-hybrid tests. I was shocked, liberated. Wowed. All of the sudden hills didn't seem like something to avoid, they seemed like mere pimples I was empowered to leap. I wanted one.

I can afford one too, not fancy, but good: $1500. But I know it's not practical to use a road bike in the city for a daily bike. I still want an awesome bike, but one with fenders (light ones--gotta keep the speed!) and a small rack (I'm a realist after all). I tested the Surly Long Haul Trucker and have been dreaming about the Buena Vista Soma Mixte but maybe there are some good options I don't know about? (Remember, little person here--difficult to fit). Custom? Jamis?

I want to go fast. But I need just a wee tad of practicality too.

What's the best alternative to bananas as fuel for a ~12 mile cycle commute?

primer_dimer — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:59:19 -0800

What's the best alternative to bananas as fuel for a ~12 mile cycle commute? So I've recently started commuting to work by bike again, only this time it's a bit further than I've done before - about 12 miles. I need to make sure I put some fuel in my tank before setting off. The standard advice on cycle forums seems to be a banana 20 mins before setting off. I hate bananas. What should I eat instead?

Pimp My Bike!

Juliet Banana — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:11:38 -0800

I'm about to go on a bike accessory spending spree, and I wanted input on the most impenetrable locks, the most stylish helmets, and on everything from baskets to bells to headlights. I also would welcome any input on the best way to light a bike frame using electroluminescent wire. HELMET: After considering Nutcase Helmets and this hilarious derby hat helmet and wishing the Yakkay helmets were available in the US, I'm almost decided on the Bern Watts. I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing something really cool in the thousands of helmets out there, though; have you ever seen a helmet that looks so cool you actually want to wear it?

LOCK: U-locks are still the gold standard, right? Does it matter if it's actually a Kryptonite?

HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT: These are required by law and safety, but I still want them to look good, you know? Am I going to regret not getting some crazy expensive bulky high powered light when I'm squinting into the pitch or getting run over from behind? Chicago is pretty well-lit; do I really need a eye-scorching headlight if I never ride trails?

BASKETS, BELLS, HELL, MAYBE EVEN STREAMERS: These are just for fun, so if you've found anything particularly awesome or cute, hook it up.

EL WIRE: It seems like most people trot this out only for Burning Man, but I honestly would like to keep something like this wrapped around my frame 24/7 and turn it on for night rides. Does anyone have any ideas of how to keep an inverter attached, dry, and preferably unpilfered? I would need to be able to detach it to replace the batteries and in case it started pouring. The best idea I've had so far is to velcro the inverter underneath my hollow banana seat, but I'm not sure how to keep it safe from the spray from my un-fendered back wheel; maybe a velcro-attached piece of vinyl? Shrink-wrap?

THE BASIC BACKGROUND: The most important things to me are one, safety, and two, style. I want things that will help me not get killed and look really slick while doing it. I am not athletic and the most competitive event I'm going to take part in on my bike are Eat, Drink, and Ride Bikes pub crawls. If I cared about speed or mileage or whatever people like Matt Haughey worry about, I would not be riding a single speed knock-off Schwinn Stingray from the 1960s with a cruiser brake. I ride my bike to have fun and get from Point A to Point B.

In need of a solid errands bike

l33tpolicywonk — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:13:41 -0800

Need a budget priced new / used bike for grocery shopping and a bike bag to carry them in - tell me what I need and what brands I should look for. I live in DC. In January, I'm moving to a small town in northern Pennsylvania. I'll be looking to get a bike to make about a 3 mi round trip to the grocery store twice weekly, as well as run a handful of other basic errands and maybe get some exercise. Until January, I'll have access to the DC Craigslist market for used bikes (a little overwhelming) as well as any local bike shops. I'd like to spend about $150 on a bike and maybe around $50 on some pannier bags or some other grocery-toting solution that can carry about two bags of groceries. I'd prefer something able to deal with a little bit of snow in the winter and easy to carry up a flight of stairs. Please recommend brands / models of bikes to keep an eye out for, features I should consider when looking at a used bike, and particular storage solutions for groceries. Thanks!

bicycle repair - DIY or get an expert?

sarahj — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:12:29 -0800

Should I take my cheap bike in for a professional tune up, or try to do it myself? I bought a Ross 'Adventurer' road bike on Craigslist in April for $40. I have no idea how old it is, but the guy who sold it to me had found it in his basement and was selling it for some extra money. I steel wool-ed off what rust I could and changed the grip tape and it's been great except a few problems - for example, the seat creaks and wobbles a little bit when riding due to a missing screw, and as of about a week ago the back brake lever won't depress at all (not that it worked all that well before...).

I love this bike though and have been riding around town constantly. I was able to fix the front brake's problems myself but can't figure out what's wrong with the back one. I don't know how much a bike tune-up would cost me, but I'm guessing it would probably cost the same or more than I paid for the bike. I would definitely prefer to fix things myself, but this brake thing seems to be way over my skill level, and an expert would most likely find other problems I can't identify (but which might cost me even more to get fixed?) I'm also not sure because it's getting late in the season (even though I plan on riding it as much as possible into the fall/winter) - and (this is silly) I'm slightly concerned about not having it for a few days (i might have to walk somewhere!) Would it be worth it to take this bike in to a shop for a tune-up? Or should I persevere in attempting to do it myself (and how?)?
Thanks!!