Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bike

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!

Help me find the manual for my bike computer.

Barry B. Palindromer — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:21:04 -0800

What bike computer is this? I recently purchased a bike at a garage sale. I'm really happy with the bike; the change from my clunker of a mountain bike to this sleek road bike makes a ton of difference in my commute. It came with a bike computer, and I can't figure out how to change from metric to imperial, or how to make sure the wheel measurements are correct. So I'd like to find out what make and model it is, hopefully that will help me find a manual somewhere.

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)

Best route for overland commute in NYC

ocherdraco — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:17:16 -0800

I live at the top of Central Park in New York City (my park entrance is at 110th and Lenox), and I'm thinking of either getting a bike or rollerblades to commute to my job at 23rd and Fifth (or, perhaps more accurately, to my gym at 23rd and Park, where I can shower and change). What's the most direct path through the park from top to bottom, and which streets should I take to my destination once I exit the park? Secondary question: which will cost more over time, commute by bike or commute by rollerblades?

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?

Knee pain above and to the outside of my kneecap

Popcorn — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:58:36 -0800

Knee pain concerns: I have a small pain that feels like it is coming from the upper outside of my left knee. I've had this issue on and off for a long time and it doesn't prevent me from doing anything, but it has me worried. I'm in my mid 20's and am a pretty hardcore mogul skiier and I do lots of mountaineering. I'm unable to see a doctor for a few months and I'd like some insight into what this might be.

The pain seems to happen when I am extending my leg under load, for example, when I'm climbing stairs. It also comes up when I'm riding a bike. I've never had any major knee injuries but this feels like it is gradually increasing over time. Sometimes, when I'm running up stairs I get a little twinge and I have to stop running up stairs for a day or two before it goes away. When this happens in the middle of a multi day climbing expedition I can still continue but I have to be a little gentler on the knee. So this is not debilitating pain, I just want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to preserve my knees.

Looking at this picture, It feels like the LCL but I'm not sure. If you are looking at my left knee from the front, the pain is at about 2 o'clock, about 1-2cm (radially) out from the edge of the kneecap.

So I'd like some attempts at diagnosis, is this a tendon problem? Cartilage? Muscle? (I know this is frowned upon here, but I'm not able to get proper medical attention for a few months and I'm going to be climbing a mountain soon) Also, some advice about what I can do to prevent further damage. Would a brace help? If so, what kind? Are there exercises or stretches that would help? Currently I try to stretch the affected area by pulling my heel up to my butt. Seems to help.

Also, for many years I think I was riding my bike with the seat too low and I get a feeling that this is related.

Thanks!

Right ski roof rack?

Wood — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:25:23 -0800

I want to buy a ski roof rack for my late(st) model Honda Civic. Any suggestions? I'm concerned about any impact on the fit (seals) and finish (paint) on my car. How justified is this paranoia? Also I will likely eventually want to carry bikes or other cargo.

Should I attempt a long bike ride even though I'm sick?

misskaz — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:45:27 -0800

I had plans to ride my bike from Chicago to Milwaukee tomorrow with my husband and two friends (about 100 miles). Now I've come down with a pretty bad cold. Should I cancel or try to power through? Have you ever done a lot of physical activity while recovering from a cold, and how did you fare? Pros:
I really, really, really want to go on this ride. We've been planning on it as a capstone to our season all year. I think it will be fun, and it would be a nice accomplishment (my first century). I rode a metric century a couple weeks ago and other than being sick, feel fairly well prepared. We are planning to take it easy anyway as not everyone has really trained as much as would be ideal for such a long ride. Although we'd like to make it before sundown, we can take as much time as we need to complete the ride. We've already made the hotel reservations to stay in Milwaukee overnight and bought the Amtrak tickets to get back home the next day.

Cons:
I'm sick. I have a bad cold and feel, frankly, like crap today. I'm congested, going through boxes of tissues, and tired. The ride is just the four of us - bailing mid-way will be difficult, if not impossible. (There are no Amtrak stops mid-way; the only chance to bail is the final Metra stop which I think is in Kenosha.) There's a 30% chance of rain in the morning and it will be fairly cold (high in the upper 40s).

I think I know the smart thing is to stay home and wish the others well, but the idea of it is so disappointing that I would like to know if anyone else has done something like this and survived - and even enjoyed him/herself. Also, any tips for feeling better quickly, riding under such circumstances, etc., would be appreciated. I'm already taking Cold-Eeze and doing the usual rest, chicken soup, and fluids bit.

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?

Bike riding in the Hudson Valley!

kmtiszen — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:51:39 -0800

Perfect autumn bike rides in New York's Hudson Valley. I imagine the Hudson Valley can be quite beautiful during the fall, so I was thinking about taking my bike out there for a day or two. Can anybody recommend some leisurely, daytrip-type routes that would let me enjoy the fall foliage along with some of the area's quaint little towns?

I'd prefer something within an hour's drive of Manhattan, but I'm always open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Help me keep my kidneys warm this winter

penguinliz — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:20:23 -0800

Where I can buy a large women's cycle jacket? I would like to buy a women's windproof and waterproof (or at least water resistant) cycle jacket in a UK size 18/20, preferably for under £45. I've been looking on Wiggle and Evans, but nearly all of their jackets stop at a size 16 or less. There's few at size 18 which might be ok, but if I'm buying online I'd like to err on the side of caution and get a 20, then I can get layers underneath it.

So, does anyone know of a UK shop which sells larger cycle jackets than this? Online is fine, US-based online shops are probably out due to postage costs. Are there any brands whose sizing runs large, where an 18 might be fine?

How can I learn NYC's street repair status?

mhz — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:08:30 -0800

How can I learn NYC's street repair status? Is it possible to learn the scheduled start/stop of road repairs in New York City? They're always fixing roads, and every once in a while another stretch is 'scratched' up (whatever it is that they do,) and is a pain to drive on and downright scary to bike on.

Is there a place to find out when these projects are scheduled for? When they're at least supposed to end? All I could find with Google was bridge and tunnel status, nothing about regular street.

Should anyone have specific current information, right now I'm concerned mainly with Bedford Avenue from approximately Willoughby to Flushing, as well as the few blocks of Flatbush Avenue that are currently scratched.

Thanks!

How to bargain down a price?

zardoz — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:17:51 -0800

I plan to buy a used bike, but have don't really know how to haggle down the price. Advice? This is a $300--listed--bike, but my budget is considerably lower than that, though I could probably go down to $250 or $275. Obviously, even lower would be great.

But I have had little experience actually haggling down the price and the times I have done so I get impatient with the process. I don't want to be a jerk about it--I'm assuming the seller is just a regular Joe like me. Any tips, tricks, advice?

TV-Cycle please!

mittenbex — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:27:08 -0800

I want to exercise while watching TV. Help me pick out an exercise bike. I've been dieting full-time and exercising sporadically for the past six months.

Fall is almost here and I'm in NY so it will turn cold before two months is up. I want to start looking for an exercise bike so I can set it up and exercise while watching my lovely-cannot-be-given-up television programs. I know, pathetic. For exercise before, I was walking... lots. But cannot imagine going out for walks during the winter - EVER.

I don't know anything about exercise bikes. Do you have one? Love it? Hate it? Tell me about it. I'd like to keep it under $500.

Also, I've heard there's a way to finagle a regular outdoor bike into a stationary bike by some sort of contraption. Anyone have experience with one of these?

Thanks!

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?

is it really that special

edtut — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:25:35 -0800

what is the best designed rear suspension mountain bike on the market, and why. particularly from an engineering point of view. including, what is the best inertial shock design, and is carbon fiber really an appropriate solution for mountain bike frames? today i had a really good look at a high end mountain bike that thinks it's really special. but i'm not so sure. i have always had a problem with that brand using such small bushs without bearings. it is a design that is destined to get dirty, loose, and potentially squeake and flex. in a mountain bike that is extremely expensive, i dont think it is good enough. also, why i dont see why their different high end models all have such different linkage systems. i spoke to the sales guy, who basically knew nothing, and had no useful opinion. i dont mean that in a bad way, but becauise most dealers here only trade one or two brands, they tend to show little interest in competitive products. so my question is really what is the best designed rear suspension mountain bike on the market, and why.

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?

How to buy a bike?

mrunderhill — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:01:56 -0800

I'm looking for a good road bike to ride around town, usually for trips under a mile or two... there are some hills, but nothing too crazy. i make fun of people with fixies, but i can see the benefit of getting something light and simple.

something zippy, maneuverable and easy to lug up stairs... i'd like to spend about $500.

what should I look for? is ebay a good place to buy a bike? specific models or general tips are appreciated.

thanks!

Where would a rusty old bike rider like me find a easy and good bike?

jonathanstrange — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:34:51 -0800

I'm thinking about getting a bike to ride to work on, but I have no idea where to start, or what to look for. I'm living pretty close by my work, and have been walking to and from work most days. It's not a bad walk, half an hour and I'm there, but if I had a bike it would take 10 minutes or so. Well, half an hour at first, and hopefully 10 minutes after not too long a time!

The thing is, I haven't ridden a bike in about 8 years, and I know that they say that you never forget, but I'm a little nervous about it - as I'll be crossing one of the main roads into Melbourne's CBD, in peak hour, and I'm quite rusty, obviously.

Also - I have no idea what kind of bike to get. I know nothing about bikes, prices, where to get, or what to look for. I'd probably prefer something second hand, I'm not fussed if it's the newest latest thing, I just want a comfortable little bike that will get me from A to B with a minimum of fuss, and if it looks cute and retro so much the better.

Where should a novice like me look for a bike in Melbourne's CBD / Southbank / South Melbourne area? I can travel further, and have heard rumours of places near Carlton / Fitzroy that will have bikes.

Also - What should I look for in a bike? What kind of bike will suit my needs? and how much would I be looking at spending on it?