Does the types of handlebars change the handling of a bike? I have a 80's Lotus International road bike. It's my commuter, grocery getter, and all-weather bike. However, it does not handle grocery-loaded pannier bags nearly as well as my "nice bike" surly cross check does, which is my century bike and my touring bike. I don't want to lock the surly outside of the store or subject it to the daily wear and tear. I am thinking about making changes to make my Lotus handle more stable-ly. Is there anything i can do? Different handlebar? wider tires? longer stems?
posted by atetrachordofthree
on Feb 3, 2010 -
7 answers
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely afternoon this Christmas riding around his old neighborhood on his mom and stepdad's bikes, and would now like bikes of our own. We'd basically just be riding around the neighborhood or occasionally on bike trails, and would like to spend under $250 each, if possible. Any recommendations?
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posted by odayoday
on Dec 28, 2009 -
19 answers
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!
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posted by Salvor Hardin
on Dec 9, 2009 -
18 answers
Do you think it is rude for Alice (a commuter cyclist) to slipstream behind Bob (another commuter cyclist, who doesn't know Alice)?
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posted by Tapioca
on Nov 24, 2009 -
59 answers
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?
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posted by ocherdraco
on Nov 15, 2009 -
18 answers
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.
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posted by Popcorn
on Nov 2, 2009 -
16 answers
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.
posted by Wood
on Oct 30, 2009 -
4 answers
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?
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posted by misskaz
on Oct 23, 2009 -
20 answers
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?
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posted by zardoz
on Oct 6, 2009 -
14 answers
I plan to buy a used bike, but have don't really know how to haggle down the price. Advice?
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posted by zardoz
on Sep 11, 2009 -
12 answers
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?
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posted by edtut
on Sep 5, 2009 -
3 answers
What bike to get? Indulge me, oh mighty bike warriors. Road, cyclocross, touring,
zippy.
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posted by readymade
on Sep 2, 2009 -
32 answers
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.
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posted by Juliet Banana
on Aug 20, 2009 -
47 answers
I want to rebuild my 125cc dirt bike engine, never done it before but I want to learn.
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posted by jakubsnm
on Aug 20, 2009 -
2 answers
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.
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posted by l33tpolicywonk
on Aug 16, 2009 -
12 answers
Should I take my cheap bike in for a professional tune up, or try to do it myself?
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posted by sarahj
on Aug 16, 2009 -
11 answers
I'm fairly new to the mountain bike game and unfortunately I am having to park my mountain bike for three months whilst I work away. Security is not an issue but in general what maintenance and precautions do I need to take, if any, before it goes away?
FYI: I have a 2008 Kona Cinder Cone (
linky) and the bike is currently in a reasonably clean state (but not spotless).
posted by logicalsequence
on Aug 10, 2009 -
6 answers
Is it a bad idea to ride my bicycle with my presta valves unscrewed and having a presta -> schrader valve adapter covering them?
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posted by 47triple2
on Aug 3, 2009 -
13 answers
How can I figure out what size bike frame this is, and is it a good choice for me?
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posted by mbatch
on Jul 26, 2009 -
11 answers
I need general advice about bicycle commuting and specific recommendations for Seattle: where to live for commute to UW, bike shop recommendations, must have equipment, neighborhoods to avoid, good routes and trails, and the like.
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posted by GPF
on Jul 22, 2009 -
13 answers
I need a vehicle that's dirt-cheap, built like a tank, and easy to teach myself to maintain and repair — I'm currently a mechanical ignoramus, and I want to change that. Motorcycle? Scooter? Moped?
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posted by nebulawindphone
on Jul 16, 2009 -
33 answers
When should I stop repairing this bike and buy a new one? I have a road
bike of unknown age which I bought for $95 last year. Since then I've
spent half again that on it---truing the back wheel, putting the chain
back together after it inexplicably fell off, new (27") tires that won't
fit a modern bike's wheels, etc. Now I'm looking at some more repairs,
and I'm wondering whether it might be more economical to buy a newer
(i.e., slightly nicer, but still used) bicycle. I'm in Chicago and
mostly ride to get around the neighborhood, with the odd weekend ride
(<25mi, maybe 12-14mph).
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posted by d. z. wang
on Jul 13, 2009 -
23 answers
Hit a big pot hole with my new (to me) Raleigh 3-speed. Cleared the front wheel okay, but the rear rim has a dent from the impact. Still seems ride-able. How worried do I need to be?
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posted by SirNovember
on Jul 9, 2009 -
10 answers
I want to get a couple (or 4?) of vinyl stickers made (about 3"x3") that are white with a negative background to decorate my girlfriend's fleet of bikes. Obviously, this isn't a bulk order... Has anyone had experience with this? Any recommendations?
Similar questions HAVE been asked, but i'm looking for vinyl cut stickers, not printed ones. I can only find sites that do bulk orders, or JUMBO decals.
posted by nitor
on Jul 8, 2009 -
16 answers
I would love a recommendation on a trail-a-bike for my 4 year old. Looking around, the ones at REI are
$200 for Novara to $275 (for one that was instore only). At Target, they have a
Wee Ride for $81 and then they had a schwinn instore for $169.
Does anyone have an opinion or experience with any of these? We are just going to be doing street and bike path rides for now.
I am leaning towards the Novara but that may just be because I can't stop myself from spending money at REI these days...
posted by GrumpyMonkey
on Jul 1, 2009 -
6 answers
I have a bicycle with a step through frame, and am looking for solutions for carrying fluids and keeping hydrated on long (30 - 100 mile) bike rides. C'mon, bike-friendly problem-solving MeFites, help a girl out!
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posted by misskaz
on Jun 30, 2009 -
20 answers
BrooklynBikeRouteFilter: Please help me map the best route to/from Brooklyn/Manhattan by bike.
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posted by mhz
on Jun 29, 2009 -
24 answers
Shimano parts filter- I have a ultegra 6500 crankset and rear cassette, but the 105 STI shifters (5600) seem to be a hundred bucks cheaper on ebay than the ultegras. Since their both 9 speeds, would it be a problem to use the 105 shifters with my ultegra gears?
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posted by Large Marge
on Jun 24, 2009 -
18 answers
I was driving down the (somewhat busy, but not congested) freeway in a sports car, and a motorcyclist wanted to... play? Another sports car took took up the offer. What is this? What are these games and how are they played? What sort of things do people do to eek out some (quasi-legal?) fun in traffic? (I don't plan on participating, but I'm curious about the interaction)
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posted by anonymisc
on Jun 23, 2009 -
16 answers
I own this exercise
bike. I would like to set up some kind of laptop stand so that I can watch DVDs and surf the web while riding.
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posted by grumblebee
on Jun 21, 2009 -
15 answers
