Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Back in June we reviewed Silca's top-end pump chuck, the Hiro. Pump "chucks" are also called "heads." They are the mechanism found on the end of pump hoses that attach the pump to the tire valve for an airtight connection. The Hiro is a versatile chuck. It can be used as an adapter that fits into the built-in pump chucks on most pumps. This … [Read more...] about Comparing the Super Chucks: Silca Hiro vs. Hirame HP-20 Pump Head
Unboxing Park Tool’s Impressive New BX-3 Rolling Big Blue Tool Box
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Before we get to this week’s topic, I want to point out that helpful readers continue to post comments in our 3-part beginner’s guide to clipless pedals (thanks, folks!). I think even experienced clipless users will find them useful (for example, swapping out only one cleat at a time is a new one to me). Here are links: Part 3 Part … [Read more...] about Unboxing Park Tool’s Impressive New BX-3 Rolling Big Blue Tool Box
Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 3
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Thanks to the excellent comments, suggestions and a question that arrived after Part 2 of this series, we’re going to wrap up our beginner’s guide to clipless pedals this week with a Part 3. You can read Parts 1 and 2, here and here. This final installment should fill in any gaps in what we’ve already covered. That way you’ll come away with … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 3
Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 2
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley In Part 1 of this beginner’s guide, we covered the basics of clipless pedals and how they came to be. Catch up here. Afterwards in our comments section, helpful reader Steve Kearney pointed out that, “You haven’t mentioned the fundamental reason for purpose-built riding shoes. That is the solid sole that doesn’t compress each time you apply … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 2
Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 1
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Pickleball, Spartan Racing, Ping-Pong - regardless of what new sport you’re trying to get up to speed on, it can be difficult to find enough helpful information for beginners. So, every now and then I like to put my rookie glasses on and look at some aspect of what people just getting into road cycling deal with. This week’s Tech Talk and … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to Clipless Pedals, Part 1
The Return of the King – Praise for Silca’s New Pista Floor Pump
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley So that there are no misunderstandings, let me make something clear at the outset: This isn’t a standard RoadBikeRider new product review. It’s a rave about the new version of arguably one of road cycling’s most heralded products, Silca’s Pista Floor Pump. To me, as soon as I opened the box and got my greasy paws on the new Molteni Orange … [Read more...] about The Return of the King – Praise for Silca’s New Pista Floor Pump
Bont Helix Cycling Shoes Review
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley HOT! Ingenious internally routed laces Single Boa closures for easiest adjustment ever Fully heat moldable carbon soles for a custom fit Light & super stiff to maximize pedal power Durable rubber toes and heels for traction and protection Tough and breathable Duralite synthetic leather uppers with suede trim … [Read more...] about Bont Helix Cycling Shoes Review
More Bicycle Parking Tips From RBR Readers
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley A bunch of interesting comments were posted in response to last week’s Tech Talk about safely parking road bicycles: The Safe Way to Park a Bike Against a Pole. Let’s look at your best tips and I’ll add some insights along the way. What we’re trying to avoid when parking is our bike falling over. Because in a worst case scenario, it’s … [Read more...] about More Bicycle Parking Tips From RBR Readers
The Safe Way to Park a Bike Against a Pole
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Some of the worst damage to your roadster can come from something that seems harmless: the bike falling over when it’s parked against a pole. I learned this lesson the hard way. It was a long time ago, but I still remember the pain. It happened in 1971, to my first dream ride, an almost full-Campagnolo Raleigh International, with a feathery … [Read more...] about The Safe Way to Park a Bike Against a Pole
More Road Tubeless Tire Tricks and Rim Strip Talk
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley As a follow up to last week’s edition where we looked at slow leaks and flat tires caused by rim strips - and solutions - I wanted to provide two additional tubeless tricks that can come in handy. Plus, I’ll share a few of the interesting comments that came in. If you missed last week’s issue, here’s a link to catch up: Slow Leaks? … [Read more...] about More Road Tubeless Tire Tricks and Rim Strip Talk
Slow Leaks? Frequent Flats? Check The Rim Strips
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Three times this month I helped roadies with almost identical problems. If my mechanic’s life was on social media, the mystery I was asked to diagnose and fix would be trending. So, I figure there’s a chance you might run into this issue on your own rig or your buddy’s. To ensure you’re ready to save the day, I’ll explain more about it and … [Read more...] about Slow Leaks? Frequent Flats? Check The Rim Strips
Prestacycle TorqRatchet Deluxe and T-Handle Ratchet Review
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley HOT! Simple to use, accurate 2-10Nm torque wrench fits in a seatbag Full ¼” bit sets included for multi-tool functionality Durable, reliable, impressively small and light Highly versatile tools help make repairs easy, fun and safe … [Read more...] about Prestacycle TorqRatchet Deluxe and T-Handle Ratchet Review
CeramicSpeed’s Revolutionary Driven Drivetrain
By Jim Langley Jim’s Tech Talk By the time you read this I’ll be on vacation and enjoying some beautiful riding along the seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine. If you spot me on my blue Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro give me a wave! I was in a rush to pack my gear and skedaddle, so this Tech Talk is a quickie, but hopefully interesting nonetheless. I want to show and get … [Read more...] about CeramicSpeed’s Revolutionary Driven Drivetrain
Simple Home Exercise for Knee Pain
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley I’m opening this week with a funny story because I’m in a much better mood recently (tell you why in a minute). It’s a tale about something that happened while my wife Deb and I were biking across country in the winter of 1979. We left New Hampshire in October, just days after the season’s first snowstorm. So my custom Richard Sachs and her … [Read more...] about Simple Home Exercise for Knee Pain
SILCA HIRO Side-Lever Locking Presta Chuck Review
By Jim Langley HOT! Comes to the rescue when nothing else work Airtight seal every time Side-lever means it fits where other chucks/adapters won’t A joy to hold and use NOT! $65 Source: SILCA and available at Amazon https://amzn.to/2P66e0c. Price: $65 Use: In my home shop and at events and races - dozens of tough tires … [Read more...] about SILCA HIRO Side-Lever Locking Presta Chuck Review