Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Berd probably won’t appreciate their revolutionary polymer spokes being referred to as “strings.” But, if you get a chance to hold a few, I think you’ll agree that they’re just as flexible and floppy as thick pieces of string - and entirely unlike the stiff stainless-steel spokes that all bicycle wheels have been built with for almost … [Read more...] about A Look at Berd’s Ultralight “String” Spokes
T47 Bottom Bracket to the Rescue
Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley I’m joking with this week’s title, but only a little. I’m poking fun at the bicycle industry, which in my opinion - and many other two-wheeler trade pundits’ views - took an ill-conceived detour about 12 to 14 years ago. That’s when most of the major bike makers started to adopt new designs for frame bottom brackets. … [Read more...] about T47 Bottom Bracket to the Rescue
A Cool Tool for Fixing Rubbing Disc Brakes
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Once set up well, road bike disc brakes usually just work. But, as with rim brakes, some discs can occasionally develop a rub. The usual cause is that a brake pad, or more than one, inside the brake caliper rubs on the rotor (the metal discs attached to the wheels). If you're lucky, the rub is so minor that you don't even notice it. … [Read more...] about A Cool Tool for Fixing Rubbing Disc Brakes
A Quick Tip for Shimano Di2 (Electronic) Rear Derailleurs
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley This week I’m sharing a small adjustment that makes a world of difference in the shifting of Shimano Di2 electric rear derailleurs. Recently I ran into and fixed this issue for a couple of roadie friends. Which makes me think that not everyone understands this critical adjustment. … [Read more...] about A Quick Tip for Shimano Di2 (Electronic) Rear Derailleurs
Hitting the Hills
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last Sunday I pedaled to the top of Mount Diablo on the South Gate Road, which, in about 11 miles rises to 3,249 feet above the San Francisco Bay. It’s near the town of Danville, California and is a popular destination every weekend for roadies thanks to moderate grades of mostly 5 to 7 percent, decent pavement, sweeping turns and lovely … [Read more...] about Hitting the Hills
Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Since tires are the biggest trouble-makers for roadies, let’s follow last week’s story on tire seating, with another for putting them on in the first place. Even complete beginners can get tires most of the way on, but getting the last tight section on can seem impossible. … [Read more...] about Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley For anyone who doesn’t know what it means to “seat” a tire, let’s start with an explanation. To “seat” or “seating” a tire is one of the final steps taken when installing most tires on bicycles and motor vehicles, too. Seating is important because it ensures that the inflated tire is fully and properly installed. If tires are … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Seat Stubborn Bike Tires
How Wide Can You Go?
Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley Before we get started with this week’s topic, which is on how to determine how wide a tire your fork (and frame) can accept, I want to point out that we received great comments on last week’s story on shifting 2X drivetrains for beginners (these drivetrains have two chainrings in front). … [Read more...] about How Wide Can You Go?
Beginners’ Guide to 2X Shifting
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Two episodes back, we covered chain drop fixes on bicycles with a single chainring. These bike drivetrains are commonly called “one-by,” written 1X. They’re the popular choice today on “gravel bikes” - essentially road bikes designed as much for dirt as for tarmac. And, a few 1X bikes have made their way into the pro-road racing peloton, … [Read more...] about Beginners’ Guide to 2X Shifting
7 Basic Chain Drop Solutions for 1X Drivetrains
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley One of the “new” trends in cycling is the 1X (say “one-by”) drivetrain. On these there is only a single (one) chainring. This makes for easy, uncomplicated shifting. Need a lower, easier gear to fight a headwind or top a climb? … [Read more...] about 7 Basic Chain Drop Solutions for 1X Drivetrains
StatCap P1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Review
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Hot Could prevent premature tire wear, flats, blowouts & crashes As far as I know, the first TPMS for bicycles Shows real-time pressure & temperature Not Requires smartphone & app Third-party app tricky to setup Seems oversize on bicycle wheels Price: $99 Source: … [Read more...] about StatCap P1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Review
Reader Tips for Staying Safe on a Bicycle
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley It was nice to see so many of your comments come in after last week’s staying safe on the road article. It’s clear that most of you recognize the dangers and take precautions when riding and use safety-enhancing accessories, too. … [Read more...] about Reader Tips for Staying Safe on a Bicycle
Staying Safe from Distracted Drivers and Those with Negative Attitudes
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley I’ve been a member of our local bike club, the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club since I moved here in 1982. Good members make a good club, so when I’m asked to contribute something I try to help. And this time, I think what I was asked to provide will interest you, too. Our club newsletter editor, Grace Voss, asked if I'd like to write an … [Read more...] about Staying Safe from Distracted Drivers and Those with Negative Attitudes
Mid-Season Bicycle Check-Up
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley It’s August, which means some of the best pedaling of the year is ahead for a lot of us. The days start to cool off, the roads get quieter as the summer vacationers pack it in and there are more fun rides on the calendar. But wait! If you’re been knocking out the miles all season long, it’s likely your trusty two-wheeler needs a little … [Read more...] about Mid-Season Bicycle Check-Up
On Pedal Threading and Safety Checking Crashed Carbon
Jim’s Tech Talk Jim Langley Today’s topics come from an unexpected page on the Road Bike Rider website (at least to me), so I’ll start with an explanation. Like road riding meccas - Bend, Oregon and the tri-state area of NH, VT and MA are two of my favorites - the RBR website has almost endless ways to take a wrong turn following one article after another until you end … [Read more...] about On Pedal Threading and Safety Checking Crashed Carbon