Jim Langley

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Noises, like ticking coming from somewhere on the bike can ruin even the nicest ride. First it’s annoying, then you wonder if it’s going to cause a bigger problem or worse, something’s going to break. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Finding and Fixing a Ticking Noise

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley In the comments on last week’s Tech Talk, which was about fixing the recalcitrant derailleur hanger on my friend’s Pinarello - was a good observation from Don Macrae. Today, I’m going to reply to Don and to some of the other interesting tips and points from you. To read the first article and all the comments go here. … [Read more...] about Derailleur Hanger Alignment Tools & Techniques

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley When my friend texted for help with the balky shifting on his beautiful Pinarello Dogma, I had a pretty good idea what the problem was. He babys his road rockets, so I was sure it wouldn’t be worn or abused components. … [Read more...] about Fixing a Difficult Replaceable Derailleur Hanger

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley A few Tech Talks back, I introduced my current project, updating a 1970s Lejeune in order to ride it in the upcoming Eroica California ride. If you missed it, here’s a link: https://www.roadbikerider.com/quick-tips-for-upgrading-vintage-road-bikes/. … [Read more...] about Hahn Rossman’s Ingenious Tire Clearance Checker

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Obviously, CO2 inflators are wildly popular and fascinating, too! Believe it or not, last week’s Tech Talk about these tiny ride-savers - which was actually an article from 2017 (because I was away RVing and riding in beautiful Half Moon Bay, California) - now has over 50 comments old and new. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and … [Read more...] about Your Great Comments and More on CO2 Inflators

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley “Dummy” hubs are used as a place to park the chain when the rear wheel has been removed. Sometimes they’re called “sleeping hubs” or “chain holders.” They’re usually comprised of a short axle that’s bolted in place in the right rear dropout of the frame with a built in pulley that sits inboard of the dropout to rest the chain on. With … [Read more...] about Dummy Hubs: Handy Helpers

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley By “professionals,” I mean those who need to wear business attire at work, such as suits and dresses with nice shoes. While it’s possible to carefully roll or fold most clothing and get it - and wingtips or heels tucked away in ordinary backpacks - large enough ones, anyway - that does not always end well. … [Read more...] about A Better Pack for Bike-Commuting Professionals

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Hot Backlit top-mount digital gauge with ultra-easy to read display (accurate to within 1%) Huge tri-foot base prevents pump falling over and boosts pumping efficiency Silca Hiro side-lock Presta chuck for airtight connection every time (Schrader head, too) Strong magnetic docks on top and bottom of pump for fuss-free chuck … [Read more...] about Silca SuperPista Digital Floor Pump Review

Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley January being the month for making resolutions, I have decided for 2020 to try to 1) finally upgrade a  vintage road bike I’ve been in analysis paralysis on for some time; and 2) hopefully ride it in this year’s Eroica California, which takes place April 5 in beautiful Cambria. … [Read more...] about Quick Tips for Upgrading Vintage Road Bikes

Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley There were so many great tips in the comments about last week’s Tech Talk on using chain quick links, we’re sharing some of the best ones here with some photos. And, offering another tip for quick links I think you’ll be able to put to good use. … [Read more...] about More Quick Links Tips

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley One of the best technical developments recently has been that most chain companies are now providing special connecting links. They’ve become known as “quick links.” That’s because they can be connected by hand. Which makes them quick and easy compared to the days of old when the only way to install or repair a chain was by pushing out and … [Read more...] about Tips & Tools for Chain “Quick Links”

Jim’s Tech Talk by Jim Langley See what I did there in the title? It has a double meaning, in that you can make this gift and give it to your favorite cyclist. Or you can make it for yourself. Actually, you might decide to do both because it’s a helpful thing to have on hand in your home bike shop. It’ll easily fit in that Christmas stocking. … [Read more...] about A Handy Holiday Gift You Can Make Yourself

Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last week, we gave Larry tips for fixing his rim brakes. They were often moving out of position and needing centering to avoid them rubbing the rim on one side. Here’s the whole story: Fix for Larry’s Off-Center Rim Brakes - Sidepull Brakes. This is a common problem for lots of roadies with rim brakes. So it was nice to see some helpful … [Read more...] about More on Centering Rim Brakes (Sidepull Brakes)