QUESTION: I just bought my first ebike, which came with a lithium-ion battery. I read that these batteries will last through more charging cycles and have less reduction in range over time if I charge it to only 80% each time instead of 100%. Leaving it on the charger until the indicator light goes from red to green tells me when it has reached 100%. But how long should it be … [Read more...] about How can I charge my ebike battery to only 80%?
1Bikes & Gear
Quick Tip: Decide Where You Stand on Replacing Bike Components
By Jim Langley There are different schools of thought on replacing components, so you have to figure out what camp you belong to. Some people want to get every last inch out of their components and are perfectly willing to keep them going even if the performance drops off a bit. Then, the other camp wants things to operate perfectly and they replace components before their … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Decide Where You Stand on Replacing Bike Components
Which Cycling Gloves Work Best in Changing Temps?
QUESTION: In the current changing weather where I live, short-finger gloves aren't enough protection for weekend rides starting at 8 a.m. But by 10, long-fingered gloves are too hot and I have to stop to change. Is there a better way? – Roger M. … [Read more...] about Which Cycling Gloves Work Best in Changing Temps?
Knee Pain after a Crankarm Change
You just got a new bike with 175-mm crankarms instead of the 170s on your old bike. Now your knees hurt. Are the longer cranks to blame? It depends on what sort of knee problems you’re having, so the short answer is—maybe. When you switch to longer crankarms, your knee must extend more at the bottom of the stroke in order to reach the pedal because it's farther away (5 … [Read more...] about Knee Pain after a Crankarm Change
Shut Up Bike!
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Last week’s Tech Talk was actually a rerun from 2020 of a column I wrote covering bike noises, how to find them and fix them, i.e. shut them up. Like Jensie’s famous chant “Shut Up legs,” I think you can argue that clicks, ticks, creaks, squeaks, clunks and all those other mystery noises can be even more annoying than aching, tired legs. … [Read more...] about Shut Up Bike!