You’re riding hard in the big chainring toward a steep climb. You push to keep your momentum going as long as possible, but finally you’re forced to shift to the small ring. Oops! The chain overshoots and falls onto the frame. You’re dead in the water, wildly turning the cranks with no resistance. Later, the opposite happens. You’re spinning in the small chainring and need a … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: How to Deal with a Thrown Chain
1Bikes & Gear
Quick Tip: Handling Consecutive Short Climbs
Remember, you’re in it for the long haul. Don’t apportion your energy for one climb. Instead, parcel it out for the total number of climbs you anticipate during the ride. You may be tagging along at the back of the bunch in the early going, but by the end of the day you’ll have enough energy to blow the doors off your fast-starting buddies. Spin to save your legs. Most … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Handling Consecutive Short Climbs
ABUS Commuter Helmet Round-up
By Sheri Rosenbaum ABUS introduced two helmets with features uniquely designed to offer commuters safety and comfort. Both models have rechargeable rear lights, flip/flop visors, and loads of urban style. There’s even an adjustment to accommodate a rider’s ponytail. … [Read more...] about ABUS Commuter Helmet Round-up
Can you put a bike rack on a SUV with a spoiler?
By Stan Purdum QUESTION: Can you put a rear-mounted bike rack on a SUV that has a spoiler above the back window? I don't really want to buy a hitch mount if I don't have to, and a roof rack has its own set of problems like forgetting about the garage. —Leroy L. RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: The short answer is “it depends.” But here’s the long answer: … [Read more...] about Can you put a bike rack on a SUV with a spoiler?
How Rear Derailleur Limit Screws Work
Jim’s Tech Talk By Jim Langley Today’s topic was suggested by “Fixieguy,” who often posts helpful comments on this column. This time he emailed me asking for help setting up a new bike, which he called a “Dingle Speed.” Dingle Speed, I thought? What the heck is a Dingle Speed? It turns out - as Fixieguy kindly explained - that a Dingle Speed is slang for a Single Speed … [Read more...] about How Rear Derailleur Limit Screws Work