Drivetrain and shifting issues are always favorite topics here. So there was some excellent feedback to last issue’s Tech Talk on our Comments page, and via email. As you may recall, the subject was the myth that when a new chain is installed, a new cassette is required as well (not!). Instead, what determines whether…
Reader Bill Rosenfeld asked a frequent and timely question, which is the subject of today’s column. He wrote: “I’ve heard varying advice about whether you need to change the cassette (rear gears) whenever it’s time to replace a worn-out chain. Do you have an opinion? I believe this is of interest to many as they…
For the past two Tech Talks we’ve been discussing replacing cycling shoe cleats. The feedback on these columns convinced me to backpedal and offer some tips for roadies just getting into clipless pedals, which is today’s topic. If that’s not you, pass this along to that friend you’re mentoring in the fine art of road…
By Jim Langley Pro mechanic Steve Gravenites of Gravy Pro Wheels has a funny saying. It goes something like this, “Bicycle drivetrains are like bathrooms – keep them clean and cleaning is easy; let them go, and the job becomes miserable.” Gravy’s tip is the key to keeping your chain from ever becoming a grimy mess. All…
By Jim Langley A guy with a Sparrow frame came to me at my shop in Vermont around 1978. His exquisite steel hand-made American frameset was so nice I couldn’t believe it needed any work. But when he told me the seatpost had become part of the frame and no one could get it to…
