Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades edition

Resources:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help
Neutral Support News on Youtube

previous thread >>2040603

>>2041945 (OP)
why does he look like aniki

what bike dis?

>>2041970
Scott AFD 209

>>2041974
thank

are clik valves/adapters on aliexpress yet?

I need a sub-150$ jacket that’ll keep me dry in a rainstorm AND that’s breathable so I don’t marinate in my own sweat while BPing in southern US.

No Arcteryx/Goretex PFAS self-poison shit please.

how do i check the state of disc brake pads without removing the wheel because then i'll have to realign the whole thing
parktool vid says you can see from the side but i can't tell jack it's a tiny slit

>>2041990
doesn't exist and can't exist due to physics. you will get wet in those conditions. a rain poncho comes closest but sucks for aero.
personally if weather is like that, I just deal. Once you're wet, you can't get wetter. Change and dry at the destination.

>>2041999
oh yeah? explain this
https://youtu.be/5pH2JVseKms?t=80

>>2042002
It's an ad.

>>2042002
I like my goretex and it breathes better than straight up non breathable waterproof but yeah nah you still gonna get drenched in sweat if you move too quickly, honestly u will be wet anyway so its just about being warm too. Its not like you are trying to keep your Lycra dry to prevent hypothermia later on

>>2041990
>No Arcteryx/Goretex PFAS self-poison shit please
>sub-150$ jacket
Pick one, if you pick a jacket that uses an alternative manufacturing process from using PFAS it's an expensive gamble whether the replacement is more or less toxic. Decent sub-$150 weatherproof jackets exist but you're going to have to deal with wearing a cancer jacket. Camel Crown ski jackets on Amazon is one I'd name drop for budget weatherproof jacket.

this is literally impossible

>>2042022
You need 3 tire levers.
Put one in, with the lever under the rim and the handle pointing to the top in your picture.
Then push that handle down hard, squishing the tire and pushing it away from the rim towards the inside.
Stick another tire lever directly next to the first one into the small gap you just created.
Push the handle of that one down like before.
The first tire lever should now be loose enough to pull out.
Repeat.
The third tire lever is used to keep the tire seated on the other end of the gap you're trying to close.
Also, apply liquid dish soap to the lip of the tire to reduce friction.
And if plastic tire levers are too thick to wedge in or too soft and break, use the handles of spoons.

>>2042024
i aint reading all that
I left it in the sun a bit, and manhandled it with me fingies

clearence kinda close

I used a string to check my frame alignment and it's off by a few millimeters.
The problem is that it's an aluminium frame.
Is there a way to safely bend it?

>>2042002
Notice how they use ice cold water and mention it as if it makes the test even harder? Yeah, that's the only way Gore-Tex works, with a steep temperature gradient.
When it's 20°C outside, your membrane won't breathe for shit and you get drenched in sweat.
Also notice how they made the full body suit at the end look ridiculous, and the guy refuse to test it because of that. Yeah, it won't work with the full suit. Cause most of the water on the hand evaporates through the gap around the wrist, which is why they made the glove so big in the first place.
Also with all those video cuts you have no idea if it actually worked at all or how long it took. It's a video made by Gore-Tex, after all.
I've actually stopped using rain clothes from synthetic fibers entirely. When it's cold and rains, I wear a wool coat. When it's a bit warmer, a leather jacket. When it's hot, dark cotton shorts, a T-shirt, and I bring a towel and spare clothes.

>>2042025
then the tire was looser than your mom and youre a bitch ass pussy for even asking

>>2042026
no. but you can likely just ride it the way it is.

>>2041990
frogtoggs from shartmart
breathabilty is a meme btw memebranes rely on osmosis with doesn't work when the surface of the fabric is wet that's why they use dwr coatings
you're better off with physical vents

>>2041990

>>2041999
>>2042016
What about this https://www.rei.com/product/249784/marmot-precip-eco-rain-jacket-mens ?
>>2042031
Look I may be poor but wagie-mart shit is NEVER worth the bargain
>>2042039
hmm nyo

>>2041990
anon
already manufactured pfas are not going to poison you
their entire point is that they are stupidly inert, you can eat a pea-sized piece of teflon and then you'll find it undamaged next time you shit
what is going to kill you is living next to a pfas manufacturing plant, but you have to be chinese to do that, and china will find ways to kill you way before chemicals in the water would

I have a numbness in two fingertips (thumb and forefinger) for a week now after a 10 day bike trip, when do I start to worry?
a yes, it's a new thing, it didn't happen last year with the same bike setup.
it's actually a bit more than fingertip in the forefinger.

>>2042042
It's a membrane shell with taped seams and pit zips. Like literally every single other halfway decent outdoor rain jacket. At this price point you won't find anything better unless you ditch the "breathability" meme.
The jacket will keep you dry when it rains, as long as you keep it clean, unwrinkled, and regularly apply DWR.
But not in a rainstorm while bikepacking through the south in summer.
When you stuff it into a bag and squish it, the membrane breaks and will let through water. Dirt, grease or dried sweat will close the pores and turn it into a trash bag.
I just checked: My old membrane rain jacket is literally less water resistant than my leather jacket now.

>>2042046
go to your doctor.
Unless you live in a third world country without free healthcare, then wait another week and hope for the best.

Frameset that I bought came with a square tapered bottom bracket. Should I just buy crankset that uses it or should I go with newer BB system like HT2?
Stuff I consider to be important
>how often it requires maintenance
>prone to failure
>crank options
>weight

>>2042042
>Look I may be poor but wagie-mart shit is NEVER worth the bargain
ok whatever dude all the ultra light guys wear those

>>2041945 (OP)
>pro on super record
>"don't buy upgrades"
Just because you're on a dumpster bike from 1979 doesn't mean it wasn't top tier shit when its original owner paid a ton of money for it, if not for people buying upgrades we'd all be riding boneshakers with wooden spokes

>>2042065
>if not for people buying upgrades we'd all be riding boneshakers with wooden spokes
The bicycle has been perfected with the invention of alu rims and the shocking realization that you can use tires wider than an inch (so, around 1980).
Ever since then, if you chase the [current fad] and aren't actually making money racing, you're objectively doing it wrong.

>>2041990
raincape and fenders

Since last year when I started getting /fit/ I started to despise almost every overweight person.fatburgers were the only type of gf a depressed fatburger like me could get. now that i no longer have a beer belly, I feel my odds are better yet every single woman cyclist i meet is either taken, or lesbian and more manly than i am.

how do i fix this? i dont wanna die alone but tinder is an unusable scam

>>2042093
become lesbian

>>2042093
get a fat gf and help her get thin

>>2042068
No, the bicycle was perfected with the invention of pneumatic tires, if you use gears and brakes you are larping as tadej pogacar and you are clearly a virgin and have a small penis and will die in disgrace and poverty

>>2042097
hmm nyo
>>2042099
DONT GET ME STARTED. That’s the FUCKING THING. I tried that, TWICE. I tried being supportive and understanding and patient and you know what I got. Zero effort. I didnt ask for much. I started with 5 miles a day, but thats cause I was a retard thinking I was walton goggins. I’m not goggins, and I dont want anyone to ever go through that much DOMS, that was hell. All I asked was literally half a mile. 30 minutes a day. You can increase that super slowly and still get results on a calorie deficit, just 30 minutes. That’s it. Still nothing. You CANNOT save the fat girls and turn them into thick mamas. It just cant be done. Or maybe it can but I’m not a rich architect, idk. Getting mad again just thinking about all that time spent..

>>2042103
Only me and dunlops left?? What?? Is this soldier pausing in his desperate last stand to shill tires and smile? I see…corpos being insufferable isnt a modern thing..

>>2042105
dating someone with the intention of polishing up a diamond in the rough is generally a losing proposition. it's not that it has never happened ever in history but first it's just hard to change habits, but second, it puts a lot of pressure on the relationship and relationships are already a lot of work

the only person I know who has done this and gotten away with it met a girl who had been raised in a literal cult and was just getting on her feet, so maybe find someone like that

>>2042107
>>2042105
oh but I should add, if a girl escaped a cult she's probably going to be skittish about lovebombing and control freak men and things of that nature, the kinds of red flags I imagine you might give off if you were specifically hunting for cult escapees. so you'd better be able to give her the emotional breathing room she needs, while also being supportive and not tickling her "mind control paranoia" receptors. it takes a certain personality. this is why the "I don't need my other half" meme is such a thing on feeemale dating profiles, they know guys have plans for women and they want to front-run that and ensure that they're empowered and self actualized and shit before they get involved with a creep like you and me

>>2042103
Joke's on you, I actually don't use gears and brakes.

>>2041584
got a 30mm stem today
now i can touch the hoods without stretching too much but its still a bit too far
gonna have to try and get a smaller frame which is probably very unrealistic or sell it and get a bike that fits me

>>2042114
anon in the last thread did this and was really happy with the results. it's a drag but worth it

>>2042022
https://youtu.be/dVt3x8vfrn4
the secret is to go around and collect the slack into one spot. tire levers are an unnecessary invention and do more harm than good (can pinch the tube, allows you to wrench shit on when you haven't collected the slack)

>>2042118
>tire levers are an unnecessary invention
this is highly dependent on the tire. kevlar bead can make this technique impossible. but yeah, if your method works for your tire and rim, it's great.

>>2042118
post vid of mounting a 28mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus without levers, then.
You've probably never mounted anything but MTB tires.

>>2042118
if your retard ass can't learn to use tire levers, sticks of plastic, then your future is not looking too bright. monkeys can learn to use tools why cant you

>>2042125
you cant mount mtb tyres by hand either my vittoria mezcals were so tight i could barely get the 2nd tire lever in

>>2042029
My main concern about the bent frame is wheel alignment.
I can center the wheels in the fork/stays and they remain straight when I clamp them down, so that should be alright, yes?
How would QR work ideally? Just pop the wheels as far as they can go into the dropouts and they should be straight without any fiddling?

>>2042125
ill do it on 25mm Schwalbe pro one TRs if you want if those are supposedly just as tight

I don’t even own tire levers its a pain in the ass but yeah no i just use grip strength it would probably piss me off if i got a flat but its not THAT bad
are gp5ks supposed to be hard or easy to get on?

>>2042142
>gp5ks
they're the hardest tire I've ever mounted. someone said somewhere that contis are more difficult than other brands, but I only have experience with the gp5ks. they're not going to go on with your fingers, hercules.

>>2042148
They definitely do go on with fingers, if I can manage it. im built like a road cyclist.
never give up

is there lycra that doesnt look like lycra? roadbikers are hated here because they drive like cunts and i dont want to look like them

>>2042203
I ride in merino. decathlon is cheap and durable, I'm rocking my first merino shirt from decathlon 5th year now, they also had merino jersey called something silly like EXPLR GRVL 900 for, of course, gravel dudes. I have it, I don't use it much though, I prefer the longsleeves for summer rides.

>>2042205
>decathlon
thanks bro
saw that they have padded underpants, didnt even know those existed
going to buy a pair of those and just wear them under my normal shorts
aero is for losers

>>2042203
Stop letting cagers rule your life.
To them it doesn't matter what you wear.
They don't even know what lycra is.
That you're riding a bicycle is enough for them to think you deserve to die.

>>2042206
I also have those, they're pretty nice, but take your size and bigger one, because they're bike clothes sizing can be a bit fucked up. for those padded shorts my normal size is way too tight, while jersey sizing is alright.

>>2042206
I was once like you.
Noticing that street clothes suck for cycling, but still trying to "stealth" it.
Go ahead, buy those padded underpants. I promise you, if you keep riding, in a couple years you'll wear the full lycra kit. And it's not primarily about aero (although suddenly going much faster with the same effort is nice!)
It just opens up a whole new level of comfort on a bike.

>>2042206
Even my fat ass friend took the Lycra pill I think not even two months ago he was saying bro im not wearing that its gay!!

>>2042206
don't listen to lycra faggots. I ride in jeans shorts, cotton tee and flat pedals and I'm faster than 90% of them

>>2042214
>I'm faster than 90% of them
post rides

>>2042216
literally fucking brain rot. go ride your bike and try to get past me.

>>2041945 (OP)
Does anybody use an electric portotrike from workman's cycles for getting quick groceries?

>>2042214
I don't give a fuck. I'll wish you a nice day while you pass me in my lycra suit. Maybe pity you a little for your soggy boxers.
By the way, a pair of lycra shorts are cheaper than the 3 jeans shorts you'd rub through per year if you rode as much as I do.

>>2042219
jesus christ, you seem mad. go ride your bike and vent all that anger. maybe if you'll get angry enough, you'll get past me.
I dare you.

>>2042217
>im le faster than 90% of rides
>w-what do u mean post proof
>umm its brain rot, its not real
>im good I s-swear

>>2042221
yes, go out and ride your bike and don't forget to turn on every spying software you can so you can brag on facebook and here how fucking slow you are.

>trp hy/rd got spongy again
AAaah stop collecting air

Can somebody help me, I'm actually going to go insane. Why are bike part designers so dumb as to mark a million different size requirements for something simple as a Bold? I'm going to go poor before I find the right size, and yes I did measure

>>2042226
hardware stores usually have sections with common bolts in them

>>2042227
I didn't think they'd be compatible but maybe that's a good idea. Cheers

>>2042226
There are plenty of bike design choices to rage about, but different sizes of bolts are not one of them (unless you're working on vintage bikes from decades ago).

The main reason for multiple bolt sizes is that they generally correlate to torque requirements. If you use too large a bolt for a lower torque application then users are very likely to strip threads in use, and if you use too small of a bolt for higher torque applications then the wrench flats will be prone to rounding out before the desired torque is reached.

In addition to that, bolt sizing is sometimes constrained by physical size restrictions, and for human-powered machines where weight savings is important, you don't want to use larger and heavier hardware than is strictly necessary.

tell me about bontretard day lights such as Ion 200 RT and Flare RT
worth it? good enough? is the battery life satisfying? garmin connectivity worth it, e.g. low bat alert?

>>2042226
>too dumb to buy a bolt
>"The designers are dumb!"

>>2042230
Personally I think daytime running lights on a bicycle are a placebo, but opinions vary. For connectivity, I think it matters if and only if you're running your lights in a spot where you can't see an indicator on the lights themselves (like an under the headunit mount), otherwise it's needless faff.

>>2042214
Nah ur slow and insecure about your gut

>>2042233
I actually notice the difference, especially in blinking mode.

>>2042230
>day lights
retarded. save your money.

>>2042229
I can't make any sense of what you've explained. One hypothetical road bike, one track bike, they aren't wildly different and both need small, light seats. What on earth would make torque requirements different for a bold needed to fix either Saddle?

>>2042238
If it's a track bike, the reason is that the bolt needs to be NJS approved in case you want to participate in Japanese Keirin races, so it has to be hand-forged by a dude who lives in Osaka and is now 95 years old.

My ass hurt so I bought the retarded looking ball-squishing lycra. I still have normal tshirt or exercise sleeveless shirt on to wick sweat away but my bottom was all lycra.

I went commando because all youtubers said dont do it.

So I did. And after 3 hours I had a shit/sweat stain on my fucking lycra. disgustang.

how do i avoid this. boxers will chafe. but i dont wanna be disgustang

>>2042257
Anon this has never happened to me once
Do you wipe your ass properly?

>>2042259
bro. yes. after every shit. i even showered before getting going to the park, it wasnt pre-shit, it was just like, i dont know, passive debuff shit idk. it wasnt a huge rash of it or nothin but there was still a visible stain man. fix it

>>2042257
the chamois will always have a stain because of the chamois cream

>>2042260
Have you perhaps got a loose asshole from taking dicks up it?
get black ones or something man what can i say, wash em

>>2042269
no you bbc obsessed retard. obviously i washed them
>>2042266
i didnt use chamois cream just normal walmart chafing cream, and it was around my thighs not the ass crack area

can i get one serious answer instead of blacked tard and the adult diapers guy

>>2042277
Serious answer: It's nothing to do with the pants. Liquid is leaking out of your asshole when you ride, deal with it.

>>2042278
This

>>2042257
>>2042277
There's really only two possibilities anon: either you poo'd yourself a little during the ride, or you weren't as clean down there as you initially believed and the action of rubbing a damp chamois against your taint repeatedly scoured off some dried feces you missed.

There's nothing shameful about this: everyone poops. If you're not using a bidet it's hard to stay perfectly clean. And everyone gets diarrhea sometimes. Wash your bibs and wipe better next time, that's all there is to do.

>>2042278
>>2042281


jesus christ both of these possible scenarios make me want to kill myself

embarrassing

did you really go for a ride if you didnt shit yourself?

Should I repair my Aluminium frame bike with Tiagra 10 speed or get something else second hand?

It needs new tyres, bar tape and shifter cables. There's also surface rust on all the groupset's bolts. Not sure how to clean the derailer spring either.

>>2042288
That's not a repair, that's just routine maintenance.
Jesus Christ, anon take care of your shit.

>>2042289
lmao. I haven't used the bike since 2016 but you're right. It's just gonna take effort to fix it up and remove rust as well.

>>2042291
take it to a manual car wash and blast it with the power washer
dont forget to lube your chain after

I got a poor chinese 1x12 mtb (im from vietnam).
when I ride sometimes the pedals make crackling sounds, but not with a consistent rhythm or pattern.

is it just poor quality components and I should deal with it, or it's sign I should check stuff? I bought the bike from the supermarket and the guy installed it for me specializes in air conditioners.

also I wonder if buying nicer pedals actually do anything? I got default ones. and I can afford something like promend or ztto (or other common chinese names).

as far as I know we have bearing vs steel balls for pedals, more bearings = smoother spin, more spin. but for what? it's not going to make the bike smoother or faster right?

>>2042335
nicer flat pedals have proper spikes, are lighter, have sealed bearings that last longer and dont pop like >>2042334
do the pedals or bottom bracket pop
lube that shit anyway

>>2042337
idk shit about bike but it's a brand new bike (supposedly) I bought from the supermarket. rougly 3-4 weeks ago or so. it should still be in good quality right?

my pedals have another separate hole that I can put grease in (so that I dont have to unscrew them first). is that all I need to do? pour some grease in and close the lid?

do this popping and cracking sound matter anyway? I don't care if it's just annoyance, I'm afraid of accidents or breaks when I ride outside because I don't know how to repair stuff.

thank you for the answer

>>2042338
where is the sound coming from?
does the pedal spin freely without any resistance?
I bet its something worse than the pedal bearing desu

>>2042339
it's around the pedals I believe, idk the exact sound because you know it only happens when I ride and pedal, not when I use my hand and accelerate the pedals. the pedals still spin smoothly when I use my hands to rotate it. I googled + ask LLMs they all point out to so many problems, idk why it happens it's a new bike. I don't ride in the rain or muddy environments at all.

should I post pictures? sometimes there's also some metallic sound likely from the chainring. idk if that's normal

>>2042340
Usually I would say this is probably bottom bracket creaking, is it only when you put a decent amount of power/weight on the pedals?

>>2042343
>any sound I can't identify is the bottom bracket creaking
ignore everything this person says, this kind of superstitious voodoo is why the entire bike industry ditched a perfectly good standard thanks to a few influential youtube trolls and a lot of dunning kruger home bike mechanics

>>2042344
My pos bike has creaked for years and i replaced the BB over the weekend and all the noises are gone

Sometimes the voodoo is right

I keep getting bugs and dust in my eyes and shit
what are some good sunglasses

>>2042346
dude, just close your eyes

>>2042333
it's going to get water in the bearings. probably not a bad idea to service the bearings anyway, but if the bike was kept indoors it's probably not necessary.
>>2042291
if you use a pressure washer keep it away from the hubs, bottom bracket, and headset unless you plan on servicing all the bearings anyway

I want to get a MTB to just bike around, perhaps bike to work etc so no real MTB usage (I currently have a hybrid but don’t like it). Anyway, how firm are the height recommendations on the manufacturers website? Are they based on having the saddlebar at its lowest position or what are they based on?

I’m currently looking at a bike where S is recommended for 155-170cm and M for 165-180cm (I’m 178cm). Would it be viable for me to use the S? There’s one for sale close to me and I assume the 29" wheels also makes it ride larger…? The frame height difference is 4cm between the sizes yet the recommended rider height span is 25cm from min to max…

>>2042349
if you can do a test ride at a bikeshop and if youre between sizes i'd suggest going with the lower size
according to cannondale i was between s/m aswell, went for the size M bike but it was too big

>>2042350
There are very few stores around here that sell MTBs and online recommendations are all over the place which makes it a PITA to try to find anything suitable within a reasonable distance…for someone who isn’t into biking you’d usually just base it on wheel size for hybrids with 28" generally being for adults and 26" for youths/shorter riders but MTBs are so varied that a S frame of one model might even be comparable to L of another brand…

It’s a Ghost Lanao with 29" wheels if it makes any difference. Pic is for the M which is recommended for 165-180cm but the S only seems marginally smaller yet the height recommendation ranges from 155-180cm which makes it really hard to understand how MTBs are sized and what the rider height recommendations are based on.

>>2042349
I mean, maybe you could make it work but you're 2 cm from the limit of the M, you could almost fit a large. I would not recommend the S for you.

>>2042354
That’s the thing, size recommendation have so much variation it’s almost impossible for a non-biker to get a grasp of what’s reasonable. From what I understand this particular model is actually catered to women but if you check out the specs the difference in almost all measurements are within 1-3cm yet the height range is +/-25cm…

How can the two frame sizes be so close in physical size yet have really big variations in recommended rider height?

https://www.ghost-bikes.com/int-en/p/lanao-gwbn1/?HEIGHTS=M

>>2042343
I think more likely when I force or fast pedal, but even when I tried pedal slower or more smoothly the sounds still happen too. im sorry I just dont reallyk now for sure
>>2042344
so what should I do? I honestly really don't wanna buy another bike. I simply can't afford other non-chinese stuff for more than $200. even though used Giant/Merida models for like $250-400

>>2042349
no, get the M
the variation of height is due to being able to lower or raise saddle
4cm is the seat tube, the top tube will be longer, the cranks maybe longer, the stem longer

>>2042357
>>2042355
bro thats a womans bike, fuck you doing?
the M is size 44cm, I am your height and I got a 48cm hardtail

>>2042355
>>2042358
nvm I checked, got a 43cm

>>2042359
>bro thats a womans bike, fuck you doing?

im 169 which according to the cannondale at the top end for a size M
the bike that i got had 42cm reach and i had to buy a shorter stem cause it was just too long for me
we could argue about this shit all day
go to any bike shop and try out bikes there and then look up the geometry online

>>2042361
looking up the geometry online and comparing to subjective feel of the bike shop model isn't good for much more than a ballpark because of differences in contact points. two bikes from different brands could have just a 2cm difference in handlebar width and the same geometry and it would feel like a totally different bike. same goes for stuff like tires, stems, crank lengths, how tilted the bars are. not to say geo doesn't matter but it's like trying to figure out what a wine will taste like by looking only at the alcohol % and the grape type, sure it tells you something but not enough

>>2042362
So it’s basically impossible to buy second hand unless you’ve tried that specific brand/model in person?

I was transporting on a bell sedan bike rack when the quick release on my wheel fell off. That wheel is gone forever.

It’s 200 to replace. I raised a stink and got it down to 89, but still, thats a lot of dough.


Do not buy quick release bikes….

>>2042363
It's idiotic to buy second hand if you haven't test ridden the specific bike you're buying.

Where's the best place to find local alleycat meets? What's the best place to advertise one in my area? I need a bicycle race, and I need it on empty streets. Skating at the time alleycats would generally occur would also be super sick, given the whole empty streets aspect of it.

For your information:
An alleycat meet is an event organized in semi-secret, kind of "underground", and they take place late at night / early mornings on weeknights, when no drunks are out driving. There's competition and socialization in store. So what do?

>>2042370
Don't listen to this guy.
Treks are generally a safe bet.
Check the welds on Cannondales.
Specialized is a richfag brand, but they're also good for the same reasons.
Off-branders can be a mixed bag, but they're not so bad. A bunch of car brands have one or two bicycles. John Deere has one. Etc. etc.

>>2042372
It's not about the brand. It's about the condition.

>>2042373
It's both, but yes. If you can't recognize the condition a bike is in, you're up shit creek without a paddle.

At that point, might as well ask a friend to help you pick one out on Facebook marketplace.

>>2042365
>be you
>be absolute retard who cant tighten a quick release
>cry and shitpost

Sorry for the retarded question but where do e-bike posts even go on 4chan? /n/, /o/, /trv/, /g/? I haven't been able to find a dedicated e-bike thread ever.

It doesn't help that the e-bike scene is divided into so many subsets too, with chinesium motorcycle larpers vs. ethical pedal assist enjoyers

>>2042388
>I haven't been able to find a dedicated e-bike thread ever.
>>>2039417
>>>2001147
>>>2037502
>>>2033665

>>2041945 (OP)
could strava be used as a dating app?

>>2042393
no, but it's a great stalking app

>>2042391
These threads suck I don't want to be a fatass on a mobility scooter I want to larp as a cyclist

>>2042394
eh close enough

>>2042395
Then you're buying an e bike for the worst reason? Buy a pedal-assist trike, old man.

>>2042365
quick release was the standard for like 50 years. you're the only idiot I ever heard about who lost a wheel on a car rack.

>>2042388
go to /o/ and not here

>>2042398
Fr

>>2042399
Tbh if it was me throttle bikes would go on /o/, DIY shit would go on /diy/ or /g/ and pedelecs would go on /n/

Do people ever buy cable sleeves without replacing the whole cable? I had the sleeve fail. I can see it has reinforcement wires and a lubricated inner sleeve for the main cable to pass through, but the other part just split open. It just seems dumb that you need to throw out the whole cable because the sleeve became brittle and split. And since I'm replacing the bar tape, I feel like I should replace the brake cables too even though they are fine, but if the outer sleeve fails on them too i'll have to remove the bar tape again to replace them.

>>2042407
pic related

>>2042407
>>2042409
Ok I read brake cables are tougher so I can probably just not replace them. Now I'm confused because my frame uses segmented housing and the replacement shifter cables are full length housing.

>>2042410
dude replace the cables. they wear and you lose breaking power and shifting gets sloppy and it gets hard to even shift when its cold out. if the housing is that far gone I can only imagine the state of the cable

Will this work? It's on Amazon (UK) but I have a feeling it's a low quantity product. I want to soak small parts in it and then scrub off the rust

Or this, something tells me it's better

>>2041970
Who's the guy in black? He looks like he can fight

>>2042407
in my experience the cable will fray when you remove the end cap making it harder to feed back though the outer
inner cables are so cheap you can save yourself a headache for a few bucks

i've only ever built new wheels on modern rims. recently got a 90's mtb and the wheels need truing (pretty badly and a spoke is broken). how do I learn what tension the rims are good for?

>>2042448
>>2042449
They're both basically the same as WD-40.

>>2042478
The same as a degreaser?
So what do you recommend then, how about a bit of help?

>>2042476
not sure how realistic this is to your situation, but I always check my wheel builds against my other wheels, which I know are built right. just squeeze the spokes around the built wheel, then squeeze my build and compare. but this assumes you could access another 26" mtb with wheels known to be accurately built. oh, and the spoke count also has to match less spokes need more tension and vice versa.
if you have access to a tension meter, bikegremlin.com has a list of proper tension for different rims and spoke counts.

>>2042476
I pluck the spokes like a guitar string and go by relative feel on a wheel to wheel basis

>>2042488
Both will work.
It's a simple chemical reaction, the ingredients are cheap as fuck. You don't even need a gel or thick liquid as you posted, since you're planning on soaking the parts anyway.
I'd get the cheapest available rust remover from the bottom shelf in your local shart mart.

>>2042493
Really? That goes against my intuition. I don't mind spending more to get the best, which is likely most expensive

Should I buy pedal straps

>>2042495
Then you do you.
But that's like buying 15yo Single Malt Scotch to disinfect your toilet seat.

>>2042497
Only if you want to commute / run errands on a fixed gear in nice shoes.
Toe cages and clips are easier to get into and give better grip, but scuff shoes.
MTB clipless is superior but you need special shoes.
Road clipless is the best for power transfer and control but requires shoes you can't walk in.
For casual riding on a geared or single speed bike with freewheel, you need none of it.

>>2042499
I want something that gives me more efficient pedalling but doesn't require special shoes. I don't care how stupid they look and I don't care how much they scuff up my sneakers/boots. Not having to replace my current flat pedals would be a plus.

>>2042476
look up the specs for the rim make/model. it has the spoke tension range.

>>2042500
Then pedal straps would be the cheapest option.
Just be aware that they're also the worst option for power transfer and getting into them.
IMO clipless is so much better it doesn't make sense to use anything else. Either commit, or keep riding on flat pedals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te4QEdF-DhA&t=393s

>>2042502
Thanks... Maybe I'll look into MTB clipless. I definitely need something I can at least get off and walk around on.

>>2042503
I commute on MTB clipless and spend entire days in the shoes. It's not cheap to convert, though.

>>2042503
different guy here. I'd use toe cages with the little straps that come with them over the big straps, and a cheap set costs very little and should work with any flat pedal before I shell out real dough for special pedals and shoes.
cages are cool because you can just shove your foot in. I always had mine a little loose without tightening them down while riding. the thick straps were a bit of a faff imo.
the black plastic ones are cheap. Nitto and perhaps others have cages in different sizes so you can dial in how far forward your toes go, if you want.

>>2042505
I'm looking at the SHIMANO PD-ME700 for a cheap and reliable entry-level pedal. The amazon reviews say they come with cleats that attach to my current shoes? Would I need new shoes in that case?

>>2042507
The cleats are included.
You still need special shoes that have a mounting point for MTB cleats.
There are also "adapters" for normal shoes, but they cost as much as a pair of special shoes, and are basically just a foot strap that attaches to the cleat.

>>2042508
Sorry for the noob questions, if I get Shimano shoes to go with the cleats, can I still walk around with the cleats screwed onto the shoes, or would I need to take them off first?

Will any cycling shoes work with the cleats that come with the Shimano pedals or would there be compatibility concerns if I bought shoes from somebody other than Shimano?

>>2042507
Yes, you would need shoes that are compatible with 2 bolt cleats. Do not get the stupid bullshit ones on Amazon for like $50. If it looks like a sneaker it's probably shit.
Toe cages and straps are shit. They aren't doing anything for you unless you actually tighten them, which you can only do after you put your feet on. Nobody does that. Power Grips are a good option if you want straps that work the way people think toe cages work. They're mounted at an angle, so when you straighten your foot there's tension on the strap.

>>2042509
You need specifically SPD (mountainbike) compatible shoes. And some that look like sneakers are actually good. The gold standard for SPD sneakers are Adidas Velosamba, but they're expensive.

>>2042510
These look really interesting actually

sometimes i lie awake at night and think of ways to kill ebike posters with their own ebikes

bit concerning but as long as i can still seperate reality from internet its fine

anyway what do you guys think is the ideal, go-everywhere, carry-at-least-250-pounds bike under 500 dollars?

nothing used please i need a warranty in case some shit happens

>>2042518
none

>>2042515
I really liked them except they bolt on and therefore they only size to one shoe. if you had, say, adidas shell toes and some flyknit shoes, you could make the powergrips properly grab only one without unbolting, readjusting and rebolting the strap.

Will people laugh at me if I daily with a step-through style bicycle? I always associated these frames with utility bikes but recently learned they're traditionally for women, I'm not a woman (nor will I ever be)

hnnngh...gooner time activated...feminized nonny on a step through...sweaty under the spats....go for it >>2042522

can I get an answer from a non-coomer?

>>2042525
no one gives a shit what you ride

>>2042522
I'll sniff your saddle while it's locked regardless because your bike is bikesexually a girl's bike

>>2042529
I’m going to ride without a saddle with the frame going straight into my asshole just to spite you like the hetero man that I am

>>2042531
I'll tongue your step-through's seattube in that case

>>2042522
they're all going to constantly give you weird looks and start calling you a sissy whilst insulting the size of your penis

This is a coomer board. We coom here.

Is it bad to skip gears when accelerating from a stop? And by bad I mean damaging to the drivetrain.

So, I am in a new, giant city. I can't really reach any tree-dense parks today, they are all too far to reach before nightfall.

Unfortunately I am going to have to camp out behind an industrial park. It's much more exposed than I'd like. My entire life is on the bike, and I can't afford to get it stolen. Any tips/advice on securing it so that nobody takes it? I was thinking tie a rope or cord to my arm or leg before tucking in, but someone can just cut that while I snore, and ride off.

>>2042546
you think your things would be safer if you camped in some shitty park in giant city? tie line from your tent to the bike.

>>2042547
it'd be more out of sight inside some trees, than in this shitass parking lot.

line from tent to bike is still cuttable but i can try that, ive got a guideline thru the frame/wheel atm

>>2042546
Lock it up and sleep right beside it so if anyone starts sawing through the locks it will wake you up?

>>2042549
locks are giga heavy + giga expensive, not an option unfortunately i shouldve put that in the original post i suppose

>>2042551
Bro even a cheap ass U lock stuck in the back wheel + frame to prevent someone from riding off on it is gonna make enough noise that if someone tries to take it off it will wake you up. Your whole life is on the bike but you can't afford $25 and a couple kg? Unless you're in a giga shithole it's unlikely that someone is gonna try to steal it when you're sleeping right by it anyway imo, thieves go for unattended bikes, less risk.

>>2042546
Absolute larp. No city is too large to make it put to a nicer place to pitch for the night.
Regarding the stealing thing: The cord idea is right on the money. If youre hamocking just tie a fishing line from your stufd to the hammock. Anyone trying to take a thing will wake you up.
Regarding locks: You should have one. In cities lock up next to nicer bikes. Also leave your stuff mostly on the bike, no one wants your stuff, no thief wants to bother removing it, it would be noisy aswell and it just screams 'trash bike, not worth it'.
Long story short: A lock on a cheap bike, even if only locking a wheel to the frame, is the best deterrent.

>>2042552
>>2042554
thanks boys ive been watching youtube videos about other bikepackers saying that they’re too heavy and british people cutting 250$ shits in pieces with an angle grinder in seconds but you know what ur right it doesnt need to be unbreakable just needs to stop someone until im up and about.

i AM in a giga shithole, in a giga shithole state, but you’re right it’s worth a few pounds for some peace of mind

ill legally acquire one tomorrow when walmart opens

good day my dear bike users

im noob. for first time I will do something to check the bike.
when I pedals it crack so damn loud, so often now. no matter heavy pedal or light, even when I dont pedal and just put pressure on my feet to them while coasting down, still cracking too.

I need a process of elimination. please tell me what to do. my first step is buy new pair of pedals and try replace it, what you think?

my bike:
I also want to ask about single speed conversion kit to this bike. I asked ZTTO (a chinese brand) they said I need to check whether my freehub(hub?) is what type. they shown picture of 3 types: MS, HG, XD. their stuff only fit HG type. how can I check my hubs is what type bros?

much thanks, many appreciation.

>>2042559
I forgot to say: I have no tools except a very cheap multitool advertised for bicycle (its just some hex keys and some scoopy things). please tell me if I need other equipment.

>>2042559
>>2042560
rip ur BB bro
also why go singlespeed, absolute autism

>>2042562
Careful anon i already said its probably the bb in a different thread and some anon went on a schizo rant

>>2042562
WTF. I thought BB is so tough? I bought this bike brand new 1 month ago from supermarket.
so if I keep using it now, it will break on the street?
I go single speed because I want cheap components (the 12 speed casette and chains are 5 times more expensive), and I think it's more durable, since the SS components are bigger. I also rarely shift with this bike. I only use 4-5 cogs at max. if u have better idea pelase help me

luckily, I contacted the supermarket tis bike still in warranty, they will send someone to check for me.
but this supermarket doesn't know shit about bike so Im not sure if the guy they send will actually know how to fix it, or if they will give me free replacement.

I'm still in a pinch. I thought bicycle is simple. I bought this 1x12 because I wanted less parts to deal with

>>2042565
you act like you will change cassetes and chains every 2 months

>>2042566
I understand what you mean and think, however I'm unironically poor. I bought this bike at 50% discount (the supermarket will stop selling bikes altogether). I use chinese almost nameless bicycle oil instead of stuff like muc-off and so on. it's all I can comfortably afford in the near future anon. besides that, if money wasn't a problem, I still find it weird that I only use like 4 out of 12 cogs. it's kinda wasteful to me.

>>2042564
just buy chinese chains and cassettes
also a singlespeed will wear out faster than if you were using mutiple gears

>>2042344
pedals dont make cracking noise usually. But its easy to check, swap pedals from another bike and test. Pedals usually interchange and most people have a wrench that can do the job.

Thoughts on the REI coop store brand bike?

>>2042579
I have that exact one, the CTY 1.1. It feels like you’re rolling on air on pavement, so good. On gravel it’s a bit rougher I’d swap some tires/release some pressure.


They also have a DRT 1.1 for the same amount of money.


A decent budget option. Better than flipping a coin on Fb Marketplace imo you dont know which bikes are good and bad


just make sure to buy their membership, for 30 extra bucks you get a 1 year return policy and free tire repair/adjustments.


Have them fit you before purchase (it’s free) and have them run u thru how to shift and how to get on da bike

>>2042577
pedals, cleats, spindles, shoes, all of those things can make noise

>>2042579
Looks like any other budget hybrid bike

>>2042579
thats a 300 dollar bike
>>2042580
kill yourself and go back

>>2042579
not much to say really. cheap, low end but functionaly components. obviously hydro disk brakes would be better. $600 feels a bit steep for what it is, i'd rather spend that money on a (used?) road bike that actually feels good to ride.

>>2042585
what’s your problem schizoid did your discord “”gf”” break up with you

>>2042567
The BB is fucked because its a bike shaped object sold in a supermarket (50% off because no one wants them), its probably bottom of the barrel chink shit parts like the rest of the bike

Hopefully whoever they send actually replaces the BB instead of just handing you another broken bike and telling you "good luck"

You will more than likely need to replace all sorts of shit in the long run

Find a 3X8 master race bike and you will get years out of chains and sprockets

>>2042568
thank u for the advice, but that (chinese branded items like ztto) is still 5 times more expensive than typical 7 speed chain that I can buy. I've only been comparing chinese or brandless items, if I compare it to premium brands like shimano, scram, etc.... it's XX times more expensive.
well, I just hate being poor I guess. I will get more nice things in the future if I can.

>>2042601
I think you're mostly correct. they actually sold off more reputable models like from Giant and Merida at a huge discount (they r not going to sell bikes anymore) a few months ago but I didnt know about it back then, or know anything about bike.

the check up guy will coem tomorrow, can you teach me what to say to him? is there an estimated cost for this BB, if I want to get just an average, reliable BB for my bike?

I don't mind buying upgrades like grips, pedals, saddles and such if it's within my budget. but those components like BB, hubs and shit are so tricky. there are just so many types of them I'm afraid I will get the wrong kind.

maybe my next bike will be 3x7/8 like you advised. maybe it'll be 1x7. or just a single speed commuter normie bike. idk

thank for advice.

>>2042522
it's complicated. some were marketed back in the day for women because women wearing pants was scandalous and the frame allowed space for dresses and skirts. obviously, women wearing pants has not been scandalized for a hundred years now, so it's safe to say this is an outdated take.
the mixte style frame is a step though design that was never intended as female, it was just a design that was more utilitarian as you said.
the bike you posted looks unisex to me. the swoopy cruisers come in step through designs sometimes and those do tend to look feminine but mostly that take is outdated imo. it's just for closet homos to point and say "faaaag!" so everyone thinks they're hetero now

>>2042522
I wouldn't. it looks comfy to ride to me.
but then again im the bike noob here. my "end game bike" in my wishlist right now is a $500 merida bike

>>2042542
no, I do it all the time and presumably everyone else does, too

so I just googled myself. what the fuck. why are there so many kind of BBs? they range from $10 to $100 and more. so many diameters, name, types.

im pretty sure my 1x12 mtb use nameless shit that dont have any specs (their website dont even have my bike model at all). how can I know which BB im using?
if the checkup guy comes and he dont know shit about bike, how can I guide him bros? the guy who installed my bike was an air conditioner guy. I doubt this time they'll send someone who actually know about bikes

>>2042546
lay a bunch of metal trash/cooking pots on the bike so the noise will wake you up if they move it?
the rope thing, too, sounds good

>>2042614
its got to do with intellectual property, the advent of carbon frames and 'early' composite technology and so on. Lomg story short: Stay classy. Only accept bicycles that accept ISO standard BBs. You then have the option to go with square taper or external bearings and you'll be on a system that has plenty of parts availability, through the entire price range, is plenty strobg etc etc.

Are there any good quality cable locks that can't be snipped through with a pair of shears? I have a cheap ass one from the 90's that I thread through my panniers and seat handle just to stop someone from walking off with them but I'd rather have something a bit newer and more robust if there is anything.

I installed hydraulic brakes, bled them, but then realized that they're too long.
If I drain the oil and cut them, is it okay to insert the new barb when there's oil residue inside the tube or do the tubes need to be completely dry?

>>2042626
>do the tubes need to be completely dry
no

>>2042622
All cable locks are the same in terms of being cut-proof.
You're better off getting a different kind of lock.
I use the Foldylock Forever and it's pretty good.

>>2042629
I have real locks for the bike, I just need something light and cheap to keep a homeless person from unclipping my bags/helmet etc and walking off with it. I guess I'll just keep my current cable.

My state is a turn-right on red (drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light if it's clear) but my city has retarded bike lanes that have to share the right turn lane, and I'm afraid of using the bike lane at intersections as a result because I'm afraid some shithead is going to be pissed at me for sitting in their way even though the light is red. What would you guys do? Would you just say "deal with it" and sit at the intersection anyways or would you move up onto the sidewalk?

>>2042612
Yeah, I'm also a bike noob, and this bike wasn't my endgame, it was a cheap bike I got for a discount for less than $100 freedombux and it was sold to me as a unisex bike but later learned they have a similar model marketed towards women which kinda demoralized me a little bit since I already made the purchase
I really don't think anyone in the real world is actually going to give a shit though, my coping mechanism is the fact that I'll never look like as big of a twat as someone on a scooter. It's a good daily street bike anyhow which is what I need

>>2042634
The purpose of bike lanes is to make biking safer, more comfy and/or faster.
If they don't, ignore them.

>>2042639
>If they don't, ignore them.
Ignore the bike lanes or ignore the potential shitheads?

>>2042644
Ignore the bike lanes and anyone yelling or honking at you for it.

>>2042634
first off, if the first car in line is signalling, or if the wheels are turned and edged over, then no problem, I know they're going to turn. so, if I'm going to turn also, I hang back a little and when they turn on red I know I can pace myself with the rear bumper and safely turn with them. if I'm going straight, I just stay away from the corner curb and let cars turn when they're able away from me.
if they aren't signalling and there's a break in traffic where they could safely turn but don't, then I can assume they're going straight so if I want to turn I know it's safe to do then. but make sure the driver isn't on their phone and just not paying attention first.
if I get to the light first but I'm going straight and a driver pulls up beside me, first I check the signal. if it's blinking I make a show of dragging the bike over to the curb and wave at them to say "turn on red if you want" and usually if the driver wants to they'll edge over to let me know they understood, plus I can usually see their face through the glass. if no signal I still do that process and usually it becomes obvious their intent.
if there's ever any doubt, I just hang back until I see them start moving and then proceed when I'm sure of their path.

jut an update on my bike (the 1x12 mtb chinkslop):

the maintenance guy from supermarket came and he rode my bike for 20 mins and he said its fine. but this time I asked what he specializes in and ONCE AGAIN this guy is another air conditioner repairman motherfucker. I actually felt so funny I laughed in real time

then he wasn't able to diagnose my bike so he rode it to another bikeshop nearby and asked for repair. turns out the supermarket never had warranty for anything besides chainring, cassette,BB and frame. so I had to paid it all (repair cost was $7). the terrifying cracking sounds all came from my rear hub, it used little steel balls and somehow they were crushed. no more cracking sounds for now but idk if the same thing will happen to front hub? can anyone chime in and tell me what else should I inspect on my bike (per month or so)?

>>2042670
dissasemble and lube everything, then put back and torque to spec
>"I hear noise from my pedals"
>"its my pedals I swear"
>its actually rear hub
absolute retard

>>2042671
idk what to tell you since im a bike noob. but I swear the sound came around the pedal/chainring/BB area. only happen wen I ride and sit on it. when I use hands to move the pedal it doesn't make noise at all, no matter how fast I do it.

the guy at bikeshop said the one who installed my bike torqued it wrong or something. are those steel balls durable?

I wasn't there when the bike was being repaired. but I take it that, if this is indeed what was done, from now on I just need to follow this video and do it right? doesnt look too hard.

>>2042670
happened to my hub so I just bought a new wheelset because i wanted to anyway

>>2042674
cheers to that anon. Im watching videos about hubs, balls vs sealed bearings etc now.... it seems like the sealed bearings are superior.

>>2042675
>Im watching videos about balls

>>2042564
This is why we keep saying don't buy a supermarket "bike".
Getting one month of use out of it is actually pretty good.
Any money spent on it will be a waste.
Buy a used $100 bike that's at least 10 years old and doesn't rattle, much better value.

why do all the tire pressure calculators give me ridiculous numbers like 5.5 bar?
been running my 23mm tires at 2.5 the whole time

>>2042679
thats a cute kot
>>2042681
it's not fair to brand it as "supermarket bike" imo. this particular supermarket had nicer models from big brands like Giant, Merida, Trek and stuff they were just all sold out before I learn about it. this particular bike I bought is indeed a "supermarket bike" though.

how do you go and choose used bikes anon? I dont know shit about bikes im pretty sure I will get scammed 100%. I will buy some junk and have to fix a lot 100%. no sellers will be honest or have the patience to answer when I ask for details.

even the bike shop I went for balls repair today. I came back to confirm my bike's maintenance and the shop already dissed my hubs and told me I need to upgrade to cartridge bearings for $85.

I said no and asked them for their pricing on maintenance. they don't have a menu they just say "you'll know it when we dissemble the bike"

Is this still good for $60? It looks like it's already starting to wear out.

>>2042670
>>2042673
Good to hear you got it sorted anon

They probably forgot to install all the ball bearings from the factory tbqh , id wouldn't worry about the front wheel if its not making any horrible noises

>>2042689
pumped those cunts to 5.5bar/79 psi
super smooth on asphalt but the cobblestone rattled my bones so hard that i couldnt go faster than walking speed

>>2042672
The balls are durable, but they may have fucked up the cone by grinding into it.
Replacing the balls and greasing the hubs isn't hard, but it's messy. You also need a degreaser to get the old shit out.

>>2042690
>I will buy some junk and have to fix a lot 100%. no sellers will be honest or have the patience to answer when I ask for details.
So, exactly like with the new bike you bought?

>the shop already dissed my hubs
You mean the hubs that literally came broken from the factory? How dare they?
>and told me I need to upgrade to cartridge bearings for $85.
Also correct, if you insist on keeping the bike. I bet they advized against that. It would be throwing good money after bad.
>I said no and asked them for their pricing on maintenance. they don't have a menu they just say "you'll know it when we dissemble the bike"
Understandable. They can't know how shit your bike is inside before they looked. What takes half an hour to fix on a decent bike could take hours, involve replacing lots of parts or be straight up impossible on your Shartmart Special.

I was at a neighborhood bike shop the other day drooling over the rare and obscure $15k bikes and they gave me a nice little speech about how great they were and I should join their eval program and use it for a day or two for a few hundred dollars (refundable on purchase) and then they casually mentioned another bike they had that was only $6500 and in my mind I was like holy shit that is an amazing deal I should buy that one

Are expensive bikes just price anchors for making less expensive bikes seem attainable?

>>2042719
No. You can buy basically the same exact vehicle the world pros race on, the absolute pinnacle of technology and performance, for $15k.
What other racing sport allows you to do that?

>>2042701
thanks anon. things do seem good for now, I will try to get more experience and maybe hands on practice with bikes.
cone and cups are supposed to be way cheaper to maintain and repair, but if I go to shop it's not much cheaper than their cartridge services anymore.

>>2042707
yeah it seems difficult. I will probably give myself a try or two before giving up if I keep fucking shit up. maybe sell the bike in a few years and upgrade to a better one.

>>2042708
well I understand your point and while I agree with it to a degree, it still doesn't give me better solutions doesn't it?

how do u know a brand new bike from more well known brands (like Giant for example) won't ever have the same shitty problems right after unboxing? I reckon the odds are rarer but nothing is guaranteed.

and like I told you I dont know shit about bikes. maybe u can look at any old bike and correctly evaluate it's status but I cant. matter of fact, many people in my country got ripped off and frustrated for buying used bikes, even when they look so new and good at the beginning, and come from good brands too. not even talking about fakes yet but I think there are less fakes in your country than mine.

anyway, I know it makes sense to take up your advice when I have more money or experience, for now I will just deal with it and learn

>>2042708
by the way, since u especially recommended buying used bikes. do you have any recommendations for models and brands? I don't mind if it's old or basic. I just want reliability and ease of maintenance (if cheap even better).

when buying my current bike I only had two criteria: hydraulic brakes for strong stoppage because traffic in vietnam is dangerous. and lockable suspension fork for very bumpy roads. I didnt know much else

>>2042722
>how do u know a brand new bike from more well known brands (like Giant for example) won't ever have the same shitty problems right after unboxing?
They have quality control, warranty, a reputation to lose, and several decades worth of returning customers
>maybe u can look at any old bike and correctly evaluate it's status but I cant
Here's a free pro-tip for you: When looking at used bikes (or cars) as a beginner, it's hard to evaluate the quality of the bike. So instead, you evaluate the quality of the seller.
If you're buying from a man who lives in a suburb with his family, can tell you where he bought the bike, doesn't pressure you, etc. then you can almost buy it without looking at it. A person like that won't invite strangers to their home to fuck them over for $100.
If the seller meets you in a parking lot, can't tell you shit about the bike, and exerts time pressure on you in any way, the bike is either shit or stolen.

>>2042726
IMO both of your requirements are wrong for city riding. A 50-year-old road bike rim brake is strong enough to make you go over the bars. A 40-year-old MTB rim brake will offer enough control so you don't. And what you want in a city are 50mm+ tires, not a suspension.
I'd recommend a mountainbike (important: with a standard frame shape, no suspension or weird shapes) from Specialized, Scott, Giant, Schwinn, Merida. Or simply google "90s MTB" and look at the brand names that pop up the most. The ones that sucked all ended up in a landfill, long before digital photos were a thing.
If you find a bike from one of those brands in your price range, test ride it. If nothing rattles or squeaks, the size feels allright, and you can still adjust the saddle height, buy it.

>>2042729
forgot Trek, obviously.

>>2042727
>>2042729
thank you for the extended advice. I shall take my current bike as a learning experience and maybe learn to tinker/maintenance it before I get a better bike. if the day come soon enough I will share an update of me searching/looking for my next bike. I did a quick search and it seems like any non-taiwan/chinese brands are way out of my budget though. I'm thinking about renting a good model for a hour or two to see what I've been missing.

btw, are pedals something I should upgrade? nothing wrong right now but once again, I never used one with multiple cartridge bearings inside it

>>2042731
Only upgrade pedals when you're ready for (and can afford) clipless pedals and shoes.
First upgrade should be good tires, but only after you're at a point where the bike fits you (so saddle is usually the very first thing to switch) and is in good shape (especially clean, lubed drivetrain and the correct tire pressure).

>>2042732
I guess I will find a chance to see if I can actually use the shoes with cleats. I know it'll make the ride better but it looks difficult, and streets here are very chaotic at times. it does sound like a direct and efficient upgrade though. points taken.

all this information I asked today should be good for me in the upcoming weeks/months if no extra troubles arise. thank you

>>2042732
pretty dumb post
stock plastic pedals are goshit
getting even cheap resin pedals with pins will be a massive improvement and make you safer

Are roadies mentally ill?

>>2042393
>>2042394
how to use strava as a dating app?

I still have trouble accepting the lower tier PSI = less rolling resistance meme

>>2042756
Tire*

>>2042756
I'm extremely skepitcal, sounds like more MTBfag propaganda to me. Lower tire pressure means more ground contant, which would mean higher rolling resistance but more traction

>>2042742
what do thoses small pins do? Im a flat user

>>2042767
keep your shoes from sliding on the pedal

>>2042772
thanks. how do u choose a good pedal?
am I right to think tougher quality (plastic vs alu vs steel/titan whatever) = better?
or more cartridge bearings inside = better?

here are some models I can afford while on sales (they all cost from $4 to $13)

bike noob here. I came to a conclusion: it's much cheaper to buy a bike that came with all the components I want, then buy a bike frame and then buy all those components separately right?

it's the opposite of building a PC? where you buy each item for cheaper, but buying a pre-built PC at the store is usually more expensive?

>>2042777
pc building hasn’t really been like that for a while it used to be a huge difference but now its not really much unless you are retarded and buy a meme pc, pre builds go on sale and then its like the same or a better deal


It literally just depends on sales. For both bikes and pcs

>>2042777
This is true but most people will feel the immediate need to "upgrade" their bike because of peer pressure.
The only real thing you need to change is tires but bikes are coming with semi-decent stock rubber now

>>2042775
You're overthinking it at this price point. Those cost as much as one drink at a bar. Choose one you like the look of.

>>2042777
yes. Parts are much cheaper when you buy 10000. So a company can buy all the parts, pay someone to assemble them, ship the bike to you, make a profit, and still sell it cheaper than whatjust the frame and wheels would cost you as a private consumer.

>>2041945 (OP)
Adult here.

Suddenly had this urge to have a bike again since not having one since I was a kid. Was thinking of a fixed gear bike of some sorts. What sort of brands and stuff should I look out for or what should I look out for in general (work at a thrift store so often have access to bikes)

Kind of want to get into modding them or making Frankenstein bikes from scraps I find from work. How do I into this hobby

>>2042775
bro u dont have money for spare chains, and you jump on buying random bullshit

you dont need pins, you ride in the city
have you EVER dropped your pedal

god I hate underages

>>2042802
im actually 27 just not very bright. well the 12s chain is like 5-10 times more expensive than the pedals I took in that pic. but you're right. this is just mainly curiosity and consoom shit kicking in. I've been watching bike videos and posts for the last few weeks now lol

>>2042794
it makes sense. I was surprised when I bought the bike pretty cheap, but the shifter+derailleur buying alone cost like 1/4 my bike.

>>2042793
im poor. average salary here is like $250 and I barely earn more than that. its not like I want to buy one immediately I just wanna know what makes a pedal good and worth choosing more.

>>2042790
I hope it's true. I will never skim on tires though even if they become more expensive. gotta save one's life on the roads.

>>2042786
I see. I haven't built a PC in some time. I'll just compare and look for deals more next time I buy something significant

>>2042800
option 1 - find your local university, show up wearing a backwards hat and a band shirt from when you were young and cool, and try to fit in with a bunch of 20 year old bike co-op twits who love the smell of their own farts and already think they're a superior form of life compared to the other NPC 20 year olds let alone some washed up boomer who is obviously just there to perv on the young girls and be "problematic". if they don't throw you out immediately and get you added to the campus security watch list, spend hundreds of hours digging through junk drawers to put together something that kind of works, and become a local campus legend as the creepy perv who hung out here for a few months to be a perv but ended up building a bike by accident

option 2 - find a nearby shop that caters to fixie/crit millennial IPA onions people, and fork over your adult money for a proper cinelli frameset, then go online and have someone in another state build you up a proper set of deep section track wheels. then roll it up to the nearest critical mass ride and get immediately run over by an obese law enforcement hero in a heavily armored 4x4 for "resisting arrest"

>>2042807
Lmao. Ok so if I is want a bike in general what is the go to style to get that is a jack of all trades type.

>>2042809
a good quality, 90s 26" mountain bike. you can make this a comfy cruiser, a quick-ish road inspired bike, or put a rack or basket on to carry your shit.

>>2042809
the current meme "timeless forever bike" is gravel, and that's the segment where you'll find the most options that cater to someone with your mentality, budget, and requirements

note that "gravel" is such an open-ended concept that there's going to be everything from garbage BSOs that are barely worth the cost of having it hauled away by junk luggers dot com, to actual good bikes that will make you want to quit your job and just be a bike bum for life, so don't assume that a thing that is sold as a gravel bike will have any particular properties that make it good for your needs, just throwing the term at you to help you get up to date on the current zeitgeist

>>2042807
Literally everyone still riding a fixie today is 40+, married and has a desk job.
The fixie lets them feel young again and it's the perfect excuse when zoomers zoom past them.

>>2042807
kek

Do competitive cyclists avoid building muscle mass outside their legs? Like I know they're lean but do they actively avoid training arms/core/etc and added unnecessary muscle weight?

>>2042827
pros will typically do a fair amount of core and full posterior chain exercises but not bench press if that's what you're asking

>>2042811
>>2042812
>>2042809
another anon here, it should be noted that gravel and 90s rigid mtb are both the same as far as rigid framed bikes that go off-road but are ok on road. when mtbs evolved into front or fully suspended and the frame geometry changed radically away from the more traditional bike geo mtbs began with , gravel was developed to occupy the casual offroad and onroad niche that original mtbs excelled at.
so both anons are right but sort of saying the same thing in a way. the difference is gravel is new, out-of-the-box solution whereas 90s mtb could use some different tires for jack of all trades and being older may need some maintenance with the key advantage that you can get one for $100-200 in most markets. many times top-of-the-line models sell for the same price as department store models so you can get fancy steel or alu and awesome components from people who are just trying to get rid of it.
new gravel will be over $1000 but you get a warranty, drop bars (whether you want them or not, but they're good imo) disc brakes (rim brakes are fine but disc is more powerful it's true) and 700c wheels which are a bit better for these kind of bikes. some 90s hybrid mtbs have them, though.

What is the loud rolling ticking/clicking noise that I see fancy bikes making

>>2042838
its the hub
imagine spinning a ratchet same thing
loud = expensive

I need goggles for the sun and for bugs, but I already wear glasses (cant wear contacts because I flinch too much.) Any advice? Obviously cant plop them on top of the normal glasses

>>2042844
you can get prescription lenses for almost all frames
get polarized lenses if you ride during the day and photochromic lenses(self tinting) if you ride later in the day

>>2042844
You're looking for prescription inserts.

If I have a cm of clearance on either side of my 700c 45 mil tires on the lower chain stays then can I realistically fit a 650b with 55 mil tires? I accidentally bought 27.5 wheels and now I want to put 2.2 inch Race Kings on them for more volume for my fat. I have to run my current rear tire at 65 psi because of my formidable heft so bigger tires seems like the ticket.
>in b4 just loose weight fatty
That's why I have the bike

>>2042848

>>2042745

>>2042848
no idea the answer to your question. ask some guy at your local bike shop.

Self improvement is based though, good job fatty. we are rooting for you

>>2041945 (OP)
What is a good size bike or good type of bike for a 5ft5 vegeta king?

Always hated having to start off in a tilt or having to do a tilted runner just to get started

where do road niggas stash their phone/wallet/keys?

Is this how it's supposed to be (GX shifter)? Cable end seems out place and I can't pull it out. Don't want parts to jump out and having to rebuild the whole thing...

>>2042767
>>2042772
Don't forget injuring your calves...
>>2042775
First 3 and last ones are the same; I have them: 3 bearings, ultra light, cost me 17,75€, but came with the axle cover screw so tight i rounded the hex socket, and after a lot of back and forth, AliExpress refunded me without return, so I got them for free...

>>2042854
Trek seems to have a single piece chain/seat stays

>>2042756
>>2042758
This, but specially smoother ride on irregular terrain/pavement, which in the end may result in lower rolling resistance due to less bumping around. Can attest to it.

>>2042861
Sizing is going to depend on the bike/brand you're looking at, but probably small or medium for most brands. What type of bike you should get really depends on the kind of riding of riding you're interested in. Do you want to ride mountain bikes on trails? Go fast on a road bike? Race a triathlon? Do tricks on a BMX? Cruise on a beachfront path? etc.

>>2042862
For most rides I just put my phone in a jersey pocket, cards/housekey go in my saddle bag with my flat fixing kit.

>>2042868
It's a safe bet the chainstays flex enough not to need an extra pivot by the dropout. That's what pretty much all XC bikes have gone to the past few years.

>>2042865
Not sure from that picture. If something doesn't feel right though you should feed the cable back through the shifter and then verify the shifter is in its fully retracted position before re-installing.

>>2042871
Didn't know about xc, not really following it, but in this case looks like chainstay still is attached to the frame by a pivot, so its more of an open triangle.

Somehow i can't shift cable back into position, as in vidrel:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=33Rad49T5Yc
Guess I'll have to find how to reassemble it, before commiting; seems like I'll have to disassemble it... :/

>>2042867
damn.... is it really the same one? import fees and whatever cost so much. but how much is 17euro to you? like average hourly salary for the person there?

to me , 340,000 = 1.25 day of working. it sucks so much that all my hours slaving can only afford those pedals

>>2042920
They actually costed some 31€ but i had a coupon, so that's what i ended up paying; there's plenty versions, from under 20 € to nearly 40 €, also depending on axle (steel, titanium); these are 21€, here:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQOoTmK
17€ is some 3.5h minimum wage.

Bought a small-wheel commuter (20"). Are 20/24 spokes good enough for handling <10kg load for someone around 85kg?

>>2042932
yes

I'm a 5'6" (1.7m for those that didn't land on the moon) what would be optimal "normal sized" tires for me? 26in?

>>2042934
26 is ideal, but that format is dead now in new adult-sized bikes. If you can restore a vintage MTB or want to risk it with a new chink steel frame from AliExpress, go for it.
27.5 works if the wheelbase is long enough to not make the standover height too tall.
28 is too tall even with small frames.
t. 170cm

These straps were £44 and they're SHIT. What the actual fuck. They made the metal link so big that it has no structure. Also my knee hurts with straps, don't know what's wrong

>>2042965
love the white and blue on your bicicleta anonga

as for your strappy pedals idk man. they look like a tripping/fall hazard to me, same with clipless. for me its a 20 dollar pair of normal flats with some screwy things in them for grip

>>2042965
holy retard did you really spend 44 pounds on fucking velcro straps?

>>2042968
from your writing style I can tell you are the poorfag vietcong

you know NOTHING about pedals bro, chill

>>2042965
Hahahha thanks man, it is a really nice bike.
They are a trip hazard, I know this because I nearly tripped today. Only second time using them since I was told by many j need Foot retention and it's non negotiable

>>2042965
>>2042968
Oops

>>2042965
for that same money you could have gort m520s

>>2042988
Why the hell would I want to have to walk around in special Shoes?

>>2042932
the small circumference is inherently stronger and doesn't need as many spokes. this was presumably the logic that gave early mtbs 26" wheels before they realized it wasn't necessary and they switched to 29" which is 700c circumference (iso 622)

>>2042972
retard im not him

and even if i was, vietguy is just new to bikes and doesnt have a specialized slop store near him, he’s making do with the best he has

have you considered getting a life and some perspective or are you simply a larping contrarian that doesnt go /out/

Just dropped chain tryna sprint past a car downhill at 70kmh, bent the fuck out of it
glad i didn’t fall off tho i guess
Should i just bend this shit back or what

>>2042968
>they look like a tripping/fall hazard to me, same with clipless

>>2042989
Cause you're special!

>>2042965
>pins and straps
Have you been diagnosed yet?

>>2042989

>>2043007
is this oem or a mod?

>>2043008
oem
2 hole cleats, which are mostly for mtb but you can find some road bike style shoes aswell

>>2042997
new chain

>>2042807
who hurt you?

>>2043025
Pre waxed durace is on the way

>>2043007
Go away

>pos beater has cheap entry level forks (suntour XCM i think)
>very stiff and useless
>remove lower forks and clean out any shit in there
>give fork stanchions a clean + light steel wool on the massive rust patch below one of the dust seals
>put forks back together
>Much more travel, feel almost normal again
>lowers now have slight play and you can feel it rocking back and forth if you hold in front brake (feels like a loose headset)

Have i killed it? ive also noticed the compression/rebound setting knobs on top of forks (that never worked) have now came loose, just the plastic parts that turn, rode it about last night for a while and nothing catastrophic has happened so far

I have shimano rs305 mechanical disk brakes
is there ANYTHING I can do to make them good?

>>2043098
Yeah

what bearings do single speed flip flop hubs use? I need a replacement and don't know what size to get

>>2043163
the shaft is 3/8 btw

>>2043163
>>2043165
never mind I found it, it's 6000 2RS

>>2042997
you can remove that link and use some quick links as a replacement

>>2043172
or rivet in any spare regular links you saved after you sized the chain.
you DO save your extra links, don't you?

Is the wheel fucked? It has 6 cracks like that.

>>2043235
shits fucked
go on aliexpress and get a carbon wheelset for 300 bucks

full carbon 105 worth 530$?

>>2043235
ya. it's done.
I was having a problem with my spokes coming loose repeatedly on a wheel, so I over tensioned it and it did this.
I kept the hub and ended up building my first wheel as a replacement, so some good came out of it at least.

>>2043226
yeah but this chain came with the bike so no
slapped the new chain on just now, and yeah i saved the links. Im gonna repair the old chain because its not too worn

>>2043254
anons please answer... i talked him down to 480

>>2043370
Yeah if its not fucking cracked

>>2043371
looked fine to me so i bought it
if it implodes im going to kill myself and haunt you

>>2043373
no you aren’t. Ill be seeing you in velohalla when i launch myself into an oncoming fancy Mercedes

What's the bike equivalent of a shitbox?

should I be worried about a sudden lack of ratcheting noise from the rear hub? it became completely silent after changing the tire, but it's still spinning fine

>>2043424
as long as it still engages when you pedal and freewheels when you coast I'd personally let it ride. whenever I flush and oil my freewheel or freehub, it gets almost silent, but that's weird that it happened after a tire change. maybe you knocked some grease into the pawls or something, which would be harmless.
keep an eye on it and report back, I guess.

>>2043406
90s rigid mtb on slicks

>>2043424
is it a hub from like 15+ years ago? they used to be pretty silent, maybe you just never noticed it?

Why did they make the new XTR so chonky?

>>2043432
yeah it seems to work fine, i suppose i'll ride it until it stops engaging or until the rim wears out.
>>2043444
no it's about a year old, and it made a quite loud clicking/ratcheting noise. it's a DT Swiss P1800 Spline 23 wheelset.

>>2043480
It has a battery inside it.

>>2043433
Yeah, who the hell does that, right? haha

can I put LED bulb in this to make it bright?

dynamo is 6v 5W

new thread
>>2043590
>>2043590
>>2043590