Archive for February 2008
No Clipless Pedals for Me This Year
This is a sadder but wiser update of my 2006 post: Why I don’t use Clipless Pedals.
I am back to Power Grips this year. I don’t know it for sure but I feel that using Clipless Pedals in 2006 contributed to the hip problem that have kept me off of my bicycle for the last year. All I can say is that I had no problems for years with PowerGrips but after 6 months with Clipless Pedals, I had to stop riding because of hip pain. This is not proof but I don’t think I can ignore this strong feeling.
Tips From Ryan Owners Club
Here are some useful tips from the Ryan Owners Club
You can see the complete list at Ryan Owners Club Tips. The Ryan Owners Club is a great resource for all Ryan Owners, I still own two Vanguards.
Most of these tips also work just fime for Longbikes Slipstream Owners.
How to Really Clean a Bicycle Chain – Parody
If you feel the way I do about cleaning your bicycle chain, you might enjoy this parody from the esteemed Sheldon Brown and Tom Deakins.
Check out:
The ShelBroCo Bicycle Chain Cleaning System
Sheldon Brown, we miss you.
Washing and Lubing Your Bicycle
This is video is a little slick but still very good.
The first thing to do before you start your Spring Bicycle maintence or any other Maintence Session is to Wash and Lube your bike. You results will be much improved.
Here’s a set of brushes you might find handy at a reasonable price.
Cleaning Disc Brakes
I knew I should be doing something to my disc barkes.
Odd Bicycling News
I am sad to say this site appears to have died since I wrote this article. I can understand it must have been a lot of work. But it is still worth brosing for the oddities.
Some alternatives that are still active: Total Bike or I Like to Bike
Looking for news about bicyclists, try Bicycling in the News = BitN.
I am not usually a fan of this kind of thing but found myself fascinated by stories like:
Pedaling to Petra – aretz – Tel Aviv,Israel Geographical Tours intends to run bicycle trips to Romania, Morocco and the Republic of Georgia, but their primary destination will be Jordan, … http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/859591.html
When you need a bicycling news fix, give Bicycling in the News = BitN a try, you will find the sad, the ugly, the odd, and the amusing there.
Repairing Flat Bicycle Tires on the Road
I know tire repair sounds pretty basic but tire repair is a key skill for anyone who rides a bicycle more than walking distance from their home or car. I have had lots of tire repair experience and learned what I know the hard way, sitting on the ground in the rain with a flat. My record is 4 flats in one day but with the excellent tubes and tires I use now, I seldom get a flat. But when you do, being prepared and relaxing will take the sting out of the experience.
Just click on the play button to watch the video. I got several good tips watching it and I thought I was a tire repair pro.
Recommended Tire Repair Gear to Carry on your bike:
Rear Deraileur Adjustment Made Simple – Wow!!!
Front Deraileurs are seldom a problem because they seldom need adjustment. But I have often had problems with my rear dérailleur. I know it must be simple but the adjustments have been a mystery to me. Here is a video that makes it all simple. You will want to run out and adjust your rear dérailleur after you watch this video.
Finding a Parking Place for your Car while Bicycle Touring in Vermont
Finding a parking place for your car while you are off on your bicycle tour is a major part of planning a bicycle tour. Each of my tours has had its own answer.
Why I always wear a bicycle helmet
I don’t bicycle without a helmet. That logic has been reinforced for me several times.
