For general questions, I recommend asking on bikeforums.net – the best cycling-related forum in the world. There I actively participate under the “Bike Gremlin” username. Also, many other experts offer help and advice there, so You benefit from getting 2nd opinions. You are also most likely to get a timely response (within a day or two), at least from other knowledgeable members, even if I don’t manage.
If you have any questions regarding a particular article, you can use the comment section below the article. With a suggestion to first try a website search – your question may have already been answered:
If you wish to hear an answer/advice from me, directly, you can ask a question in the BikeGremlin.net forum (even anonymously – by entering any name you wish).
Rules for posting questions and comments.
What is a forum, and how and why did I build the BikeGremlin forum?
In separate articles I explained:
I generally reply to questions within a few weeks or so, in order: first asked, first answered.
Tutorial: how can I add an image to a comment?
How to best phrase/ask the bicycle/mechanics/cycling related questions:
Time spent answering questions on the BikeGremlin websites and YouTube channel (i.e. BikeGremlin forum, since October 2023), according to Clockify:
| Month | hours : minutes |
|---|---|
| 2021 | |
| June | 7:14 |
| July | 7:06 |
| August | 4:56 |
| September | 8:21 |
| October | 4:08 |
| November | 6:55 |
| December | 4:56 |
| 2022 | |
| January | 7:59 |
| February | 4:50 |
| March | 7:39 |
| April | 4:34 |
| May | 7:43 |
| June | 6:31 |
| July | 4:25 |
| August | 4:58 |
| September | 7:20 |
| October | 4:07 |
| November | 5:38 |
| December | 7:48 |
| 2023 | |
| January | 6:50 |
| February | 6:39 |
| March | 5:48 |
| April | 7:08 |
| May | 7:30 |
| June | 7:21 |
| July | 4:33 |
| August | 7:43 |
| September | 3:43 |
| October | 5:23 |
| November (BikeGremlin forum started working) | 7:19 |
| December | 3:50 |
| With the December 2023, I’ve decided to stop tracking statistics on this. |
I’ve gathered enough data to get a rough estimate of the net-time needed to answer all the readers’ questions. From now, instead of using the Clockify timer, I’ll be able to get a rough estimate by looking at my BikeGremlin forum post count.
That is, near the end of October 2023, I created the BikeGremlin forum: www.bikegremlin.net.
What is a forum and why did I make one?
Fewer than 1% of people who ask questions on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook etc. bother to create a forum account and post their questions there. On the other hand, the forum allows me to write better replies (I can add photos and sketches, headings and similar). So, the result seems to be higher quality, with lower quantity – which I personally prefer. 🙂
The existing comments (questions and answers) posted here, have been moved to this BikeGremlin forum thread:
https://www.bikegremlin.net/threads/questions-answers-page-comments.106/
Hi Relja
Thank you for your recommending and infirmation.
I have plan to change my 3*9 system to 2*11 speed and my front derailleur is fd m530 that shimano said min different between top and intermediate 12T and front chain wheel tooth differwnce is 22T.so my new system of crankset is 26*36 and rear sprocket is 11*42. Can i set my m530 front derailleur to my new system or i have to purchase a new 2 speed front derailleur m7025 h?
Hi Amir,
I’d give it a try. Triple front derailleurs can handle a 10-tooth difference with no problems.
Can i fit a 12t cog to a thread type flywheel?
Hi Jonathan,
I’ve seen freewheels with a smallest sprocket of 12 teeth. So I suppose it is technically possible.
I’ve never seen one starting with 11 teeth though.
However, a vast majority of modern freewheels start with 14 teeth on the smallest sprocket.
Models with smaller sprockets come from manufacturers that aren’t Shimano – like SunRace, Miche, etc.
Having said that, I can’t find models with fewer than 13 teeth today. Even that is exotic. 14 teeth seems to be the norm.
The same goes for the single-speed sprockets – if that’s what you are asking about.
If top speed is a problem, a solution could be sourcing front chainrings with more teeth (48, 50 or 53).
Can I use my Claris 8 speed crankset with Sora 9 speed Rear Mech and cassette?
Hi Abhishek,
Yes, Claris cranks won’t mind having a 9-speed chain.
Also, will it be better if I use Sora FD or Claris FD?
Sora is a bit higher end FD. But it should work fine with Claris as well. All else being equal.
Hello!
I was just wondering, I have an Sram X9 rear derailleur which has exact actuation and I’m searching for a cheapo STI (ltwoo or sensah) to match it but they won’t give me info on their cable pull ratio. Is there any cheapo STI compatible with Sram X9 type 2?
my best advice is if you have sram gear,then go with all sram gear,if you have shimano gear,go with all shimano gear,dont mix and match different makers parts or you will come across compatabilty issues.