Routing brake and shifter housing and cables
How to route housing and cables for bicycle shifters and brakes, so that it all works smoothly, precisely with as little friction as possible.
Technical part
Tools, maintenance, parts compatibility and function…
Shifter and brake cable and housing standards
What standards for bicycle shifter and brake cables and housing exist. What are the differences. How to tell, what to pay attention to.
Front chainring mounting standards
Bicycle front chainring mounting standards – according to the number of mounting bolts and diameter of the circle they are spaced along.
Bicycle makes strange sounds
“My bicycle is making strange sounds”. Creaking, or clicking. How to determine the source of the sounds, in order to fix it.
Mounting and anti seize pastes
Mounting and anti seize pastes (“copper grease”, carbon paste etc.) that are used for bolt thread and part preparation before mounting and tightening.
Approach to bicycle servicing
Updated: 08/11/2018. This post is about approaching a bicycle that needs repairs, or regular maintenance. Perhaps it sounds a bit absurd – “what’s the big deal in how to approach a bicycle?”, but in the remainder of this post, I’ll explain what’s the “catch”. Contents: 0. Introduction 1. Talking to the client …1.1. Listening …1.2. … Read more Approach to bicycle servicing
Bicycle handlebar dimension standards
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post will give overview of bicycle handlebar size standards, in terms of stem mounting area as well as grip mounting area (or bar wrap area for road “drop” bars). Other important dimensions of road bike bars are explained in the post about road bar geometry, while important considerations for flat bars are given … Read more Bicycle handlebar dimension standards
Bicycle stem size standards
Updated: 16/11/2018. Table of contents: 0. Introduction 1. Types of stems ….1.1. Quill stem ….1.2. Threadless stem 2. Important dimensions and how to measure ….2.1. Handlebar (clamp) attachment diameter ….2.2. Steering column attachment diameter 3. Stem dimension standards ….3.1. Handlebar clamp dimension standards ….3.2. Steering column attachment dimension standards ……..3.2.1. Threaded stems ……..3.2.2. Threadless stems … Read more Bicycle stem size standards
Bicycle cassette (rear chainrings) standards
Updated: 26/08/2019. This post will explain bicycle rear chainrings standards. Since in cycling literature a (technically incorrect) term “sprocket” is used to refer to rear chainrings, that term will be used in the remainder of this post (and most other on this site). In cycling terminology, term “chainring” usually refers to front chainrings only. Contents:1. … Read more Bicycle cassette (rear chainrings) standards
Bicycle drive chain standard dimensions
Updated: 05/06/2019. This post will give overview of bicycle driving chains standard dimensions. Each chain has three important dimensions: pitch, inner diameter and outer diameter. 1. Bicycle driving chain pitch Chain pitch is the distance at which the pins are placed. It is measured by measuring the distance between 3 links, then dividing it by … Read more Bicycle drive chain standard dimensions
Headsets [03] Headset bearings standards – SHIS
Updated: 25/11/2018. Previous two posts have explained the names of steerer parts and how to measure the important dimensions. This post deals with headset bearings standards. If (re)packing a (new) headset with loose bearing balls, see: Standard bicycle bearing ball sizes. Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Marking rules (format) 3. Standard dimensions …3.1. Head tube inner … Read more Headsets [03] Headset bearings standards – SHIS
Headsets [02] Important fork, head tube and headset dimensions
Updated: 16/11/2018. In a previous post headset construction was explained and important parts were noted. That post can be read here: Names of bicycle fork, head tube and headset parts. Part names defined in that post will be used here. This post will explain what needs to be measured when changing, or buying new bearings, or a … Read more Headsets [02] Important fork, head tube and headset dimensions
Roller wear effect on chain to chainring engagement
Updated: 16/11/2018. In a previous post “Bicycle chain wear (elongation)” it was explained how chain wear happens and affects chain’s performance. There it was mentioned that roller wear doesn’t affect chain’s performance. The only thing that affects performance is chain’s elongation (change of pitch) – i.e. inner plates to pin contact area wear. The goal … Read more Roller wear effect on chain to chainring engagement
Bicycle chain wear (elongation)
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post will explain how exactly a bicycle chain gets worn and what happens with it as it wears. First things explained will be the chain construction and chain pitch so that explanation of chain wear can more easily be understood. A separate post explains how to measure wear and when to replace … Read more Bicycle chain wear (elongation)
Seatpost diameter sizes (standards)
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post explains what kinds of seatpost diameters are most commonly used and how they are measured – to avoid mistakes when purchasing, or changing seatposts. The post deals only with diameter (width). The length of the seatpost depends on frame geometry (design) and size – i.e. how much the saddle needs to … Read more Seatpost diameter sizes (standards)
Standard thread dimensions used with bicycles
Updated: 27/01/2019. ISO standard defines dimensions of thread – by diameter and pitch. This post provides a list of standards most commonly used on bicycles, with explanation of most common use. Tools most commonly used for (un)screwing the bolts and nuts of the given standards will also be noted (also by ISO standard), for both … Read more Standard thread dimensions used with bicycles
Fork crown race removal
Updated: 16/11/2018. When replacing headset (i.e. fork, or steerer bearings), removing fork crown race (fork cone) can be problematic. Especially if the fork crown is wider than the race, so it can’t be punched off from the bottom. This post will explain the short and simple procedure and note the needed toos. 1. Tools … Read more Fork crown race removal
Comparative overview of bicycle chain lubricants
Updated: 08/11/2018. This post will offer a comparative overview of bicycle chain lubricants. It will include standard commercialy available lubricants that can be used for lubing bicycle chains, such as chainsaw bar oil, motor oil etc. It will also give comparison of lubricants sold and marketed as bicycle chain lubricants. They will be noted with … Read more Comparative overview of bicycle chain lubricants
Standard bicycle bearing ball sizes
Updated: 24/12/2019. Bicycles usually use ball bearings. Modern cartridge bearings come as a closed unit – with balls and races packed in a single unit. However, many bicycles still use older, cup and cone system, where balls can (and should) be replaced with new ones when servicing bearings. This is the case with most Shimano … Read more Standard bicycle bearing ball sizes
Bicycle chain lubricants – explained
Updated: 10/02/2020. Eternal debate in the cycling world: how to lube and maintain a bicycle chain? There are those that seldom notice drive chain, until it starts creaking really loud, or breaks. There are also those that regularly clean and lubricate their chains. When it comes to those who do maintain their bicycle chains, there … Read more Bicycle chain lubricants – explained
Bicycle bearing greases – explained
Updated: 24/11/2019. It is a common debate among cyclists (and mechanics) which is the best bicycle bearing grease – for use in hub, or steerer, brake pivot etc. bearings. Some swear by the old “axle grease” that “… my grandfather / father used …” Others recommend silicone, Teflon, graphite grease and so on. This post explains important … Read more Bicycle bearing greases – explained
Cantilever brake adjustment
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post explains cantilever brake adjustment. 0. Intro Cantilever brakes are unjustly considered to be poor brakes by many cyclists, compared to V-brakes for example. They do have their flaws, but low braking power is not one of those, it is mostly due to poor pad/rim material, and (more often) due to poor … Read more Cantilever brake adjustment
Short overview of threadless BB (press fit) standards
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post will give a short overview (list) of threadless (press fit) BB standards. For each BB standard there is an overview intersection of BB cartridge and frame’s BB shell where BB is inserted to, followed by it’s dimensions. Look here for explanation of all the different BB standards. BB30 Shell width: 68 … Read more Short overview of threadless BB (press fit) standards
Compatibility [10] Bottom brackets
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post will explain bottom bracket compatibility. Which bottom brackets (BBs) can be combined with which crankset standards. Posts that explain in detail the history and construction of each BB standard can be found here: 1 History and threaded BB standards 2 Threadless (press fit) bb standards T47 – a new threaded BB … Read more Compatibility [10] Bottom brackets
Compatibility [09] Cranks(ets)
Updated: 04/04/2019. This post addresses bicycle crankset compatibility in terms of mixing various speed cranksets with other components. For example: an 8 speed crankset on a bicycle with 10 rear sprockets and a 10 speed chain (a), or a triple chainring with a front derailleur (FD) constructed for double chainrings (b). It will also address … Read more Compatibility [09] Cranks(ets)