Technical part

Tools, maintenance, parts compatibility and function…

Home » Technical part

Approach to bicycle servicing

by
First steps (approach) when servicing a bicycle

Updated: 09/09/2020. 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

Home » Technical part

Bicycle handlebar dimension standards

by
Bicycle handlebar dimension standards

Updated: 16/09/2020. 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

Home » Technical part

Bicycle stem size standards

by
Bicycle stem size standards (dimensions)

Updated: 05/01/2021. Table of contents: Introduction Types of stems1.1. Quill stem1.2. Threadless stem Important dimensions and how to measure2.1. Handlebar (clamp) attachment diameter2.2. Steering column attachment diameter Stem dimension standards3.1. Handlebar clamp dimension standards3.2. Steering column attachment dimension standards…3.2.1. Threaded stems…3.2.2. Threadless stems 0. Introduction This post explains stem size standards in terms of steering … Read more

Home » Technical part

Bicycle cassette (rear chainrings) standards

by
Bicycle cassette standards - uniglide, hyperlide, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 speeds, XD...

Updated: 30/03/2020. This post will explain bicycle rear chainrings standards. Since in cycling literature a 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. Introduction2. Sprocket … Read more

Home » Technical part

Bicycle drive chain standard dimensions

by
Bicycle drive chain dimension standards - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 speeds...

Updated: 05/01/2021. 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

Home » Technical part

Headsets [03] Headset bearings standards – SHIS

by
Standard dimensions (sizes) of bicycle headsets (fork bearings) - 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

Home » Technical part

Roller wear effect on chain to chainring engagement

by
Effect of bicycle chain roller wear on chain's engagement with chainrings

Updated: 09/09/2020. 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

Home » Technical part

Seatpost diameter sizes (standards)

by
Bicycle seatpost dimension (width, size) standards

Updated: 20/01/2021. 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

Home » Technical part

Standard thread dimensions used with bicycles

by
Standard ISO dimensions for threads used with bicycles

Updated: 09/09/2020. 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

Home » Technical part

Comparative overview of bicycle chain lubricants

by
Comparative overview of bicycle chain lubricants

Updated: 11/12/2020. 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