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
Updated: 16/05/2020. 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
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post explains threaded T47 bottom bracket (BB) standard. Look here for explanation of all the other BB standards. 1. Description of T47 standard T47 is a modern standard with BB cartridges screwed into the frame BB shell threads. Developed by Chris King and Argonaut Cycles companies. Announced in 2015, also known … Read more New threaded BB standard: T47
Updated: 16/11/2018. For basic terms explanation and history of BBs, as well as threaded BB standards, read this article: Bottom bracket standards – 1st part. BBs with press fit (threadless) cups usually use cranksets with the spindle (axle) attached to the right crank arm. For installing, and especially for replacing, BB cups, special, expensive tools … Read more Bottom brackets [02] Threadless – press fit BBs
Updated: 22/07/2020. This post will explain bicycle bottom bracket standards. It is the first in the series of posts on the subject, explaining basic terms, then each standard. Most threaded standards are explained, while a separate post explains press-fit (threadless) bottom brackets. The last post will address BB and crankset compatibility and interchangeability. 1. What … Read more Bottom brackets [01] Threaded BBs
Updated: 15/03/2020. 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)
How to service a bicycle wheel hub – needed tools, grease, and servicing procedure explained in detail, step-by-step.
Updated: 08/11/2018. Good quality bicycle wheel hub can last for ages, if serviced regularly and properly. This article lists and explains what tools are needed for a bicycle hub overhaul, of cup and cone hubs, that have replaceable ball bearings, not the cartridge bearing hubs. The procedure of servicing (overhauling) hubs is explained in this … Read more Tools needed for a bicycle hub overhaul
Updated: 16/07/2020. This post explains the tools needed and the proper procedure of removing rear sprockets of rear wheels that have them. 🙂 Tools needed will be listed after the preparation procedures are explained, for reasons that will become apparent after reading paragraphs preceding the tool list. Contents: 1. Removing the wheel 2. Determining whether … Read more Removing rear bicycle sprockets
Updated: 16/11/2018. This post will explain mechanical bicycle brake compatibility (i.e. brakes with cable actuation, not hydraulic) of both calipers and levers. Hydraulic brakes will be explained in a separate article. For explanation of terms like amount of lever cable pull and mechanical advantage, look at this article: Mechanical brakes – working principle. 1. Amount of cable … Read more Compatibility [08] Mechanical brakes
Updated: 27/08/2019. This post will explain the basic principles of mechanical brakes functioning, i.e. brakes that use cables. Hydraulic brakes will be explained in a separate article. Though I have made a video explaining hydraulic brake working principle. Different post explains brake (and shifter) cable and housing standards. 1. Introduction – mechanical advantage Mechanical brakes … Read more Mechanical bicycle brakes – working principle
Updated: 04/08/2020. Rear shifters are of course used to shift gears at the back – that is to control the rear derailleur (RD in the future) which then moves the chain from one rear sprocket to the other. In this post, first there will be a short explanation of difference between friction and indexed shifters, … Read more Compatibility [07] Rear shifters
Updated: 27/09/2019. This post explains bicycle front shifter compatibility, i.e. which shifters can be mixed with which front derailleurs, chains and chainrings. Front shifter lever is used to control the front derailleur, that is to change gears in the front. There are numerous designs of various manufacturers. However, for compatibility considerations, the only important factor … Read more Compatibility [06] Front shifters
Updated: 27/09/2019. This post explains bicycle front derailleur compatibility of various makes and models. For a detailed explanation of front derailleur (FD in the rest of this post) mounting systems, cable routing and capacity, read this article: Front derailleur. FDs differ in several categories (they are all explained with pictures in above linked FD article): Mounting: braze … Read more Compatibility [05] Front derailleurs
Updated: 06/10/2019. This post explains bicycle rear derailleur compatibility, i.e. what derailleurs can work with which number of rear sprockets (cassettes) and which rear shifters. For explanation of other rear derailleur functioning and limitations, such as chain wrap capacity, read this article: Rear derailleur. Basic terms and what to pay attention to Most modern bicycles have … Read more Compatibility [04] Rear derailleurs
Updated: 13/06/2019. Note: this article explains compatibility in terms of rear sprocket mounting and proper gear shifting. For other important facts about rear hubs, read the following articles: Rear hub Freewheel vs Freehub Compatibility categories will be sorted by number of rear sprockets. It is important to note that there are three major rear freehub standards – a) … Read more Compatibility [03] Rear hubs
Updated: 16/11/2018. Related article: Speeds – rear sprockets. This post will explain bicycle cassette compatibility i.e. what cassettes can be mixed with which rear shifters/derailleurs. For compatibility with various chains, see: Chain compatibility post. Overview of compatibility and possible combinations will be given according to the number of sprockets. From old 6 sprocket standard, to the newest … Read more Compatibility [02] Cassettes
Updated: 29/07/2019. This post explains bicycle chains compatibility – which chains can be combined with which number of “speeds”. First basic facts about chain will be explained. Then compatibility and possible mixing will be given per number of speeds a chain is designed for. From one to 12 speeds. Basic bicycle chains facts All the … Read more Compatibility [01] Chains
Updated: 16/11/2018. This is the first in a series of posts, explaining: combining various different bicycle parts – what can be combined with what, so that it works fine. There are various standards for bicycle parts. 6, 10, or 11 sprockets at the back, road, MTB shifters etc. There are also different manufacturers’ standards. When replacing … Read more Compatibility [00] Intro – what combines with what
Updated: 22/03/2019. This post explains technique and tools needed to adjust bicycle handlebar height and angle. For explanation on how to optimally adjust bars and cockpit, read these two articles (one for MTB, the other for road bike bars): MTB bars setup Setting up road bike bars There are two standards of bars stem mounting. … Read more How to adjust bicycle handlebar angle and height
Updated: 16/11/2018. Correctly set up bars provide more comfortable ride and better control of the bicycle, as well as safer braking. Common error is setting up brake levers to be parallel to the ground. This article doesn’t address mechanical part of bar adjustment. Procedures and tools needed to change bar height and angle are explained … Read more MTB (flat) bars setup
Updated: 05/12/2018. This post explains pedal types and standards for screwing them into the cranks. There are two existing standards for mounting pedals and three pedal design types. 0. Two existing standards for mounting pedals: BMX vs standard There are two major pedal standards depending on spindle mounting thread diameter. One is 1/2″ wide spindle, popularly referred … Read more Bicycle pedals – types, standards
Updated: 08/11/2018. This post explains how to mount bicycle tubes and tyres onto the rim. If needed, see posts on how to how to remove wheels, how to remove tyres and tubes, and how to patch punctured tubes. 1. Inspect the rim It needs to be without sharp edges. Straight, without bends. 2. Make sure that … Read more Mounting bicycle tube and tyre
Updated: 16/07/2020. This post explains how to patch a bicycle tube. If needed, read posts on how to remove wheels and how to take tyres off and tubes out. Finally, here’s a post explaining mounting tyres and tubes onto a rim. 1. Inflate (removed) tube to see where the puncture is If a puncture can’t be … Read more Patching a punctured bicycle tyre tube
Updated: 09/03/2019. This post explains how to check when buying a used bicycle. Tips for choosing which type of bicycle to buy can be found here: Which bicycle type suits my needs. Choosing a correct size: Real frame size. Choosing equipment class (Deore, Ultegra, SRAM, disc brakes etc): Which bicycle to buy. 1. General first impression Is … Read more Buying (checking) a used bicycle
