If you ride a geared bicycle (mountain or road) then you have experienced a broken derailleur hanger. And hopefully it performed its duty well and saved your precious (and expensive) derailleur from becoming a twisted and useless piece of modern art.So, now that you have to find a new derailleur hanger here are the problems you may encounter, especially if you are living and riding in Thailand:The … [Read more...] about Broken Bicycle Derailleur Hanger? Where to find new hanger in Thailand?
5 Ways to Keep Your Bicycle Chain Happy
Your chain might be one of the most important parts on your bicycle (with the exception of bearings), and without its chain your bicycle quickly becomes nothing more than an expensive paperweight, capable only of gravity-aided propulsion. In addition to being one of the most important parts on your bicycle the chain also is one of the hardest working. Giving your bicycle's chain proper care and … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Your Bicycle Chain Happy
Phuket Mobile Bike Service
Phuket Mobile Bike Service (PMBS) was born out of the necessity for fast, reliable bike servicing delivered straight to your door. Cycling in Thailand has seen a huge surge in popularity over the last few years and with so many bikes on the roads and trails there is growing demand for this type of service on Phuket Island. The operator of Phuket Mobile Bike Service has an engineering … [Read more...] about Phuket Mobile Bike Service
How to Prep Your Bike for Spring
Spring has arrived, and for many riders living in cold climates the season marks the beginning of daily biking opportunities; a perfect time to get the bike and yourself back into shape. Here in Thailand, the arrival of Spring signals the end to the best cycling weather months (Nov-Feb) and the beginning of the rainy season. But, do not be dismayed by the thought of cycling in Thailand during the … [Read more...] about How to Prep Your Bike for Spring
Setting the ‘Sag’ on MTB Suspension Forks
The idea behind mountain bike suspension is to help isolate the rider from small to medium bumps, effectively reducing rider fatigue. When a rider is less fatigued he or she can enjoy the overall mountain biking experience, maintaining higher speeds and greater handling control for longer periods of time. Suspension also improves traction by allowing the two wheels to better connect to rough, … [Read more...] about Setting the ‘Sag’ on MTB Suspension Forks
5 Easy Steps to Make Your Bike Faster
#1 - A CLEAN DRIVETRAIN PROPELS A FAST BICYCLE. The drivetrain of your bicycle translates leg power into forward motion. By keeping the entire drivetrain of your bicycle clean and well lubricated you are reducing unnecessary friction, which helps to eliminate power loss. Clean it AFTER your ride, let it completely dry, and then lube it well before your next planned ride. Steps on how to clean … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to Make Your Bike Faster
Clean Your Cycling Hydration Pack
If you use a hydration pack then you are already familiar with the post ride cleaning ritual that must be completed in order to keep the system free and clear of slimy black deposits. These black deposits of fungus, mold, and bacteria that eventually form if you are not diligent in keeping them at bay with a good cleaning and drying of every part of the hydration pack system can definitely turn … [Read more...] about Clean Your Cycling Hydration Pack
Bicycle Hydraulic Disc Brake Maintenance
Hydraulic disc brakes use two metal-backed pads held in place by magnets and/or springs. Hydraulic actuated pistons inside the brake caliper push the metal-backed pads against a metal rotor that is attached to the bicycle's hubs by either bolts (4, 5, or 6 bolt pattern) or a centerlock rotor system. Companies like Shimano, DT Swiss, and Mavic make an adapter which enables you to use bolt-style … [Read more...] about Bicycle Hydraulic Disc Brake Maintenance
9 Must Have Tools for the Advanced Bicycle Mechanic
In Thailand the number 9 is very auspicious for the reason that the pronunciation of the word is nearly identical to another word with connotations of 'progress' and 'stepping forward.' Is it any wonder that a bicycle mechanic must have the following 9 tools in order to complete his or her progression from beginner to advanced? So after having read through last month's article about the 11 Must … [Read more...] about 9 Must Have Tools for the Advanced Bicycle Mechanic
11 Must Have Tools for Every Bicycle Mechanic
So you want to be a bicycle mechanic. BicycleThailand.com is here to help you recognize just what is needed in order to complete your transformation into 'Bicycle Repairman'. Far more than just a bottle of chain lube and a BFH is needed to get you successfully wrenching on your bicycle at home. This list of 11 must-have items is a great starting point for any aspiring home mechanic. With these 11 … [Read more...] about 11 Must Have Tools for Every Bicycle Mechanic
For God’s Sake Replace Your Cables!
Alright people, let's talk about your bike and how it functions. Bicycles are wonderful, magical, delightfully simple, and fantastically complex machines of perfection. A model specimen of the fantastically complex component of bicycles - derailleurs. A perfect example of the delightfully simple element of bicycles - cables. Both the fantastically complex derailleurs and the delightfully simple … [Read more...] about For God’s Sake Replace Your Cables!
Road Bike Tire Pressure
Having written about mountain bike tires last month I thought it only fitting to add my chart of road bicycle tire pressure settings here as well. Proper tire air pressure will increase the performance of any road bike. It's the fastest, easiest, and cheapest tune-up/upgrade you can perform on your bike. Do yourself a favor and set your tire air pressure before your next road ride and see what a … [Read more...] about Road Bike Tire Pressure
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure
Mountain bike tire pressure is THE often-overlooked factor that could make a huge difference on your next off-road ride. It’s amazing how something as simple as air pressure can affect the performance of any mountain bike, whether it is a $5,000 full-suspension rig or a $300 dollar hardtail suited for beginners. The skinny on your fatty MTB tires: Overinflated tires: Do not grip well in … [Read more...] about Mountain Bike Tire Pressure
Purchasing a Secondhand Bicycle
Bicycles are simple and reliable, but they must be properly maintained for safe operation. Here's a simple checklist of things to consider before purchasing any secondhand bike. Frame/Fork: Paint chips are like beauty marks; they’re inevitable, and may add character to a bicycle. When purchasing a secondhand bicycle expect some dings and scratches. What you don’t want, particularly in aluminum … [Read more...] about Purchasing a Secondhand Bicycle
How To Adjust Your Suspension Fork
Bicycle suspension systems serve two purposes: they reduce impact to the rider from bumps and uneven surfaces, resulting in less rider fatigue, and they maintain better contact between the bicycle's wheels and the ground, resulting in greater traction and control. The basic structure of different front forks is very similar but the position of adjustment controls on suspension forks can vary … [Read more...] about How To Adjust Your Suspension Fork
Going Tubeless
Many mountain bikers are using tubeless tire systems nowadays. These systems have their benefits and drawbacks. So, is it a good idea to change to tubeless? It’s not possible to give one answer because the decision to change depends on several factors, least of which could be the high cost of a complete UST system. If you are unhappy with the number of pinch flats that you are getting and would … [Read more...] about Going Tubeless
Killing the Creak Part 2
Read Part 1 of this article. April’s maintenance article is the second part to last month’s “Killing the Creak” article, in which I outlined five areas of your bicycle that should be investigated if you are experiencing creaking and/or squeaking emanating from your bike. This month I will address another five areas that could be the potential source of your noise problem. Stem & … [Read more...] about Killing the Creak Part 2
Killing the Creak Part 1
Having just spent the better part of a week working on a particularly creaky bicycle I felt obliged to dedicate my next few articles to helping those of you brave enough to attempt the arduous task of finding and killing the creak on your own bicycle. This first of two articles will discuss five areas of a bicycle that could be the source of elusive creaks and squeaks. I will discuss an … [Read more...] about Killing the Creak Part 1
Sizing a Derailleur Chain to Length
Chains for derailleur bicycles should always be of adequate length. A chain that is too long or too short can cause shifting problems. However, the rear derailleur cage should be long enough to take up slack as the chain is moved between the different gear combinations. This is referred to as a derailleur’s total capacity, and is discussed below. This article will describe two methods to … [Read more...] about Sizing a Derailleur Chain to Length
Flats Caused by Rim Strips and Valve Holes
Multiple tube failures at the valve-tube junction could be caused by a sharp edge at the rim valve hole or plastic rim strip. Before you install another new tube check the following: Remove rim strip/tape (Is it plastic? sometimes older plastic rim strips form a sharp edge capable of cutting into tubes). Use fine grade sandpaper to smooth out the rim valve hole. Install … [Read more...] about Flats Caused by Rim Strips and Valve Holes
Identifying Shimano Chain Connecting Rivets
Some chains, including Shimano, use chain rivets which have wedge-like spherical ends. This creates a "mushroom" effect at the ends of the rivets, which adds to the strength of the chain side plates. When a rivet is pressed even partially out, this extra material is sheered off on the side pressed by the chain tool. If this rivet were reused, it would create a weak link at that particular … [Read more...] about Identifying Shimano Chain Connecting Rivets
Thailand Cycle Touring: 26 Inch or 700c Wheels?
The debate over which is the best wheel size for cycle touring may never see a clear winner. Traditional touring bicycles have always come equipped with 700c wheels while some newer models are now making use of 26-inch wheels. Some touring bike manufacturers even offer their frame models in either wheel size configuration in order to please both camps of touring aficionados. The best advice is … [Read more...] about Thailand Cycle Touring: 26 Inch or 700c Wheels?
Bicycle Nomenclature
This article will assist new cyclists with identifying the major parts of a bicycle. In addition it will make familiar the seemingly difficult labeling system associated with the different tube sections of a bicycle frame. This article has been created to help new cyclists more clearly communicate a problem to their local bike shop and/or to better understand what is being told to them by their … [Read more...] about Bicycle Nomenclature
Disc Brakes vs. Rim Brakes in Thailand
The type of bicycle to be used is usually a major decision faced by every cyclist who is in the planning phase of his or her cycle touring trip. Much consideration is given to the bicycle’s weight carrying capability, tire size and tread pattern, and of course comfort. How the bicycle’s braking system will perform under the added weight of loaded panniers and the anticipated riding conditions of … [Read more...] about Disc Brakes vs. Rim Brakes in Thailand