#mastobikes — Public Fediverse posts

A8. This is more of a PSA for the UK contingent: I spotted that Costco have the Lego Icons Road Bike for a very keen price: £89.98 (including VAT), versus £109.99 from Lego.

I just managed to resist buying myself an early Christmas present, but there's a chance that I might have to go back for something else next week…

@bikenite

#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

A6. I had this exact problem.

A few pieces of channel strut and some sliding bike hooks, and now I can easily shuffle the bikes around and get the one I want. The space above holds shoes, tools, bags, locks, but you might end up with a different arrangement depending on the shape of your garage.

eBay UK link for the hooks:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126592124816
(I've seen something similar available in the USA.)

@sam @bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

A3. I tend to carry spare inner tubes (even when riding tubeless) and just swap as needed, then do the repair at home. Pre-glued patches have been fine, but take the time to make sure they're adhered properly: light abrasion of the tube before application, pressure on the patch for ~30 seconds to ensure adhesion.

I could mention that I've never needed to use a tube since going tubeless, but I refuse to jinx myself in that manner. 🤞

@bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

A2. I guess it really depends how cold your winters are. I don't worry about it with mine (in the UK). When in use, it'll generate enough heat that it's not a problem. When it's not in use, I don't think a neoprene cover would keep it warm for long enough to make a difference. I can't remove the main battery, but my garage doesn't get cold enough that I'm worried about it.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/electric-bike-battery-winter

@bikenite

#eBike #BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

I'm still wondering if the easiest option is to find a chain guide that'll work with a T47 bottom bracket.

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I've regreased and checked the torque of the derailleur clutch: it was a bit tight, so I've loosened it, but haven't ridden it since, and the new chain will go on first.

The bike has developed a cadence-related creak, present even when standing, so while I'm replacing the chain I'll also remove and refit the cranks, and check the BB (having splashed out another £40 on tools, because "standards".)

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I've got a feeling that it's got worse recently, which could point to a chain wear issue. The chain wear checker says it's 0.75% stretched, so it's getting a new one.

It's all Shimano with a narrow-wide chainring. I think the bike's done ~2500km, so the chainring shouldn't be worn yet, especially as it's only just getting its first replacement chain.

#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

A5. Following up with more details and some answers…

The bike came set up as 1X, and others with the same bike don't seem to have the same problem, so I don't think it's a compatibility issue. I'm assuming it's fitted with the correct length of chain, it certainly looks like it to me. I'll double-check when fitting the new one.

@bikenite

#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

Thanks all for the #BikeNite questions tonight. And thanks for answering, reading & discussing.

We did it: the queue is pretty much empty. So send over more questions when they materialize in your brain with the BikeNitePQ tag.

Reply, boost and favorite to keep it going. Thanks for being a part of this community. And you can follow #BikeNite, if you haven't yet. Use the hashtag to help boost awareness!

#BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

And our last question this week as usual: your week in a photo.

Q8. What did you see this week? Reply with a photo if you'd like. Cycling related or not is fine. Tell us about it!
#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@genex asks:

I have presta valves on my bikes and sometimes after I inflate the tires they go a bit flat relatively quickly (a few days-ish). I suspected a leak but just pumped them up again to see what happens and often they are fine.

Q7. Is this just some quirk of the presta valves? Maybe that tiny thing you can twist down to 'lock' the valve? not sure if this is just user error or something else? It's not consistent so weird...

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

Question via @sam

Q6. If you have many (4+) bicycles that you normally store in a garage, what are good ways to store them in a space-efficient way? While still having usable workshop/other space in the garage?

I really want to reorganize my garage into a better workshop but we have a bunch of bicycles and I can’t figure out a good storage system.

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite @amd

@paul_edwin asks:

I've got two bicycles with 1X drivetrains. One of them Just Works™. The other has a habit of throwing the chain off (four times on Wednesday's commute). Always comes off on the crank side, never inboard.

Q5. Where should I start looking to prevent dropping my chain? I recently found out that the tension of the derailleur clutch can be adjusted; is that a good starting point?

Alternatively: chain guides that will mount on a T47 bottom bracket? (Frame mount not an option.)

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@SRLevine asks:

Q4. Anyone ever try "split" fenders (either homemade or something like sks raceblade longs) with really tight clearance brakes? Do they work? Do you have weird water spray from the gap?

Product link for photo reference of where the "split" is: https://www.summitbicycles.com/product/sks-raceblade-long-336063-1.htm

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@MartyCormack asks:

I recently had a couple pre-glued patches on inner tubes fail. Fortunately they failed in my garage, not on the road.
I've since been told by multiple people that pre-glued patches are intended as temporary "get you back home" fixes, not permanent fixes.

Q3. When you get a flat, do you just replace the inner tube with a new one, or do you patch it? If you patch it, what kind of patches do you use and are they reliably permanent?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@rasterweb asks:

This will be my first year commuting to work in the winter on an ebike. I know you can get neoprene covers to wrap around the bike where the battery is, with the idea to keep it warmer for better performance.

Q2. Does anyone use those battery covers? Do they actually work?

#eBike #BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

I do shift position on the bike, getting out of the saddle occasionally, often a necessity on some of the hills around here.

A nurse suggested previously that being hairy is a cause of the problem, and that waxing would stop it recurring. I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that.

GP recently suggested that a residual lump from previous occurrence could act as a trigger point, and might be worth removing in the future.

(4/4)

@bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

I almost always wear cycling shorts with a chamois pad; usually bib shorts, sometimes non-bib shorts under another layer. I don't wear anything underneath.

They get washed after every use, except when commuting when they're hung in the drying room and worn for the return journey.

I use some kind of chamois cream, but now usually Doublebase (medical-grade emollient), based on research by British Cycling.
https://www.mydoublebase.co.uk/products/doublebase-dry-skin-emollient/

(3/4)

@bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

I ride gravel bikes, mountain bike and (for shame) an indoor trainer. I had a bike fit done a few years ago, copied the measurements across bikes where applicable, but I think I know what feels right. Nothing else about my riding position gives me problems.

Obviously, I've got older, but I think I'm generally stronger and fitter than I used to be.

(2/4)

@bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

Following-up my own question with further info and answers:

It's an infected cyst, between my legs, kind of towards the centre from the pressure points. Sometimes a small infected lump develops and goes away by itself. Sometimes it gets slightly bigger and antibiotics are required. Once (🤞) it required surgery: incised and drained; the wound left open so it heals from the inside out to reduce the likelihood of further cysts.

(1/4)

@bikenite
#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes

@[email protected] @[email protected] A8: It was chilly and cloudy in the morning but turned into a gorgeous afternoon. The picture shows Lake Union in Seattle.

#BikeNite #MastoBikes #BikeTooter #SEABikes

@[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected] A3: I have a similar problem with my right toe, though in my case, it's a pain on the middle toe. It happens only after I ride up a long steep hill, and it never happens to my left toe. I've been wondering if my right foot is a bit bigger than my left, and if yours is, too? #BikeNite #MastoBikes

@[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected] A1a: From Seattle, WA. I'd been having a calm and peaceful week until I saw the announcement of the new Trek Domane. I know I've got a fairly new bike, but the N + 1 theory suddenly looks very attractive... 😅 #BikeNite #MastoBikes #BikeTooter #Trek

Thanks all for the #BikeNite questions tonight. And thanks for answering, reading & discussing.

We have a very healthy queue! Thank you for all the questions. There are a lot for next week. We can of course use more, so if you have any, please send any using the BikeNitePQ tag. Any extras will be saved for future BikeNites.

Reply, boost and favorite to keep it going. Thanks for being a part of this community. And you can follow #BikeNite, if you haven't yet. Use the hashtag to help boost awareness!

#BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

And our last question this week as usual: your week in a photo.

Q8. What did you see this week? Reply with a photo if you'd like. Cycling related or not is fine. Tell us about it! Bonus points if it's something that made you smile.

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@esnyder asks:

I've been riding a Yuba SpicyCurry long tail e-cargo bike for about 4 years now. I love it, except for how locked down the Bosch electronic system is.

I want to be able to buy spec compliant batteries, chargers, computers, motors from different vendors that all interoperate, and I'd like to know how best to contribute to making that possible.

Q7. Are there existing organized efforts to push for open standards in ebike systems?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@FourT4 asks:

I see stickers advertised with a "speed camera" sign, for instance

https://passpixi.com/

Q6. Has anyone used them, and observed any objective change in the behaviour of motor vehicle operators around them?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@wtrmt needs help learning about bicycle repairs:

We've been spending a lot of money changing inner tubes for our bikes lately. We've two folding bikes, and ride 20km or more daily, on rough city streets, with plenty of potholes and all sort of damaging debris.

Q5. If you do this kind of work, can you point me to a good resource on how to change an inner tube without damaging the new one, and what kind of minimal kit should we take to accomplish it efficiently on the road?

#bicycleRepair #BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite