Bike Forums - General Cycling Discussion https://www.bikeforums.net/ en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:03:29 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Bike Forums - General Cycling Discussion https://www.bikeforums.net/ <![CDATA[7 o'clock is the best o'clock]]> https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320333-7-oclock-best-oclock.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:58:56 GMT After much experimentation over the winter, I have determined that 7 o'clock is the best valve positioning when adding air from a floor pump. There is the least amount of leakage when fitting the valve. ]]> General Cycling Discussion MikeDeason https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320333-7-oclock-best-oclock.html I need a Midge Strategy https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320331-i-need-midge-strategy.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:55:51 GMT The Toronto waterfront is teeming with swarms of Midges, dark clouds consisting of millions of these tiny bugs. Cycling through the swarms leaves one's face, throat and nose coated with the insects; the swarms are unrelenting. I've tried masking but find it extremely uncomfortable and sweaty. I've taken to pinching my nose and holding my breath. I have ordered an Ultra Mesh Head Net. I also try to ride directly behind another rider and let him take the brunt of the swarm. ]]> General Cycling Discussion MikeDeason https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320331-i-need-midge-strategy.html Paint or wrap? https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320310-paint-wrap.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:20:28 GMT I know this might be better in the Bicycle Mechanics section if I was looking for technical advice but this is more about personal preference so thought I would throw it out to the general forum. I love my Shiv (tri bike). I have a couple other tri bikes, one newer, one older, but there is just... I know this might be better in the Bicycle Mechanics section if I was looking for technical advice but this is more about personal preference so thought I would throw it out to the general forum.

I love my Shiv (tri bike). I have a couple other tri bikes, one newer, one older, but there is just something about this Shiv that it just "clicks" with me. Even though it's old (as far as tri bikes are concerned) and I'm old (and fat, and slow), I just love this bike. The ONLY thing I don't like about it is that the base color is black. I'm personally not a fan of the blacked out look. I like colors.

I'm thinking I want to add some color to the bike. I really like some of the color shift paints (or wraps) I see on some of the Cervelos and Quintana Roos. Now, if I was just going to go with a single color, like white, I imagine it would be pretty easy to just strip off the top coat from this bike and rattle can the white of my choice over bare CF. But being that I kind of like that color shift look, I think that would be quite a bit more tricky to do with rattle cans.

So the question is, what would be better? Strip it of all the hardware and let somebody wrap it? Or sand down the clear at home and shoot it with some Krylon? Andbody have any experience with this? ]]> General Cycling Discussion VegasJen https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320310-paint-wrap.html I bought a wide beam headlight for my bicycle. Need strategy guidance https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320302-i-bought-wide-beam-headlight-my-bicycle-need-strategy-guidance.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:39:17 GMT I bought it off eBay. 8 led super bright, horizontal narrow rectangle as the high beam, and more narrow, less wide, low beam. First use I used it for was night riding and had both the high beam and low beam on the highest setting while riding the country roads and dirt roads. What did I do... I bought it off eBay. 8 led super bright, horizontal narrow rectangle as the high beam, and more narrow, less wide, low beam. First use I used it for was night riding and had both the high beam and low beam on the highest setting while riding the country roads and dirt roads.

What did I do right? what did I do wrong?

What mode should I use if I was to ride in dirt roads, neighborhoods, and quiet country roads at night?

What mode should I use in traffic, at night?

What mode should I use it in roads and dirt roads, at sunset?

What mode should I use this in daytime rides?

And what scenarios are appropriate for the high beam and what scenarios are appropriate for low beams?

And what scenarios are appropriate for both high beam and low beam? ]]> General Cycling Discussion JoeFlatus86 https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320302-i-bought-wide-beam-headlight-my-bicycle-need-strategy-guidance.html Data https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320292-data.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:05:13 GMT Interesting read

The growing controversy over rider data in professional cycling ]]> General Cycling Discussion Camilo https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320292-data.html Anyone recognize the maker of this Titanium MTB? https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320278-anyone-recognize-maker-titanium-mtb.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:20:49 GMT Image: Image:

]]> General Cycling Discussion SoCaled https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320278-anyone-recognize-maker-titanium-mtb.html Thule 916 XTR only https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320264-thule-916-xtr-only.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:37:36 GMT I need some info for the Thule 916 XTR, please. This doesn't apply to the "PRO" model. I need the total length of the shank, the part that fits into the 2" receiver on the vehicle. It should be around 18", Hopefully and I need the measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the shank. I should be 1.5" but some Thule racks are as much as 3".
Thank you in advance. ]]> General Cycling Discussion TwoRings https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320264-thule-916-xtr-only.html Modern Bicycle Performance https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320256-modern-bicycle-performance.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:03:29 GMT This video discusses why modern professional cycling, specifically the Paris-Roubaix race, has become significantly faster due to technological advancements and increased energy transfer. The primary premises offered include: • Increased Racing Speeds: The speaker notes that the average speed of... This video discusses why modern professional cycling, specifically the Paris-Roubaix race, has become significantly faster due to technological advancements and increased energy transfer. The primary premises offered include:

• Increased Racing Speeds: The speaker notes that the average speed of Paris-Roubaix has increased from approximately 40 kph in 2000 to nearly 49 kph in recent years, with speeds in the famous Arenberg Forest sector increasing to the point where riders hit cobbles with 83% more kinetic energy than in the past (0:39-2:58).

• Technological System Gains: Modern equipment—including advancements in tire technology particularly moving away from tubulars, aerodynamic frames, and drivetrain efficiency—contributes to a cumulative speed advantage of 80–90 watts compared to bikes used 25 years ago (2:59-8:14).

• The 'Energy Problem' vs. Equipment Problem: The speaker argues that the mechanical challenges faced by riders today, such as equipment failure or difficulty managing tire pressure, are a result of this massive increase in kinetic energy rather than a flaw in the equipment itself (8:14-9:18).

• The Icarus Problem: There is a tradeoff between tire pressure and rim safety; riders often cannot optimize tire pressures for the roughest cobbled sections because they are limited by current tire size constraints (typically 36-38mm), forcing a compromise between speed and durability (9:18-10:11).

• Strategy Shift: These technical gains have fundamentally changed race strategy, allowing riders to accelerate and maintain higher speeds on the cobbles rather than just surviving the sections (12:13-12:35).

Contrary to the often quoted belief that modern bikes are not significantly quicker than bikes of the past this video offers a compelling argument. This does not even take into account the increased comfort and reliability modern bicycles offer.

]]> General Cycling Discussion Atlas Shrugged https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320256-modern-bicycle-performance.html Why do I do this? Motobecane Vent Noir https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320255-why-do-i-do-motobecane-vent-noir.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:34:45 GMT Talk about an impulse buy): I was looking on FB marketplace for bikes I don't need or can afford and came across this curious Motobecane Vent Noir. It was listed as a 53cm, but the lister said ideal for 5'4" to 5' 6"? I was a little concerned it might be an actual 48cm, but It was on my way home so I said WTH, I'll check it out. It was a nice lady who said she didn't ride it anymore. It was pretty dirty and grungy on first impression, and definitely a 53cm which fits me, so I offered $100 and she accepted, so off we go! I know next to nothing about these bikes, and I don't even particularly like dedicated road bikes. Why did I buy it? I DONT KNOW. What the heck am I gonna do with it, haha? Is it even worth $100? Does anyone else out there do this sort of nonsense? Id be greatly comforted if there were...
The seat is trashed!
The seat is trashed!
I hate drop bars!
I hate drop bars!




The name sounds cool(:
The name sounds cool(: ]]> General Cycling Discussion PDXtattooer66 https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320255-why-do-i-do-motobecane-vent-noir.html <![CDATA[I'm confused on stem height and handlebar reach]]> https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320254-i-m-confused-stem-height-handlebar-reach.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:05:22 GMT I am tall with long legs and arms and have a 58 cm bike frame. It's a 2006 Diamondback Podium 2. Everything is good except the handlebar reach. It's too far. I'll be 62 this year and i guess not limber.

I have been raising the stem to bring the bars up. It's not helping. I read that short stems bring the bars closer so I've been doing it wrong.

I only ride on a trainer. Please help me understand and maybe give me a suggestion or two.

Thanks ]]> General Cycling Discussion 18catsman https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320254-i-m-confused-stem-height-handlebar-reach.html Shortening cranks, like a boss https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320247-shortening-cranks-like-boss.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:09:47 GMT Some time ago I acquired a vintage pair of Powercranks. They are a torture device with a bunch of dubious claims about cycling performance. I don't believe them and the company is out of business.

They are super difficult to ride and even a few revolutions of the crank with your feet properly at 180 degrees apart is exhausting. Major core workout and major coordination improvements in large muscle groups. They're useful for someone who semi regularly uses a trainer, isn't particularly concerned as to whether that time makes them a better cyclist, but does want to be a generally much stronger person. It's interesting that they never made such claims, only that they'd make you ride faster. The proliferation of power meters probably did them in.

The set I acquired was 175mm. Too long. They made adjustable ones but I was happy that I found a pair at all. I rode them a little and hemmed and hawed about the ideal way to shorten them to 165. I figured for indoor use, a plug and retap method would work.

Once you consider the price of taps and dies for both RH and LH this becomes a major pain to someone with basic bench tools.

This led me to a conversation with a friend of mine who has a machine shop. While he didn't have the left hand threads, he was super excited to cut a left hand tap. I've fallen on climbing gear he's made, if this guy says he can do it, I was sure he could. I boxed them up and mailed them to him.

The following are pics he sent me of the project. They're currently in the mail back to me.









Whether or not this gives me new resolve.to train on these devil's cranks, I don't know. I'm pretty excited that he was able to convert them. Sometimes the process is more fun than the product. ]]> General Cycling Discussion rosefarts https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320247-shortening-cranks-like-boss.html Coolest things from Sea Otter 2026? https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320246-coolest-things-sea-otter-2026-a.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:04:18 GMT What was your coolest thing from sea otter?

32" wheels?



]]> General Cycling Discussion jbucky1 https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320246-coolest-things-sea-otter-2026-a.html Book about cycling https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320235-book-about-cycling.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:44:31 GMT For those among us who are occasionally asking about books about bicycling to read. I just finished “ROAD TO VALOR — A true story of World War II Italy, the Nazis, and the cyclist who inspired a nation.” I enjoyed it. It’s a biographical story of Gino Bartali, TdF champion in 1938, and 1948. A... For those among us who are occasionally asking about books about bicycling to read. I just finished “ROAD TO VALOR — A true story of World War II Italy, the Nazis, and the cyclist who inspired a nation.”

I enjoyed it. It’s a biographical story of Gino Bartali, TdF champion in 1938, and 1948. A bit of WWII history, and a bit of TdF history rolled into one.
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Valor-Cy.../dp/0307590658


Dan ]]> General Cycling Discussion _ForceD_ https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320235-book-about-cycling.html Joining the club https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320230-joining-club.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:36:01 GMT So now that I'm getting a road bike I'm going to be turning into one of you bozos, whom I've thoroughly enjoyed screaming, honking and flipping the bird at over the years... anyway should I be riding with traffic or against traffic so I can see them coming?
]]> General Cycling Discussion Ebike Mike https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320230-joining-club.html Are tubeless tires the way to go? https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320228-tubeless-tires-way-go.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:42:34 GMT If I'm going to be doing longer rides I don't want to have to deal with changing a flat on the side of the road so I guess the best option is to go with tubeless tires since I can't find any road assist companies that you see on the tour de France where the car pulls up and will swap out your tire for you. :)

Maybe it's only available in Europe at this time...




]]> General Cycling Discussion Ebike Mike https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1320228-tubeless-tires-way-go.html