Steel types are often mentioned when discussing quality vintage bikes and sometimes modern bikes. The big names in steel are Reynolds out of the UK, True Temper from the USA, Tange from Japan, and Columbus from Italy. Each brand has many different grades of steel. Reynolds Reynolds is one of the biggest names in bicycleContinue reading “Guide to vintage road bike steel frame tube manufacturers and types”
Author Archives: FAB Jim The Cyclist
Laying your bike down on the drive side meme
At some point you will likely have to lay your bicycle down. Either when you put it in the car or truck, or because you have no kickstand and nothing to lean it on. When you lay your bike down, never lay it on the drive side. This is the side that the chain isContinue reading “Laying your bike down on the drive side meme”
Vintage Motobecane Bicycles History and Facts
Motobecane was founded in 1923 in France and was a manufacturer of bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. I believe the name is ment to mean motorbike by combining two slang terms. They were one of the biggest French bicycle manufacturers and are often compared to Gitane and Peugeot. Most of their bikes were road bikes fromContinue reading “Vintage Motobecane Bicycles History and Facts”
Surly Cross Check Drop Bar Vintage-Look Road Bike Build
Check out my beautiful Surly Cross Check: I decided I wanted to try and combine what I like about vintage and modern road bikes. Vintage bikes have a really nice smooth ride, but I really like the shifting and drivetrain of a modern bike. There is also much I like about the look of aContinue reading “Surly Cross Check Drop Bar Vintage-Look Road Bike Build”
Using WD40 on your bicycle chain meme
Why does the Disapproving Cyclist say not to use WD40 on a bike chain? It’s not a good lubricant for chains. WD40 is much more a solvent than a lubricant and will remove what chain oil you have. It is also only a light lubricant, so it will only briefly work on your chain. AfterContinue reading “Using WD40 on your bicycle chain meme”
Frame parts explained – Anatomy of a bicycle
The frame is the core of every bike and brings everything together. While frames may have a different shape, they all have the same parts. Head Tube The head tube is the short tube at the front of the frame. It is used to connect the handlebars/stem and the fork. A headset is used insideContinue reading “Frame parts explained – Anatomy of a bicycle”
Strava KOM Meme Cycling
This is funny cause you just know they used some sort of motorized vehicle…
CyclingDeal Heavy Duty Bike Cable Cutters Review
I got tired of cables fraying and decided to get a better cable cutter. The normal cable cutters where the blades come together don’t work very well with mutli-strand cables like bike cables. The type that works better has more of a scissors action where the blades cross each other rather than come together. AfterContinue reading “CyclingDeal Heavy Duty Bike Cable Cutters Review”
Schwinn Sting-Ray guide and history
The Sting-Ray is the best-selling bike that Schwinn has ever offered. The style of bike started in California with kids modifying their bikes to look like motorcycles with 20-inch wheels, long seats, and ape hanger handlebars. It didn’t make the 1963 catalog, but it started with a sales ad in 1963 and is referred toContinue reading “Schwinn Sting-Ray guide and history”
1973 Schwinn Lil’ Chik Sting-Ray Bicycle Kool Lemon
This is the young girl version of the Sting-Ray in Kool Lemon color. Steel frame is a step through design with chrome fenders, medium-rise handlebars, floral print banana seat, coaster brakes, and 20” tires. Was also available in opaque blue color this year. The 73 catalog lists this kid’s bike at 35lbs! A really neatContinue reading “1973 Schwinn Lil’ Chik Sting-Ray Bicycle Kool Lemon”
Frugal Average Bicyclist 