I don’t really love the look of cantilever brakes on a gravel bike, especially on my Surly Cross Check which I use as a road bike. So, I spent many hours looking for an alternative that I would find more attractive. I couldn’t find a great installed picture, but the Box Three mini v-brakes reallyContinue reading “Box Three Mini V-Brake 85mm Review Gravel Bike”
Author Archives: FAB Jim The Cyclist
Omni Racer Square Taper Bottom Bracket JIS Cromo Review
My Surly was making a clicking sort of noise with every pedal stroke which forced me to find the source of the noise. Suspecting the bottom bracket I discovered there was a little bit of side-to-side play, so it was time for a new bottom bracket. I knew I wanted to try to save aContinue reading “Omni Racer Square Taper Bottom Bracket JIS Cromo Review”
Planet Bike STX Bike Floor Pump Review
I’ve been using my Planet Bike STX pump for quite a few months now and really like it. First, it’s a bit taller than my old pump and this makes a dramatic difference for my back when I’m pumping up all the families’ bikes. The auto head seems to have some sort of magic andContinue reading “Planet Bike STX Bike Floor Pump Review”
Shimano Altus LT
The Shimano Altus derailleurs and shifters were made in the late 70s and early 80s. They were lower high-level components that would compare to today 105 or Tiagra. I had this group on my 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour. Rear Dearailleur Capacity: Front Difference – 13 teeth, Rear Largest Sprocket – 28 teeth Weight: 262Continue reading “Shimano Altus LT”
My Bicycle Tools
I thought it might be helpful to future bicycle mechanics if I shared my own tools. They are nothing particularly special and most of them are pretty frugal. But they are all you need to do most bike repairs. So up first is my repair stand. Super helpful and I really recommend you get one. Continue reading “My Bicycle Tools”
Raleigh Bicycles History and Facts
Raleigh is one of the most iconic bicycle brands with a history that goes all the way back to 1888. It was founded by Frank Bowden who bought Woodhead and Angois and changed the name to The Raleigh Cycle Company. Manufacturing was based in Nottingham, England and by 1913 the company was the largest bicycle manufacturerContinue reading “Raleigh Bicycles History and Facts”
Broken SRAM 3.0 Rear Derailleur Replacement Help
A friend of mine recently brought over a Trek 820 with SRAM 3.0 shifters and derailleurs. Bike could no longer shift at the rear derailleur. Upon inspection I found the mount for the B-tension screw had broken and the screw was lost. So, I couldn’t see any way to fix it, so replacement was theContinue reading “Broken SRAM 3.0 Rear Derailleur Replacement Help”
Complete Guide to E-Bikes
E-bikes are becoming more and more popular. It’s becoming very common for me to see somebody riding by at a fast rate without pedaling. When I was in Door County WI it seemed like half the rental bikes I saw were e-bikes. I’m a little surprised by their popularity based on their prices, but thereContinue reading “Complete Guide to E-Bikes”
Vintage Bottecchia bicycles history and facts
Italian bicycle company that is named after Ottavio Bottecchia, the first Italian cyclist to win the Tour de France in 1924. He would also win the Tour in 1925. The company’s history goes back to 1924 when it was started by Teodoro Carnielli. The company was owned by the Carnielli family until 1999 when itContinue reading “Vintage Bottecchia bicycles history and facts”
2020 Liv Sedona W Comfort Bicycle Review
I was looking for a new bike for my daughter and decided to go with a comfort style. She previously had a girl’s mountain bike and didn’t seem comfortable on it. She was only good for short rides. Really glad I found this great bike. Now she is always wanting to go for rides, andContinue reading “2020 Liv Sedona W Comfort Bicycle Review”
