Category Archives: Bikes & Cycling

Everything to do with bikes and cycling.

Getting Ready to Roll: Prepping a New Bike for the Road

The only way to know if your new bike is ready to ride is to check it out, and that’s one job it’s best not to leave to others.
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by Tamia Nelson | April 2, 2019

One of the many benefits of buying from a good bike shop is that your new bike will be ready to roll when you take delivery. This is why experienced riders usually advise new cyclists to shop at their local bike shop (or LBS, if you like acronyms). But not every local bike shop is good, and bike shops of any description are rare finds outside cities. Moreover, these small shops are low-volume businesses. They don’t have the buying power of the Big Box chains. Which is why Walmart can sell a serviceable derailleur-equipped bike for less than USD200 and your local bike shop can’t.

There is, of course, a catch. Whereas a bike bought from a good bike shop will probably have higher quality components and be assembled well, the bike you buy from Walmart may not … Continue reading »

Heading Off Headset Problems in Your Bike … And What IS Indexed Steering, Anyway?

Your bike’s headset is a critical component, for without it, you wouldn’t be able to steer. And it’s what keeps your front fork attached to your bike. So unless you’re keen to ride a unicycle, you’ll want to head off any problems.
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Bicycle Maintenance Article on Tamiasoutside.com

by Tamia Nelson | April 14, 2018

Whether you’re rolling out to ride the Paris-Robaix, or to do the weekly shopping, or for a circuit of the neighborhood, your bike’s headset better be in fine fettle. A lot rides on a bicycle’s headset. Most modern bikes are equipped with threadless headsets. This intricate assembly allows the front wheel to swing smoothly in its steering arc, and when paired with a suitable stem, it also keeps the fork securely attached to the frame, a matter of no little interest to the thoughtful cyclist.

So how does the headset accomplish its mission? Here’s an exploded view of a typical threadless headset, thanks to Keithonearth and Wikipedia:

Threadless Headset Schematic - Keithonearth - Tamiasoutside.com

The pictured headset uses cartridge bearings, but loose ball bearings in retainers are common, too. The upper and lower … Continue reading »

On Your Guard: How (and Why) to Fender for Yourself

Cheap fenders might not win you any style points, but they’ll help both you and your bike stay clean in foul weather. And guess which is more important.
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by Tamia Nelson | March 31, 2018

There are a few places on earth where bicycles are considered basic transportation, and in those places, it’s rare to find a bike without fenders. (The Brits call these vital accessories “mudguards,” and that’s a far more descriptive term, but since I’m writing on a US passport, I’ll stick to “fenders.”) The reason why anyone would want fenders on a bike is obvious to anyone who’s ever cycled on wet roads without them. Hint: The soggy, gritty, black stripe up the back from rump to shoulders is a giveaway.

Having said this, fenders are uncommon on bikes here in the States. Few roadies would mount them on their bikes, even if the frames were designed to accommodate fenders. You might think that touring bikes would be built with them, but you won’t find many that are built with fenders as a … Continue reading »

For the Cyclist Who Can’t Come in From the Cold

It isn’t summer yet, but with longer days and open roads beckoning, you might be tempted to ride when the weather smiles. But before you go, remember that shoulder season weather can be colder than you think. Does this mean you have to wait for hot weather? Nope. Be prepared! These tips will help.
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by Tamia Nelson | March 26, 2018
Originally published in different form on October 14, 2007

Bicycling Article on Tamiasoutside.com

If you’re tempted to roll out on your bike into the early spring sunshine, you might be surprised by how cold it can be once you’re underway, which in turn can ruin your ride and cause you to cut it short. You might even develop hypothermia or frostbite if your bike has a mechanical or a tire punctures. So before heading out on an early spring (or late fall) ride, consider these pointers:

It’s Colder Than You Think!  I “stage” for rides in a sheltered spot with a southern exposure. On a sunny day, the temperature in this refuge may easily be 10 degrees warmer … Continue reading »