Hot Bicycle How-Tos
How To: Dish a rear bicycle wheel
In this video, Mike shows us how to dish a rear bicycle wheel. First, you need to measure the distance from the wheel to the hub and axle. Do this on both the non-drive and drive side. Set the dish on both sides, then find the gap from each of the side. Now you will know if the rim needs to be pulled more to one side. Loosen the non-dry spokes and tighten on the dry side spokes. Do this by loosening the non-dry a quarter turn each all the way around, then tighten the dry side a quarter turn e...
How To: Change a bike tire with CO2
In this tutorial, we learn how to change a bike tire with CO2. First, you need to take the tire and wheel off of the bike. Then, release the air from the tire and then remove it from the wheel. After this, use a lever to remove the inner tube from the wheel as well. Replace this with a new tube and tire, then apply back onto the wheel of the rim. Line this up on the bike to place it back on, then screw all the parts back on. After this, tighten up your brackets and chain then you will be read...
How To: Fit a road bike
In this tutorial, we learn how to fit a road bike. This can be complicated, but it's vital for your cycling experience. First, you want to make sure you are comfortable no matter what. Pedal on the bike in the store to make sure you are comfortable on it. Now, you need to adjust the saddle height by seeing how far your leg goes down and how bent your knees are when the petal is at the bottom of the turn. After this, move the seat forward, back, or up and down. This will maximize your comfort ...
How To: Understand the parts of a mountain bike
In this video, we learn how to understand the parts of a mountain bike. First, grab your mountain bike and go to the front of it. The front starts with the handle bars, brake levers, shifter, cord, tire, rim, spokes, and brakes. In the back, there is: a crank, rig railer, front railer, frame, top and bottom tubes, head set, chain, and seat. Once you understand what all these are called and where they are, you will better understand how to ride the bike the best you can. You can completely cus...
How To: Teach your child to ride a bike
In this tutorial, we learn how to teach your child how to ride a bike. Before you get them on the bike, make sure you pick a place that is fun and safe. Make sure there are no distractions and no traffic. Pavement is the best place to practice to ride a bike. Make sure the bike is ready for them before you teach them as well. When you teach them, place training wheels on and then when they are comfortable, take them off and start off with a slow ride. Let them walk and ride with the bike to s...
How To: Adjust a rear derailleur on a mountain bike
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust a rear derailleur on a mountain bike. First, get on the bike and start to ride it like normal, except have it mounted into one place. Then, shift the front derailleur into middle gear and the rear derailleur to the smallest gear. After this, shift back gear up one gear while pedaling. If it hesitates going up to the next gear turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise until it moves smoothly into gears. Do this again through each step until it shifts sm...
How To: Change a mountain bike tire
In this video, we learn how to change a mountain bike tire. Start by shifting the rear cassette to the smallest gear. Then, remove quick release and remove the wheel. After this, remove the tire with tire levers or strong fingers, then check inside the tire rim for foreign objects. Inflate the new tube slightly, then put the tire in. Put both of these inside the rim, then inflate the tire to the correct PSI. After this, install the wheel on the bike and then tighten quick release. Do the fina...
How To: Slip stream while cycling
In this tutorial, we learn how to slip stream while cycling. The normal air flow around a single cyclist is broken at the front, then circles around the person and goes back to normal behind the person. While slip streaming behind another cyclist, your effort can be reduced up to 30%. To get the full effect, you will need to follow the other person very closely. You must be very careful and make sure you never hit their wheel. If there is a side wind, set to the side of the person by you so y...
How To: Ride a bike with no handlebars
Being able to rid a bike without holding on to the handlebars allows you to do all sorts of useful things while on your bike and makes your look like a pro. Watch this video to learn how to do it easily and open up your biking life.
How To: Grease the wheel bearings on your bike
If you enjoy repairing your bike yourself, greasing the wheel bearings is a pretty easy job your should learn how to do. This video will show you how to do it, ensuring that your bearings spin smoothly and keep your momentum going.
How To: Ride a bike wearing high heels
Riding your bike is a great, free way to get around the city, but if you've ever tried to do it in heels you know that it can be daunting. This video will give you some tips on how to do it, moving about town without sacrificing style.
How To: Glue a tubular tire using Tufo rim tape
This video tutorial is in the Sports category where you will learn how to glue a tubular tire using Tufo rim tape. Gluing a tubular tire is very simple. You will need a tire, rim, Tufo rim tape, scissors and a pump. Stretch the tire with your foot and your hand as shown in the video and then inflate it. Take the Tufo rim tape, find the side labeled rim side, remove some protective foil and press the tape into the rim inching your way along the wheel. Leave a 2-3" tape unglued so that you can ...
How To: Perform four abdominal exercises for cyclists
If you are a beginner when it comes to bike riding and you're constantly finding yourself to be sore, then check out this next tutorial. In this video, you'll find out how to perform four basic abdominal exercises that will help get rid of soreness and imrpove your bike riding experience. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Properly wash your bicycle after a long ride
Some people may not realize it, but getting your bike soakes in water can be a bad idea. Not only can it lead to rust, but certain parts and componenets can become damaged. This leads to you having to replace it sooner than later.
How To: Properly lock your bike
Nothing can ruin a nice bike ride like getting your bike stolen. Improperly locking your bike or just leaving it unattended is a sure way for it to be stolen.
How To: Perform four great stretches before a bike ride
If you're a beginner when it comes to cycling or just enjoy taking a nice bike ride, something that should not be ignored is stretching. Stretching is a smart and safe thing to do before do anything athletic. It prevents the chances that you will suffer from any type of injury.
How To: Perform leg exercises to help build endurance and power when cycling
If you're having a hard time going up hills or being able to ride a bike for a long time, you may need some help. Performing leg exercises away from your bike can be a great way to help build endurance and strength.
How To: Ride your bicycle with proper road etiquette
Riding a bicycle by yourself can be a pretty enjoyable experience. But riding in a pack can be much more satisfying. If you're interested in riding with a pack, there are some riles and proper etiquette that needs to be followed.
How To: Fix a flat bicycle tire
There's nothing like taking a nice, relaxing bike ride during anytime of the year. Not only do you feel more in touch with your surroundings, but you're able to burn some calories as well. But all the joy and happiness that it brings can quickly be sucked away by a flat tire.
How To: Change a flat bike tire easily like an Olympic athlete
There's nothing like taking a bice bike trip during the summer time. Not only do you manage to stay cool, but you can easily burn some calories away. But your mood can easily change when you get a flat tire.
How To: Change a bike tire with a quick release wheel
In this tutorial, we learn how to change a bike tire with a quick release wheel. First, put your chain down and release your brake. Now, take your wheel off and then pull the tire off. Now, take the tube off by using the tire lever and pushing away from you. Don't hurt your fingers on the spikes. After you pull the tubing off, put the new tire back onto the rim by rolling it on with your fingers. Place the tubing around the tire after this, and inflate it. Now, place the wheel back onto the b...
How To: Adjust cantilever brakes on a bicycle
It's time to address brakes in this next tutorial. In this video, you'll find out how to adjust cantilever style brakes. For this tutorial, you'll need a 5mm allen key, a 10 mm open-end wrench, a strip of sandpaper, and an optional cable puller.
How To: Loosen a bike's stiff chain link
If you've been experiencing a problem with shifting and hear a constant sound near your chain, you may have a stiff chain link. This should be addressed so that you no longer experience any problems with shifting that can result in possible injury.
How To: Adjust your seat's height and angle
You may not realize it, but haveing your seat adjusted properly to the right height and angle, can help prevent any sort of injury. Not only will it keep you and your bike safe, but it will also improve your cycling efficiency.
How To: Replace your bike's freehub body
If you've found out that your cassette cluster is loose or is getting stiff, it may be time to replace your freehub body. In order to do this you'll need to make sure you have all the right replacement parts and 10mm allen key.
How To: Properly true a wheel
If you're new to cycling and have no idea what truing is, then check out this tutorial. It's a procedure that is delicate and requires a good amount of time and patience. In order to do this you'll need a good stand, lighting, and a place where you'll enjoy working.
How To: Check if your bike's bearings are worn
If you need an easy way to determine whether your bike's bearings are worn, this tutorial should help. You'll need to suspend your bike in the air using either a stand or hanging it from the roof.
How To: Replace cotterless crank arms
This next video is going to show you how to remove and install square-spindled crank arms. The tools you'll be needing for this project include either an 8 mm allen key or 14 mm socket wrench, crank puller, 16mm open-end wrench and an adjustable wrench.
How To: Replace bike pedals
Bike pedals are one of the most important aspects to a bike. If you don't have pedals, you'll have a very hard time moving. So if you have worn out or a missing bike pedals, this tutorial is going to help teach you how to replace them.
How To: Adjust your bicycle's front derailleur
For this next tutorial, you'll need to have set up your rear derailleur since you'll need to access all of the rear gears for this video. Like the rear derailleur, this can be a very painful and frustrating experience, but is very important to help extend the life of your bike.
How To: Calculate your bike's chain length
If it's time for a new bike chain, you'll need to figure out how to determine how much length your bike will need for the chain. It's pretty easy to determine and can take around five minutes to help figure out what you need. So check out the tutorial, pay attention, and enjoy! Calculate your bike's chain length.
How To: Tape your bicycle's drop handlebars
If you're interested in wrapping your bicycle's handlebars with tape, you'll need to check out this tutorial. If you think that wrapping it with just electrical tape is all you need to do, you'll find out that you're wrong.
How To: Properly shift your bicycle's gears
With most of the bikes today, people tend to get confused on how exactly they should use their gears. Inexperienced or new bicycle riders can easily become confused with all the gears that are available. A bike that's being advertised as 21 speeds may be deceiving to some.
How To: Use a presta valva adapter on your bicycle
Most of the bikes out on the market either have a presta valve or a schrader valve. These are the gates to allowing and letting air out from your tires. Presta valves are much narrower than its counterparts and can usually be a bit more difficult to inflate.
How To: Remove your bike wheels with quick release axles
If you own a bicycle with front and rear quick release axles, knowing how to remove your tires can be important. If you get a flat tire and have no idea how to do it, you may have to pay someone, which could be costly.
How To: Maintain proper etiquette when road biking in groups
Like most of life's great pleasures, riding bicycles becomes more fun when you do it with groups of people. For road bikers, however, riding in groups presents its own set of challenges. This video will give you some common-sense rules to bear in mind when road riding in groups that will keep you and your friends safe and having fun.
How To: Communicate during a bike ride
When you are riding with a group or in a trafficked area, communicating with the people around you is essential for keeping all of you safe. This videos will explain the importance of good communication for riders and show some commonly used hand signals that you can use to signal your fellow riders. These will help you avoid obstacles and have the most fun ride you can.
How To: Shift the gears on a road bike
The gears on your bike are crucial tools for allowing you to traverse multiple different types of inclines on the same ride. They allow you to make your pedals easier or harder to push, maximizing power and speed throughout your ride. This video will explain how the gears work and show to shift properly to ensure that you have the best ride you can.
How To: Change a flat tire on your bike
If you are a serious bike rider, chances are you have had or will have a flat tire at a disastrous time during a ride at some point. Knowing how to change out the bad tire and tube (and having a spare to replace them with) can make all the difference in saving your ride. This video will show you how to change the tire tube on you wheel while on the trail quickly and easily, getting you back riding.
How To: Remove and reinstall the rear wheel of your bike
The rear wheel of a bicycle is the more complicated to work with of the two because of it's position in the frame. If you have quick releases, it's still pretty easy to remove and reinstall. This video will show you how to do it step-by-step, and should have you back on the trail again in no time.