Active Bicycle Posts

How To: Figure out the right type of bike for you

This video discusses how to find the right type of bike for you. There are four different types of bikes: road racing, multisport, comfort sport and flat bar road bikes. Road racing bikes typically have lighter weight frames. They have steeper angles for more aerodynamic positions and higher components. Multisports also have light weight frames and higher components. They also have more aerodynamic tubesets in the fork and airwires which allow for a more aggressive position for races. Comfort...

How To: Keep your skirt clean while riding a bike

Your bike is your prized possession - it is your mode of transportation, your exercise and definitely your fashion statement. But, just because you love your bike, doesn't mean you want to destroy your outfit by riding it. Follow this tutorial and add a pretty mesh barrier to your back wheel and stop ripping and soiling your skirts.

How To: Build a bicycle wheel

This is a five part series on how to build a bicycle wheel. It will cover lacing and truing a wheel. There is nothing like crafting something with your bare hands, especially if that something is a bike wheel. There is something inherently rewarding and zen like about wheel building hub using a 36 hole rim.

How To: Adjust a bike seat

Riding your bike with and incorrect seat height will make it more difficult to peddle and can be hard on your knees. Ensure a more enjoyable bike ride by taking a couple of minutes and making sure your seat is the correct height.

How To: Unpack and assemble a new bike at home

This is a Video clip presentation from all3sports guides us on how to check and assemble the unpacked shipping box. The first step to assemble the motorcycle involves inserting the seat lifter to the reasonable depth and tighten the screws. After that attach the handle bars and front brake and make sure that there is an equal amount of gap between the top and bottom of the handle bars. Then, check the brake cables are properly fit. Then, assemble the arm gauge or arm rest with the two sets of...

How To: Change a flat bike tire easily

In this video, Scott Paisley shows you how to change a flat bike tire. First, he will teach you how to find why the tire is flat, and how to make sure your tire is free of thorns or other debris that may flatten a new tube, should you put one in. Paisley demonstrates clearly and step-by-step how to change a bike tire. You will also learn tips and tricks to make things easier. Don't stop riding your bike just because you have a flat tire! Watch this video and learn how to fix it correctly.

How To: Unpack and assemble a new bicycle

Bill D., the tech lead at all3sports.com takes us through the steps involved in unpacking and assembling a brand new bicycle. The first he says is to set up or insert the seat post. He recommends using a work stand if you have one at home. He says not to unpack everything at the beginning, but to just expose the seat pack first. Use a wire-cutter to get rid of the film protection used for packing. He has mounted the frame-set on the work stand. The seat post goes into the frame-set. He asks t...

How To: Change a flat clincher tire

Here we see how change a flat tire on a bicycle properly. The video says that once you understand the principles you should be able to do this in three minutes. With the tire off the frame of the bike, be sure all of the air is completely gone. Next is to take off one side of the tire, with some plastic pry tools made for bikes. With the bead of the tire over the rim you should be able to remove that tube with ease. Inflate the new tube just enough so it takes shape. The new tube goes into th...

How To: Change a road bike tire

This how-to video demonstrates how to change the tire of a road bike. First of all, the old tube must be removed with the help of some tire levers. The new tube that will fit the rim must be inflated at an optimal 5 psi. The tube will then be mounted on the rim starting with the valve so it doesn't lose air. After that the tire will go on back to the rim, this time without the help of tire levers, so the new tube won't be pinched. After the tire is adjusted, it is recommended to check if the ...

How To: Assemble a bike

Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise and as means to getting around but incorrect bike assemble will make for a bad time. Double check all your work and make sure everything is lubed up and fastened before taking your bike out for a spin.

How To: Change a bike tire step by step

A step by step video tutorial that shows you how to change the tire from a Triathalon or road bike! Don't get stuck with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere! Gear West Bike and Triathalon show you how to: shift into the smallest gear, release the brake, open up the quick release and remove the wheel, remove the tire and tube, inspect the tube and tire, Install a new tube and remount the tire, reinstall wheel with quick release and close the breaks. Very basic, easy to understand instructions...

How To: Recover a stolen bike

You love your bike and it was stolen. Although, this is not a good scenario, you still may be able to retrieve it. Sketch the serial number or means of identification into the bike and then when it is stolen you can really get the word out to all the places that it might turn up.

How To: Remove bike handlebar grips

With a few easy steps you can remove the handlebars from your bike to change the grips, for maintenance or for whatever other reason you might want handlebars off of a bike. Now you'll never have to suffer though old handlebar grips again.

How To: Fix squeaky bike brakes

If you're racing for time or taking a leisurely ride by the beach there's little that's more annoying than a squeaking sound every rotation of a wheel. Don't let a squeaky break ruin your biking fun when those brakes can be as good as new in no time.

How To: Fix squeaky bike brakes

Squeak, squeak, squeak… SQUEAK! How annoying. Squeaky brakes on your bicycle. An idyllic bike ride can quickly be ruined by those squeaky bike brakes. Here’s a checklist of common squeaky brake culprits and how to fix them.

How To: Ride a bike in traffic

This video is a tutorial on how to ride a bike in traffic. The first rule is to obey the law. You would need to follow the laws of traffic as though you were driving a car. If there is a bike lane, use it. It is not a good idea to use the sidewalk as that is reserved for walkers and runners. Ride predictably by signaling your turns. The video tells the viewer which side of the road to ride on, and also provides tips. He also discusses how to ride with another cyclist. This is a very informati...

How To: Change a 700Cx38 bicycle tire with baby powder

In this how-to video, you will learn how to change a 700Cx38 bicycle tire with baby powder. You need a tire tool, a new tube, new tire, baby powder, a bag, and a bicycle that needs a tire change. Run the tire tool around the rim to remove the tire Remove the old tube from the tire and check the tire for foreign objects. Take out a brand new tube and place it in a bag with baby powder. This will help the tube move around freely once installed. Inflate the tube a tiny bit, find the label on the...

How To: Replace a spoke behind the freewheel

Ever had a spoke break on your bike wheel? Don't throw the wheel away! Repairing a spoke only takes a few tools and some patience. You will need, at a minimum: a freewheel tool (used to remove the part of the wheel that engages the bike chain), a wrench, and a screwdriver. First, remove the tire and inner tube from the wheel. Next, remove any parts of the broken spoke that are accessible from the underside of the wheel rim. If the spoke is attached to the side of the wheel where the freewheel...

How To: Lubricate your bike chain

CyclingSecrets will show you how to lubricate your bike chain. First, start with a good quality lubricant a good one will keep your chain clean. Hold the bottle securely and apply the lube while cycling the bike around. Keep cycling the pedal around for a while so you get the lube all worked in the gears so it gets worked in good. When you have run through enough times you just wipe of the chain and bike with the excess oil.

How To: Choose a bicycle helmet

In this how-to video, you will learn how to choose a proper bicycle helmet. They are the most important safety equipment a cyclist owns. Picking the right helmet starts with understanding what a helmet consists of. The micro shell is the thin tough layer that covers and protects the interior of the helmet. It absorbs the impacts of the helmet. The adjustable retention system consists of 2 straps. The chin strap goes across your chin and the other goes across the back of your head. The vents a...

How To: Ride a mountain bike out out on the trails

After watching this video you will have a better understanding of this sport and how to ride your bike in the best way possible. Balance is key to solid bike riding. The girls go over fore and aft movement, side-to-side lateral movement, and up/down movement which is used for better pressure control used for better weight control on the wheels. You can see how your body should be positioned for better control and stability taking corners or riding over rocks in this short discussion of the ba...

How To: Cut spokes to build a bike wheel

Assemble tools and materials. You'll need a rim, a hub, and the proper length spokes and spoke nipples. You'll need a wheel truing stand, a spoke wrench, a flat screwdriver, and medium weight oil. A spoke tensiometer, a dishing tool and a nipple driver are optional. Place the rim in your lap with the valve stem hole directly across from you. Hold the hub in the middle of the rim with it axle vertical. These instructions assume you are building a front wheel 3x. Drop one spoke though every oth...

How To: Change your bike pedals with a pedal wrench

Even girls can repair their bikes! This video, by Girl Meets Bike, demonstates exactly how to change worn out pedals on your bicycle, using a pedal wrench. If your pedals are worn out or rusty, or you just want to upgrade to a different pedal style, check out this tutorial. You will learn step by step how to remove and install new ones. Soon, you will be on your way to a smooth ride. Happy biking!

How To: Remove a crank arm with a square taper

In this how-to video, you will learn how to remove a crank arm with a square taper on a bicycle. You will need a crank puller. You will also need two sockets (14mm and 9/16"), a quarter, a socket wrench, and a screwdriver. Use the quarter as a screwdriver to pull off the cover. You can use the screwdriver in case that does not work. Take the 14mm socket, place it in the socket wrench, and twist off the bolt. Take the crank puller and screw it on one end. Twist the lever until the crank is loo...

How To: Adjust a rear derailleur using the limit screws

This video explains how to adjust a rear derailleur using the limit screws in a bicycle. There is a limit screw which has low and high gear. When the limit screw is turned in, the pulley moves inboard and when turned out, it moves the other way. The derailleur moves along with the inboard. When turned in, it travels with the inboard and holds the chain. Care should be taken not to turn much deeper as the derailleur might throw the chain off. The viewer will get some useful information upon wa...

How To: Teach kids to ride a bike

Knowing how to ride a bike is a fun and useful skill that kids can use well into adulthood. This video tutorial demonstrates a safe and simple way to teach kid’s how to ride a bike. Before taking to the streets, make sure the child is wearing a correctly fitted safety helmet. Support the child while they pedal from the street or concrete into a nearby grassy area. Early on, make sure to teach them proper bike-riding safety laws and be sure to keep the mood light and avoid showing any frustrat...

How To: Teach someone to ride a bike

This is a very interesting instructional video on how to teach a child to ride a bike. It is about balancing according to gravitation. First, the child should ride down a hill with its legs not resting on pedals. This should be practiced about 5 to 10 times. Then the child should ride down the hill with legs resting on the pedals. This helps the child to pedal automatically when it rides on plain roads. This method works well and the child gets confidence quickly. The child will learn to ride...

How To: Remove & install a rear bicycle wheel

In this video from Intown Bicycles, demonstrates how to easily remove and to reinstall a rear bicycle wheel from a bicycle equipped with a quick release axle. There are three different common types of bicycle braking systems, and you will learn first how to disengage each of them, so that the wheel will drop out easily. Also, you will be shown how to operate the quick release system, and remove the wheel. Once you've completed this step, you are shown how to reinstall the wheel, engage the br...

How To: Change a road bicycle tire & tube

This video from Canada Bicycle Parts shows how to change a bike tire. The tools required are a bicycle pump and tire levers. He demonstrates with the rear tire, and puts the chain on the proper cog to create less tension on the chain. He releases a lever on the brake and opens the quick release lever and lowers the rear wheel. He removes the valve cap and removes all the air from the tube. He demonstrates how to remove the tire with two tire levers. He explains how to determine what caused th...

How To: Install a bicycle computer

PerformanceBikes will show you how to install a bicycle computer. Whether you have a simple computer or a more advanced computer you be able to see the basic instructions. Start by reading the instruction, install the handle bell mounts, install the wireless transmitter. You then install your spoke magnet, then calibrate your computer for your wheel size. Make sure you have read your own particular directions. If its not working, make sure you re-read your instruction, check your set up or ch...

How To: Change a bike tire out on the road or the trail

Fixing a flat bicycle tire is a skill every cyclist should know. This video tutorial shows how to fix a flat tire on a mountain or road bike using a patch. The best way to avoid a flat is to keep your tires properly inflated between 40-60 psi. However, in the event of an accident, it’s important to pack along a patch kit, tire levers, and a pump. To access the damaged tube, release the brakes and remove the actual tire. Apply the patch and replace the inner tube for continued riding.

How To: Change a tire on a Dutch bike

This video shows you how to change a bicycle tire with your bare hands. First, he shows you how to get the tire out. Use the valve cap to let all the air out of the tire tube and then loosen the bead all the way around. Eventually you can just pop the tube off then inspect and patch it. Then you put the tire back on and pump some air into it. Make sure the tire looks like it's seating properly. That is how you change a bicycle tire.

How To: Do a pre-ride bike check

This video teaches you how to do a check of your bike before you go on a ride, especially if you haven't ridden in a while. Before each ride, check the tire pressure with a tire gauge. Pump it up if it is low, and release pressure if it is too high. Also check the tires' condition, looking for worn places. Make sure the axle is properly seated in the dropout. Check brake pads for wear, or debris from the road. Remove debris with sand paper. Make sure brakes tighten enough to stop the bike and...