Hot Bicycle How-Tos

How To: Change Your Bicycle's Tire, Inspect for Damage, and Detect Hidden Problems

Many things cause a bike tire to deflate. Glass, sharp rocks, tacks, and nails can pierce the tire and puncture the tube within. A tube can be pinched between the rim and tire causing the tube to split when inflated. If a tire has a hole in it, the tube, which is filled with air pressure, will bulge out of the opening and pop. As well, the valve holding the air pressure in the tube can be damaged or faulty.

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: Rebuild a rear bicycle hub

This how-to video demonstrates the process of rebuilding a rear bicycle hub. You will need a soft hammer, a vice, grease, methylated spirits, a seal tool, a hub bearing tool, and a hub support tool. Make sure not to lose the spacer, otherwise the hub will start locking up. Watch this video bicycle repair tutorial and learn how to rebuild a rear hub. Rebuild a rear bicycle hub.

How To: Keep Your Bike Chain Clean on Rainy Days with This Super Easy DIY Mud Guard

Nasty weather is bad enough when you drive, but if you ride your bike to school or work, it's really not a pleasant way to start the day. And if getting soaked isn't sufficient, a wet commute means your bike chain is going to be caked with mud and all kinds of other gross stuff.

How To: This DIY Arduino Bicycle Safety System Includes Turn Signals, Brake Lights, Strobe, and More!

As dedicated bicyclists are well aware, riding can be very dangerous. Now that daylights savings time has ended in the United States, darkness appears quicker, and the night is especially dangerous for cyclists because of the low visibility that drivers have. Not only is darkness a danger, but also fog, blizzards, and heavy rain—all wreaking havoc on the vision. To combat this, bikers attach reflectors: clear front reflectors, red rear reflectors, amber pedal reflectors, and clear side reflec...

How To: Make a Super-Simple Smartphone Mount for Your Bike or Motorcycle Using Plastic Clamps

There are plenty of ways to make a camera mount for your car, but what if you don't have a car? If you use a bicycle or motorcycle to get around, you can still take smooth videos with this awesome DIY mount for your iPhone (or any other smartphone) by antoinebugleboy.

How To: Need a Place to Store Your Bike? Try One of These Cheap and Simple DIY Bicycle Racks

If you bike a lot and live in a small room or apartment, it can be tough to find the space to store your wheels. There are tons of bicycle racks and mounts you can buy, but where's the fun in that when they're so easy to DIY? Here are some of the best inexpensive solutions for your bike storage woes.

How To: Spruce Up Your Bicycle with This Wooden DIY Riser Handlebar

Looking for a way to make your bike stand out? You could light it up with LED rim lights or turn signals. Or if you're looking for something a little less flashy, you could make your own set of custom wooden handlebars like these by furniture designer David Moore. To actually make these wooden handlebars, you will need some woodworking tools, not to mention some actual woodworking skill, or at least the tools and some knowledge on bending and forming wood. In his video below, David shows exac...

How To: Make Your Night Bike Glow in the Dark with Phosphorescent Paint

With gas prices constantly digging into your wallet, biking will always be a cheap and easy alternative for getting around—and it's a perfect way to get in a little exercise. But with the fall season about a week away, it is going to start getting dark a lot earlier and that ride home might be a little more dangerous. So to save yourself an unexpected trip to the ER, take a little time to make your bicycle impossible to overlook.

How To: Add LED Turn Signals to Your Bike for Safe Road Cycling

In the past few weeks, you've already learned how to make your bike light up at night with some DIY rim lights and handlebar lights. But how about something a little more functional? Instead of using those tedious hand signals (which drivers don't even understand), spruce up your ride with some do-it-yourself LED turn signals.

How To: Illuminate Your Bike at Night with These Super Bright DIY Rim Lights

Riding your bicycle at night is dangerous on busy streets, especially if you've got no bike lights. In most states, it's illegal to ride your bike at night without any lights because drivers on the road won't be able to see you until it's too late. Plus, how is anybody going to notice your sweet ride without a little illumination?

How To: Make the Most Brilliant Bike Light Ever with This LED Handlebar Mod

If you ride your bike at night frequently, you've probably had at least one close call with a car, pedestrian, or some other moving obstacle because of reduced visibility. Not only is it dangerous to ride at night without lights, it's illegal in a lot of places. Make sure no one can miss you with these DIY handlebar lights from Becky Stern at Adafruit. What You'll Need

How To: Do a bunny hop on a BMX bike

Looking to catch some big air on your BMX? Watch this video to learn the three step method to bunny hopping. This isn't a cute and cuddly bunny hop, this is how you get your bike off the ground and up in the air.

How To: Skid to stop on a fixed gear bicycle

So, you've got a brand new fixed gear bicycle and you're having a great time riding it, until you try to stop. Fixies don't have brakes, so you need to know how to control your bike and skid to a stop. Check out this video to learn how.

HowTo: Build a Parasitic Bike Pump That Steals Air From Car Tires

Aleksi of Instructables has a genius idea. Bike tires out of air? Not a problem. That big old car down the street has some air to spare. Just insert Aleksi's pilfering emergency bike pump into any random car tire (make sure you're out of eyeshot, a look-out may be necessary) and siphon away.

HowTo: Snow-Proof Your Bike Tires For Dirt Cheap

For the low cost of a bag of zip ties, you can easily survive any Snowpocalypses this winter by blizzard-proofing your bicycle tires. Says the MacGyver behind the ingenious hack, Fritz Rice of the Dutch Bike Co.:

How To: Change a flat tubular tire

In this tutorial we learn how to change a flat tubular tire. First, grab your tools and remove the tire from the wheel. Do this by locating the stem and finding the spot across the other side from it. Once you have take this off entirely, you can move onto the next step. Once finished, replace the new tire back onto the wheel. Start with the same area and make sure to push the stem through the hole. Use your body weight to stretch the tire around. To finish this process, you will simply need ...

How To: Service a Mavic Freehub on your bicycle wheel

In this video, we learn how to service a Mavic Freehub on your bicycle wheel. To begin, disassemble which requires a 10 mm and 5 mm Allen wrench. Then, remove the end cap and use the wrenches to pry the nuts and bolts from the middle of the wheel. Remove the free hub after this, then set on a cloth to the side. After this, you can remove the spring and slide it out. After this, you will clean the parts off and then reinstall your parts back on the bike. Put them on how you removed them and th...

How To: Install brakes, shifters, and grips

In this video, we learn how to install brakes, shifters, and grips. You will need: Allen keys, grease, a knife, and a grip to do this. First, attack the brakes onto the handles, then the shifter and the bolts. Make sure to grease the bolts before you place them onto the handles. Do this on both sides of the bike. Make sure you have everything on the correct sides, then slide the grip in. Customize the grip so it's the right length and cut it with the knife to do this. Once finished, connect a...

How To: Adjust your front brakes

This video tutorial is in the Sports category which will show you how to adjust your front brakes on your bike. The brake pads are very adjustable. It has 360 degrees rotation which helps in installing it on the bike easily. First install the brake arms. Then loosen up the brake pad screw and lower it to bring it in line with the rim of the wheel. Now hold it in place and tighten the screw. Thereafter you can any vertical and horizontal adjustments. You can then repeat the same procedure for ...

How To: Reset a Mavic Wintech

This video tutorial is in the Sports category which will show you how to reset a Mavic Wintech. After you have installed the battery and you notice you have a blank screen, use the reset button inside the computer to reset it. This is not mentioned in the Mavic Wintech operating manual. For this, remove the battery and you will see a little compartment with a little silver button. It looks like a starter, but that is the reset button. Press the button with a sharp object and place the battery...

How To: Overhaul a DT Freehub body

In this tutorial, we learn how to overhaul a DT freehub body. First, pop the freehub off with your hand and a rag. Use an axle clamp if this will not pop off with your hand. Now, remove the end cap, freehub body, spring, star ratchets, second spring, and spacer. Set these on a rag and then use another rag to clean each of the parts off. Make sure all grease is gone along with any sand or dirt. Then, use a DT grease on the ratchets with a light coat. After this, re-install the parts that you t...

How To: Adjust your headset

In this video, we learn how to adjust your head seat. You want to make sure the top of your stem is adjusted correctly and the spacers are adjusted correctly. Go in and tighten the top cap pole until it's just snug. Then, when you grab your bike and roll it forward, go in and tighten it some more. If it's too tight, it's going to bind up and you won't be able to turn your handle bars. Loosen them up as much as you can without them being too loose. From here, you will be able to ride your bike...

How To: Switch brake pads

In this video, we learn how to switch brake pads with Marc DiVall. You first want the side that is longer because that's the trailing side. The arrow should also be pointing to the left. If they are rear mounted, that means the brakes are on the wrong side. Go in and remove the mounting nut from the pad and line everything back up. Use your wide washer and spacers to shift around, which will allow your brake pad to rotate. Replace with the washers and then the bolt and then you can place thes...

How To: Sync your Powertap

In this video we learn how to sync your Powertap. First, go to your setup screen by pulling down mode and select and going through the find. Then, click clear and find your main menu. Use the select button to scroll until you get to the number 5. Hit mode and then your hub ID number can be entered in. From here, hold down the select button for two seconds until it starts to blink. Then your hub will start to become activated. If you have a wireless speed sensor do the same thing as well. This...

How To: Install a seat post

This is a video tutorial in the Sports category where you are going to learn how to install a seat post on your bike. This is pretty easy. But, it's important that you get proper measurements for the inside and the outside diameter of the tube using a caliper. Now find the correct seat post and the seat clamp. Fix the clamp on the tube. Put generous amount of grease on the bottom part of the seat post and on the inside part of the tube and slide the seat post inside the tube. There is a minim...

How To: Properly remove a freewheel

In this video we learn how to properly remove a freewheel with Sasha. First, remove the skewer and then put the end back on. Now, identify the proper tool to remove the free wheel. Use the type of remover for your wheel, then place it over the axle and slide it in. Then, take the skewer, replace it, and slide it in tightly. Now grab a wrench and turn it counter clockwise to take the freewheel off. Once you are finished, your freewheel will be removed and you can clean it or use it how you'd l...

How To: Wrap handlebars

In this video we learn how to wrap handlebars. First, open up the tape and remove the adhesive. Place the tape on the bar and then tuck in one half as you work your way up the bar. The adhesive should be on the bars and there should be tension on them so they lay flat. Once you finish wrapping this, make sure they are tight and secure. Check your work to make sure you didn't leave any gaps and the curve is smooth. Don't pull too hard if you are working with cork tape, this will cause damage t...

How To: Recover your bike seat by sewing your own drawstring seat cover

If your bike seat is wearing out, or you want to protect your bike from the elements, you can make your own drawstring bike cover. This tutorial shows you how to get the pattern and then sew the drawstring cover to slip over your bike seat.

How To: Build a DIY bicycle basket

Moving cargo on bikes is not commonly done in America, but in the rest of the world people carry their whole lives on their bikes with ingenious storage methods. If your bike doesn't even have a basket, watch this video to learn how to make one yourself and make your bike much more practical.

How To: Ride with clipless pedals

In this video, we learn how to ride with clipless pedals. These are a great option to consider. The shoes and pedals work together so when you step on the pedal your foot clips into place. The benefits include a better foot to pedal control and it's safer because it gives you instant entry and release from the petal. To wear, put the shoes on and make sure you spin one petal to the bottom of the pedal. Now, step down onto the pedal until the you hear it clip into place. After this, start to r...

How To: Remove a stuck freewheel

In this tutorial, we learn how to remove a stuck freewheel. First, take your crescent wheel and place it on the outside piece of the wheel axle. After this, use a wrench to remove the bolt that is around this, using a big push to help it get out of place. This should be pretty tight, but will come out eventually. Now, place a wrench in the vice and rotate the wheel counter clockwise. When this is finished, you can put the parts back onto the wheel. When finished, the parts should be free to t...

How To: Change a bike tire or tube

In this tutorial, we learn how to change a bike tire or tube. First, you will want to take the wheel off of the bike entirely. Then, remove the cap from the wheel and take off the nuts. Release any remaining air, then remove the retaining washers. Now use a lever to remove the wheel and tube from the rum entirely. Once you do this, grab your new tire or tube and inflate it slightly. Next, you will place the tire on and then insert the tube underneath it. Once finished, inflate the tire and th...

How To: Fix a flat with a CO2 cartridge

In this tutorial, we learn how to fix a flat with a CO2 cartridge. Start out by grabbing the bag that is underneath your bag, which has everything you need to fix your flat tire. After this, take the wheel off and find out where the hole is located. There will be a hissing sound coming from this spot where the air is escaping. First you will remove the tube from the wheel, then replace it with a new one. Once you're finished, use a CO2 tube to fill the tire back up with air. Replace this back...

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: Change a bicycle tire & replace the inner tube

In this tutorial, we learn how to change a bicycle tire & replace the inner tube. First, take the wheel off of the bike. Then, see if you can find any holes on the outside of the tire. Then, remove all air from the tire tube and remove 1 side of the tire using tire levers. After this, completely remove the inner tube and then inflate the tube and check for holes. Check the inside of the tire for sharp objects, then find out which way your tire should roll. Install one bead of tire back onto t...

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: Change a tire on a folding bike

In this tutorial, we learn how to change a tire on a folding bike. First, you need to know how the bike goes together so you can take the tire off correctly. Once you have taken the tire off of the rim of the bike, you can discard with it. You can use either strong fingers or a wheel lever to help you take the wheel off if it's difficult. Next, you will need to slightly inflate the tire and add on the rim to the tire. Once it's on, you will need to inflate it and then place on the bike! Now y...