How-To Guides about Bicycle

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.:

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 to...

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 all...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 to...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 the...

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...

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 you...

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 see...

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 final...

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 you...

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.

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.

You could go out and buy a bike, but what fun would that be? Make your own! One main step in making a bike is lacing your wheel. In this great two-part video you will learn how to lace the drive side and non drive side spokes on a rear 32 wheel with the right patterns. Mike goes into great detail on which holes to lace first and what patterns work the best.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.