Hot Bicycle How-Tos

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...

How To: Change a tubular bike tire

To change a tubular bike tire start by stretching the tube. Put your foot on the tire and pull it upward with your hands to stretch it out. Take a clean rim and put Tuflo tire tape onto the rim inching your way all the way around the rim leaving a 2-3 inch gap opposite the valve stem so that you can remove the tube in case of a flat. Pull a small section of the tuflo tape foil loose and leave it sticking out to side of the tire. Put the tire on the rim starting at the valve stem. Once you hav...

How To: Prep spokes to build a bike wheel

Thebiketube will show you how to prep spokes to build a bike wheel. Prior to lacing the wheel prep the spokes. it provides a lubricant that dries and becomes a lead lock. Use linseed oil, found at an art store or a spoke prep. Use a separate color for the sides so you don't mess up. Use a separate color for the drive and non drive side. Take a little and put it on all the spokes. You will have to do this for all 18. Then let it dry.

How To: Adjust a front derailleur on a mountain bike

The video is about adjusting the front derailleur of a performance bike. To adjust the front derailleur you have to first adjust the rear derailleur to the smallest gear. To adjust the front derailleur shift the gear to the largest. If it does not slip into largest gear then adjust the barrel adjuster by turning it counter clockwise till it settles into the largest gear. Turn the barrel adjuster until it stops rubbing against the chain. The full process can be carried out whilst riding, it is...

How To: Transition in a triathlon

Professional Triathlon, Jessi Stensland, shows tricks to making quick and smooth triathlon transitions. She takes you through racking of your bike, bike equipment checks, gear positioning, helmet and sunglasses placement, and shoe preparations to minimize the time needed to transition from swimming to biking. Similarly, she covers the biking to running transition and shows how to position shoes, visor, identification, and nutrient packs so that you can quickly transition into the final leg of...

How To: Build a rear road bike wheel

Building your own bike can be an exhilarating and fun experience for anyone, even the most novice of craftsmen. With this tutorial you can learn to start building the rear wheel of a bicycle. He shows you websites to help you calculate exactly how long your spokes need to be for the wheel, where to find measurements on the skeleton of the wheel itself, and clarifies any confusing terminology that you might not be familiar with. After you have all your measurements for both sides of the wheel ...

How To: Repair a bike tire

The video starts out by showing how a bike rack is helpful in repairing your flat tire. Next it takes you through all of the steps, along with tips and instructions on what you need to do. don't forget to heed the "notes‚" throughout as they are important tips to enable you successfully repair your flat tire. In no time at all you will have fixed your bike's flat tire and once again be ready to hit the road.

How To: Change your road bike tire

This video demonstrates how to change a road bike tire. First you would shift rear cassette to smallest gear and then you would open brake calipers or if you have the v-brakes. Then remove the quick release and then remove the wheel. Afterwards remove the tire with the tire levers. He helps by doing this slowly and provides instructions on the video screen in the form of text. If you follow the steps in this video, you'll be able to change your bike tire!

How To: Fit your bike correctly

Jessi Stensland, professional triathlete, explains how selecting the right bike can mean the difference between a comfortable ride and possible neck, back, knee or shoulder pains. Stensland first takes us through finding the right bike size with charts such as those available on Schwinn bikes. After the right size is determined, riders should determine the proper fit by adjusting their bike's handlebars and seat. Lastly, Stensland instructs bike riders on how to choose the proper saddle.

How To: Fix a flat bike tire without tools

Simple instructions for doing a simple bike repair when you are on the road and don't have your tools. This vide shows how to take the tire off your bike rim without using tire levers. Our host demonstrates on a completely flat tire, and shows us how to leverage off the beads of the tire using only brute strength - the leverage of your hands. He then demonstrates how to put the tire back on. The final small section of bead is pushed on using his body strength. This technique is less likely to...

How To: Adjust a rear derailleur

Use a 5mm Allen wrench and loosen the bolt holding the cable on the rear derailleur. Thread the shift cable through the cable stays and tighten it in the rear derailleur with as little slack as possible. Make sure that the adjustment screw on the shifter is in the mid point of the adjustment.

How To: Understand the parts of a road bike

Jim, from The Bike Tube, describes the parts of a bike so that you understand the parts of a road bike. He starts at the back of the bike and goes through every part of the bike so that you know the names of these parts and where they are located on the bike. Learning the parts is the first step in learning how to care for each functioning part of a bike. From the front wheel to the back wheel, all major bike parts are covered.

How To: Change a bicycle tire at home

This how-to video with Christopher Danz Technical Product Specialist with Performance Bicycle shows you how to fix a flat tire. To fix a flat tire you need a set of tire levers, a spare tube or patch kit, and a pump. The first step is remove the wheel. Insert the tire levers and remove the tire from the rim. Starting with the valve tuck the new tube into the tire then tuck the tire back into the rim and re-inflate the tire.

How To: Ride a bike

Frustration is something that comes along with learning to ride a bike. You mustn't give up as it's a valuable skill to have. This video shows you how to ride a bike and minimize frustration.

How To: Use hand signals on a bicycle

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to use hand signals on a bicycle. Bicycles don't come with turn signals and brake lights. Fortunately, there's already a universal language for indicating turns and stops on a bike.

How To: Change a road bike tire during a trip

Jill and Bizzy show you how to fix a flat out on the road. You are lucky if you have a quick release for your back tire. Otherwise it can take a while to get the back inner tube off to either patch the flat or replace the inner tube. This is a great comprehensive video on quickly fixing a tire on the road.