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Why are shorter MTB cranks suddenly all the rage?

"I'm thinking about getting longer cranks", said no one in 2023. It's definitely true that shorter cranks are a trend right now, but why? Is it all nonsense, or is there something to it? Today we'll take a deep dive into crank length and how it affects your performance. You'll get a highly biased take on the subject from someone with very short legs.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter #mtb

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Without watching, is it because human torque isn't as important as ground clearance on an EMB?


I still like rim brakes, but I don't have any major opposition to disc brakes as long as they're using with thru-axles. (I don't like the pads rubbing after hard braking, which is usually caused by the hubs shifting.)

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Although you can find some bikes with disc brakes & QRs, at this point, they’re uncommon enough that you’re really foreclosing your options if you buy into that setup. There was an uncomfortable period around 2017 when standards were unsettled, and there are some bikes of that vintage that will just be hard to service in the future.


Finally figured out the process for getting my correct saddle position on a bike!

  • Start with the saddle level, a bit low, and slammed all the way back on the rails.
  • Raise the saddle in 3-5mm increments until you no longer lift off the saddle or have pain on or around your kneecaps. You may need to move the saddle forward a 3-5mm every now and then so you aren't completely sitting on its nose.
  • Once #2 has been taken care of, pedal with the technique of spinning your knees in small, tight, and fast circles. That pedaling technique will cause you to scoot forward to where your saddle should be.
  • Move the saddle forward in 3-5mm increments until it feels comfortable with that pedaling technique. Be sure to keep the saddle as level as possible while doing this.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter #BikeFit



Saw the aftermath of some sort of traffic incident involving an #Amazon / #Rivian van and a cyclist while I was wrapping up my daily ride. I'm thinking there was another vehicle also involved because I saw a different car's bumper wedged into the Amazon van's rear bumper.

The cyclist was limping, but he said he was okay when I asked. The Amazon driver was calling someone to report the incident.

#cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes #seabikes

This entry was edited (11 months ago)

Neil E. Hodges reshared this.


Is it reasonable to use an inner tube (installed and inflated inside the tire on the rim) to smooth out tubeless rim tape in the case of leaks? #cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes

(I'll retape it if it doesn't work out.)

This entry was edited (11 months ago)
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

So it didn't quite pan out, but it did reveal "install a tube" as a great way to seat the bead of the tire during tubeless setup! #cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes



It's pretty cool how there's enough of a market for custom #bicycle frames to keep hundreds of passionate frame builders around. :) #cycling #mastobikes #biketooter


It's sad how so many people never invest into making their bike comfortable beyond maybe a cushy saddle* and end up thinking "bike riding is supposed to be uncomfortable." #cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes

*Most cushy saddles that people go for (usually based on the saddles being cheap) aren't shaped or padded the right way and end up causing extreme discomfort in a fairly short while. :/

in reply to nothingfuture

They do work for some people, but I don't think they do great for me, either. The bike fitter I saw a few years back said he didn't like them (including the Cambium ones) because of the shape they form when they sag. It makes bike fitting really hard, and it's hard enough as it is!
Unknown parent

nothingfuture
@dan613 Did you ever get a chance to check out a recumbent? They have- without caveat- some of the most comfortable seats, ever. Like sitting on a comfy lawn chair while you pedal. They also, I’m told, make e-bike versions these days.

Neil E. Hodges reshared this.


What are some good custom #bicycle frame builders in #Seattle? Looking for lugs and minimal aversion to moving parts off an existing bike. #cycling #mastobikes #biketooter
This entry was edited (1 year ago)

reshared this

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I haven't ordered myself, but the first one that came to mind for me was https://www.rodbikes.com/

Had a very tall coworker who bought a bike from them and really liked it


Neil E. Hodges reshared this.


What are some good tubeless 650B tires with small knobs? My bike maxes out at 38mm, by the way. #cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I've had good experience with Panaracer Gravelking SK Plus (plus means more puncture protection - I've had zero punctures in probably like 8000 km with them), but looking at the available sizes I don't see a 650bx38 or smaller.
in reply to amethystdeceiver

Yeah, I was originally thinking those, but they only go down to 42mm. Need a new frame with more clearance someday. :(
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I really like Ultra Dynamico, but they are made in the Panasonic tire factory along with a lot of other brands like Rene Herse, Bob Gordon, and of course, Panaracer


Whether or not disc brakes are "better" than rim brakes, disc brakes definitely require less skill to use effectively in more conditions.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Ah, yes! I have seen those, in a museum! but never used them.


The Dark Side of Electronic Shifting

In short: primarily vendor lock-in and the vendors only targeting specific use cases with electronic shifting.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

Unknown parent

Neil E. Hodges
Maybe that's the real motivation behind pushing it everywhere. :/

Tim N7KOM reshared this.


Any #bicycle storage or carrying solution that doesn't work with fenders is useless to me. :/ #cycling #mastobikes #biketooter

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Depends really on your budget for a great rainjacket. Between a €100 and a €900 Jacket are more reasons to pay pricier.
Usually i end up with €250 Budget....

Neil E. Hodges reshared this.


A lot of the "road dust" is actually tire dust and brake dust from cars. Pretty wild to think about.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

reshared this

in reply to Neil E. Hodges Neil E. Hodges reshared this.

“According to a recent report issued by researchers at Imperial College London, There is emerging evidence that tyre wear particles and other particulate matter may contribute to a range of negative health impacts including heart, lung, developmental, reproductive, and cancer outcomes.” #bicyles #UrbanPlanning

@tk https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjy1YHKiaKCAxVMATQIHRLqBXYQFnoECBAQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fe360.yale.edu%2Ffeatures%2Ftire-pollution-toxic-chemicals%23%3A~%3Atext%3DAccording%2520to%2520a%2520recent%2520report%2Creproductive%252C%2520and%2520cancer%2520outcomes.%25E2%2580%259D&usg=AOvVaw3784bTdzK6uEGGgqrdTmrH&opi=89978449

This entry was edited (1 year ago)
in reply to Gary Shaff

@garyshaff I wonder how long it's taken them to figure that out. It's why you shouldn't use tyres as planters.


Currently on the lookout for quill stems with a horizontal extension in the 30-40mm range. Any ideas? #cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

I have very long legs and a short torso, so "normal" bicycle frames never fit me very well. I always end up with a lot of seatpost height and a short stem, even though I'm leaned forward comfortably and with plenty of power in my pedal stroke.

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

following because likewise short/long combination, see also: jumpsuit = bad idea
in reply to Leah Price

This is what I ended up landing on.


Thanks for the replies, everyone. I wish 50mm would be short enough, but I'm pretty sure I'd need something even shorter.

Ended up going with this little oddity from Crust Bikes, which was made by Nitto. My only worry is that its maximum vertical extension is a little less than my current setup, but maybe the reduced reach will make up for that. #cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter




I still think rim brakes work well enough for paved road #cycling . They haven't given me any major trouble in the wet, either. #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

The cantis on my trusty old touring bike are fine except when wet. I do usually alternate brakes when trying to keep the speed down on long downhills, just to limit the amount of rim heat.
Unknown parent

rcr
@drgeraint Agree. I live in a hilly area, disc brakes just provide more reliable braking power for controlling the speed.


Tim N7KOM reshared this.


In Memorium: The Surly Cross-Check, Discontinued After 24 Years

After over two decades, Surly moved the Cross-Check frameset from their standard lineup of bikes to the ‘Legacy Lineup’ of their website. Surly confirmed that the bike is no longer in production and is unlikely to come back.

If you haven’t owned this gravel/cyclocross/touring/whatever bike yourself, you likely know someone who has. The Surly Cross-Check was the egalitarian choice in cycling, simultaneously someone’s utilitarian dream bike that was attainable and sold at a fair price.

The end of the Cross-Check marks the bike’s reign as the most bike that ever biked, the go-to way to make a pile of parts you hoarded in the corner of your garage into a functioning bicycle, and the defacto option that a bike nerd could happily ride and recommend to their non-bikey friends all the same.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter



Who here is into #cyclocross? How'd you get into it? What do you like about it?

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

reshared this

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I’ve been a road fan since I was a kid, but got into #cyclocross 2 years ago after subscribing to GCN and having access for the first time. I love it because of its intensity. Shorter and much easier to consume than a road race, but more consistently exciting! #biketooter #cycling

Jennifer Miller reshared this.

in reply to Douglas Graves 🌳

@beardedgrupetto @tk@f.kawa-kun.com I love cyclocross. First saw it when my son raced it!
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I was persuaded to try #CycloCross about 15 years ago and have raced it ever since. I have made so many new friends because of cyclo-cross. I joined trips to the World Championships which blew me away and now I organise them. I was fortunate to see the first rainbow jersey battle between WvA and MvdP at #Koksijde in 2012. The fun, passion and friendly rivalry epitomise sport. And then add the Euro-pop and Belgian beer 🙂

#Veldrijden #BikeTooter #Cycling #CX



Also, I just discovered a broken spoken on my other bike's rear wheel that was just handbuilt at the shop a few months back (and also trued after a couple weeks of riding back then to be safe). :'(

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

That’s always a drag. I mean, stuff happens sometimes, but still. Did you have it built with straight gauge spokes? Where did the spoke break? #BikeTooter
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Unknown parent



Kind of annoyed with White Industries at the moment. The original press-fit bearings in my Stanyan's MI5 rear hub needed replacement a long while ago, so I had my local bike shop order them (which took forever to be shipped by Enduro) and swap them out. Unfortunately, the same amount of play persisted after the bearing swap despite said shop following White Industries's directions to the T multiple times. My shop has called White Industries multiple times only to not be given any recourse.

I've been out that Stanyan for several weeks now and I don't know if I should just get a different hub put in the wheel or something at this point. 😒

#cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Well, they said they replaced all four bearings. Since White Industries is being unhelpful, I guess it's time to get a new hub. :(
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Decided to give up on the Stanyan's #WhiteIndustries (130mm QR) hub and just get a different hub. I was thinking #PhilWood, but their road hubs are apparently hard to get right now, so I went with my shop's recommendation of a Hope RS4 hub. I was worried about how noisy it would be, but my shop had another one of their hubs lying around and spun it for me, which convinced me it would be fine.

#cycling #bicycle #biketooter #mastobikes



The stock middle ring on my #Sugino XD triple was getting worn out, so I spent this morning swapping it out for a Surly stainless steel chainring that I'd ordered via my local bike shop earlier. I ended up having to do the ring installation twice because I didn't have them clocked correctly the first time, but at least that was all while the drive side arm was off the bike. The drive side was a bear to get off, probably because it was on there for so long!

I'm also not a fan of "hidden/blind" chainring bolts like on that XD crank. It wasn't super hard to work with, but it would've been easier if they were all out in the open.

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

The bike has friction shifting front and rear, so the lack of shifting ramps on the new chainring doesn't really matter.

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

On a 200K or 300K, I try to get one solid meal in. Otherwise I eat snack food. Snickers bars are a favorite. I drink water and electrolyte mix, although I’m going to start experimenting with electrolyte caps so I can drink only water.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I drink something with glucose and fructose and then some water. I eat carbohydrates in various forms and from time to time food, mainly vegetarian, if possible. Sometimes I resort to sweets and caffeine.
Sorry for the late reply.


I was so starving after starting my #bicycle ride today that I was shaking, so I stopped by the first cafe I could find. They only had sweet pastries, so I ended up getting a small, plain baguette…and eating the entire thing! #cycling #Seabikes #mastobikes #biketooter

Neil E. Hodges reshared this.


Why I Converted All My Bikes to Friction Shifting

Bicycle drivetrains have never been easier or more accurate. Thanks to electronic shifting, there’s no more fiddling with barrel adjusters to get everything dialed, and mis-shifts have become a thing of the past. Today, the perfect gear change is always just the push of a button away!

#cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter

Unknown parent

Neil E. Hodges
Definitely. I only have one bike with shifters that can be indexed, but all of the others are friction only. (Except the Brompton because it has a 3-speed hub.)


Unknown parent

Neil E. Hodges

That's true.

My daily ride involves a lot of hill climbing, so the excess body heat builds up even faster. :( Need to take a break to let it dissipate, albeit slowly without the wind from riding on the level.

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

@letsbekind2
Do y'all have AC in the places you are riding to? Are the roads black-top? Are you dressed for it? I'm genuinely curious because, while I wouldn't consider lo '90s as dangerous, my city is set up for routinely higher temps, and my wardrobe also.

Heat is dangerous. Take care and hydrate early, hydrate often, and stay hydrated.

@Abi



Broke a seatpost binder bolt on today's #bicycle ride, but I was able to make it home because it was downhill the rest of the way at that point. #cycling #biketooter #mastobikes
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

The replacement binder bolt might've been a few mm too long. When tightened down, the seatpost still slipped on today's ride. I tried asking a local shop if they had a spare binder bolt washer, but they only had one piece of a binder bolt that wasn't of any use to me.

When I got home, I put one of the split lock washers I have for just this purpose in. Should be fine now!

#bicycle #cycling #biketooter #mastobikes




I appreciate being able to go faster for longer muscle-wise now, but my lungs can't keep up. I think that's why I keep hitting my oxygen wall. #cycling #bicycle #mastobikes #biketooter
in reply to adamrice

That must be why folks pick a pace for sustained riding rather than go all out.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Sort of. There’s a hyperbolic curve that relates the duration of the effort to power output. Structured training, metabolic pathways and the like are a deep rabbit hole.




First ride in a week due to whatever respiratory illness that was. I couldn't go 100% without feeling sick due to slightly reduced lung capacity, but it wasn't nearly as bad as post-COVID a while back. #cycling #bicycle #seabikes #BikeTooter