Because small problems with your bike are easier to ignore than major malfunctions, they can be your worst enemy. Like that clicking noise in your car that magically disappears when you crank the radio, there are the kinds of things you can let slide for months because, let's face it, as long as you're still able to ride your bike, you'll put up with anything, including embarrassing yourself and annoying your friends. Lucky for you – and the – most little problems have simple solutions.
Slipping Grips
Your grips are twisting, and you're not an stuntman. Oh yeah, you've already tried the hairspray trick to get them to stick, and it didn't work. The solution is to apply a generous amount of supergue inside the grip and on the handlebar, then quickly slide the grip into place and hold for a few seconds. Act fast – superglue sets up quickly – but not so fast that it ends up where it shouldn't. This is a permanent solution, so be ready to cut the grips off with a utility knife when it's time to replace them.
Sticky Frame
You've slopped so much energy drink on your frame taking your bottle in and out of the cage, it's stickier than the average glue. The easiest remedy is to carry only water and use gels as your energy source. But if goop isn't your thing, fill one bottle with energy drink and the other with water. Put the energy drink in the seat-tube-mounted bottle cage so it's vertical and less likely to leak. And don't fill bottles to the top. When the fluid gets warm, it expands and creates pressure – and your bottles leak.
Tingly Toes
Your too-tight cycling shoes are making your feet feel tingly and numb, and possibly making pedaling painful. Before all else, make sure your shoes fit correctly. They should be snug, but your toes shouldn't touch the front of the shoe. Yanking straps too tight will cut off circulation and lead to tingling toes; try loosening the straps, especially the front ones. If the problem persists, try a new pair of insoles. If that doesn't do it, new shoes may be your only answer.
easier to ignore than major malfunctions, they can be your worst enemy. Like that clicking noise in your car that magically disappears when you crank the radio, there are the kinds of things you can let slide for months because, let's face it, as long as you're still able to ride your bike, you'll put up with anything, including embarrassing yourself and annoying your friends. Lucky for you – and the – most little problems have simple solutions.
Foggy Sunglasses
You've slowed down on a long climb, but your sweaty body is heating up, steaming the lenses of your glasses. Before starting a climb where perspiration outpaces evaporation, wedge you shades into your helmet's front vents like the pros do, or a jersey pocket – if it's not too sweaty.
easier to ignore than major malfunctions, they can be your worst enemy. Like that clicking noise in your car that magically disappears when you crank the radio, there are the kinds of things you can let slide for months because, let's face it, as long as you're still able to ride your bike, you'll put up with anything, including embarrassing yourself and annoying your friends. Lucky for you – and the – most little problems have simple solutions.
Greased Calf
While your buddy's sporting pinup girl ink on his bicep, the only tattoo you have is on your calf to the shape of a chain-ring. There's the obvious: Don't touch the chainring. But because that's bound to happen, try a wax-type dry lube. Dry chain lubes go on wet but will eventually dry, leaving behind a waxy coating that not only lubricates but also doesn't attract dirt like wet lubes do. Used correctly, they don't leave much of a mark when your leg accidentally contacts the chainring.
Squeaky Cleats
Your cleats are squeaking like a rat in a snake cage, and annoying everyone on the ride. Make sure your cleat bolts are tight, then lube the pedal/cleat interface of the pedal. Silicone spray works well because it doesn't attract as much dirt as petroleum-based lubrication. But almost anything will work, including chain lubrication or cooking oil. But be careful. Stroll across your living room after a ride, leaving black cleat marks, and your spouse will squawk louder than any pedal will ever do...
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