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Cyclists can make repairs on their bicycles themselves. Five easy repairs that they can do themselves are replacing a poor link, adjusting derailleurs, lubricating parts, changing worn brake pads and fixing loose spokes., Believe it or not, I was a university professor once. OK, so all I taught was a course in basic bicycle repair, but it was a sellout every semester for [...]

Five models of affordable road bicycles were tested. The Bianchi Brava, priced at $700, gave a comfortable ride, while the similarly priced Diamondback Expert has excellent parts but proved to be the heaviest. Schwinn Passage, at $700, offers smooth handling, while the $699 Raleigh R500 was the lightest. The $600 Fuji Finest showed performance and comfort., Thanks to Shimano's economical RSX STI parts group and advances in frame materials, you can get a good, basic road bike for $700 or less. We obtained five such models [...]

Several recommendations on the repair and maintenance of bicycles are discussed. These include loosening stem or brake levers, adjusting rear clicks, using citrus degreasers, preventing pulley problems, recycling worn tires and measuring suspension fork travel., Maybe you ride just once a week to buy a lottery ticket. Maybe you've been a daily commuter since Kennedy was in office. Doesn't matter - you can always use [...]

Cyclists are advised to carry with them a complete tire kit in case of emergencies. They should inspect their spare tube for possible leaks and debris. They should also check their pump and patches for possible defects., YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO NAILING CYCLING'S THORNIEST PROBLEM While jamming up the coast in a downpour a few weeks ago, I hit a rock and blew my rear tube. In [...]

The techniques used by Steve Gravenites, a well-known bicycle assembler, is presented. Gravenites' bicycle shop is well-known among professional cyclists and cross-country racers., THE GROOVIEST MECHANIC IN THE WORLD LAYS DOWN THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS OF BIKE MAINTENANCE Ask any pro cross-country racer or downhiller who they'd want fixing their bike and chances are, [...]

Cyclists can choose from a wide array of weightless bicycles to suit their cycling requirements. The Cannondale Super V RAven 4000 weighs 25.2 lbs. with a frame weight of 6.6 lbs. Its features include an aluminum spine and carbon-fiber skins and is priced at $5,917., CALL IT CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION OR WRETCHED EXCESS. IN THE PURSUIT OF LIGHTNESS, WE PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS. HERE ARE EIGHT BUOYANT BIKES THAT COULD TRANSFORM YOUR NEXT RIDE (AND [...]

A profile on several avid vintage bicycle collectors is presented. These include Mike Mattei, Jim Dicke, Carl and Clarice Burgwardt and Chuck and Cherry Schmidt., VINTAGE VELOS UNLOCK A GLORIOUS PAST A cold night in April finds me in Chicago at the home of Cycle Smithy bike shop owner and bike collector Mark Mattei. The [...]

An exercise program for cyclists who would like to improve their climbing skills is presented. The program covers various areas such as training, climbing techniques and cycling tactics., CLIMBERS ARE BORN, NOT MADE, THEY SAY. OK THEN - GET READY FOR YOUR PERSONAL REBIRTH. HERE, WE GIVE YOU ALL THE TOOLS - SHORT OF WINCHES AND HELIUM BALLOONS [...]

Bike manufacturers' and enthusiasts' efforts to build better products led to the creation of a new and bizarre line of two-wheelers, called recumbents. Inventors say that they created recumbents to address the upright bikes' drawbacks, such as poor ergonomics, safety features and forward visibility., At 61, Washington D.C. resident Bill Cook has rediscovered cycling. A writer for US News and World Report, he's not just pedaling. Cook says, "I took a welding course; bought [...]

New suspension forks for bicycles offer softer and more comfortable rides. They have better torsional stiffness and are easier to adjust. New suspension forks are sprung by steel coils or elastomers or both. Most models also incorporate oil damping mechanisms., WHICH SUSPENSION FORK SHOULD YOU BUY? WE TORTURE-TEST THE TOP 10 TO FIND OUT. What's new in suspension forks? Plenty. Current models are more compliant, cheaper and simpler than those [...]

The portability of foldable bicycles allows riders to combine different modes of transportation. Seven folding bikes are evaluated, including C.M Wasson's Brompton T5, Gaerlan Custom Cycle's gt20, Human Powered Machines' Swift Folder and Montague's Urban., Len Rubin, a busy San-Francisco-based computer consultant, rides constantly. "I've been using folding bikes in the fight against urban gridlock and poorly coordinated transportation systems for nearly 25 years," he [...]

Steadily declining prices, continually improving frame materials and parts as well as increased travel and a better feel due to shock forks make front-suspension rides a good buy in 1997. These bikes also offer superior control on rough terrain, excellent durability and are a good status symbol., Cross-country racer or weekend trail blazer, you're going to be shocked (so to speak) by what's coming out this season in front-suspension rides. BREED: Border Collie PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Light enough [...]

Hybrid bicycles are ideal for riders who do not engage in mountain biking aggressively but want a faster and smoother ride around town. They are also perfect for commuting and fitness cycling due to their lightweight wheels. Moreover, their medium-width tires will not easily give way., Dirt snobs, don't snicker; these '97 bikes are the best tools there are for tooling around on trails or in town. BREED: Blue Merle Collie PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: If you want [...]

Offroad tests of the $1,050 Diamond Back V-Link 1.1, the $1,199 Jamis Dakar Sport, the $1,000 Mongoose VRS 1.0, the $1,199 Schwinn S-20 are reported. Several dual suspension mountain bike are also recommended. These include the $3,500 DiamondBack V-Link Pro and the $3,949 Kenstrel Rubicon Comp., We test five of the best dual suspension bikes you can buy for $1,000. Plus, four high-end dualies to dream for. Someone has to test dual suspension mountain bikes, right? [...]

A list of bicycle maintenance tools and equipments is presented. Bicycles should be subjected to a yearly service or "overhaul" after a winter season. Major components such as bearings should be cleaned, inspected and rebuilt to ensure optimum performance., Everything you need to know to bring your bike back from the dead Sometimes, pulling your bike off the hooks after a winter of inactivity can be a shocking experience. [...]

Tips for maintaining bicycles are provided. Front derailleurs may be difficult to shift to the inner chainring unless they are moved very low and the outer cage plate is moved nearer to the chain. Other techniques include installing shock forks and upgrading a road bike., My Bianchi Volpe has a triple crankset with a Suntour XC Sport 7000 front derailleur. The problem is that I've never been able to shift onto the inner chainring. I've [...]

Aluminum bicycle frames have increased in popularity because of its lightness, corrosion resistance, new manufacturing processes and rising consumer preference of fat tubes. Evaluations of aluminum bicycles Quantum Pro, Dean Aluminum, R600 and ATX 890 are also provided., It lacks titanium's trendiness and carbon's cachet, but aluminum is still one of cycling's best frame materials Quick - which frame material is growing in popularity faster than any other? [...]

A comparison of bicycle forks made by various maunfacturers was conducted, determining optimum performance in terms of torsion, splay, component materials and weight. The Kestrel EMS was considred the most durable while the Look fork by Veltec Sports was the lightest in the group., WE TEST 6 HIGH-END MODELS FOR YOUR STREET MACHINE Not long ago, you probably wouldn't have considered replacing your road bike's fork unless you crashed and trashed it. Then a [...]

A professional bicycle mechanic recalls the competitions where he served on the support team for world-class bicycles. Each one was an expert on repair and parts and provided ready repairs for damaged equipment during the competition., Last summer, when Shimano's Bruce Galloway called, I was a little nervous about accepting his offer. You see, Bruce was rounding up mechanics to work for Shimano's Neutral Support Service [...]

Advancements in the designs of dual suspension bikes have been introduced to the bicycle market. The bikes feature a multi-pivot frame, active pedal action and reduced pedal-induced suspension movement., Get That Checkbook Ready. Our Annual Dual-Suspension Shootout Has Found 4 (Almost) Bugless Bikes. Do we really test our test bikes? That's a question some manufacturers have the gall to [...]

Cyclists should consider cost-performance ratios first before upgrading bicycle parts. Some parts that should be constantly upgraded are reflectors, pedals and spoke protectors., Make the Right Upgrading Call With Our Guide to Smart Buys The bikes shown on the following pages are hot sellers from Trek and Specialized, offering solid performance at popular [...]

A buyer's guide for clipless pedals for cycling is presented. Among the information provided are brand, model, price pedal and cleat weights, axle, body, bearings and platform., Shopping for clipless pedals has become cycling's equivalent of entering a supermarket's cereal section. You're surrounded by dozens of brands, all promising something special. For many buyers, the choices can [...]

Three recumbent bicycle models are rated. The Lightning P-38 is quick and extremely maneuverable, but difficult to master. The Ryan Vanguard is safe, comfortable and a good value. The Bike-E has a modular design that facilitates upgrading., And if you're a competitor, this is the ideal place for setting records. I'm talking about a world more cyclists are discovering: the realm of recumbents, bikes on which you [...]

Blinking rear lights can increase night-riding safety without much weight or ugly attachments. Lights were divided into large, medium, and small groups, with large the best for regular use. VistaLite and Specialized offered the best lights., For many of you, the reflectors bolted to your new bike were the first things discarded in an effort to shave weight or look more professional. We understand the urge [...]

Six dual suspension mountain bicycles were tested by Bicycling magazine. While none of the bicycles provided both comfort and efficiency, the Mongoose IBOC Amplifier proved to be the best of the six bicycles tested. It was designed by motorcycle/bicycle suspension wizard Horst Leitner., Dual-suspension mountain bikes, like the current crop of grunge-era adolescents, are still trying to "find themselves." And just like any teenager, their lives have been rife with experimentation, rejection of [...]

The restoration of an 1896 Adams bicycle took two years and approximately $2,500. The Wheelmen, a global club dedicated to preserving and exhibiting antique bicycles, assisted the restorer to obtain replacement parts and equipment., Let's get one thing straight: No one is getting rich restoring or collecting old bicycles. If that's your wish, chase Shaker furniture instead. The project you see on these pages [...]

Manufacturers are introducing mountain bicycle suspension systems in 1994 that are less costly, lighter and easier to adjust. Many new bikes offer both font and rear shocks. Information about innovative new mountain bikes, suspension systems and shock absorbers is given., Mountain bike suspension continues to evolve at an impressive rate, rivaling developments in laptop computers, video cameras, and even automobiles. Next year, you'll see lighter, less expensive, more adjustable, and [...]

Five front-suspension mountain bicycles that sell from $600 to $700 were tested for a week on trails in Marin County, CA. The bikes were evaluated according to weight, riding position, fork, frame and components. The $670 Jamis Paragon scored top ratings. A profile of each bike is given., These are the headlines cyclists have gotten used to reading in Marin County, California, where some trails and garagetinkerers helped launch the mountain bike phenomenon more than a decade ago. [...]

The Bicycle Museum of America features over 100 antique bicycles as well as modern bicycle equipment, clothing, accessories and videos. There are also temporary exhibits and workshops related to biking. Descriptions of several antique bikes on display are given., When the Schwinn Bicycle Company was recently purchased by the Scott Sports Group, collectors wondered what would happen to its private History Center. Recognized as one of the world's 3 [...]

The most important factors to consider when buying a bicycle helmet are the item's fit and its safety rating. Other things to consider are weight, ventilation, price and accessories such as visors, shields, stickers or graphics., Ten years ago on a bright June morning. I made a near-tragic mistake. Worried that my helmet would be stifling for the day's mountainous ride. I wore a hat instead. [...]

Five dual-suspension mountain bikes were tested on Mexico's Baja peninsula for comfort, price and appearance. The Specialized FSR ($2,709) received top ratings because of its low weight and minimal vibrations., Around 1853, William Walker and his very own private army left California for Mexico's Baja peninsula. A sneaky gringo, Walker got into Baja by saying he was on a business [...]

Vehicle racks are convenient because they require little dissembling, and protect car and equipment. Types of racks include rear mount, bed or van mount and roof racks. Experts advise buying the racks from shops that hire specialists., Whenever I travel, I spot them: those daredevil transients who have packed their entire household into the car "Beverly Hillbillies" style. It's always amusing to see what they've done with [...]

New bicycles exhibited at a cycling trade show are evaluated for looks, innovation, stability and performance. The Lotus Sport is described, and a retail version will be available when UCI-legal. Three concept bicycles, not for sale, are included., Klein aeolus At 2.7 pounds - wow, look at that paint job - the new $900 aluminum Aeolus time trial frame is Klein's lightest. It incorporates typically aggressive time trial [...]

A survey of bicycle owners found that the most useful upgrades include installing future shock suspension forks, rebuilding for commute riding, installing index shifting on mountain bike and installing power components.

Buyers may be able to purchase bicycles at more reasonable prices in 1993 because of including newer systems in component groups. Mountain bikers will typically buy complete bicycles with front suspension for $400. A discussion of new products and bicycles is included.

Specialized Bicycle Components' Specialized Allez Comp racing bike features an improved steel frame, Shimano 105 brakes and an anatomic bar. The cost is $755.

Four racing bicycles are rated, including Greg LeMond's light-weight model, Carbon Frames. The bicycles are rated by weight, wheel, drivetrain and components. Prices range from $1150 to $4675, for the totally equipped LeMond Ti 3/2.5 model.

The guidelines for effective bicycle maintenance and repair include using hair-styling gel to install handlebar grips and carrying two bicycle chains. One way to make training more intense is to design race courses with friends.

The editors of Bicycling magazine select their favorite cycling products. These products include the Rhode Gear helmet mirror, the Burley child trailer and the Schwinn Varsity drop-handlebar bicycle.

The Marin Team Issue mountain bike originated in Taiwan and sells for $1879. It features Shimano XTR components and a nickel-plated finish which make it corrosion resistant. The frame adds rigidity, but may be too light for some riders.

Bicycle saddles are available in various materials and types. Fit, level and height should be considered when choosing a type. Different shapes are available for men's and women's choices. A good tip is to try the models used by serious riders.

Eleven bicycles from the '91 Interbike Expo in Anaheim, CA, are evaluated. These expensive bicycles costing a total of $35,000 range from $900 to $6,500. The models are rated by design, performance, weight, aesthetics, materials, and price. Bridgestone XO-1 ($900) is the best buy for its price.