	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

About Steve Mills
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer any question that I am asked. I am a very well know bicycle mechanic, and have been for a few years. If by any chance I can't answer your question(s), I'll refer you to one of my renown references to make sure your question gets answered.

Experience
I have been working on bicycles since I was a teenager. I now own a small business building and selling bicycles. From fixing a flat, to rebuilding a custom bicycle, I have done it all, I have seen it all.

Education/Credentials
High School, Small business in this field.

You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Mountain Biking > Bicycle Repair

Questions Answered By Expert Steve Mills
In Category Bicycle Repair

Subject	Date Asked

bike problem	8/29/2008
Q: My wife's bike has a problem. The pedles and chain turn fine but it is not engaging the wheel. The ... A: This is a job to leave to the bike shop. The problem is the latching mechanism inside the hub shell ...
Roadmaster mountain sport sx	8/28/2008
Q: Would you be able to help me get my bike back in order? Also I included pictures for further ... A: You will need to replace the bolt and nut on the derailleur hanger. This can be purchased from your ...
Advice on Bike.	8/24/2008
Q: I just bought a bike from someone from eBay. The following link provides all the information and ... A: I'm sorry but just by looking at the pictures I can't tell you what year it was made in, the ...
Advice on Bike.	8/23/2008
Q: I just bought a bike from someone from eBay. The following link provides all the information and ... A: The cheapest place you can get these replacement shocks would be an authorized GT bicycle ...
Pedals/Crank	8/17/2008
Q: I just got a new mtn bike (Roadmaster) and want to put clipless mtb pedals on it but the problem is ... A: The 2 common pedal sizes are 9/16" and 15mm. Your best option would be to return these pedals and ...
Kids Bike	8/14/2008
Q: My son has a 20 in next bike that has only a hand brake that was left out in the rain. The rear ... A: There are signs of corrosion inside the freewheel. The easiest way to fix this is to replace it. If ...
Need Parts	8/11/2008
Q: Having difficult time locating part. I need to replace the broken plastic derailer on the front ... A: This plastic piece that is between the cassette - the group of cogs on the rear wheel, is called a ...
Need Parts	8/9/2008
Q: Having difficult time locating part. I need to replace the broken plastic derailer on the front ... A: You do not need the exact same derailleur as the one that was previously on there. If you don't mind ...
my rear sprocket is not coming off	8/8/2008
Q: ok i have a haro bmx my rear sprocket is incredibly worn i have tried to take it off but it is ... A: You will need a Freewheel Removal Tool, a Chain Whop, and a wrench to turn the Removal Tool. The ...
adjust a handlebar	7/11/2008
Q: How can I raise/lower the handlebars on this "Pathways" Schwinn hybrid bike? It does have a ... A: If you wanted to raise the stem higher, not just the angle of it you will need to buy a fork with a ...
method for cleaning chain	6/28/2008
Q: I would appreciate any help you could give me with the following bike problem. Incidentally, I ... A: To properly clean the chain you will need to disassemble the whole chain. Disassemble the whole ...
gears	6/28/2008
Q: its like they keep trying to go to another gear but they dont and that is in all the gears that i ... A: You will need to adjust the rear derailluer-this is the mechanism that shifts the gears. To do this ...
fork removal	6/28/2008
Q: I want to take my Surly Long Haul Trucker on a plane. The soft bag specs say I will struggle to fit ... A: You can either buy a larger bike bag to fit your bike without removing the fork, or you can have the ...
cranksets	6/27/2008
Q: I have a Schwinn road bike, my pedal has tore the threads out of the crank arm(left side only) what ... A: You will need to get a new crankset that is the same length and same thread size as your current ...
bearing retainer	6/27/2008
Q: I have an old Raleigh technum bike "1987" where the bearing retainer is bad. Can I replace it with ... A: You can replace the retainers with new bearing types as long as they fit correctly. You can find ...
Just a comment	6/25/2008
Q: While footmobiling my way to work this afternoon I happened by a Salvation Army store and there set ... A: I cannot determine the value of this bike without first knowing the year and model. Factors that ...
Changing rear wheel sprocket	6/19/2008
Q: How do I remove the rear sprocketon my son's bike it's a single sprocket (mongoose)? A: You will need a free wheel removal tool, a chain whip, and a 1 inch wrench to turn the free wheel ...
Derrailuer	6/19/2008
Q: My derrailuer is a bit bent but it gets stuck with the spoke. Should I replace it or try and bend it ... A: You will need to bring it your local bike shop to make sure that your derrailuer hanger is not bent ...
Shimano Altus ST CT-90 21 speed needs repair	6/17/2008
Q: I have a 21 speed bike and a limited number of gears still working (it hasnt been used much in ... A: You need to adjust the deraillures. To adjust the rear deraillur use the adjustment barrel screw ...
Two part question, 80's? Fuji Royale Derailleur	6/15/2008
Q: I have just recently bought a Fuji Royale. It is assumed to be a 1980's sometime 12-speed. It has ... A: The size pulley you will need is determined by the amount of teeth it has. There are two different ...
bike rebuild	6/14/2008
Q: i have a specialized hard rock sport frame from the late 90's. it needs a complete rebuild. the ... A: There isn't a repair manual on the market for building bicycles, and they only cover the basics of ...
Shimano 760 rapid rise rear derailleur	6/14/2008
Q: I've had my Santa Cruz Blur since 2006 and have always had shifting issues with this rapid rise. Is ... A: If it was fixed and then went back to it you need to look at either the derailluer itself or the ...
Gear slips	6/13/2008
Q: Steve: I have a Mercier Aero where the gears seem to slip when I apply force, usually trying to ... A: The chain or cassette could be worn. Use a tape measure to tell if the chain is worn. To do this ...
Stripped Crank arm	6/9/2008
Q: i have a Gary Fisher Tarpon model bike, but the threads to attach the pedal to the left crank arm ... A: The brand of the new crank set wouldn't matter. What would matter is the type of attachment to the ...
Raleigh bicycle model SC30 clicking noise	6/8/2008
Q: I have a two year old Raleigh "comfort bike" which is like a mountain bike. It is making a click ... A: The bottom bracket is the piece that the crank arms attach to rotate them. You cannot see this by ...
New Bike Gears Won't Shift	6/4/2008
Q: I just got my new bike today, via UPS. It's a Bianchi Brava. When I took it out and tried to shift ... A: First, let me apologize for the delay in this reply. When you shift, is there enough tension on the ...
rear wheel replacement	5/29/2008
Q: I have a Dawes Duce synchro cycle with derailleur gears. My rear wheel was buckled so I bought a new ... A: To remove freewheel from the hub you will need to bring it to a bike shop. The ball bearings can ...
stripped allen socket on Non drive side crank	5/27/2008
Q: I bought a used bike to strip for parts on a project I am building. I just found out that the Allen ... A: This bolt is a standard right hand thread. A few ways to remove the bolt without damaging the crank ...
Upgrading to new frame but using existing components	5/26/2008
Q: I have a very new (less than 2 months old ) Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc HT and I want to buy an ... A: There will be some complications from building the new frame up with these components. The problems ...
rear wheel replacement	5/26/2008
Q: I have a Dawes Duce synchro cycle with derailleur gears. My rear wheel was buckled so I bought a new ... A: You will need a Freewheel Removal Tool, a Chain Whip, and a 1" wrench. Insert the Freewheel Removal ...
axel replacement	4/29/2008
Q: hi i need to replace my back axel that is a 10 mm quick release with a 10 mm bolt axel as i have ... A: You will need to buy the axle from your local bike shop. You will need your wheel hub information ...
Grinding noise from rear hub	4/29/2008
Q: Over the weekend my cousin and I did a 30 mile ride and at about 10 miles into the ride his Redline ... A: This grinding noise is caused from your bearing cones. Either the cones are worn, dry or just dirty. ...
Disc Brake Scraping Noise	4/29/2008
Q: I own a Scott Reflex 20 with Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes. For a long time now, the rear ... A: There is a knob that's located near the wheel that I believe is red, if not another color in which ...
gears, are they stripped?	4/28/2008
Q: i inherited a beautiful mountain bike, but... can pedal but go nowhere. chain is on but it's like ... A: The problem is the teeth on the inside of the hub are supposed to catch and this in terms will ...
chain length	4/27/2008
Q: I dropped my old chain and lost it ,i have 12 speed Schwinn /cross fit bike,i wonder what is the ... A: A simple equation can help you get the correct length of chain you will need. L = 2(C) + F/4 + R/4 + ...
Bike pedals slip	4/27/2008
Q: I know I'm not asking this correctly, but I hope you can figure out what I'm trying to say. I ... A: This is caused from the teeth on your chain ring being worn. The chain is not catching them on the ...
Is It true about jumping?	4/25/2008
Q: I just bought an IronHorse Maverick 1.2, and as i was reading through the booklet of how to take ... A: Yes it is true about this type of bike. By doing this puts excess strain on the frame and shocks and ...
columbia trailhead sport handlebar adjustment	4/24/2008
Q: how do I adjust (Raise) the handlebars on this bike? A: If you have a threaded headset, then this can be done. If you have a threadless headset then there ...
12 speed schwinn tour delux	4/24/2008
Q: A new rider here. I have an old 12 speed Schwinn and a cheapo deluxe mtn bike. I am learning as I ... A: The problem is caused from a out of adjustment derailleur cage. To adjust this, use the adjustment ...
Iron Horse Maverick 1.2	4/21/2008
Q: I just bought one used for $100, which I think was a good price. I'd like to find a ... A: If you go to your local bike shop they have the stats for a majority of the bicycles made for the ...
Repairing shifter. Shamano700xc	4/20/2008
Q: I was having trouble shifting and opened the rear derailler shifter. Sprayed w-d 40 and blew with ... A: You shouldn't have used the compressed air to clean it, nor the WD-40. To clean the inside of the ...
rear derailleur pivot spring	4/20/2008
Q: I'm from Brazil and after all excuse me for my English. I'll try to do my best. The question is: the ... A: Let me make sure I have the questions right, you want to change the whole derailleur or just the ...
Pedal removal	4/20/2008
Q: I have plain pedals on a very expensive shimano road crank and I want to switch the plain pedals to ... A: You will need a pedal wrench of the same size of the pedal you are removing. The sizes available for ...
front brakes	4/19/2008
Q: front brake lever doesn't move. What can I do? A: Is the cable to tight preventing the brakes from retracting from the rim? Remove the cable rom the ...
changing/removing mountain bike fork	4/18/2008
Q: I have a Fuji Boulevard-FS Mountain bike that I thought maybe I could convert to a road bike. This ... A: If this fork is threaded, then you will need a Headset Wrench to remove it. If it's not threaded ...
bicycle repair	4/17/2008
Q: the other day i was out riding and the rear drive started to catch when i wasn't pedaling and then ... A: Was it the chain that wasn't catching or the cassette itself? If it was the chain that's not ...
Changing breaks	4/17/2008
Q: I have a bike for my daughter which has front pad breaks. I need to change the breaks to coaster ... A: In order to change to this type of braking system, you will need to get a coaster rear wheel. It is ...
Suntour X-1 rear derailleur chain path.	4/16/2008
Q: My chain broke about a year ago and I finally got to a point where I'm ready to fix the bike up and ... A: When looking at the bike from the right side, the crankset and cassette should be facing you. The ...
Schwinn Skyliner	4/16/2008
Q: Any idea what size seatpost clamp (mm or in?) and what kind of bolt on skewers for a scwhinn ... A: I'm not sure exactly what size this would be, To size it yourself, and for future references, the ...
Bicycle rebuilding	4/16/2008
Q: I recently acquired a Trek 2300 road bike built circa 1992. It’s in great shape but I want to ... A: Rebuilding a bicycle from the frame up with parts from another bike can be tricky. The parts you ...
Popping Noise; Nexus Inter-8 Hub	4/14/2008
Q: I have a relatively new Breezer with an 8 speed Nexus hub (red stripe) and notice that the hub makes ... A: Yes, this cone can be adjusted. Remove the cone and verify that all ball bearings are still intact. ...
possible freehub issues	4/14/2008
Q: Hey bud. My issue is that whenever I try to pedal the chain and cassette just seem to spin, there ... A: This issue is caused from the freehub. In order to fix this problem, you will need to replace the ...
New Chain	4/12/2008
Q: I have a 2007 diamondback response hardtail mtb and there is one link one the chain that WILL NOT ... A: The different speeds for the chains refer to the cassette speeds. The cassette is the group of ...
Shimano m020 shifter replacement	4/11/2008
Q: My specialized hardrock 3 shift(left side) broke, It will not click into gear. It will move the raid ... A: You will need to replace the whole shifter. As for the replacement, you can get this at your local ...
Bought used bike, wheels don't move	4/11/2008
Q: I just bought a used bike at a bike auction and realized after purchasing it that the chains and ... A: Are the brakes to tight and rubbing against the wheel preventing it from moving? If so you will need ...
Mountain bike - chain slipping	4/8/2008
Q: I have a GT Aggressor xc-2 mountain bike with Shimano Deore gears and have recently been having ... A: Both your front and rear derailleurs need to be adjusted. Adjust the H and L limit screws on both ...
free wheel problem	4/4/2008
Q: ok my lil brother has a Next Pilter 20 inch with a falcon free wheel and what i'm seeing is that ... A: You will need to replace the freewheel. To do this you will need a Freewheel Removal Tool, a Chain ...
Raleigh Super Record Rear Hub, rims, shifters	4/4/2008
Q: I suspect its time to change the rear hub of my bike as it is jaming. I also wish to upgrade the ... A: The new hubs and wheel sets on the market today have a maximum width of 145mm, your frame width is ...
Chain jumps off mid front chainring under load	4/4/2008
Q: I own a 2007 gt zaskar expert with all shimano LX components. This bike was purchased this year. ... A: Do not shorten the chain for this problem. This will cause it to snap under pressure instead of just ...
rear derailer	3/28/2008
Q: Steve, I have a 6 speed beach cruiser type bike. I have noticed that since I bought it used about ... A: This is a derailleur problem. To adjust this use the adjustment barrel screw located where the cable ...
Rebuild bike on New Frame	3/26/2008
Q: I recently purchased an 19" mountain bike that I use to commute. After riding for a few months I ... A: You can do this, but a downfall to that is it will cost you more than you plan to spend. the easiest ...
help	3/25/2008
Q: when i ride my bike my handlebars automatically pull to the right and when i let go to ride no ... A: Is it just the handlebars doing this for the whole steering assembly? I it's just the handlebars you ...
Bottom bracket, 110 v. 115 mm	3/24/2008
Q: I am replacing the bottom bracket on my road bike. The old piece in a Shimano UN-71. I took it to ... A: You should be concerned with this difference. The bottom bracket should be the same size as the ...
centering a rear wheel	3/23/2008
Q: I just bought a used Lemond Sarthe ('05) with a steel frame and Campy Veloce components. The bike ... A: Dishing the wheel is just as important as truing it. The Wheel Alignment Guase (dishing tool) will ...
centering a rear wheel	3/23/2008
Q: I just bought a used Lemond Sarthe ('05) with a steel frame and Campy Veloce components. The bike ... A: The wheel needs to be dished. Dishing is the process of centering the wheel on the hub. This will ...
Popping the wheels off on my bike	3/20/2008
Q: How do I pop the wheels off my Jamis Durango so that it fits in the trunk? I don't want to have to ... A: What kind of brakes are they? If they are V brakes you can squeeze the brake arms together and lift ...
nexus 7 speed rear wheel binding	3/16/2008
Q: I recently bought a used bike but clean older (1998 ) beach cruiser with a nexus 7 internal hub from ... A: The problem is not in the chain. The problem is the axle and rear hub need to be adjusted. To do ...
rear wheel bearings.	3/12/2008
Q: 26" Glacier Point Magna 15 speed. Do you know where I can purchase rear wheel bearings. How much is ... A: You will have to go through your local bike shop to get these bearings. The size of them are 1/4". ...
shipping a bike	3/10/2008
Q: Not necessarily a repair question. What is the best way to ship a bike to another state. Should I ... A: You will need to contact your local bike shop on the dimensions of the box you will need. Depending ...
shipping a bike	3/9/2008
Q: Not necessarily a repair question. What is the best way to ship a bike to another state. Should I ... A: A bike luggage case is not needed when shipping it to another state. You can contact your local bike ...
bike selection	3/9/2008
Q: I saw the question on the Maverick 1.2 Iron Horse bike, which I am also seriously thinking about ... A: You can leave the original tires on for street riding as well as minor off road riding (off road ...
Chain length	3/8/2008
Q: I have a 26" Roadmaster Sport SX (Mt. Sport) And somewhere along the way my chain came off and I ... A: The typical chain is 56 links in length. This includes the 56 outter plates and 56 innter plates for ...
Murray Westport Bicycle	3/5/2008
Q: My wife has a Murray Westport model Bicycle. Someone ran over the rear wheel and the rim is bent ... A: The rim will need to be replaced. It will cost to much money in parts to try to fix it. You can get ...
Crankset Upgrade	2/27/2008
Q: I have a Shimano 105 triple on my bike. I want to replace it with an Ultegra Fc-6600 Hollowtech. My ... A: The chain, cassette, and crankset will all have different wear out points due to the chain wearing ...
Crankset Upgrade	2/26/2008
Q: I have a Shimano 105 triple on my bike. I want to replace it with an Ultegra Fc-6600 Hollowtech. My ... A: Yes, you will need to make sure all the components you are installing are for the same speed. A 10 ...
lining up my rear wheel	2/25/2008
Q: i can't seem to get my rear wheel centered in between the chainstays/seatstays....every time i put ... A: This problem is caused by multiple things. Your wheel is not true. Your hub is not centered, or your ...
hydraulic brake hose	2/23/2008
Q: i have a problem with one of the hose of my shimano lx hydraulic brake system and i want to change ... A: You only need to replace the hose. If anything else shows signs of wear then you should replace that ...
chain wheel	2/18/2008
Q: I have removed the screw holding on the pedal and chain wheel but don't seem to be able to remove ... A: If you are trying to remove the crankset from the bike you will need a Cotterless Crankset Extractor ...
bike repair	2/18/2008
Q: I have an old raleigh ten speed made around 1970. I need to remove the cartridge and bought a fr-2 ... A: There is no other two slot freewheel removal tool out there on the market. Did you buy the correct ...
hydraulic disk brakes	2/10/2008
Q: my shimano deore hydraulic disk brakes aren't working properly they don't stop you very well and ... A: If they squeak when the brakes are applied this is a problem dealing with your brake pads. Clean the ...
Rear Chain sprocket	2/9/2008
Q: My son's bike has missing row of teeth on the rear sprocket and I need to repair it. Can I buy a ... A: It is repairable by just removing the cassette. You will need a chain whip, a freewheel removal tool ...
Schwinn Jaguar	2/9/2008
Q: I have a Schwinn Jaguar that I have converted into and electric bike. With 3 lead-acid batteries, I ... A: These types of bikes were not designed for any more load than a 220 lb rider. Adding that additional ...
What is Megarange	2/7/2008
Q: I am replacing my rear derailleur, a shimano C201 rapid rise (reverse shift) megarange, for my 8 ... A: Megarange derailleurs work with the Magarange cassettes. These are the cassettes that have the lager ...
Rear Derailleur Question	2/1/2008
Q: My 4 year old bike came with a Shimano C201 MegaRange Rapd Rise 8 speed, rear derailleur. Shifting ... A: Loosen the mounting bolt that holds the cable to the derailleur. Once completed, tighten the barrel ...
Rear Derailleur Question	2/1/2008
Q: My 4 year old bike came with a Shimano C201 MegaRange Rapd Rise 8 speed, rear derailleur. Shifting ... A: Is the H and L adjustment screws set? There is also a barrel adjuster, this is the hollow bolt that ...
lightening up a bike	1/29/2008
Q: i picked up a schwinn alloy ss cruiser(2003). i want to switch out the one-piece cranks to ... A: The 1 piece crankset are a typical weight no matter what kind you buy. There isn't really a way to ...
Bike's problem	1/25/2008
Q: I would like to know if i have to change my bike's chain cause im loose it each time i ride on a ... A: Depends on how loose the chain is. Typically, it is supposed to have some slack to it. To much slack ...
Hydraulic disc brakes fluctuation	1/20/2008
Q: Hey there. I have a pair of Magura hydraulic disc brakes on my Specialized mountain bike. When the ... A: Unfortunately, there is no way to fix this. Once this fluid cools down, it will not work as ...
Snapped Crank?	1/16/2008
Q: I recently bought the X-Rated Snare BMX. After a few weeks of riding the part that goes into the ... A: The only wait to get this out is to remove the other crank arm and try to remove the bottom bracket. ...
Mountain bike Brakes	1/9/2008
Q: I have another question about my cheap mountain bike from Walmart...again I know that buying a bike ... A: The problem is not in your brakes. this squeal is caused from the wheel itself. It is not because ...
possible change of handle bar gear shifters	1/9/2008
Q: I have a cheap mountain bike that I bought at Walmart...I know that this is the first mistake but I ... A: The only hard part is getting the shifters you'd like at a reasonable price. Next, you will need to ...
changing a 26 1 3/8 tire	1/8/2008
Q: I have the old tire and tube off; i have new tube over rim and new tire over tube, but not sure how ... A: As long as the new tube and tire match what was originally on the wheel you are good to go. Put a ...
rear sprocket	1/8/2008
Q: I have a Hyper Next Shocker 26" men's bike and don't know how to get the sprocket set off the wheel. ... A: You will need a 1" wrench, a Freewheel Remover of the same type as the sprocket, and a Chain Whip. ...
bike repair	12/29/2007
Q: Steve! I own an old Letoure (?) Schwinn, ten speed bike from the '70s. The crank is loose and I see ... A: You will need to remove both pedals, then the locknut on the left side. Once completed, then remove ...
longer bicycle seat post	12/27/2007
Q: i recently purchased a 17" fuji diamond comp dual suspension mountain bike. not being so "with it", ... A: Any seatpost of this length will work. There is a mark that is engraved into the seatpost that ...
Derailer	12/16/2007
Q: Can a bent derailer cause the chain to brake? Is it better to replace the derailer rather than ... A: What part of the derailleur is bent? If it is on the pulleys, it will stiffen the pulleys and they ...
Derailer	12/16/2007
Q: Can a bent derailer cause the chain to brake? Is it better to replace the derailer rather than ... A: It all depends on how badly bent the derailleur is. Just keep in mind, metal weakens as it is bent ...
Derailer	12/16/2007
Q: Can a bent derailer cause the chain to brake? Is it better to replace the derailer rather than ... A: Depending on how bent the derailleur is will will break or not. It is better to replace the ...
skip	12/5/2007
Q: when i am going uphill and there is an obstacle and have to put even more pressure on the peddle to ... A: This is the chain skipping. Check to make sure there is no stiff links in it by bending it side to ...
removing cranks	12/5/2007
Q: but im not sure what to undo or twist to get them off. they wont budge.how do u get them off!? any ... A: Are the cranks 1 piece or 3 piece? The 3 piece cranks have a nut/bolt holding the crank onto the ...
Nexus Inter 7 sounds like chewing sand	12/4/2007
Q: I have a NexusInter7 SG-7R46 with rollerbrake. I had a problem with teh rear-brake and my shop did ... A: The hub mechinism that catches the freewheel to be able to drive the wheel forward is on to tight. ...
Shimano bottom shifters do not catch or shift if bike not used for long time	12/2/2007
Q: my Klein attitude race 1999, with shimano LX shifters always has this problem when I don't shift ... A: The cables can 'freeze' up inside the shifter pod and this will show signs of crappy shifting. Also, ...
Shimano bottom shifters do not catch or shift if bike not used for long time	12/2/2007
Q: my Klein attitude race 1999, with shimano LX shifters always has this problem when I don't shift ... A: Yes, some shifters need to be lubricated inside where the springs and teeth that make that clicking ...
rim-tire problem	11/28/2007
Q: Steve, thanks for being here. I have Ritchey Rock Comp rims 700cc and I recently bought new tires- ... A: The cause of this slipping is the tubes are slightly smaller than the tire. You will need a 700cc ...
Wobbly Crank	11/27/2007
Q: i don't really know alot about mountain bikes but my crank has suddenly become rather wobbly, if my ... A: Is this the type where there is a bolt/nut on the base of the crank? (This is located at the ...
bearings	11/27/2007
Q: I have a 26" Glacier Point Magna 15 speed. Do you know where I can purchase rear wheel bearings. I ... A: any online bicycle retailer that sells products online would most likely have these bearings. If you ...
rear cassette and chain skipping	11/12/2007
Q: My chain is skipping back and forth between the rear cogs when I pedal real hard and even when just ... A: There is a few things to look at with this problem. First lets start with the basics. Is the chain ...
tire pressure	11/10/2007
Q: I have a Mongoose manuver Cx, had it for a while. I had to put it in storage (temp controlled) for ... A: The tire pressure is listed on the side of the tire. This is measured usually in Psi (pounds per ...
aluminum derailleur hanger repair	11/10/2007
Q: ..I just purchased a 1986 Litespeed Obed FS with a bent derailleur (bent, and cracked where the unit ... A: If the derailluer is damaged, it will need replacement. If the threads on the frame are damaged, ...
dimondback '08 accomplise	11/7/2007
Q: ok so i have a diamondback accomplice and i have tried everything i know of to remove the crank arm ... A: As though you have already damaged the cranks using the hammer on them, there is a tool designed for ...
Campy 9/10 speed to 8speed	11/1/2007
Q: Can a Campagnolo 9/10 freehub be replaced with an 8 spd? Thanks A: It would be cheaper to convert to an 8 speed. It will not work on the 9/10 you put 8 spd cassette on ...
cog	10/27/2007
Q: i have a freestyle rear rim how do you get the cog off? A: You will need a freewheel removal tool, a chain whip, and a 1" wrench to turn the freewheel removal ...
shimano sora brake change	10/24/2007
Q: I recently changed my sora brake lines on my front brake the brake does not come back out all the ... A: Is this brake line a hydraulic hose or a cable? If it is a hydraulic hose, you will have to bleed ...
Replacing V Brakes	10/19/2007
Q: I am going to have to replace the front V brakes on my mountian bike as the existing brakes are ... A: First let me apologize for the delay in this responce. The levers do not have to be replaced. Was it ...
Grinding while pedaling	10/12/2007
Q: I am hearing a grinding sound when first starting to pedal on my Trek 550 Mountain Bike. It is ... A: If it's that old, usualy eveything needs to be replaced. The chain, cassette (group of cogs on rear ...
campagnolo 8 speed f/hub removal	10/3/2007
Q: i want to replace the bearings in my campag 8speed r/hub, how do i remove the freehub body? not with ... A: You will need a Freewheel Removal Tool, and either a 1" wrench or a Chain whip with the freewheel ...
changing handlebars	9/30/2007
Q: I have a Cannondale R-500 road bike and would like to get rid of the road racing handle bars and get ... A: What type of handlebars are you looking for? Riser, flat, aero, horn? Riser and flat are for ...
Rim Ding	9/28/2007
Q: I have a ding/divot/bent section of my rear rim after landing on a rock. The depressed section is ... A: To get the bend out of the rim use a hammer and hit it gently. Preferred hamnmer is a rubber mallet. ...
Rear wheel	9/28/2007
Q: This could be a simple problem, but the rear wheel on my mountain bike stopped spinning when I try ... A: The problem is either in the hub or the wheel axle. Whichever one it is, it's a bearing problem. ...
BEST Chain option	9/23/2007
Q: I am upgrading my old Cannodale Road bike to a Shimano Ultegra Hollowtech II triple crankset. ... A: Any 7-8 speed chain will work just fine. For matching the other components, a Shimano chain will ...
Roadmaster	9/20/2007
Q: I have a Roadmaster Mountain Sport SX. I want to strip it and powder coat it. I have it all tore ... A: On the type of fork you are talking about, there are bolts that hold the blades into the boots. It's ...
Roadmaster	9/19/2007
Q: I have a Roadmaster Mountain Sport SX. I want to strip it and powder coat it. I have it all tore ... A: Ahh I didn't realize I had mispelled it. I meant when the fork has been removed, apply tape over the ...
Roadmaster	9/19/2007
Q: I have a Roadmaster Mountain Sport SX. I want to strip it and powder coat it. I have it all tore ... A: Remove the fork as a whole, not by peice. Remove the stem from the fork steerer column. Once done, ...
crank or pedals	9/18/2007
Q: ok well my crank on my bike keeps getting stuck and then when i push it backwards it goes fine and ... A: The bearings need to be replaced. When you pedal backwards it frees the crushed/damaged bearings, ...
KMC chain repair	9/17/2007
Q: I needed to replace the front derailleur on a mountain bike. With the old derailleur I could remove ... A: Do not use any of the information you have gotten so far. The way I will explain is is very simple. ...
Redline Bottom Bracket Removal - 3 pc - BMX	9/13/2007
Q: I have a Redline C-Note with a 3 Pc Crank. I have removed the arms with pedals but can not seem to ... A: There is a lockring on the left side of the bottom bracket. Remove this. Once done, on the right ...
Shimano 8-9 speed compatibility	9/6/2007
Q: I'm buying a bike with Ultegra brifters, rear derailleur, and Flight Deck that the seller tells me ... A: The only way the 8 speed will work is if there are spacers on the cassette. If there are no spacers, ...
Carbon Fiber	9/4/2007
Q: i have just been to a site about a guy who built his own Carbon Fiber bike frame. see link [ ... A: I'm not big into home made carbon fiber bicycles. Reason being is carbon fiber is on the expensive ...
road bike	9/3/2007
Q: hey, i have an older Bianchi cross-terrain hybrid bike that I'd like to convert to a full roadie. is ... A: This is something worth doing. The question is, is it something that you think is worth doing? If ...
neglected bike	8/5/2007
Q: I am low income and find myself in need of an old rusted bike for transportation. It's been in ... A: These build kits are only sold through mail order bike shops or your local bike shop. The kits are ...
Schwinn Skyliner	8/5/2007
Q: My son goes to college and we bought him a bike to get around on. He's home for the summer and the ... A: Depending on how bent the wheel is depends on is it worth replacing or fixing? I am in the process ...
neglected bike	8/5/2007
Q: I am low income and find myself in need of an old rusted bike for transportation. It's been in ... A: The cables need to be replaced if they show any signs of rust. If the tires are ccorroded they also ...
26	8/5/2007
Q: My son somehow managed to ruin the threads on one of the peddles and the peddle bar it's attached ... A: If the threads are damaged on the crank arm they can be replaced by bringing the bike to your local ...
Rear sprocket	8/4/2007
Q: I recently bought a mongoose bmx bike for my son. it was fine but the last time he road it the rear ... A: You will need either a 4 notch or 2 notch freewheel remover tool, depending on what type of ...
Rear sprocket	8/4/2007
Q: I recently bought a mongoose bmx bike for my son. it was fine but the last time he road it the rear ... A: There are two options available. Disassembly the freewheel and replace the springs that push the ...
Chainring issues	8/4/2007
Q: well, considering there are two resident experts for mountain bicycle repairs, you must get A LOT ... A: First let me thank you for writing since there are only two of us in bicycle repair. For the chain ...
sti levers	8/3/2007
Q: I need help to put my shimano tiagra 9- spd sti shifters back together. I can't reload the biggest ... A: The easiest way is to bring it to a bike shop. They have the knowledge and tools to get this done. ...
Mongoose Crank Arm	8/2/2007
Q: I have a Mongoose MGX bike and the crank arms have been striped. Is there an online source that I ... A: This type of crankset is not sold online or in bike shops because it is not considered a bike shop ...
Rear Wheel Bearings	8/1/2007
Q: I have a newer columbia 21 speed mountain bike (ya its crap but it gets me from A to B! grin) ... A: This is tightened/loosened by using a large flat-head screwdriver to hold it on the flat side while ...
gear ratio	8/1/2007
Q: Just bought a new montain bike but the gear ratio seems to be too low is there any way of adjusting ... A: In order to do this you will need to buy a larger cassette (the group of sprockets on the rear ...
Pedalling issue	7/31/2007
Q: I have a Klein attitude race 1999, and for some reason when i am pedaling, only when im standing up ... A: The bottom bracket needs to be adjusted. To do this take off left side crank arm and use the botom ...
I think my chain wants to slip?	7/30/2007
Q: Okay..Well I got my mongoose all terrain bike last night but when i tried to ride it it kind of ... A: Your derailuers need to be adjusted. Do this by turning the adjusting barrel screws located where ...
9speed conversion	7/28/2007
Q: Im trying to convert mt Scott Octain hardtail from 27 to 9speed, have purchased a Sram X9 super ... A: Have you tried spacers on the crankset? This will move the chainring in or out more to line up with ...
bmx ratios	7/26/2007
Q: im thinking of going for a smaller gear ratio. how do smaller ratios effect my speed or ... A: It does eventually lowers your top speed. The typeical ratio is 1:4. The only thing a bigger ...
ALTUS ST-CT rear gear shifter pod	7/26/2007
Q: My Shimano ALTUS ST-CT90 7 rear gear shifter pod is not functioning. The pod handles are loose, ... A: This will actually take a bike shop to fix. If you disassemble the shifter there is a slight chance ...
Bottom bracket 2002 Gary Fisher Wahoo	7/26/2007
Q: I'm not to proud to say I plucked this bike out of someone's trash. It needs a crank, bottom ... A: The upgrade to a 28/38/48 size chainring will not be a good idea. A few reasons for this is because ...
pedal removal	7/26/2007
Q: I am trying to remove a set of pedals off a very expensive shimano crank. Using a 15mm pedal wrench; ... A: If the bolt got rounded out there is no physical way to remove it without damaging the threads. When ...
brake cable anchor pivot lodged in brake	7/25/2007
Q: On my right side Shimano Ultegra 600 sti lever, the brake cable anchor pivot has rotated and ... A: There is a way to dislodge this. The easiest way I have done it was take like a very thin object (a ...
Front Derailer problem	7/24/2007
Q: I have recently bought two used mongoose switchbacks. I am having a problem with the front derailer. ... A: The problem is the derailluer itself. Did you remove the cable from it and try moving it yourself? ...
Rocye Union handle bars	7/23/2007
Q: I was trying to adjust the handle bars on my Royce Union and now can not get it back together. It ... A: It is fixable without the need to bring it to a shop. Loosen the bolt that holds the stem down and ...
Pedal Seizing up	7/21/2007
Q: As I was riding the other day I noticed that my pedals started to seize up. They would almost lock ... A: The locknut that holds the pedal axle to the pedal body needs to be adjusted. Remove it, and adjust ...
brakes	7/20/2007
Q: How do i put the spring back that goes in the handle so it works on a 2006 Redline Promp???? ... A: Loosen the bolt that holds the cable tightened. Pull the cable more through the yolk that its on. ...
Removing coaster brakes without getting a new hub	7/20/2007
Q: I have a 16 in. rear hub with coaster brakes I was told that if I removed the brake pads (half moon ... A: I'm sorry but there is no way to convert a coaster brake hub to a freewheel and have it function ...
brakes	7/20/2007
Q: How do i put the spring back that goes in the handle so it works on a 2006 Redline Promp???? A: the spring should have a little bend on it that hooks onto the lips of the body so it'll retract ...
Pedal Slips on a Schwinn no spped bike	7/18/2007
Q: I have a Schwinn, that has no sppeds. It is just a regular bike. When pedalling, the pedal will ... A: The problem is in the botton bracket. The bearing cones are to tight. Remove the locknut on the left ...
Road Bike Fork	7/16/2007
Q: I am currently rebuilding a Peugeot road bike using parts from another old bike.(A 1984 Fuji). I ... A: The Peugot is mid 1980s. The only way to go about removing the fork and stem is to put some ...
Changing Shimano Brake cables and housing	7/14/2007
Q: I'm a novice bike mechanic and I need help to know how to change Shimano Ultegra brake cables and ... A: To get to the cable and/or the guts of the brake lever body its all under the rubber hood of the ...
front gear shifter wont shift!!!	7/14/2007
Q: this bike is a schwinn, it has a twisting gear shifter. on the left side of the hand bars it has ... A: First let me apologize for my delay in my response. The problem here is the cable. there is to much ...
i need help	7/14/2007
Q: hey theres so many dodgey web sites about bike repairs but non are good.. ok were the cranks are u ... A: First let me apologize in the delay of my response. You need to take off the crank arms using a ...
converting 10 speed to 5 speed	7/13/2007
Q: There is a 10 speed mountain bike at the retirement home I bought. Frame and wheels look in fair ... A: First let me apologize in the delay of my response. The parts that you'll have to replace is only ...
mongoose back brake	7/12/2007
Q: how do i tighten my back brake on my mongoose mischief so i can do skids A: Loosen the bolt holding the cable to the brake arm. When this is done pull the cable tighter than ...
front fork reassembly ?	7/12/2007
Q: I am trying to find a schematic or diagram on how to reassemble the front fork, plates, bearings, ... A: There isn't one for your specific bike, but there are repair manuals for bicycles. Since everything ...
ctc folding bike	7/11/2007
Q: I have A folding bike with a badge on the front "CTC made in west germany" and Capital on the ... A: Do you have the serial number off of the frame? Using this I can search to see if that company is ...
front fork reassembly ?	7/10/2007
Q: I am trying to find a schematic or diagram on how to reassemble the front fork, plates, bearings, ... A: There isn't any schematic for a bicycle, just individual parts. The closest thing would be a ...
Loose Chain	7/10/2007
Q: Hey Steve, I have an old Miyata bike that I commute with. This just started happening: when I am ... A: This is a sign of chain wear. The only way to fix this problem is to get a new chain. To check if ...
Rear Hub Fixing	7/9/2007
Q: A recently noticed the rear axle on my mountain bike causing the wheel to turn very inefficiently. ... A: This is a sign of a bent axle, worn cones, and possible hub damage. Take apart the hub by removing ...
bicycle repair	7/9/2007
Q: I have been given a Eduardo Bianchi (Alante?) bicycle to sell for a friend that left the country. I ... A: The serial number for the bicycle would be located on the bottom bracket shell. This is where the ...
Breaks	7/7/2007
Q: I have a disk break and the outside break pad rubs against the break disk every time the wheel ... A: The caliper is the thing that's bolted to the hub on the front wheel and the frame on the rear ...
forks	7/7/2007
Q: hwo do u remove bike forks A: Loosen the stem bolt. (The stem is also known as the "neck") Once this bolt is loosened and the ...
Rear axel problem	7/7/2007
Q: i have a prblem with me rear wheel on my down hill mountain bike. when ride it wobles back and ... A: The problem is the bearing cones. Remove the axle by removing the locknuts, spacers, and bearing ...
Breaks	7/7/2007
Q: I have a disk break and the outside break pad rubs against the break disk every time the wheel ... A: There are a few things to look at before you go to adjust anything. Is your disc brake rotor bent? ...
Cranks .. i need help !	7/5/2007
Q: can u tell me how i remove a Bmx style Euro bottom bracket please ? i have an idea but i just need ... A: To remove this bottom bracket, you'll have to remove both crankarms. On the left side of the bottom ...
Gears on my Mountain Bike	7/5/2007
Q: My gears on my Schwinn Frontier Mountain Bike are stuck in one of the gears and won't shift. The ... A: The cable that goes to your derailluer is to loose, or needs to be cleaned. Remove the cable from ...
rear pedal brakes	7/5/2007
Q: I want to convert my sons bike to a stunt bike. It is a Redline Raid. How would I disable the ... A: If you are going to paint the wheels, you are better off buying the wheels in the color you want. ...
rear pedal brakes	7/4/2007
Q: I want to convert my sons bike to a stunt bike. It is a Redline Raid. How would I disable the ... A: Redline does in fact sell this wheel. You can buy it at your local bike shop, or any bicycle part ...
Handlebars	7/3/2007
Q: I have a Raleigh 5.0 Mojave. I want to raise the handlebars. On other bikes I had I just loosen the ... A: If there are spacers on this fork, that would require you getting a new stem. the stem is the piece ...
rear pedal brakes	7/2/2007
Q: I want to convert my sons bike to a stunt bike. It is a Redline Raid. How would I disable the ... A: You would have to get a whole different wheel. This type of pedal brake is engaged by the rear ...
kids bike rear tire change	7/1/2007
Q: I recently ran over y sons bike and bent the rear rim, i found a old bike with the same sized rim ... A: The problem is within the sprocket. Is what's happening is there are 2 quarter-circle pieces of ...
rear wheel problem	7/1/2007
Q: hey steve my name is anthony and i live in baltimore, maryland, USA. other than riding a bike a ... A: There is a way to fix it, though you'll be spending more to fix it then to buy a new rear wheel. The ...
Mongoose Axle nuts	7/1/2007
Q: I bought a mongoose mountain bike a few years ago but during a recent move, the front tire had to be ... A: These bolts can be purchased at any bicycle retailer. I don't know if you can get them from a ...
pedal	6/30/2007
Q: riding my bike the other day,my pedal came off.the nut that holds the pedal on is gone.where can i ... A: Unfortunately these nuts are not available for retail. You'll have to buy a whole new set of pedals ...
crankshaft	6/29/2007
Q: How do you repair a crankshaft on a mountain bike? A: The term for this is cranks for future reference. There is not a way to repair it, it must be ...
Hubs	6/27/2007
Q: I recently took apart my rear hub hoping to clean it but was unlucky with putting it back together. ... A: Do you need pictures of the spoke lacing or just the hub assembly? The only tools needed are thing ...
chain jumping	6/27/2007
Q: I have a SRAM drive system on my Mt Bike and it jumps between gears and does not shift smoothly. ... A: The problem is the tension of the rear derailluer. Loosen the cable so that there is no tension ...
Dura Ace 8 speed shifters--model 7402	6/27/2007
Q: I have a 1995 trek 5500 and need a left side shifter. Any assistance would be appreciated. A: I Don't know exactly where to buy the same exact shifter that you have. You can buy other 8 speed ...
bottom bracket	6/26/2007
Q: I just purchase an Iron Horse Maverick 1.2 and my bottom bracket is bad. I have to wait at least 2 ... A: Any sealed cartridge will work as long as it fits your crankset. You can either purchase them from ...
forward freewheeling	6/21/2007
Q: I have a mountain bike and when I hit a bump the forward pedaling starts to free-wheel. Like the ... A: Ok, the problem is now in your bottom bracket/crankset. Check this for tightness and side to side ...
Bottom Brackets and cranks	6/21/2007
Q: I have american BB/crank settup on my current bike, but im getting a new frame that runs mids so can ... A: It's only possible to run the same BB/crankset is if the new frame has the capabilities of it. If ...
forward freewheeling	6/20/2007
Q: I have a mountain bike and when I hit a bump the forward pedaling starts to free-wheel. Like the ... A: Did you check to see if your cassette was to loose? The cassette is the term used for the rear set ...
bike fix	6/17/2007
Q: the chain on my 1st. diamond back mt.bike broke and I cant remember how to rethread the chain ... A: As the bike is facing to the right, the chain goes around the chainring, goes to the rear of the ...
bike changes gears	6/5/2007
Q: I recently purchased a 10 speed at a yard sale that appears to be about 15 years old. It looks to ... A: There are adjustments you can make on your own. The derailluer (the components that shifts the ...
brakes	6/4/2007
Q: How to tighten hand brakes. I have a Trek 50 21 speed A: There is an adjustment bolt that the cable goes through then bolted to the brake arm. Adjust this ...
wobbly rear tire	6/3/2007
Q: While out riding one day, i noticed a "bump bump" feel from the rear wheel. I flipped the bike ... A: There are a few things that can cause this. Uneven tire wear, improperly inflated tubes, incorrect ...
Chain and sprockets	6/2/2007
Q: I have a Raleigh 24 speed. (don't know the year) My chain broke and I replaced with a new chain and ... A: Is the new chain the same length and width as the old chain? If it's a narrow chain, the problem is ...
Bicycle converstion	6/1/2007
Q: Is it possible to convert a 20 year old Raleigh Technicum 420 to a newer style road bike (from frame ... A: It will cost around $1000, if not more to upgrade. This includes all the part you will need except ...
new road tubes	6/1/2007
Q: I am new to cycling and need some help. i have a road bike that has 27x 1 1/4 tires. I cant seem to ... A: On most types of tires, next to the size in inches, there is also the centimeters (cm) measurement ...
my little bike	5/30/2007
Q: How do i take off the back brake? well i have a mini magna bike. but i want to know how do i take ... A: Very detailed and specific instructions to this question. First you must remove the back wheel from ...

All Questions in This Category