Tag: Shifting
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Di2 Shifters: The Tiny Tyrants of Cycling
Why are Di2 shifters so small? It’s the kind of question that could drive you mad in a world already crowded with mind-numbing concerns. You sit there, pondering why something so vital to the mechanics of your cycling machine is the size of a peanut. It’s like they made the thing so tiny on purpose,…
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Tips for Preventing Front Mech Chain Rubbing
You’ve tried everything, haven’t you? Adjusted the derailleur a thousand times, twisted the screws, even played around with the trim feature. But that pesky chain rub on your front mech is still there, mocking you. It’s like a bad joke you can’t escape, no matter how hard you pedal. Sounds familiar, right? It’s like trying…
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Rohloff Road Bikes: Why Aren’t They More Common?
Here’s the thing—I hate derailleurs. Greasy, needy little bastards. One speck of dirt, one bad shift, and suddenly your bike sounds like a busted shopping cart. Then there’s the Rohloff—smooth, bulletproof, built to last longer than your knees. So why the hell isn’t every road bike running one? Because roadies don’t want bulletproof. They want…
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A Shimano Ultegra 6800 to R8000 Upgrade Is Not Really Worth It
So, you’re thinking about upgrading from the Shimano Ultegra 6800 to the R8000? Maybe you’ve spent hours online, comparing every little detail, and now you’re sitting there wondering if it’s worth your cash. Bro, it’s not. The difference between the two? Barely noticeable. The world won’t stop spinning if you stick with 6800. But if…
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To Shift or Not to Shift During Sprints
You’re about to launch, and then—bam—panic. “Am I in the right gear?” Should you shift mid-sprint? Will your drivetrain survive? It’s the kind of decision that could make or break your ride. Forget the fluff. Let’s break it down, no bullshit. 1. The Early Shift Dilemma You’re lined up, you’re ready. You feel that itch…
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Electronic Shifting for Casual Riders: A Game-Changer or Just Hype
I’ll be straight with you. If you’re out there riding at 12 mph and considering dropping $1,500 on a gadget that shifts your gears for you, well, you’ve got questions—and a few screws loose. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you figure this out. Buckle up, because this might not be what you expected.…
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The Reality of Automatic Bicycle Shifting
You ever see a guy on a bike, legs spinning like a hamster on meth, just trying to keep up with the gears? That guy’s me. Or maybe you. Or maybe both of us at some point. And you ever think, “Why the hell don’t bikes just shift automatically by now?” I did. Then I…
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Why Claris Is a Worthy Upgrade Over Tourney for Budget Cyclists
I once rode a department store mountain bike up a hill. I almost died. Not in a poetic way, either. I mean, my lungs turned into used car airbags, my legs burned like cheap whiskey, and at one point, I think I saw a ghost laughing at me. That was the moment I realized that…
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Fun Fact: STI Shifters Were Controversial Once Upon a Time
You know, back in the day, some people swore by their downtube shifters like they were a magic wand. Touch them and boom! Gears switched, body in agony. Enter STI shifters. That’s when the storm hit. Shimano Total Integration – sounds smooth, but it was a riot when it first dropped. For the first time,…
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Let Me Help You Choose Between a 12-25 and 11-25 Cassette
So, here you are, debating between two types of cassettes: the 12-25 and the 11-25. Well, let’s break this down in a way that even a drunk guy could understand. 1. Gear Range: The Basics The 12-25 cassette gives you a range from 12 to 25 teeth on the cogs. That’s your spread. If you’re…