Working in a busy London bike shop (Flag Bikes), we get dozens of bike related questions every day. Eventually patterns start to emerge. Here at CycleLove.com you will find a growing collection of answers to common customer questions, together with my – much more subjective – opinions on various bike topics and debates!
How often should I pump my bike tyres?
More often than most people think! Every 1-2 weeks is a good rule of thumb. There…
What is a bike’s groupset?
The groupset (sometimes referred to as its “gruppo”) is the collection of all the parts involved…
What’s the difference between SRAM road groupsets?
Like its main competitors Shimano and Campagnolo, SRAM has a hierarchy of groupsets with levels offering different weights, number of gears…
What pressure should my tyres be?
This is probably the most common question we get from people coming into the shop to use our…
How often should I lube my chain?
Unfortunately, this is a little bit of a “How long is a piece of string question…
Is there an unbreakable bike lock?
No! No matter how much you pay, or how heavy a lock you are willing to…
What is aggressive bike geometry?
“Bum in the clouds. Face on the floor” is one rather exaggerated description of the sort…
What is a Touring Bike?
Touring bikes are designed to cover long distances in comfort while carrying luggage. For these reasons they…
What’s the difference between Shimano road groupsets?
Like its main competitors SRAM and Campagnolo, Shimano has a hierarchy of groupsets with levels offering different weights, number…
What is a Time Trial / Triathlon Bike?
Time trial (TT) bikes are designed with a single focus: pure speed. This at the expense…
What’s the difference between wet lube and dry lube?
Search online or visit a big bike shop and you’ll be confronted with a bewildering variety of chain…
Why do road bikes have thin tyres?
Road tyres are designed to run as fast as possible on a hard and relatively smooth…
Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in the UK?
No. The Highway Code suggests cyclists should wear approved cycle helmets, but there is no UK…
Should I wear a bike helmet?
Yes! Whilst you are not legally obliged to wear a bike helmet in the UK, you definitely…
What is a relaxed geometry bike?
Often used in the context of road bike frames, a relaxed geometry bike allows for a more…
Is there a light but strong bike lock?
No! Well not really light and really strong. If you want the strongest, most unbreakable bike lock it…
What is a Hybrid Bike?
Hybrid first got their names because they were seen as a hybrid of road bike and…
What’s the difference between Campagnolo road groupsets?
Like its main competitors Shimano and SRAM, Campagnolo has a hierarchy of groupsets with levels offering different weights, number of…
Does tyre tread give better grip in the wet?
Counter-intuitive though it is, the answer is almost always: No! At least this is the case…