Types of Bikes
Choosing the best bike today is an art given the numerous bike categories and other variables to consider. A newbie is bound to be confused … Read more
Articles/FAQ
Working in a busy London bike shop (Flag Bikes), we get dozens of bike related questions every day. Eventually patterns start to emerge. Here in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of 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!
John Hamlen
Managing Director – Flag Bikes
What pressure should my tyres be?
This is probably the most common question we get from people coming into the shop to use our floor pumps (also known as track pumps). All the … Read more
Why do road bikes have thin tyres?
Road tyres are designed to run as fast as possible on a hard and relatively smooth surface. In these conditions thinner tyres are faster because … Read more
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 are a number of advantages to keeping yours tyres … Read more
Is there an unbreakable bike lock?
No! No matter how much you pay, or how heavy a lock you are willing to manage, the sad fact is that there is no … Read more
What is a bike’s groupset?
The groupset (sometimes referred to as its “gruppo”) is the collection of all the parts involved in braking, shifting gears, and transferring power from the … Read 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 is going to be very heavy. On the other … Read more
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 of gears and – of course – prices! It’s … Read more
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 gears and – of course – prices! It’s important … Read more
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 and – of course – prices! Whilst Shimano and … Read more
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 on any surface where the tyre can make impression. … Read more
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 law compelling riders to wear them. This is the … Read more
Should I wear a bike helmet?
Yes! Whilst you are not legally obliged to wear a bike helmet in the UK, you definitely should! There are plenty of strong arguments for not wearing … Read more
What is a Hybrid Bike?
Hybrid first got their names because they were seen as a hybrid of road bike and mountain bike design features. They have the flat handlebars … Read more
How often should I lube my chain?
Unfortunately, this is a little bit of a “How long is a piece of string question because it depends on the conditions in which the … Read more
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 lubricants. However, they can can all divided into two … Read more
What is a relaxed geometry bike?
Often used in the context of road bike frames, a relaxed geometry bike allows for a more upright riding position and a more stable ride. The … Read more
What is a Touring Bike?
Touring bikes are designed to cover long distances in comfort while carrying luggage. For these reasons they have relaxed geometry frame and usually drop-handlebars to allow the rider … Read more
What is aggressive bike geometry?
“Bum in the clouds. Face on the floor” is one rather exaggerated description of the sort of position aggressive frame geometry throws your body into. … Read more
What is a Time Trial / Triathlon Bike?
Time trial (TT) bikes are designed with a single focus: pure speed. This at the expense of everything else including comfort, handling, and … err … Read more