BICYCLE CRANKSET – BUYERS GUIDE

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics

Looking at a crankset upgrade? Maybe your chainrings have worn out. Whatever it may be, we’ve got you covered. Cranksets are often thought of as overly complicated components that are of various types, which further adds to the complication. Things can seem complicated at first which is why we’re here to simplify things. WHAT IS A CRANKSET? A crankset often …

FRONT/REAR DERAILLEUR – BUYERS GUIDE

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics

Derailleurs – a piece of componentry that’s essential to our bike’s shifting, yet we know so little about it. Is it time for you to change/replace your derailleur? Have you stayed up all night thinking about which one you need? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place – we’re going to tell you all there is to know about …

BRAKE PADS – BUYERS GUIDE

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics, Tips & Tricks

It should go without saying that being able to stop effectively is one of the most important considerations on a bicycle. Brakes are fairly simple devices, they stop you – This is possible thanks to friction. Modern innovation has led to the invention of different types of braking systems on the bicycle. Interestingly enough, all of them use one common …

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BOTTOM BRACKETS

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics, Tips & Tricks

The bottom bracket or “BB” is a very important component on the bike frame. It’s found in-between the frames seat tube and bottom tube in a hollow opening called a “BB shell” which consists of two bearings, one on either side. The Bottom Bracket essentially connects the crankset to the bicycle and allows it to rotate freely. It contains a spindle that …

CHOOSING A CUSTOM HAND BUILT WHEEL FOR YOUR BIKE

Shaun George BOTS News, Mechanics

As riders, we’re always on the lookout to ride faster and reach our destination faster – the destination could be a daily commute from work back home in the evening or the finish line of a hard bicycle race. A wheel upgrade is one of the simplest and most value-for-money upgrades you can make in this department. The good news …

DIY HOME MECHANIC SERIES –ABC QUICK CHECK

Shaun George BOTS Guides, D.I.Y, Mechanics, Tips & Tricks

It’s important to keep your bike in tip-top working order, not only from a mechanical standpoint but also from a safety standpoint. Before each ride, make sure you conduct a quick series of checks to ensure your bike is ready and safe to ride. Use the “ABC Quick Check” to remind yourself of this inspection every time. If you feel …

HOW TO CHOOSE HANDLEBAR TAPE – BUYERS GUIDE

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics, Tips & Tricks

Comfort is key, and as cyclists, we know that all too well. On your bike, you have three primary touchpoints, the saddle, handlebar, and the pedals. Handlebar tape serves as the interface for a critical contact point on the bike, yet it is often overlooked. Too often riders can be seen with dirty, half-torn, improperly taped bartape on their bikes. …

HOW TO FIX PUNCTURES

Shaun George BOTS Guides, Mechanics, Tips & Tricks

One of the many skills you develop as a cyclist is the ability to fix punctures. Ask any experienced cyclist and they’ll tell you that punctures are only a minor inconvenience faced by riders. Punctures are inevitable, and are bound to take place at some point in time. Puncture fixing as a skill seems intimidating but is actually very easy …