BikeRadar Tech Q&A

BikeRadar Tech Q&A

Do you have a cycling question you want answered? Every month, we’ll select the most interesting questions and bring you an expert-level response from our unparalleled access to the greatest minds in cycling, both on the BikeRadar staff and across the industry. Send your questions to podcast@bikeradar.com
ControlTech Terminator handlebar extenders on pink and yellow background.

Are handlebar extenders worth trying? 

A handlebar extender is an easy way to test a wider width, but there are a few things to keep in mind when trying them out
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Eddy Mercx

Does anyone still make traditional chamois leather cycling shorts?

There are still riders who prefer classic wool shorts with a leather chamois
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Reece Wilson's Gamux Sego Pinion gearbox

Why aren't gearboxes for bikes more popular?

Gearboxes are available for a variety of bikes, including eMTBs, but why are they far less widespread than the ubiquitous cassette and derailleur?
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Everything you ever wanted to know about disc brake rotors

Are aftermarket rotors a worthwhile upgrade or a waste of money?

Aftermarket rotors promise more power, better heat management and less noise – are they all they're cracked up to be?
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Curve Walmer handlebar

Screw aero – what's the widest drop bar money can buy?

Narrow bars dominate pro racing but, look beyond that and there's a weird and wonderful world of super wide drops
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Park Tool BMT-1 Tire Bead Breaker 

What’s the difference between a folding and wire bead tyre?

We explain the differences between folding and wire bead tyres
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SANREMO, ITALY - MARCH 19: Matej Mohoric of Slovenia and Team Bahrain Victorious competes in the breakaway during the 113th Milano-Sanremo 2022 a 293km one day race from Milano to Sanremo / #MilanoSanremo / on March 19, 2022 in Sanremo, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Why don’t pro road cyclists use dropper posts?

Dropper posts transformed mountain biking and even helped Matej Mohorič win Milan-San Remo in 2022 – so why haven’t road cyclists embraced them?
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Shaving your legs can save a few seconds on each ride

“Do I have to shave my bum?” – how high should cyclists shave their legs?

Are hairy pants acceptable, or should you go all the way? The answer remains unclear
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RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork for gravel bikes

My fork is losing pressure – how often does it need to be topped up?  

Frequent checks shouldn't be necessary, but bottoming out can be a sign the pressure has dropped
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I want a step-through gravel bike – do they exist?

In this edition of the BikeRadar Tech Q&A, a reader wants to know what options he has for a gravel bike with a mixte-style frameset.
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enigma excel proto

Which British brands make a titanium Rohloff-equipped do-it-all bike? 

There's a limited selection, so here are your options
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OneUp V3 Dropper Post on bike

What’s the longest-travel 27.2mm dropper post I can buy? 

Options are limited, but there are some quality choices on the market
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Shimano 105 R7100 crankset

Where did the Shimano 105 name come from and what does it mean? 

Why 105?
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Clipless pedals

Is it safe to use clipless pedals after a knee operation? 

We help a cyclist seeking to regain confidence and strength after a knee-replacement operation
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Disc braze-on

Can I convert my old mountain bike from rim to disc brakes – and is it worth it? 

We help a reader who wants to breathe fresh life into his old steel MTB
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Bontrager Rally mountain bike shoe

How do I fit Shimano SPD cleats properly?

This is how to fit your cleats, step by step
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Topeak T-Hex Set

How much should a home mechanic spend on hex keys?

Are premium-priced hex keys worthwhile, or will a budget set suffice?
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Gravel bike tyre with tubeless sealant on sidewall

Help, there’s air leaking from my tubeless tyres. What should I do?

We show you how to keep air in your tubeless tyre setup
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Sing-speed drivetrain on The Vandal Metal Works GT LTS.

What's the best way to convert a bike to singlespeed? The 4 main options compared

Chain tensioner vs eccentric bottom bracket vs magic gears vs dedicated single speed bike – what's the best option for you?
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Crankbrothers Guardian Handguard

Are handguards on mountain bikes a good idea?

While some may think they're uncool, there are merits to handguards
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Toddler on bicycle with stabilisers

Are stabilisers on children’s bikes really a bad idea?

Introducing a child to cycling should be a fun experience – we break down the pros and cons of balance bikes and pedal bikes with stabilisers 
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Have you taken your bike on the Eurostar this week?

Is Eurostar’s policy for transporting bikes really that ruthless? 

We decipher Eurostar’s rules and regulations on taking your bike on one of its train services 
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Gore Shield Thermo overshoes

Everybody hates cold feet – here are our tips for keeping them warm in the winter

We share our tips for keeping your tootsies toasty
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Blackburn Dayblazer 125 rear light for road bikes

Are flashing bike lights illegal?

We break down the rules and regulations and share our best lighting practices 
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