Summary of hex wrench sizes to prepare for road bike maintenance.
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Posted at: May. 16, 2022
The "front single" without front shifting is being increasingly adopted in MTB and gravel road bikes. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the front single.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
When you convert to a single front wheel, the following parts are no longer needed. 1.
The weight of these parts can be reduced.
The total weight reduction is about 200-300g, but if you want to reduce the same weight with other components or parts, you will have to replace expensive parts such as wheels and crankshafts, so you can say that front singling is a cost-effective weight reduction by “reducing” the weight.
When the front is multi-step shifting, there are some troubles caused by the front derailleur.
When front shifting is present, these troubles cannot be 100% avoided. Of course, with correct maintenance and parts selection, they can be reduced to the point of not being a concern, but with a narrow wide front single chainring, these worries are almost zero.
How can I prevent it? How to prevent your bicycle chain from falling off
A common problem with road bikes, cross bikes, and other bicycles with a front shifting function is the chain falling off. Here are some tips on how to prevent the chain from falling off.
With a front single, the front area is simplified, making maintenance and cleaning much easier.
First of all, there is no front shifting, so the front shift area is maintenance free. Compared to rear shifting, front shifting is a bit more severe to adjust, which is an advantage for novice road and cross bikers who are not used to maintenance.
Front singles are also easier to clean. Since there is only one chainring, it is easier to blow in tight spots, and since narrow-wide chainrings do not have sharp teeth, unlike chainrings for multi-step shifting, you will not cut your hand on the chainring while cleaning.
Since a single-stage front wheel reduces the number of gear ratios, the choice of gear ratios is naturally narrower. However, even in the case of front multi-speed gearshifts, there are combinations that overlap gear ratios, so the number of gear ratios is generally reduced by about 30-40% rather than simply halved.
However, if a wide ratio such as 11-34T is used to match the low side, the difference in gear ratios will become too large and fine gear shifting will not be possible. In this sense, it is easy to say, “It’s easy to go uphill, too.
In this sense, what is possible with front multi-step shifting, which is “easy uphill climbing and speed on hills,” is no longer possible.
Another disadvantage of a single front is that the maximum and minimum gear ratios are greatly affected by the “number of teeth on the front chainring”.
For example, a rear derailleur for road bikes has a low maximum of about 34T, but if the front derailleur is 40T, the minimum is 1.17, which can fight up to some hills, but the top gear is only about 3.6, so the maximum speed is sacrificed.
On the other hand, if the front chainring is increased to a larger tooth such as 50T to increase the top gear ratio, top speed can be achieved, but this time the low minimum gear ratio is 1.47, so it is not possible to climb very steep hills.
Thus, depending on the number of teeth on the front chainring, the bike is either “for climbing” or “for speed.
If you only need to change the front chainring, you can convert to a front single without any problem, even if you are using a normal road bike or MTB with a front multi-step component.
However, if you want to use a wide-ratio sprocket in order to have a wider choice of gear ratios, the choice of components will become narrower.
First of all, for MTBs and other bikes where front single ratio is the standard, the choice of sprockets is wide, but road bikes are designed for front double ratio, so the choice of wide ratio sprockets is limited.
Also, even if you want to mix a rear derailleur for MTB with a road bike in order to increase the maximum low, the rear derailleur for MTB has a different wire pull than that for road, so the STI lever on a road bike cannot pull an MTB rear derailleur.
Ultra-wide ratio components such as 11-51T are now available for MTB, but when used with Shimano components, the corresponding rear derailleur will be a DEORE or higher grade, so the cost will be higher if you include replacing the rear derailleur, sprocket, shifter, and other components.
As pointed out earlier, MTB components cannot be pulled by STI for road use, so if the rear is converted to flat bar road to replace the sprockets, the cost will be even higher, including handlebars, brakes, shifters, etc.
If it is only not Shimano compatible, there is an adapter available from Wolf Tooth that allows you to pull MTB derailleurs with road-oriented STI levers.
Sponsored Link
Summary of hex wrench sizes to prepare for road bike maintenance.
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Latex Butyl? Different tire tube materials and how to choose the right one.
There are two types of bicycle tire tubes, latex tubing and butyl tubing. The following is a summary of the differences between the two and which one you should choose.
Guide to Choosing Binding Pedals for Road Bikes
Binding pedals allow you to ride faster and more efficiently on your road bike. In this article, we will thoroughly explain what to look for when choosing binding pedals.
Summary of binding pedal cleat types and their respective characteristics
Cleats are the parts that connect binding pedals to shoes. Cleats are only one part, but each manufacturer has its own characteristics and differences. They are actually important parts that are linked to usability and their merits and demerits.
Advantages and disadvantages of putting sealant in road bike and MTB tires and how to choose
This section summarizes what sealants are for road bikes and MTBs, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to select sealants.
Types of valve extenders and how to select one
A valve extender, which extends the valve, is an essential item for operating deep-rim wheels on road bikes and other vehicles. The following is a summary of the different types of valve extenders, their differences, and how to select one.
Summary of brake shoes for carbon rim and wheel
When using rim brakes on carbon rim/wheels, it is essential to use special brake shoes to reduce braking force and damage to the rim. In this issue, we introduce a collection of brake shoes for carbon rim wheels.
Road Bike Stem Standards and How to Choose
The stem is an unassuming part, but actually has a significant impact on ride comfort and speed. In this issue, we summarize road bike stem standards and how to select one.
Advantages and disadvantages of tubeless and tubeless ready tires
Tubeless and tubeless ready tires are increasingly being adopted in the latest wheels. The following is a summary of the differences, advantages and disadvantages of each, and points to keep in mind when choosing.
Advantages and disadvantages of using CO2 cylinders
The CO2 cylinder is the preferred puncture repair inflator for expert road bike users. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using CO2 cylinders for inflating, and the differences from portable pumps.
Advantages and disadvantages of tubular tires
Tubular tires are the choice of users who are concerned about performance. In this issue, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of tubular tires and what kind of users they match.
How to customize a road bike seat post and the effects you can get
Seat post customization has become a standard because it is easy and simple to do, even for beginners of road biking.
How do you determine the height of the handlebars on a road bike?
The "handlebar height" of a road bike has a significant impact on speed as well as ease of riding. This section summarizes what happens when you change the height and how to determine the right height.
Shimano road disc brake component compatibility summary
Shimano disc brake components for road use are difficult to select if you don't know about them. We have compiled a list of parts model numbers and their incompatibility, which can be difficult to understand.
What is the Q Factor? Measurement methods, how to determine appropriate values, and how to adjust
Q-factor is an important factor for improving pedaling efficiency. we summarize what Q-factor is, how to measure it, how to determine the proper value, and how to adjust it.
LOOK's Grades and Types of Binding Pedals for Road Use
LOOK is a highly regarded manufacturer of complete vehicles, and in this article, we'll take a look at the grades and types of LOOK's popular binding pedals for road use, and the differences between each model.
Summary of FSA cranks, grades and ratings
FSA cranks are often chosen as standard equipment for complete bikes. Here is a summary of their grades and why they are often rated low.
Choosing the right tires for a rainy road bike ride
Road bikes are often used for riding in the rain. In this article, we summarize tire selection for riding in the rain on a road bike.
What changes when you upgrade your Shimano rear derailleur?
One of the most modest component upgrades is the rear derailleur. Here is a summary of what changes when you upgrade your rear derailleur.
How to lighten heavy mechanical brakes.
The weight of the brakes not only affects the braking power, but also creates a significant impact on fatigue during the ride. In this article, we'll take a look at how mechanical brakes work and how you can lighten the weight of heavy brakes.