#BikeNite

@ascentale @lnlyisol @bikenite A2. When riding, I rely on hearing almost as much as seeing. For my bike I listen for chain rub on the front derailure to remind me to adjust it at the extremes, I listen to my brakes for anything out of the ordinary, and in general I keeping an ear out for anything different. For my “external”environment, car/truck engine and tire noise, trains (I generally don’t have to worry about them, but I do hear them), beeps from my radar (I like this heads up that something might be sneaking up on me).

Since I concentrate visually on where I’m going, I really rely on the soundscape to let me know what is going on to the sides and behind me. #BikeNite

@ascentale @edd @bikenite A3. I have ridden clipped or cleated or otherwise attached to my pedals for what seems like forever. Riding flats makes me anxious!

As for pulling up? Don’t, it can and probably will cause injuries. My shim supplier (my right leg is 15 mm shorter than my left) sent me a slew of links when I mentioned I was pulling. Here is one https://www.cyclefit.co.uk/journal/correct-pedalling-technique

It seems like the right thing, but our bodies did not evolve to do this. #BikeNite

@ascentale @edd @bikenite A3. I have ridden clipped or cleated or otherwise attached to my pedals for what seems like forever. Riding flats makes me anxious!

As for pulling up? Don’t, it can and probably will cause injuries. My shim supplier (my right leg is 15 mm shorter than my left) sent me a slew of links when I mentioned I was pulling. Here is one https://www.cyclefit.co.uk/journal/correct-pedalling-technique

It seems like the right thing, but our bodies did not evolve to do this. #BikeNite

@ascentale @lnlyisol @bikenite A2. When riding, I rely on hearing almost as much as seeing. For my bike I listen for chain rub on the front derailure to remind me to adjust it at the extremes, I listen to my brakes for anything out of the ordinary, and in general I keeping an ear out for anything different. For my “external”environment, car/truck engine and tire noise, trains (I generally don’t have to worry about them, but I do hear them), beeps from my radar (I like this heads up that something might be sneaking up on me).

Since I concentrate visually on where I’m going, I really rely on the soundscape to let me know what is going on to the sides and behind me. #BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite A8: I love this shirt and wear it somewhat sparingly as a result. It's old.

The reptile is a tuatara, an endemic species.

I don't think this is a Maruia Society shirt, but it is vaguely possible.

#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling

@ascentale @bikenite #BikeNite A8. Just made these this afternoon! Bike sprocket wind chime! (sprockets were extremely, extremely worn off a secondhand bike). Was trying to think of what to do with them (aside from throw them away).

@ascentale @bikenite A8: I got to bring my bike in for the job I was shooting at Shack 15 this week! Always nice when you’ll be leaving your bike locked for 12-hours otherwise! #BikeNite

Hello, welcome to #BikeNite on October 24th! Thanks for joining our cycle-stuff-chat. Answer whenever at your convenience. Anyone can join, now or later. Reply to what you like, and boost for visibility.

Our intro and then a question from @plactagonic:

Q1. Where are you posting from today? What makes bikes fun for you?

Fast? Technical? Tinkering? Traveling? Trying "weird" bikes (recumbent, pennyfarthing, unicycle, tall bike) or something different?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeTooter cc @bikenite

@edd @bikenite A3. I find that clipless pedals feel a lot better when doing lots of hill climbing. But mostly for a quick sprint up a steep section or for longer hill climbs (like an exercise ride). I don’t think it helps for shorter rides because clipping in and out is annoying to me, and increases my chance of falling.

I do have power grips on some of my bikes which help prevent my foot from slipping off the pedals. They don’t really help with being able to pull up.

Pulling up only feels like it helps if I want to sprint or if other muscles are tired.

#BikeNite

@lnlyisol @bikenite A2. I use sound all the time! If I hear only tire noise then I know my chain is well lubed. If it’s too noisy, time to add lube. If I hear other noises then I get a little worried and try to diagnose. Does it happen only when I pedal? Does it persist when I coast? If I switch gears does the frequency change? What if I speed up or slow down? Hopefully those tests can help me figure out where the noise is coming from without having to stop.

Usually it’s because a fender or pannier or something else I’m carrying is rubbing against the wheel.

I heard from a friend one time that they knew someone who put a little ball bearing in someone else’s bike frame (via seat tube?) as a practical joke to drive them a little crazy with the sound. I think that would work on me too.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite #BikeNite A8. Just made these this afternoon! Bike sprocket wind chime! (sprockets were extremely, extremely worn off a secondhand bike). Was trying to think of what to do with them (aside from throw them away).

@ascentale @bikenite A8: I love this shirt and wear it somewhat sparingly as a result. It's old.

The reptile is a tuatara, an endemic species.

I don't think this is a Maruia Society shirt, but it is vaguely possible.

#BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling

@ascentale @bikenite A8: I got to bring my bike in for the job I was shooting at Shack 15 this week! Always nice when you’ll be leaving your bike locked for 12-hours otherwise! #BikeNite

And our last question of the week:

Q8. Show us a photo from something cycle-related from the past week! It doesn't have to be anything special at all.

If you'd like to, share one and tell us about it!

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

#BikeNite

@edd asks:

I recently moved to a place with lots of 8-12% grade hills and bring my kids and groceries around by bike frequently which is... rough.

Q3. Beyond ditching the kids or changing the drivetrain to, would getting clips actually help with climbs for upstroke pulling? Will I still fit in my pants when the back quads catch up with the front?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

@lnlyisol asks:

I'd just turned to head home, when I thought "That sounds funny🤔"

I stopped & found my front tyre deflated. The noise was different enough to alert me 🤯

Q2. My thoughts were:

1. Is distance from home related to likelihood of a problem?

2. Can other problems be picked up from subtle clues?

3. People with musical training, can you tell cadence/speed by listening to the frequency of pedaling, or the sound of the hub?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling cc @bikenite

Hello, welcome to #BikeNite on October 24th! Thanks for joining our cycle-stuff-chat. Answer whenever at your convenience. Anyone can join, now or later. Reply to what you like, and boost for visibility.

Our intro and then a question from @plactagonic:

Q1. Where are you posting from today? What makes bikes fun for you?

Fast? Technical? Tinkering? Traveling? Trying "weird" bikes (recumbent, pennyfarthing, unicycle, tall bike) or something different?

#BikeNiteQ #BikeTooter cc @bikenite

Next #BikeNite is this Friday at 4pm Pacific daylight time (UTC-7)!

This is our weekly call for questions. Reply with any you'd like me to add to the discussion on Friday. Please add the BikeNitePQ hashtag so it's easier to find a Proposed Question. There is room for more!

(BikeNite is a Q&A type discussion on the Fediverse.) #BikeTooter cc @bikenite