Showing posts with label bike life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike life. Show all posts

Sunday, March 20, 2022

rain or shine i ride my mountain road bike to work #shorts


Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors

Hey guys,

Check it out!

So, I've been using and testing how it feels like using a drop bar on my mountain bike and there's definitely a different feel mentally and physically. It was also kinda easy to change between them. Especially, if you have a separate brake lever and shifter for each handlebar. 

I've never owned or ridden a road bike. That's why I was curious and wanted to try it out. Luckily, I found a cheap drop bar and other accessories that I bought to set it up. I definitely learned a lot and there are many good videos on youtube that you can learn from.



Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors

Since I've never used a drop bar, at first it does feel weird. I even thought that I set it up all wrong. One thing to note is that I'm not a tall fellow. In fact, when I check out the road bike (thinking of buying one) there never seems to sell a 24inch tire size.

Although, I notice a road bike seat is supposedly much higher set up. A guy on one video said that the seat and the drop bar are much better at the same level. To avoid back and neck pain. That's one thing I'm afraid of. And, I actually did have slight back and neck pain when using the drop bar.



RXL SL [US Stock] Full Carbon Fiber Road Bike Handlebar Racing Handle Bike Bend to Inside Light 400/420/440mm

I decided to buy a new and much shorter bike stem because it seems the back and neck pain is caused by the drop bar being too far in front. And, my err..rather short hands have to stretch out to hold them. There's actually a debate on which is better. A longer or shorter bike stem.

I would say, it depends on you. If it feels good using a shorter bike stem then use it. If not, get a longer one. In spite of the drop bar setup problem, it actually feels nice using them. I always feel like I need and want to go faster. I don't have that kind of feeling when using the normal handlebar.



Teyssor Mountain Bike Flat Handlebar 31.8mm Aluminium Alloy MTB Handlebars 720mm 780mm

I do feel having better control of the bike when using a handlebar. I always use the footpath when riding and there are a lot of stops and weaving through people. Maybe, I'm too used to using a handlebar but if I see a clear path I'll go down on the drop bar and just shoot for speed.

The need for speed is really exhilarating. The other day, I used a different route going home from my sis house and it really felt great. I think I reach my house a little faster when using a drop bar than a straight bar. But, I didn't time myself, didn't bring my speedometer.



Mongoose Status Mountain Bike, Men's and Women's, Aluminum Frame, Multiple Colors

One thing I notice and it seems true is that my hands get numbs when using the handlebar. But, I didn't have that problem when using a drop bar. It's because I keep changing my grips. You can use different parts of the drop bar to hold.

Check out my mountain road bike? below:




Now, I've changed back to my normal handlebar but part of me misses the drop bar and the need for speed. The feeling is not the same and even before I tried using the drop bar when on a straight clear path I always feel like going down and forward to speed.

I might one day get a road bike if I found one that suits my height. Though, I've heard of smaller pro cyclists. Like I've said, I ride mostly on the pathway and it's kinda a hassle having to stand at the traffic light. That's why I tried the drop bar on my 24inch tire mountain bike. Which is best for me.

What do you guys think?

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Happy cycling!

#cycling #cyclinglife #mountainbike #roadbike


P.S. Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors




Sunday, March 13, 2022

done! test change my mountain bike MTB handlebar to road bike drop bar setup


UPANBIKE Fixed Gear Bike Road Bicycle Aluminum Alloy Drop Bar Bent Handlebar Φ31.8mm 420mm

Hey guys,

Check it out!

Finally! I did it. I changed my mountain bike handlebar to a road bike drop bar. Had trouble with the shipping and even had to re-order a different type that doesn't include the stem. I decided to re-use my older bike stem but only discovered that the drop bar clamp diameter size is much smaller.

I had already fit the drop bar brake levers and even tape it up but had to take it off again as I decided to use a modified PVC pipe as a stem shim. Crude, but it works. I can always buy a real shim later but since it works. Lol!



RXL SL [US Stock] Carbon Handlebar Road Bike 31.8mm Bicycle Handlebar 400/420/440mm Cycling Bent Bar Drop Bars

I've never owned or ridden a road bike. To me, it's only for those professional riders. Of course, that's not true. There are people that prefer them. It does look cool with the drop bar. I actually thought of getting one. Even though, I already have a foldable mountain bike. 

That got me thinking. What if I just change the handlebar and try it out if it's suitable for me? I have a slipped disc and those riding positions would certainly make me cry in pain the next morning. I'm still curious though and that's why I decided to try this drop bar project.



Shimano Unisex's STR8000PA Bike Parts, Standard, One

I saw a youtube video that someone had already done the same thing. Changing his bike handlebar to a drop bar. Of course, he only re-used his bike brakes and shifter setup. I decided to buy a drop-bar brake lever but really not sure about the shifter.

I actually already bought a Shimano thumb shifter thinking of changing from the twisting type that originally came with my mountain bike. Now, I just put it on the drop bar. It will be easier if I want to change to my normal bike handlebar again. I don't have to keep changing.



SHIMANO Claris ST-R2000/-R2030 Gear/Brake Lever Right 8-Speed Grey 2020 Gear Lever

I don't have any friends or know anyone that's used to riding a road bike. I've already set everything up but I want some input on how to make it better. Maybe, I'm not used to riding using a drop bar but it feels kinda weird and 'wrong'. 

Okay, it's not exactly a road bike. That's the whole point. I wanted a drop bar that's on a mountain bike. I use my bike mostly on the road to work and go to national parks or beaches. Sometimes, I feel like wanting to bunker down and just cycle straight and fast.



Hiland Aluminum Road Bike, All Shimano Drivetrain 21 speeds, Dual-Disc Brakes, Multiple Styles with 700C Wheels for Men, Men's Road Bicycle

If you're saying why don't I just get a road bike? Because I'm more a mountain bike rider. And, like I've said I have slipped disc. Riding using a drop bar isn't really ideal for me. But, I wanted to try it anyway on a mountain bike with full suspension.

It's definitely something different. That's why I went through the hassle of changing my handlebar. When I tried it yesterday, I tried to be as upright as possible. But, I also try to go down. Be careful not to hurt my back or I won't be able to go to work.




Check out my vid and picture above. Considering it's my first try, not bad at all. Yeah, I make mistakes but it's a learning process. I'll be testing it and seeing how it differs from a handlebar when I go to work next week. Pretty interesting aye?

What do you guys think?

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*Shop the latest deals on Amazon via our links to support us. Tq! :)

Subscribe to our blog and youtube channel for the latest post and video upload!

Happy cycling!

#cycling #cyclinglife #mountainbike #roadbike


P.S. Satori X-Race Gravel Cyclocross Road Bike Bicycle Fixed Gear Single Speed AL6061 8 Degree Flare Drop Bar Bent Handlebar 31.8 x 420 / 440mm - Aluminum Alloy




Sunday, March 06, 2022

my new mountain bike MTB Headset Front Fork Sealed Bearing Headset for 44mm Inner diameter Head tube


Jessica 【US Stock 34/44/44-55/44-56mm 1-1/8 Threadless Double Sealed MTB Bearings Lightweight Headset, fit Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Straight Tapered Tube Frame Fork Star Nut Top, Cap

Hey guys,

Check it out!

I finally finished installing a new headset for my mountain bike fork. My old bearing was somehow ripped and I had to change to a new one. Lucky for me, the parts are easy to order but, I wasn't sure of the exact size even though I did the measurement.

I also wanted to try different bearing types and colors. I chose purple as it looks nice and also it comes with a full set. Unfortunately, because my bike is a folding bike, the design is a little different. The good news is I've ordered several different types of bearing.



Jessica 【US Stock 34/44/44-55/44-56mm 1-1/8 Threadless Double Sealed MTB Bearings Lightweight Headset, fit Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Straight Tapered Tube Frame Fork Star Nut Top, Cap

Like I've said before, I want to learn to change all of my bike parts and already bought tools specifically for bicycles. Definitely, it wasn't a smooth experience but, for some reason, I find it relaxing. Especially, when you think it's easy but there's always a problem cropping up.

I'll be screaming and cursing to myself when things don't go my way but always try to find a solution to solve it. It helps when you can actually get the correct parts but so, you'll have to wait if it's not. Sometimes, I just guess the size as I'm a little lazy to do the measurements.



Venzo 1-1/8" Threadless Mountain Bike MTB Headset Sealed Bearings White - for 34mm Cup Size ONLY

I measured my original bearing size around 40-41mm. I wasn't sure so I ordered both sizes and both actually fit the cup. My original bearing is also not a sealed bearing but when I tried the sealed type, it actually felt better and smooth.

I only realized that I can actually change the cup after it accidentally came off while I was trying to put back my fork. Now, I have a new cool purple color cup set for my bike. Taking out the fork makes me realize I can easily change to a new bike fork next time.



HIOD Bike Forks MTB Mountain Bike Air Suspension Fork

Well, every damn time, I said to myself this is going to be easy, a problem came out. And, I have to either modify, reused old parts, etc. I pretty much learn from mistakes. That's what I call learning from the school of hard knocks!

I'm almost 50 and I don't know why only now am I interested in biking. Yeah, I learned to ride a bike in the parks when I was around 9 or something. Even then, I had to beg my dad to buy me a bike. He bought me a 2nd hand bike that has a weird handlebar and different tire sizes.



BQSHOP 1-1/8" Heavy Duty Headset Top Cap Bearings, 34mm / 44mm Diameter Threadless Stem Tapered Sealed BMX Bearing Nuts for Mountain MTB Bike



Jaceyon Bike-Ball-Bearing-Retainer, Bicycle-Headset-Ball-Bearings, 5/32" x 16-Balls-Bearing for Bike-Fork - 4 Pcs Replacement Mountain Bike Parts Repair Accessories for MTB Bicycle Fork

Check out my new mountain bike fork purple color headset below:




Some people commented that my bike is just cheap junk trash. I beg to differ. Yes, it is cheap. That's why I bought it. It suits my budget and so far I've road over 100 miles with it. Using it to commute between work and home. I've also ridden to faraway parks and beaches without any problem.

It's not those expensive trails or road bikes. Although, I'm basically using it for various different terrain. Sometimes, I use the pathway, cut into grass and little off-road trail. Going up and down slopes and even smashed my bike into a metal railing. Yup, this bike has been through it all and still riding on!

By the way, I took the opportunity to also change my cable bike brake cable housing from black to green and red. Will be changing the shifter color to white once I got my new drop bar. I'm curious to use a drop bar on my folding mountain bike. Lol.

What do you guys think?

Help support this channel. Buy me Coffee @

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/W04oadL

*Shop the latest deals on Amazon via our links to support us. Tq!

Subscribe to our blog and youtube channel for the latest post and video upload!

Happy cycling!

#mountainbike #cycling #cyclinglife #bike #bikelife

P.S. Jessica 【US Stock 34/44/44-55/44-56mm 1-1/8 Threadless Double Sealed MTB Bearings Lightweight Headset, fit Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Straight Tapered Tube Frame Fork Star Nut Top, Cap




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