Bike FAQ – Our Best Cycling Related Answers

• Is the bike to big for me? Step-over vs. Step-through bike frame
• What is the correct saddle position?
• What’s the easiest way to fix a rusty bike chain?
• How many bike types exist?
• What are the most well-known bike brands in the US?
• What’s the best way to stay safe in traffic when biking?
• How can I best secure my bike against theft?
• Is it true that the electrical bikes are better than the normal ones?

Is the bike too big for me? Step-over vs. Step-through bike frame

For a step-over bike frame (also known as a diamond shape frame), standover height is the basic element of bike fit. It is the distance from the ground to the top of the bicycle’s frame at that point where your crotch is when straddling the bike. To check this, straddle the bike, and bounce on your heels. If your crotch touches the frame, the bike is too big for you.

What’s the easiest way to fix a rusty bike chain?

You may not know this, but the best, cheapest, and easiest way to fix a rusty bike chain that is stuck, is to put it in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Yes, water, not oil. If you can’t take the chain off of your bike, you can spray water on it. Keep spraying water until the rust gets soft and you can wipe some of it with a cloth or a brush.

You may think why water when water was the primary reason for creating the rust? The answer is simple, dry rust is hard but porous and it reacts to water by getting softened almost to liquid. This allows the chain rollers and pins to start moving allowing the water to get deeper

Once your chain is moving again, read our full guide to fixing a rusty bike chain.

How many bike types exist?

There are roughly 18 main bike categories. Most of them having subcategories as you can see in this Bike Type article

1. Road Bikes
2. Gravel / Adventure Bikes
3. Mountain Bikes
4. Hybrid Bikes
5. Cruiser Bikes
6. Cargo / Utility Bikes
7. City Bikes
8. Single-speed Bikes
9. Fixie Bikes
10. Electric Bikes
11. BMX Bikes
12. Recumbent Bikes
13. Adult Trikes
14. Tandem Bikes
15. Track Bikes
16. Fat Tire Bikes or Beach Bikes
17. Folding Bikes
18. Hand Bikes

What are the most well-known bike brands in the US?

Here are our top 49 Bike brands you can buy in the US directly or through their US dealers.

What’s the best way to stay safe in traffic?

1. If there is any chance you’re riding in traffic early morning or late evening, make sure you wear a reflective vest. No matter if your bike does have back and front lights, the reflective vest is critical for you to be seen by the other drivers.
2. If you don’t have one yet, buy a bicycle mirror. Every time you have to turn your head to see what’s happening behind you, your natural tendency is to slightly turn the handlebar in the same direction you’re turning your head. Even if you’re able to practice to prevent this, you’re still going to miss the small gap, crack or stone popping up in front of you, and you’ll find yourself in big trouble.
3. In busy traffic or on a high speed road, a little bit of paranoia can help you avoid troubles. Never assume the drivers will give you priority even if you have the right of way. They may not see you, or worse, ignore you, or simply not take in consideration that you’re much slower than they are. 
4. Wear your helmet and your gloves.
   While I do all the above every time, including the gloves, I have to confess that I’ve never worn a helmet even as a kid. In fact back in my days there was no such thing as a helmet, and we practically lived on our bikes. But still, wear that helmet.
5. Did I miss something? Add a comment below and I’ll make sure to add it.

How can I best secure my bike against theft?

Let’s think as a thief for a moment. He can do it fast or slow.
The fast version works in a busy area with a lot of people and traffic. All he has to do is generate a distraction (or to profit off one) and plan for a 5 second delay on your reaction. He grabs the bike and off he goes. Him on the bike, a leg up (five seconds), you on foot, end of game.

The slow version works everywhere. The thief will spot you, follow you, understand your pattern and when he knows for sure you’ll not be there, he’ll act as if he is the angry owner who lost the keys of the lock system, and there is no thief-proof system. He’ll break thru the defense system or take the bike parts he’s targeting.

Now back to the protective methods, think of the 80/20 rule, where with 20% effort you can prevent 80% of the theft situations.

1. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Thieves are keen observers, in 99% of the cases a thief will not go after you if he / she sees you paying attention to the environment.
2. Don’t give them the reason to go after you. The more you advertise your bike and showcase its value, the more they will focus on you. I know of people masking their new bicycle with duct tape to suggest that the bike is old or broken.
3. Try not to leave your bike outside unless you’re in a visible area, even if the bike is locked.
4. Always bring your bike inside at night.
5. If the bike is of high value and you’re living in a big city, have it insured.

Are electric bikes are better?

Well, this is not true, they are just serving a different rider or preference. As with any decision their are pros and cons to having a battery powered bike read our Electric vs Regular Bikes: Which Is Better for You? article to understand what might be best for you.