what is the difference between a short/medium cage rear derailleur and a long cage r.d.?
455111
The cage length affects capacity. Capacity is defined as the difference between the number of teeth on the largest and smallest cogs, added to the difference between the number of teeth on the big chainring and the small chainring. Long cage rear derailleurs have a high capacity, and can therefore handle a very wide range drivetrain. Short cage rear derailleurs are more limited in their capacity, working best on a drivetrain with closer gearing.\n\nShorter cage rear derailleurs take up less chain slack than a long cage rear derailleur. The chain is held more snugly, which can result in smoother, more precise shifting. However, longer cage rear derailleurs are capable of taking up more chain slack than a short cage rear derailleur, allowing you to run a wider range drivetrain than would be possible with a short cage rear derailleur.\n\nFor road bikes, your choice is fairly straightforward. If you plan to use a double crankset, stick to a short cage unit. For triple cranksets, you'll want to use a longer cage rear derailleur to handle the increased chain wrap necessitated by the wider range drivetrain.\n\nOn a mountain bike, your choice is slightly more difficult. Less experienced riders, or riders who ride frequently in steep terrain should probably stick to a long cage rear derailleur. This, combined with proper chain length, will allow the bike to be safely shifted into every gear on the bike. Racers might appreciate the lighter weight and slight shifting improvement a short cage rear derailleur offers. However, these benefits come with a tradeoff - because of the decreased capacity a short or medium cage rear derailleur offers, it may not be possible to safely use the small chainring in tandem with the smallest cogs. (The derailleur simply can't take up enough slack in the chain)\n\nFor mountain bikes, when in doubt, choose a long cage rear derailleur, unless you are certain you understand the limitations of a short/medium cage derailleur.
145461
since pulley size vs. rpm is linear, you can just use a simple relation. 2.5/3450 = ?/4000
608669
the serial number is usually on the frame near the back wheel, right around where the rear gears are attached.  Some bikes may put it on the main bar up near the handlbars also.
533124
all you need to know is this:\nhttp://www.lowriderbike.com/\n\nits the bible of lowridin bikes..\nall your problems are solved :D
19252
Well, if you could just remove the small ring the gear ratios wouldn't be the same.  The "normal" gearing for a double is 53 / 39 and on a triple is something like 52/42/30.  If it were me, I'd definately upgrade to Ultegra.  But that's assuming money isn't an object.
807973
I agree with an earlier answer in that you do not want a spoke count that low if you are going to use disc brakes.  Discs add a great deal more force on the spokes.  In fact, it is recommended that disc specific wheels be laced a certain way, and it is much different than a "regular" bike wheel will be laced.  By "regular" I am referring to a wheel which is laced for use with V-brakes.\n\nAlso, typically, because you are talking about a special lacing, you typically will pay a premium for it.  Be prepared to pay at LEAST over $100.00 per wheel.\n\nCheck out www.spinlitecycling.com, and www.wheelworld.com
413551
http://www.arbusa.com/air_locker_locking_differentials.htm
790667
Ok. The 8 speed cassette is wider than the 7 speed one so it wont fit on your freehub.(8 and 9 speed are the same width) You can use the rear mech with your 7 speed set up if you like without having to change the freehub, shifters, cables etc.
788818
Well, if less power loss is what you are looking for , it would be gears.  Belts can and do slip!
954083
Regular derailleurs have the cable slack in the high (smallest gear) rear position. Rapid rise are opposite- the derailleur is at rest on the largest rear cog.\n\nSTI stands for Shimano Total Integration. I think all Shimano components are STI, provided you use the recommended component groups..you can't use LX shifters with XTR, for example.
844395
Rim compatibility should be no problem as long as rim and hub have the same number of holes.\n\nDepending on the age of your hubs,  600 hubs were part of the Ultegra gruppo. If these are 600/Ultegra hubs then it is most likely you can use an 8 or 9 gear cassette on it no problem... but it is always a good idea to check first.\n\nIf your hubs are from the "early days", the rear is likely outfitted for a freewheel. I know an 8 gear freewheel is available but am not sure about a 9. In either case you'll need to make sure that an axle of the correct length can be procured.
978961
get smaller gearing and itll make it harder to pedal a little bit but youll get more speed so yeah or u could just get lighter parts so easier to pedal just make sure everythings tight or ulll get screwed over so yea if u need to know anything else bout bike email me crashnbad@yahoo.com
410
The main advantage is that the compact crankset gearing is much closer to the high cadence riding that is the current trend in modern cycling.  With a standard triple crank you have 30/42/52 chainrings, from which most people use the 42 and 30 rings.  The 30 is a little too short for most hilly rides, and basically you're spinning super fast to get up a hill.  The 42 is   a bit too small for barrelling down a hill, and the 52 is so steep that it's rarely being used.\n\nThe compact crankset has 50 and 34 tooth gears which are theoretically better for the way most cyclists ride today.  The 34 gives you short enough gearing to get up big hills but is not quite as short as the granny gear on the triple, and the 50 gives you the speed in a manageable dose.\n\nA couple things to consider, though.  In order to switch to a double compact, you need to replace a fair number of components, including the bottom bracket, cranks, rear derailleur (optional but highly recommended), front derailleur and possibly your left shifter.  You might be able to get what you want from switching out the cassette on your bike, which is of course a lot cheaper.
983691
go to www.danscomp.com  or look up J&R Cycles online store they will have what you are looking for.  Oh and to the guy that said that Euro BB arnt used much anymore is nuts 90% of bmx bikes use Euro BB that are of good quality anyway.
369321
you'll need to make the adjustment at the rear derailler.\n\nHowever, best advice, take it to a bike shop and ask them to show you. once you learn you will save big $$$$$.\n\n(Basic rule is, when standing directly behind the bike, looking at the derailer adjustment knob. a right turn will adjust the derailer down, a left turn will adjust it up......figure out which way your gear changes are missing, ie up shift or downshift. adjust incrementally until the gear 'just' changes....that should see you right)...good luck!
398449
700 x 23c - Tyre size...this is standard issue\n53/39 - Number of teeth on 2 front cogs...standard issue\npedals- comes with pedals\n50cm to 62cm- frame sizes available\n\nthe 50-62cm is frame size availability, not pedal-related. this measurement typically is seat-tube (s-t) length, from center of bottom-bracket (bb) to center of top-tube (t-t), but can sometimes measure to the top of t-t or even to the top of the seat collar.
379568
go for the lighter frame and bigger engine. just make sure you brace the frame