Safety first - Mods to make your bike safer.

[Molotov256]

I'm healing up very nicely from my broken front axle incident, and ever since flying over the handlebars, I've been thinking about how to make my next ride safer. I plan to continue using recycled bikes and yard sale bikes, but I'm curious what the community recommends as 'must have' safety related improvements.

Possibilities which are mulling around the old noggin include:

• Front suspension fork
• Chromoly axles
• Improved brakes

I've had good results retrofitting v-brakes on frames of all shapes and sizes with adapter plates such as the one linked below, and although it's a little expensive, the v brakes make for great stopping power and are very versatile. I know disc brakes are better, but this is a good option for the money and I haven't met a frame I couldn't use it on.

http://www.danscomp.com/489051.php

Any other suggestions and technical advice about how to go about doing it would be most appreciated. I'm especially interested in guidance regarding axle swapping...

 

[bluegoatwoods]

Let's see........

I definitely think a suspension fork is a good idea. Even if it doesn't improve actual safety. But then, I think it does; no suspension beats the tar out of the bike frame. Clearly a safety issue.

Changing to a stronger axle shouldn't be hard for anyone who's ever removed and replace and axle and bearings.

The only other thing that I can think of is "Go pretty slow". I know I'm a kill-joy. But thinking of a bicycle at 30 mph and up sends a chill down my spine.

 

[Molotov256]

......
Changing to a stronger axle shouldn't be hard for anyone who's ever removed and replace and axle and bearings.

I have never removed or replaced an axle or bearings... can you offer any guidance for a n00b such as I?

 

[Bikewer]

I've done more than I can count... Easiest to surf on over to either BikeForums or the excellent Park Tool (bike tools) website which has instructionals for almost all routine bike maintenance chores.

You need special tools; specifically a set of "cone wrenches" to hold the bearing cone while you loosen (and tighten) the locking nut.
You need to remember to only work on one side of the axle, leaving the other in place to keep the position of the axle in the right place.
You'll be dealing with loose ball bearings and grease; expect to get a bit dirty.

I can give specific instructions, but the sites mentioned have great tutorials.

 

[Mountainman]

even if we are just using two of Bikewer ideas

You need special tools; specifically a set of "cone wrenches"

You need to remember to only work on one side of the axle, leaving the other in place to keep the position of the axle in the right place.

cone wrenches -- more than -- very handy

yes many of us who didn't know better
first time
took everyTHING apart
only to realize later
that just made it harder

we get so much faster each time

faster ??
this is a good THING when working on repairing THINGS
but -- note -- not to be used at home -- homelife !!!

Happy Queen makes for a Happy King if you know what we mean.......

as we ride those THINGS !!!!

 

[give me vtec]

Red rear blinking led light
Rear view mirror
Front light
Tool bag with tools in it (cresent wrench, chain removal tool, multi tool)... It seems minor roadside repairs prevent major roadside disasters.

cant tell you how much of a difference these things have made since I first started to ride.

 

[Molotov256]

I'll have to check out that park tools site. I'm trying to get something up and running before the STL meet and ride deal this weekend, so time is a factor...

Lights sound like a really good idea to improve visibility. I'd like to run something off the 6v wire, but 6v headlamps are hard to come by.

 

[give me vtec]

I'll have to check out that park tools site. I'm trying to get something up and running before the STL meet and ride deal this weekend, so time is a factor...

Lights sound like a really good idea to improve visibility. I'd like to run something off the 6v wire, but 6v headlamps are hard to come by.

I use a battery powered schwin light from wal-mart. Works great and it came as a package with the rear red blinking led. Front light is really good for allowing oncoming traffic to see you coming in the dark.

 

[EsQueue]

Broken AXLE!!! Talk about a really dangerous occurance that I've never even thought about.

There is nearly no way a frame would snap but an axle is an obvious weak point now that you say and experienced it.

I'll search your name and look up the incident. Good that you are healing as you most likely could have taken some unhealable (hmmm. don't know about that word) damage.

 

[Molotov256]

I appreciate the sypmathy, EsQueue - breaking a front axle at full throttle didn't feel too great. Honestly, though, I got by relatively unscathed. I also happen to have a mutant gene that makes me heal really fast (and no real evidence to support that statement). I have become a firm supporter of helmets since the incident; I recognize the fiberglass shell on my head as the only reason I still have a full set of teeth. Other than some missing skin and bruised ribs, I've been a pretty happy camper, and I'm ready to get back on the homemade moped contraption and turn some more heads.

BTW, a catastrophic mechanical failure on a motorized bike on a busy street is a remarkably embarrassing incident.