Component analysis

Drivetrain, wheels and braking, dissected

Close-up of a road bicycle cassette and chain under soft overcast light, red and white accent detailing, shallow depth o

Drivetrain

Gear ratios across terrain

How cassette spacing and chainring choice change cadence and climbing effort on flat roads, rolling hills and mountain gradients. The numbers, explained step by step.

Wheels

Carbon wheel depth and crosswind behaviour

Rim depth trades aerodynamic gain against handling in gusty conditions. We look at where each profile performs and where it becomes a liability.

Carbon road wheel with deep rim on wet tarmac during an overcast race morning, motion blur on the background peloton, 35
Road bike disc brake rotor and caliper on a rain-slicked descent, Brittany countryside behind, muted natural light, 35mm

Braking

Disc and rim braking in wet conditions

Stopping power, modulation and maintenance demands compared across rain, mud and dry descents, based on hands-on testing notes rather than manufacturer claims.

Maintenance

Workshop routines that keep equipment reliable

Practical protocols for monitoring wear, setting pressures and preparing your bike for each season.

Hands measuring a bicycle chain with a wear gauge on a workbench, natural daylight, 35mm

Drivetrain wear monitoring

Measure chain stretch with a gauge at regular intervals, and replace the chain before it damages the cassette and chainrings.

Road bike tire being inflated with a floor pump beside a rural lane, overcast light, 35mm

Tire pressure optimization

Set pressure by rider weight, tire width and road surface. A few PSI makes a measurable difference to rolling resistance and comfort.

Road bicycle being cleaned and lubricated in a garage after a wet ride, workshop light, 35mm

Seasonal maintenance

A tighter schedule for wet winters: clean and lubricate after every ride in rain, and inspect bearings and cables before spring.