bikelife

Someone told me mens hair should be cut short occasionally to breathe. Doesn't hair get its oxygen from its blood supply? Does breathing here mean something besides getting oxygen maybe?

(I know:multi-questions in one, but I think the answers are related.) Is there a standard rule for direction of rotation of the point rider in a paceline, i.e. does he break out left or right before allowing the line to pass him? It must depend on the right-of-way law (UK style, left hand vs. US style right hand rights-of-way). And what is the standard English word to warn the line that you are relinquishing the point position? "Gimme a break!!" seems too wordy.

Likewise, when riding abreast on a (usually low traffic) two- lane road and being overtaken by a car, should the outside rider brake and drift back behind his buddy, or should the outside rider accelerate while the inside rider brakes? This assumes that the car can't be trusted to pull out to pass both riders (never trust a driver you can't look in the eye!).

Thanks for your collective insight, YA listers.

I do 500 - 700 km (~300 - 450 miles) a month at 25 to 35 kph. I have always used elastic waist band cycling shorts but am now experiencing some irritation at the elastic contact points due to particularly hot conditions locally. Would appreciate your shared experience. Would the bib design help? Are there any disadvantages? Thanks.

Must accept orders from non-North American areas. Must accept non-U.S. bank credit cards.

Please rate for selection, shipping, customer service, and price. I'm interested in both road and mountain gear, anything from clothing to built-up wheels.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I have worn holes in several pairs. The holes appear in the Lycra panels where they rub the seat. Some, but not all, holes initiate at the crotch pad/Lycra seam. Have tried to repair with needle and thread, but the Lycra just unravels after a few hours riding.

Otherwise the shorts are in fine condition, so I'd hate to just trash them. In fact, the shorts are perfectly comfortable, and now, well-ventilated for rides in the hot tropics, but the exposed inner thigh skin is a bit risque.

Thanks for your ideas.

Have seen 1/16 inch in 12 inches (12 links) referred to as time to change (www.sheldonbrown.com/chains) and would like to gauge the range of opinion on this number.

I am approaching this wear level now, though I have religiously (weekly) cleaned the chain with a cleaning tool (BB brand) and 'gallons' of citrus-type solvent and water, and have lubed with a synthetic oil for wet conditions (Pedro's) everyday. Shoulders here are often sand-covered or muddy, and I often must commute in/after downpours.

To be precise, my Shimano HG narrow (with 9-spd cassete) is at 1/32 stretch after about 5 months and 2000 km (about 1,250 miles). This begs a secondary question: Is this a reasonable wear rate?

Thanks for your ideas.