About Me
Hi, I'm James Bowthorpe — the person behind Globe Cycle. I'm a cyclist who loves getting hands-on with bike maintenance and sharing what I learn along the way. This blog is where I write about the repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting that keep my own bikes rolling, in the hope it helps you keep yours rolling too.
What Globe Cycle Is About
Globe Cycle is a practical resource for cyclists of all levels. Whether you're diagnosing disc brake trouble, comparing drivetrain components, or figuring out why your tires keep losing air, you'll find straightforward guides and honest comparisons here — written by a fellow cyclist, not a marketing department.
Globe Cycle began with a simple conviction: that every cyclist, from the weekend leisure rider to the dedicated commuter, deserves access to clear and practical bicycle knowledge. The world of bike maintenance can feel intimidating, especially when a drivetrain skips under pressure or a disc brake loses its stopping power mid-ride. This site exists to strip away the mystery and present solutions in plain language that anyone can follow. Rather than assuming a professional mechanic's background, the content here meets riders where they are, walking through each repair and adjustment step by step so that common problems become manageable projects rather than reasons to visit a shop.
One of the most frequently discussed topics on Globe Cycle revolves around braking performance and the differences between modern systems. Hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power and modulation, yet many riders encounter issues such as spongy levers, contaminated pads, or persistent noise. Understanding how these components operate, how they accumulate dirt and grime, and what maintenance keeps them performing at their best is central to safe riding. Whether you are comparing road versus gravel setups or wondering whether 28mm tires are right for your frame, the guides here aim to help you make informed decisions without compromising comfort or control.
Beyond brakes, the site dedicates considerable attention to the drivetrain and the components that transfer your effort into forward motion. Cassettes with worn teeth, shifters that feel vague, chains that skip under load — these are all common frustrations that can be diagnosed and often resolved at home with the right guidance. The content also explores less obvious areas like seatposts, pedals, and frames, including how to spot a cracked frame before it becomes a serious safety concern. By covering both routine upkeep and advanced troubleshooting, the goal is to extend the longevity of every bicycle and keep riders confident in their equipment.
Globe Cycle also acknowledges the questions that sit beyond the workshop, such as how to handle flat tires away from home or whether cycling accidents and injuries should be a genuine worry for everyday riders. Practical tips on carrying spare tubes, managing tire pressure, and riding defensively in traffic all find a place here. The broader mission is to support the whole riding experience, not just the mechanical side of it. Whether you are hunting for a new set of wheels, wondering how to compare frames, or simply looking for a trusted source of bicycle advice, the hope is that this resource becomes a helpful companion on every ride.
What You'll Find Here
The blog is organized around three main areas:
- Drivetrain & Shifters — cassette wear, chain maintenance, pedal greasing, crank removal, bottom bracket selection, and brand comparisons like Shimano GS vs SGS or SRAM SX Eagle vs Shimano Deore.
- Frames & Seatposts — frame care, seatpost adjustments, and related component topics.
- Wheels & Brakes — disc brake troubleshooting, hydraulic brake pressure issues, tire inflation, Presta valves, and wheel guides.
If you have a question or just want to say hello, head over to the Contact Us page — I'd love to hear from you.