11.30.09
A Primer on Bike Accessories and Cycle Repairs
Bicycling is a fantastic means to keep fit, save fuel costs, while helping in keeping the environment clean. Cycling doesn’t damage your muscles in ways that running and working out in the gym can. It’s also pragmatic because one is able to keep fit by travelling to the shops, or to the workplace, so it’s not like you’re having to put time aside for exercise as most other varieties of work out impose on your schedule.
All the same, there are plenty of various styles of bicycle - which one to purchase? A bike that’s comfortable for you as you’re riding, and has a good number of gears so you can tackle slopes with general ease - after all, not everyone lives in Holland! You should also be able to lift your bike with relative comfort as you’ll discover this is necessary occasionally, for example over a low hurdle.
Also make sure you have enough add-ons for your cycle : bicycle clothing, front and back light, a pump, reflector lights, reflective jacket, mudguards, helmet and strong lock. These will aid you in keeping secure in the dark, and the bike out of reach from robbery. Make sure you lockup your cycle in a reasonably open location.
Finally, it’s a great idea to invest a bit of time into learning how to repair your bike. You don’t need to be a bike repair master, but it’s useful if you can discover how to align your brake pads and brake cables as these frequently require calibrating after heavy usage. And ensure you keep the cycle well oiled and the tyres pumped up to a reasonable pressure to make cycling less difficult. And of course, have good road sense - indicate with your arms while turning, and keep to the left-handside on all roads.
