| Amidst the smoke and fumes that are emitted | | | | faster which is abrasive to the chain. Use a |
| daily by the Mercedes and the BMWs, there is | | | | solvent to degrease the chain at least once a |
| one mode of transport which is increasingly | | | | year, so that your bike functions at the |
| gaining popularity in today's world. In spite | | | | optimum best. |
| of its simplicity, the bicycle towers above | | | | |
| the other more sophisticated vehicles due to | | | | 2. Derailleur components: It is essential to |
| its health benefits. Not only does a bicycle | | | | lubricate the pivot points and derailleur |
| give you thinner thighs and a shapely | | | | cables using good petroleum based lubricant. |
| backside, it also reduces your chances of | | | | Once you lubricate them, you also need to |
| heart disease. | | | | adjust the cables since they have a tendency |
| | | | to stretch over winters. |
| However, bicycle riding is fraught with many | | | | |
| dangers too, in case you happen to be a | | | | 3. Brakes: Lubricate the brakes with |
| novice at it. It's important to become an | | | | petroleum or wax based lubricant depending on |
| expert on the bike before joining the | | | | the degree and roughness of use. Here, pay |
| mainline traffic. | | | | attention to brake pads. It's essential that |
| | | | the brake pads hit the rims evenly. In case |
| While riding a bike, be sure to wear a good | | | | of fluid actuated disc brakes, check the |
| sturdy helmet. Researches indicate that a | | | | level of brake fluid in the reservoir. |
| good helmet reduces the chances of a head | | | | |
| injury by as much as 85%. It's also | | | | 4. Wheels: Spin the wheels to see if they |
| imperative to ride on the correct side of the | | | | wobble. In case they are wobbling just a wee |
| road. Children should always ride a bike | | | | bit, they can be adjusted using a spoke |
| under the supervision of an adult cyclist. | | | | wrench. If the wobbling is quite pronounced, |
| | | | then take it to the bike shop and get an |
| A bike does not need much maintenance, as | | | | expert to fix it. |
| compared to other vehicles. However, there | | | | |
| are certain points to be remembered while | | | | Apart from these maintenance tips, it's also |
| doing the periodic maintenance of your bike: | | | | important to tune up your bicycle regularly. |
| | | | Enjoy your bike and take care of it. Riding a |
| 1. Chain: Most people prefer chains with a | | | | bike is one of the most beautiful experiences |
| wax based lubricant rather than oil. The | | | | of life. With the wind on your face and the |
| reason behind this is that oil collects dirt | | | | sun on your back. What could be better? |