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