Getting ready to ride

Press, 16 January 1986, Page 12

Getting ready to ride

“The Press” annual Fun Ride, on February 16, aims to provided a challenge for people who don’t do much distance cycling. Entrants have three options —40 km, 60km, and 100 km. Individuals can choose a distance within their abilities. Riders will be making extra demands on their cycles. Though their cycles may have taken their owners to and from work or study month after month without trouble, they might well break down on a longer ride. Many accidents can be directly related to the mechanical faults of a cycle. A large number • cyclists will be

gether before the start of the Fun Ride. On the 100 km section there are also a number of hills. So the organisers of the ride reserve the right to disallow riders on cycles with mechanical faults to take part. Before the Fun Ride, have a reputable dealer check the following: Wheels: Ensure rims are true. Spin wheels. Check the wobble and the amount of side play in the rim sighting against the brake pads. If there is a wobble of more than smm, there is a possibility you have a broken spoke. Check the rim for dents. Brakes: Check that the cables are not rusted up,

and ensure the calipers are firmly bolted to the frame. Fit new brake pads if necessary. Head Set: Ensure the front forks do not wobble back and forth when front brake is applied. If it does, have the head set adjusted or replaced by a dealer. A loose or over-tight headset is also an indication of possible bent front forks. Have them checked also.

Any of these faults could lead to an accident. Gears and Drive Chain: Chains and rear clusters of multi-geared cycles need to be replaced about every 5000 to 6000 km. Symptoms of worn chain and rear cluster are when the chain the front chain ringijwhen changing from

low to high. You encounter a distinct slip of the pedal every now and then, especially in little used gears. Have a cycle dealer check your drive chain; a new one will make your bike feel like new. Tyres: Every year on the Fun Ride, someone has a tyre blow out. The organisers will have a few spares, but avoid the problem by fitting new tyres where necessary before the ride. Articles in the next few weeks will include advice on fitting a cycle, cycling technique, and how to get fit for your ride. By Craig Adair, in association with Bryce Sims, o)f “The Press.”