[url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/active/article7126155.ece ]Times Online[/url]
[b]How do I fix a puncture?[/b]
Before you remove the damaged innertube, mark an arrow to show which direction it was sitting in the tyre. Once you have found the puncture, you will be able to line the valve in the wheel and have a guide to where in the tyre the sharp object may be lodged.
Do not use a tyre lever as it could trap the tube against the wheel rim, causing a new split. Instead, when the tyre gets too tight to pull over any farther, knead the fitted part to create slack, working towards the tight bit . Repeat until you can tuck in the final bit of tyre with your fingers.
[b]How do I refit my rear wheel?[/b]
Select the smallest sprocket (the spiky discs attached to the wheel). Grasp the chain and pull the gear back to get rid of the loop that gathers when the wheel is removed and lower the bike over the wheel. Introduce the teeth of the smallest sprocket to the chain and the axle should slide into the drop-down holders. Make sure that the wheel doesn’t get caught on the brakes.
[b]How do I choose the right-size bike?[/b]
Manufacturers fit their medium frames for the average 1.76m man. For every 5cm above this, add 2.5cm to the frame size (use the same scale if you’re smaller than average).
Women have to use trial and error as there is less consensus on their average height and a much smaller range of available bikes.
[b]How do I stop my chain slipping?[/b]
This usually happens when you’ve put on a new chain and generally is a sign that the sprockets need replacing. If the chain isn’t new, your gears may not be properly adjusted or your chain wheel might be worn (you’ll notice this when you pedal hard uphill). Best done by a professional.
[b]How do I stop my brakes/gears sticking?[/b]
This usually means that your cables need maintenance . Go for stainless steel wires and replace the casing harbouring all the dirt and rust. You can buy cables and casing ready cut but if these standard lengths don’t fit your bike, leave the job to the professionals.
[b]How can I ride more smoothly?[/b]
Learn to pedal in circles, not just by pushing the pedals down. Look at the pressure guide written on the side of your tyre; never cycle with less than 75 per cent of the maximum pressure. Make sure too that your saddle is the right height — if it’s not, it feels like walking with permanently bent legs. It’s a myth that your foot should be able to sit flat on the road when you stop.
Chris Juden is senior technical officer at the CTC