Maintaining ones bicycle

Posted by: Mick P on 15 April 2005

Chaps

When I reurned from a two week orgy of food indulgence in Tenerife in early March, I hit the scales at 14.25 stone. Every pair of trousers felt tight and I felt generally rotten.

Mrs Mick and I went on the GI diet which is basically a low fat one and I have been going to the gym thrice weekly for 75 boring bloody minutes per session.

I have also been using the Pashley bicycle shown below most days.

http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/classic/paramount/specification.html

I usually cycle into Swindon ( 8 miles return)about 3 times a week and Mrs Mick and I have a 10 mile or so ride on Sundays, weather permitting.

The result is my paunch is disappearing and I am about 9 lb lighter. I also feel much healthier and better.

I intend to extend the cycling because it is a darn sight more enjoyable than the gym.

This brings me onto the subject of maintaining the bicycle.

I would say most of it is common sense. Keep it clean and oil some of the moving parts and linkages.

My main query is what do you think is the best way of lubricating the chain. Is 3 in 1 oil ok or are these flashy aerosol cans better.

If any of you have a favourite, I would like to know.

Regards

Mick
Posted on: 19 April 2005 by Nick_S
Brompton's are the most practical (and fun) of all the bicycles I have owned, including tourers and recumbents. I have commuted to work, 50 minutes round trip per day for two years, cycled in the mountains of Crete and the hilly roads of Athens and spent a total of just 30 euros on maintenance (new chain and sprockets). The six speed version makes for more useful gear ratios, with the 44 tooth chainweel option giving a decent hill climbing low gear. Folded away in its little jacket I have taken it into formal events, restaurants and the cinema.

Nick