YOUR BIKE - making sure it is roadworthy

Here are Mark Cox's top tips for getting a bike and making sure it is roadworthy

Mark Cox is an old Redman and Tarzey family friend and an (almost) life long cycling expert

1) You will need a bike

If you haven't got your own bike you may be able to borrow one from a friend or colleague.  You'll need it for the weeks of training not just for the Glastonbury weekend. If you were thinking of buying one then options are second hand from all the normal outlets (e.g. gumtree, ebay) but make sure you can try it for size before committing to buy.

If you are looking to buy a new bike then visit your local bike shop for advice.  There are lots of good bike shops in Bristol.

If you are employed, check to see if your employer participates in the national bike to work scheme. This reduces the overall cost.

2) What sort of bike

The ride is mainly on quiet roads so any sort bike will do (e.g. mountain, road, hybrid, commuter) although the heavier the bike will ensure that you will burn more calories, so will be able to enjoy those culinary treats without any guilt feelings!  The important thing is the bike needs to be road worthy.

3)  A roadworthy bike has...

a) Brakes that work – if when you squeeze the brake lever you are unable to get a finger between the brake level and the handle bar then the brakes need adjusting. The ride descends off the Mendip hills so you will need those brakes in good working order.

b) Tyres that are pumped up hard – for the techies at least 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). It is not just that this will make to ride more comfortable, firm tyres help prevent punctures (less pinching of the inner tube on stones etc.) We will have some high pressure pumps on the day at the starting point and with supporters on route.

c) Gears that work – you will be going over the Mendips Hills so you will need some low gears to ease the pain!

d) Nothing loose – i.e. a loose mudguard can cause unforeseen problems.

e) Nothing that rubs when in motion. I.e. a wheel or brake pad that rubs when the wheel rotates

4) Fitting a bike

The size of the bike needs to fit you.  The important two things are:

a) The seat height needs to be adjustable so that you can just touch the ground with you toes when seated.

b) You can comfortably reach the handle bars (and the brakes/gear levers) when seated.  You need to feel comfortable in this position.

5) Bike maintenance and servicing

If you have just dug out an old disused bike from the back of the garage, or borrowed a bike, before taking it out on the road make sure that you have read “roadworthy bike” tips above (3).  In addition it may be worth getting it serviced at a local bike shop.  You may need to incur a bit of expense. Tyres and inner tubes may have become perished through neglect.  The chain may need some oiling (use oil sparingly – but oil the chain regularly, especially if the bike has been out in the rain).

7) Bike maintenance courses

If all this sparks a long term interest in cycling there are providers of bike maintenance courses that are useful in learning all the basics.

If you want to take part or contact me please use this email address bobtarzey@googlemail.com