I want you to start 2022 on two wheels.
Cycling to the moon! Not only cycling is a great source of exercise, but it takes us to places faster than on jammed streets; it's cheaper than a car, boosts our hormones, and is fun. Cycling makes our buttie super sexy. Cycling groups are positive, energetic, and cooperative. Not convinced yet? {breath}. Regular cycling stimulates and improves the heart, lungs and circulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It strengthens the heart muscles, lowers resting pulse, and reduces blood fat levels. With all the obesity and sedentarism-related comorbidities out of the way, cycling most likely helps reducing our chances of dying of Covid.
Great God, there's no hope for you.
If no headlines and fancy introductions can change your mind, perhaps a series of posts will. I'll bug you with cycling posts this year. At least those who decide to embark on this fascinating world of pedaling will benefit from the tips.
These are basic items that are always ready to go, either strapped to my bicycle, on a small saddle bag or my backpack. If you are a beginner, I highly advise you to buy and learn how to use these items. Let's see.
Basic maintenance
Cycling is as simple as keeping the balance and pedaling. But when out there, in nature, far away from home, we need to be prepared. Things like tightening a bolt, repairing a flat tire, oiling the chain, and tunning the gears, are everyday maintenance routines.
I'll present the basic of the basics without getting too technical or exploring more complex tools (e.g. chain breaker tool). These are items every cyclist should have.
Basic maintenance
I've lost count of how many people asked for help alongside the road because they didn't have the items to repair a flat tire. A flat tire is the most common issue for cyclists, thus, learning how to fix one is as important as wearing a helmet. Even if you use tubeless wheels (those that don't need a tube), carrying a spare tube and repair kit is advisable. Most bicycle stores will sell these items in a kit for beginners and will offer a quick guide on how to use. With the items below any cyclist is safe as long as the tire don't blow up into pieces.
Wax-based lub for dry weather
A well-maintained chain is less likely to break. This is another items that is always ready to go with me on cycling trainings or day-to-day rides. Whenever I hear the chain squeaking, I stop and drop some lube on the rollers. It's especially advisable for bikers who like to explore trails and dusty roads.
This is the greatest invention ever!
Most modern bicycles are built following the same bolt sizes. Multi-tools are great that one can disassemble most of the bicycle with a simple combined tool the size of a classic Swiss knife. Every time I carry my bike on airplanes, I use this simple set of hex keys to take the beast apart, and voila.
A multi-tool also comes in handy to quickly adjust the saddle height, tune the gears, or tighten a bolt in your leg (in case you have broken your leg like myself).
I would also add a chain breaker tool to the item list, but I don't have one, never needed one, and not every beginner knows how to use it, so I left it out.
I believe that with the items presented in this post, any cyclist is ready to survive on the streets. Of course you should not forget to wear a helmet. I hope that this post inspires you to start cycling. Enjoy nature and have fun!
Peace.
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
