Office Workout Hungarian Orange

68
Life & Style
Spring in the Saddle
Now that spring is here,
there’s no acceptable excuse
to leave your bike at
home anymore. But why
would you, anyway? Cycling
is healthy, it’s fun,
and it’s probably the best
way to enjoy the spring
breeze in your hair and
the gentle rays of sun on
your skin... But before
heading out, take a couple
of minutes to make
sure you’re riding safe!
If you’re an all-weather rider, your
bike’s probably really dirty from all
that winter mud, the chain is dried
out by the salt scattered on the
streets. If you’re the lazier type, your
bike has spent the last months in
a cold and damp basement. Either
way, it’s time for a quick clean! Use
a damp cloth to remove the layer of
dust and grime from the frame, rims,
derailleurs, brakes, handlebars…
basically, just clean everything. Do
the chain and chain rings with an
old toothbrush and soapy water or
BUDAPEST FUNZINE
a degreaser. Don’t forget to grease
afterwards!
Spin the wheels to see if they’re
running crooked. If you see any
wobbling, or hear strange rattles or
clinks, it’s time to take your loved
two-wheeler to the bike shop!
Now it’s time to check the tires. Defl
ate the tube to about half its pressure.
While rotating the wheel, slowly
manipulate each tire in your hands to
expose cuts in the sidewalls or tread.
If you fi nd any deep cuts, replace the
tire. If the tires look fi ne, infl ate them
to the recommended pressure.
Don’t forget the brakes, your best
friends in need! Check the indicator
line on the brake pads to see if they
need to be replaced.
Also important to keep your bike fi t
on the long run: treating your seats
right. Remove the seatpost from the
frame - it can bond to it permanently
unless you do this from time to time.
Wipe the seatpost clean, then smear
a little grease on the part that fi ts into
the frame.
Anna Kunkli