In the same way that the levels of oil, coolant and tire pressure are checked before any long trip, it is advisable to ensure that your bike is in running condition, especially if it has been there for many months. in winter in the garage, damp. So before getting on your bike, here is the essential little review of details for riding serenely on country roads.
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If you plan to take to the road by bike this summer, to simply relax on a daily basis or for longer rides with friends or family, it is better to check certain points and be attentive to the smallest detail so as not to risk the incident. stupid mechanics or, even worse, the accident.
The tires
It is absolutely essential to check the quality and the pressure tires, which should ideally be around 5 bars. If necessary, do not hesitate to change the inner tube if it is damaged. In general, you should inspect your tires before each use, if only to check that they are not too worn or split at the level of the grooves. If this is the case, it will be necessary to think of renewing them quickly.
The wheels
Following on from the tires, these are the wheels whole that must be inspected. It’s very simple by the way since you just have to turn them to check that the rims are not warped. You also have to look carefully at the spokes to determine if there are any bent or even broken ones.
The brakes
For obvious safety issues, you should also remember to check the condition of your bike’s brake cables over their entire length, to ensure that they can function properly. A simple visual check is sufficient most of the time, as with brake pads. Before starting, it is still necessary to test the assembly to ensure that the braking system works correctly, without a hitch. It is also an opportunity to check that the direction is still good.
The transmission
Regarding the system of bike transmission, usually a simple look is enough to judge the wear of the chain, the best thing being that it is not too stretched when you pull it a little. Of course, don’t forget to also check the condition of the teeth of the chainrings and sprockets. Once all the elements have been checked, the chain must be lubricated.
lighting
You should also regularly check the condition of lighting of his bike. It must indeed be in perfect working order, both at the rear and at the front. If necessary, it will be necessary to change the power supply or the bulbs.
Safety equipment
Before getting on your bike, you must also check that the his helmet, that it has no impact and that it is not too worn. As a reminder, at the slightest shock, it is strongly recommended to change it. Otherwise, even if it does not appear damaged, a helmet must be renewed every 5 years. It is also advisable to wear gloves and knee pads in good condition.
Discover how to choose well his helmet, equipment that can save the lives of cyclists and how to ride a bike safe in winter. Also follow our advice to avoid getting steal your bikethe accessories not to forget this summer and learn how to find best and worst locks.
1817: the draisienne or velocipede Here is the balance bike, the ancestor of all our bikes. Its name comes from its inventor, Baron Karl von Drais, who presented it in 1817. In France, the vehicle was called a velocipede, and a hobby horse in Great Britain. Pedal point again. The user must push it with his feet. The vehicle is steered by means of a steerer. The handlebars allowed the driver to rest his hands. Its inventor will manage to cover some 14 km in one hour. After a few years of success, the balance bike will be abandoned. © Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1839: the invention of the pedalboard The British Kirkpatrick MacMillan, blacksmith, was the first to design a pedal system to animate a balance bike or velocipede. Pedals positioned on the wheel and which, by a back and forth movement, will turn the rear wheel.© Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1861: a revolutionary pedalboard In 1861, Pierre and Ernest Michaux, locksmiths and balance bike repairers in Paris, developed the first rotary crankset. Equipped with this accessory on their enlarged front wheel, the velocipedes become michaudines. An invention that will greatly appeal to the wealthy. © Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1871: birth of the famous Grand Bi In 1871, the Grand Bi arrived from… Great Britain. The vehicle is characterized by a front wheel with a large diameter (120 to 130 cm) and a much smaller rear wheel (about 40 cm). This specificity allows him to travel greater distances. Difficult to handle, the Grand Bi is quite dangerous and will appeal to the most adventurous. It will be a great success as a recreational sport. Many races are contested in England.© Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1879: Lawson’s bicycle The bike continues to evolve. In 1879, Henry John Lawson developed a crankset with a chain drive on the rear wheel. Lawson’s bicycle approximates our bicycles today. © Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1884: the safety bicycle In 1884, John Kemp Starley further perfected the bicycle by reducing the size of the front wheel, which gave it more stability. The crankset and chain system on the rear wheel will equip his bicycles. It will be the “safety bicycle”.© Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1891: Michelin invents the removable tire The bicycle is becoming increasingly popular. A little, everywhere races are organized and cycle tourism spreads all over France. In 1888, Dunlop developed the first tyre. A few years later, Michelin created a real racing bike and invented the removable tire with an inner tube. © Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1933: the recumbent bike Charles Mochet invents the recumbent bicycle, heir to his 4-wheel, 2-seater velocar. Convinced that his new bike is faster than the others, he wins all the challenges thrown at the other cyclists. The recumbent bike will be excluded from competitions in 1934. The first commercial horizontal bike will be released in 1978. © Flickr, CC by-nc 2.0
1950: the bicycle is in crisis Automobiles invaded towns and countryside, which had an impact on bicycle sales, which were then at their lowest (continuous drop in sales from 1945 to 1956). To get out of the crisis, the bicycle is reinventing itself little by little. Appear improvements for more comfort and safety. Different types of bicycles will also see the light of day.© Clker-Free-Vector-Images, CCO
1968: birth of BMX in California BMX is the acronym for bicycle motocross. This new Californian sport arrived in France at the end of the 1960s, on the strength of its success in the United States. Its inventors were inspired by motocross races to develop competitions that take up the codes but with two wheels cut out for it. © Flickr CC by-nc 2.0
1970-1980: mountain bikes conquer the world After the crisis of the 1950s, bicycle sales picked up, especially with the arrival of more sporty models straight from the United States. The BMX and also, from the 1970s, the all-terrain or mountain bike.© zeimusu, CCO
1976: the first mountain bikes leave the factories Mountain biking is evolving. Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey and Charlie Kelly improve a Schwinn brand model and equip it with two derailleurs. The MountainBikes was born.© Flickr CC by-nc 2.0
1974: the rise of the unicycle Probably invented in the middle of the 19th century, in the wake of the Grand Bi, the unicycle is widely used in circuses. It is again a lot of emulators in our time. The unicycle developed into off-road models and also with electric assistance. © Openclipart, CC0 1.0
2005: a tandem tricycle There have been variations of bicycles since the appearance of the balance bike: tandems, unicycles, velocars, recumbent bicycles, all-terrain or all-road bicycles, scooters, etc. Here is an original model for outings as a couple or with friends, the Fun2Go by VanRaam, a solid two-seater tricycle, released in the mid-2000s. © Erik Wannee, CC by-sa 4.0
Anatomy of a bicycle All the components of a mountain bike. © Al2, CC by-sa 3.0
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