A Guide to Love Riding Your Bike Cover Photo: Martha William Photography (Bike Fancy)
Riding is one of the greatest things I’ve done with my life. It can be yours too.
Here are some reasons to ride a bike: Go anywhere you like, whenever you like - for free! No traffic and no timetables. Free cardio & great thighs. Great excuse to spend time under the sun. Independence. Reduce your impact on the environment. It takes you from stillness to moving and moving feels great. From zipping through the concrete jungle on your way to work, to dirt trails that promise to take you anywhere. The right bike with a prepared rider can do anything in the fresh open air. Bikes take longer (most of the time) and use more energy (most of the time) but time and energy are what you use to smell the roses and we can agree we all need to smell more roses. This guide is a passion project written to share the joys and means to love riding your bike. It contains the things I wish someone had told me when I started riding 6 1/2 years ago. This guide provides the tools to remove the barriers to…
Love Riding Your Bike
Saddle Height Bikes are like underwear; you can use the wrong size but prolonged use will cause wear on your nether region. A misadjusted saddle (seat) height is the most common mistake but luckily its the easiest to fix!
Too low Knees stay very bent through stroke Very inefficient Will burn very quickly
Too high Knee fully extended at bottom stroke Will feel lower back pain quickly
Just Right Knees nearly fully extended This shouldn’t cause pain
There are guides online to help if you are having trouble. If you find you have been riding with your saddle too low, the correct height may feel weird briefly as you adjust how you ride to the correct height. You may also not be used to using your first pedal stroke as a step up onto your saddle instead of starting already in the saddle. This may take practice but will soon become second nature.
BUYING A NEW BIKE Since so many people ride for so many reasons, it can be daunting to figure out where to start or what to look for. Here are the top things you should consider when choosing your brand spanking new whip.
Frame size: Make sure the bike fits you. You could have the slickest, newest, fasted bike on the market – but if it isn’t your size, you won’t enjoy riding it. Check the manufacturers size guide, and if they don’t have your size – don’t buy it. Simple. Mounting points: These are the little screw holes, aka eyelets/braze-ons/barnacles. Look for rear rack mounts at minimum, but the more the merrier! Tire size: The wider your tires are, the comfier your riding will be. They also allow for easier changing and repairs, and offer much more confidence on the dirt and in the wet. Disc brakes: Mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes will offer a lot more stopping power compared to traditional rim brakes – especially in the wet. I prefer hydraulics because they give me more confidence and require less servicing than mechanical. Frame material: I’d highly recommend a steel frame. It’s the strongest material and extremely durable. However, aluminium is still an excellent and budget friendly option. Lastly, unless you’re a competitive racer, carbon fibre is useless. Its very pricey because of its low weight however, that comes at the cost of impact resistance and durability – not the best pick for casual riding or commuting. Geometry: A more upright, relaxed geometry will be more comfortable, especially for longer rides. Look for handlebars which allow a more upright posture, or ones that are swept back. Low and flat, or dropped handlebars will put you in an aggressive, bent forward posture – good for aerodynamics, but not always necessary or comfortable for everyday riding. Aesthetics: Make sure you love your new bike! If it is pretty and makes you feel pretty while in the saddle, then you’re much more likely to go out in the world and show off! Ebikes: e-bikes are not cheating. They are a great way to carry more without all the sweating. I haven’t ridden an e-bike so can’t help here, but give it a search if you think it may be for you
BUYING A SECOND HAND BIKE This is a great option for saving a huge chunk of change, as well as a bike that might’ve ended up in landfill. I have only ever ridden second hand bikes, and I do not feel like I am missing out on much. Here are some things to look out for when buying second hand (in addition to the previous listed tips). Brand quality: Bikes from Kmart, Target, or any other big box store are shit. They were born shit and will die shit. They are not worth it whether they are new, second hand, or free. They are designed and assembled without care or reliability in mind. They are not what you or anyone you love deserves – get a bike designed, made and assembled made by people who care. Size: Once again, make sure its your size. Since it’s typically not listed, you might have to ask the seller if they know the size, or check the pictures to see if there is a size sticker on the frame. If all else fails, you can just give it a test ride and see how it feels.
Easy Fixes
Watch out for
Hubs and Bottom Brackets - Check Chain - Cheap and easy to replace, the cranks and wheels spin unimpeded they can be quick to rust when not in without unaccounted for noises. use; so it doesn’t necessarily indicate Replacement is expensive for both long-term neglect parts and labor Brake Cables and Pads - Simple and Chain Ring / Cassettes - Check to cheap to replace. Rust and regular use ensure the teeth are not worn down. If will stretch out the cables and wear out it shifts well is a good sign its okay. the pads These are a pricey part to replace. Tires - Grab a bike with some life in Grips and Saddle - Commonly first to the tires as they are surprisingly perish, low cost and low effort to get expensive to replace, especially for a something comfortable for you. cheaper bike
A note on single speed bikes: They are hard work to ride, and can make you swear the whole way up hills. They are, however, insanely cheap to buy and maintain. They are oodles of fun and a great experience (not to mention the cool factor). For beginners, they are not always the best choice – but if you’re up for a challenge or are curious, definitely consider one!
Although you don’t need a dedicated cargo bike to move goods, this is a great example of what you can move with a bike. Rear racks are great for storing passengers, shopping and all your hearts desires
This little rat-mobile looks like a tonne of fun. Front racks can be a great way to store a backpack quickly if that is all you need, and a frame bag is great for carrying snacks, locks, sunnies etc.
Limited cargo moving capabilities is one of the most popular excuses to avoid riding a bike that I hear. Even a decent backpack can carry a surprising amount. Although dedicated bike bags will provide more capacity, water proofing, and save your back from being sweaty and weighed down. There are a myriad of weird and wonderful designs and styles of bike specific bags that will help you move whatever you want to wherever you want.
FEED BAG FRAME BAG SADDLE BAG LUGAGE RACK LOCK MOUNT REAR PANNIER BOTTLE CAGE
Riding at Night The burden of getting home before Dark weighs heavy when you don’t have adequate lights and visibility on your bike. Being able to pop into the shops on your way home from work or extend that afternoon adventure well beyond dusk allows freedom you didn’t know you were missing. Lights on your bike are not just safer and more comfortable but a legal requirement for night-time riding. Not only do good lights reveal unlit potholes on roads and bikeways, but more importantly they make you visible to motorists and other road users. You will need both a front light for your handlebars to light the way, and a red rear light for rear visibility Good lights will cost good money, but they will be: - Brighter - More durable - More convenient to mount - Waterproof - And will have a better battery life Its worth investing for the peace of mind knowing your bike lights will get the job done every time you light them up. Your clothing and helmet are also important considerations for visibility to others; the brighter the better! (no judgement for high-vis here)
Riding in the Rain Much like riding at night, being able to ride in any weather will open more opportunities to ride whenever you like.
“You know what’ll happen if you go outside in the rain? You’ll get wet.” -My Dad Whilst I love the sentiment and live by these words, the goods you carry on your bike may not agree. Water proof bags will keep your precious cargo warm and dry. Mud guards will keep your back and feet from getting soaked while the roads are still wet. Also, there is no where else to put this in this guide but don’t forget when its sunny to be safe by slip, slop, slap, and slide (on some shades).
Maintenance and Repair Bikes require routine maintenance for smooth operation and to minimise the need for more substantial repairs. Don’t worry, they are simple to service, repair and maintain. All the parts on a bike are visible, accessible and replaceable allowing for easy diagnosis and repair. The required tools and parts are also cheap and standardized. Easiest way to identify if your bike is in need of help is sound. A noisy bike means rubbing, friction and wear. A quiet bike is a happy bike.
Your bike needs a service Lookup symptoms
Try and fix yourself
Not sure? Go to a shop! Get some friendly help and learn from the experts
Fixed! Enjoy riding your bike! Being able to identify bike parts will ease research and will allow for easier communication with mechanics. As such I’ve included a handy bike diagram at the back of this zine! A great first place to search problems and fixes is the Park Tool YouTube channel, they make diagnosis and fixing easy and straight forward with excellent visual graphics. Great beginner repairs are repairing flat tires, adjusting brakes and indexing gears. Whenever you need a tool, buy it. It will pay dividends every time you use it. When a repair is too much for you, your friendly local bike shop will be of great help and will answer all the questions you have. If you follow this process enough times you will soon become confident in many common issues and new repairs will only become easier to learn. Repair is empowering.
Emergency Repairs Every item on this page is a valued part of a reliable emergency bike repair kit. Not being burdened with walking home with a flat tire is worth the investment. It also serves as a great starter toolbox and will get you through most issues. Don’t worry about having no idea what to do with these tools. There is nothing you can’t fix with a YouTube video so long as you have the right equipment, and you’ll only get more confident with practice. Ensure you can get both wheels off for puncture repair, if its an older bike you may need to keep a cheap spanner as well.
HAND PUMP - For pumping up flats. Get one with its own mount PUNCTURE REPAIR - For patching an inner tube
INNER TUBE - When you can’t repair the puncture
TIRE LEVERS - Makes removing tires a breeze. You don’t want to be having to remove tires without some SADDLE BAG - Easiest way to keep these tools with you when you need them
MULTI-TOOL - If you only get one tool on this list make it this one. Will get you out of 95% of jams
Locking up Your Bike If your bike is unsecured it will get stolen. It is inevitable unless you secure your bike properly. It’s disappointing, but luckily one we can prevent. No lock is impenetrable, but you want to make stealing your bike more trouble than it is worth. Two locks of two different styles is best. A D-Lock is great for securing your frame, but if you have quick release wheels (wheels that can be removed without a tool) it is important to have a cable lock to run through those too, otherwise you risk returning to a wheel-less bike. Make sure you secure your frame; do not just secure the wheels, as someone could remove your frame from the locked wheel and walk away with your bike. If I had a dollar for every locked wheel without a bike I’d seen…
Lock your bike in visible and public areas to deter a would-be thief. Keep your lock on your bike so you never get caught out. Mount it to the frame, stick it in a bag, wrap it around your frame, whatever works for you. Locks are often the most skimped on accessory but they are imperative to avoid the pain and tragedy of a stolen bike. Invest in keeping your bike safe!
Wayfinding Wayfinding is one of the most important skills you will develop as a bike rider. Finding the most comfortable, fun and direct routes to your destinations can be a burden; but it will only get easier with practice. Google Maps is the most reliable of the apps but its important to use it as a guide. Most of the time it will find you the strongest route, but it doesn’t always know how scary that road can be, how crowded that pathway is at peak hour, or about that shortcut through the park. Learn to use your intuition. A useful tool for navigation is a phone mount for your bike. It makes navigating a breeze instead of a chore, encouraging you to try new routes and take new trips via two wheels. As you learn your local area you will develop a working knowledge of your town, and navigating it will feel like something of a super power. 6 ½ years of riding around my hometown of Brisbane and I’m still discovering new and more enjoyable and more direct routes. It is a skill, but one that is deserving of your time to explore.
Make the job of enjoying your ride easier by riding beautiful places. This doesn’t have to mean purely recreational rides although, feel free to partake in those too. Ride by the sparkling water, through the lush park or past your favourite building. 5 minutes out of the way for your commute will make being on your bike that much more desirable. Bikes make the places your love more accessible and amazingly even more gorgeous. Go explore them!
Ride where you love. Love where you ride.
Spinning your legs while soaring across the dirt and concrete is the perfect way to rest, to be still (no matter how little sense that makes). If you want it to be, bike riding can be a great meditative experience. Notice your surroundings; 12km/h on a bike is most flattering speed for the world around you, those plants spilling out of the cracked concrete or enjoying the warm comradery with everyone else choosing to be in the fresh air. There is a fascinating world out there, and your bike is the ticket. Breath the air, feel the sun on your skin, the wind rushing through your hair. Find the beauty in the banal.
Park Tool Youtube
Image: The Disconcerting Cyclist
Parts of your Bike
This zine has been a blast to make and it wouldn’t have been possible without without all my beautiful friends and their insightful feedback and support (You all know who you <3). If you have any thoughts on helping me make this thing better I would love to here them! Submit feedback here. If you were so impressed by this zine you want to know more of the things I make or get in contact with me, check out my blog here!
Version 2.3