With fuel prices soaring and service stations running dry, you might find yourself taking a second look at that old bike gathering dust in the back of the garage. Cycling may not be a suitable replacement for all car trips but, with more than half of Australian motorists cutting down on driving due to the crisis, it’s a very handy (and very fun) tool to have in your arsenal for a quick trip to the shops, a leisurely weekend joyride or the first or last leg of your commute.
Even if you don’t already own a bike, cycling can be among the cheapest modes of transport around. While many a Lycra-clad speed demon will try to convince you that the only bike worth riding is one that costs more than some new cars, older bikes are not only easier to repair, they’re also less tempting to thieves. If you scroll through Facebook Marketplace you’ll find indestructible 80s and 90s workhorses for the price of a tank of fuel – just make sure to check the frame isn’t cracked or bent. There are also volunteer-run workshops all over Australia (such as the Ceres Bike Shed in Melbourne or Cycle Re-cycle Club in Sydney) selling refurbished secondhand bikes.
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Tune up
Even if you’re not mechanically minded, years of tinkering have taught me that the basics of bike maintenance are a lot more straightforward than you might think. Many community cycling organisations offer basic bike checks for free or on certain days, and bike shops will give your ride a basic once-over for a reasonable price. But one of the most satisfying – and addictive – ways of getting to know your bike is to work on it yourself.
The main things that will need attention on any bike are the chain, brakes and tyres. If you aren’t sure what type of components your bike has or want a step-by-step guide, there are plenty of great online resources – YouTube is a great place to start. If you need somewhere to work, many local councils and apartment complexes have public bike repair stations with a stand and all the essential tools (though I’ve learned the hard way that their tyre pumps aren’t always reliable). For most basic maintenance tasks though, you don’t need much more than a shifting spanner and a set of Allen keys.
Reinvent your wheels
Check your tyres before you head out – give them a good pump and make sure there are no air leaks. Most tyres have a recommended inflation pressure written on the side but, if you don’t have a pump with a pressure gauge, at minimum they should feel firm with no give if you squeeze them.
If your bike has been unused for an extended period, get some replacement inner tubes – the rubber and seals can corrode and leak over time. If your tyres are cracked, crumbling or worn down they may not be long for this world either. Check your wheels for any loose or broken spokes – you can ride to the bike shop on a busted spoke or two but, once one breaks, others are likely to follow, which can be a safety risk.
Show your chain some love
De-gunk your chain by running it through a rag and some warm soapy water, or a stiff brush if necessary. Once it’s completely dry, apply a drop of chain lubricant to the inside of each link and then run through the rag again. Don’t go overboard – too much oil will just attract more grime. A $20 bottle of chain lube will last you months – WD-40 can be used to clean chains but isn’t recommended for lubrication.
A chain can still work perfectly well if it has a little outer surface rust but, if the inner links are corroded or stiff even after a wipe down, it might be worth springing for a fresh one. Chains, cables and tyres start from about $20 to $30 and are designed to be replaced every year or two, so are worth the investment if you’re planning to ride more often.
Brakes and gears
Test your brakes before setting out. Give your levers a squeeze – if they feel loose or your wheel doesn’t stop completely, your brakes might need adjusting by tightening the brake cable. If your brakes make an ungodly squealing sound, there might be oil or dirt where they make contact with your wheel. Your bike will either have rim brakes (with pads that clamp on to the outer edge of your wheel) or disc brakes (pads fitted on to a rotor in the centre of each wheel). Rim brakes are low-tech but much easier to adjust – disc brakes are best left to the professionals.
If your bike has gears, check that you can shift through them easily without them slipping or getting stuck. If you find it makes a crunching noise or constantly clunks into the wrong gear, the derailleur (shifting mechanism) might be bent or need tuning. This can be finicky but there are some great step-by-step videos on YouTube – or else it’s a pretty quick job for your local bike shop.
Sit up
Do yourself (and your knees) a favour and make sure your seat is adjusted to the correct height. Your seat should be high enough that your leg is comfortably straight when your foot is on the pedal closest to the ground. Adjust your seat if it feels tilted too far forward or back; a sore rear end is normal at first if you’re unaccustomed to riding but, if it doesn’t improve after a few weeks, you can swap it out for something wider or with more foam.
Leaning forward aggressively in “racing stance” might be aerodynamic but isn’t always comfortable. You can buy more swept-back style “cruiser” handlebars, or screw-on handlebar extensions to give you a more upright riding position.
Take it slow
If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the saddle, the prospect of dodging drivers, car doors and pedestrians can be daunting. Use an app such as Komoot or Google Maps’ layers function to find bike paths and streets with proper cycle lanes and fewer hills, and stick to quieter streets over busy main roads if there isn’t good infrastructure available. Many state and local governments have designated cycling maps and “shimmy routes” which mark out alternative routes along quiet back streets.
If you want to build up confidence on the bike but don’t have someone to ride with, look for a bicycle user group (Bug) in your area or social riding club such as Neighbourly Ride – these groups offer short leisurely rides along quiet streets, often for free, and are a great way to build up your cycling strength and meet other riders. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll go from being puffed after a short ride to barely breaking a sweat. But above all, ride at whatever pace feels safe and comfortable – and take time to enjoy the view and the fresh air.
