Beginners

Gears

Gears are one of the things that most beginners find hard to understand and operate on a bicycle.

Introduction to Gears - There are many types of gear systems available on bicycles today, but this article will address the most common type of gear system found on bicycles, the front and rear derailleur system.

Gear Technique - It's not only the adjustment of your gears that helps them to change properly, but also your technique for changing gears that affects the way they change. Also like a loaded truck, a loaded touring bicycle should have the gears changed down to a lower one before stopping. Why? Read on.

Gearing Down - This is an article about bicycle gearing. I won't go into the technical details, or explain gear inches, but I will approach it from an Australian perspective, and what is currently available, either off the bike shop shelf, or what is already on your bike. Whilst Western Australia does not have any extremely high mountain ranges, there are some good uphill rides.

Shifters - This page has pictures and comments about some of the common types of shifters that are found on bicycles.

Gears and Shifters - An introduction to gears and shifters.

General

Getting Started - This is a short article about what you need to get started in cycling. It is not an in depth or technical article. It is written for beginners, and introduces some of the parts of a bicycle and equipment required.

Types of Bikes - This article is a brief introduction to some of the different types of bicycle that are likely to be found. It is not an in depth article, neither does it cover every type of bicycle available. I have placed some photographs where possible, and will endeavor to get some more as they become available.

Helmets - The law in Western Australia states that a helmet must be worn when riding a bicycle. This applies to all sorts of bicycles except for exercise bikes inside your house. In this article we will be taking a look at bicycle helmets, so you know what one looks like.

Pedals Shoes and Cleats - This is an introduction to pedals, shoes and cleats. In order to keep your foot attached to the pedal when pedaling, you need something to hold them there. If your foot slips off of the pedal, you will know about it. You usually rip the skin from your shins. If you happen to be standing up and pedaling at the time that your foot slips, you could land on the cross bar injuring something else. Short of bolting your shoes directly to the pedals, there have been several systems that have been invented over the years.

A Few Road Rules - Do you wait for a Stop sign to change to Go before proceeding? The answer is no, because a sign is a sign. This article is a guide only and is not to be taken as legal or formal advice.

Water Cages and Carriers - The first thing that you should put on your bike after a pump is water cages. Don't stop with one but put two or more if possible.

Hands - This is an article about looking after your hands and what accessories you can fit to enable you to use more hand positions.

What are rims with eyelets? - Why are some rims made with eyelets? Do I need them? Will my wheel break if I don't have them?

Tubes, Tyres and Puncture Kits

Puncture Kit - In this introduction you will see the contents of a basic puncture repair kit for a bicycle. Most puncture repair kits come in some sort of case to keep it all together. Most cases should fit into your pocket, or into a small bag under the seat.

Inner Tubes - Inner tubes are what keep your tyres inflated so that you can ride your bicycle. Unfortunately Western Australia is littered with triple headed thorns.

Bags & Panniers

Handlebar Bags - A lot of people ride with handlebar bags. They are useful for holding those things that are used frequently and it saves digging through panniers looking for things. I find them handy for holding snacks, money, sunglasses, and sun screen lotion. They also unclip easily and come with a shoulder strap, so they are good for putting valuables in and taking with you when you have to leave the bike and visit a shop.

Panniers - also called saddlebags, are the major part beside the bicycle itself that allows someone to tour on a bicycle, unless they are using a trailer. They take the most punishment, both from the outside, and from the things inside. They are expected to keep everything dry and clean inside.