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Frequently
Asked Questions
Dear Doctor
If you can’t tell a sprocket
from a spanner or think a handlebar is the latest trendy pub,
our Bike Doctor can help. He’s here to sort out those
misconceptions about cycling...
Flabby of Failsworth writes:
“Dear Doctor, I need to start getting some exercise but
I’ll have to begin with something gentle - cycling is
too hard...”
The Bike Doctor says:
No it isn’t too hard - you don’t have to begin with
a ten-mile bike ride and you can go as slowly as you like. Most
bikes nowadays have plenty of gears to make it easier. Just
get someone to show you how to use them properly and practice
it.
Muscles from Moston asks:
“OK, so cycling’s a good way to get fit, but isn’t
it better to use the exercise bike either at home or at the
gym?”
The Bike Doctor says:
Maybe you really do prefer looking at yourself in the mirror
on the gym wall but, despite your good looks, wouldn’t
you honestly appreciate some real scenery and fresh air gently
drifting by as you cycle along? An unused gym membership is
a constant financial drain. On the other hand, if you haven’t
used the bike for a while, all you’ll have to do is pump
the tyres up. That in itself is good exercise. Oh, and if you
stay at home, you won’t meet anyone!
Snobby from Swinton thinks:
“Most cyclists are either geeks or don’t possess
any road sense.”
The Bike Doctor says:
All this shows is that you haven’t read the profiles in
this magazine of some pretty normal people who ride bikes. It’s
clear that they know how to behave responsibly on the road,
as well. And anyway, a recent survey* showed that, in physical
activity terms, cycling’s the third most popular option
for people to get exercise; swimming came out top.
*Review of National Sport Effort
and Resources, April 2005
Wimp from Wythenshawe moans:
“Cycling’s dangerous – don’t lots of
cyclists get injured?”
The Bike Doctor says:
Not that old chestnut: people get injured when crossing the
road or driving a car, you know. The benefits outweigh the negatives.
Put simply, ever thought which costs the NHS more: fixing a
broken leg or doing everything that’s necessary for a
cardiac patient? Exactly – find a route you’re comfortable
to cycle along, and let’s have a positive approach to
this!
Stingey from Stockport confides:
“I’ve decided to get a new bike: I’ve seen
a funky-looking mountain bike for £70, with full suspension
and knobbly tyres.”
The Bike Doctor says:
It might look good, but what’s it going to ride like?
For that kind of money, the suspension’s likely not to
do anything useful: all you’ll achieve is give your mates
a laugh as you head off down the road resembling a human yoyo.
Think about those knobbly tyres as well: away from a muddy track,
all they’ll do is slow you down. If money’s an issue
choose simple, well made products.
Fussy of Farnworth argues:
“I can’t be faffed with all that having to fix a
puncture every five minutes.”
The Bike Doctor says:
Okay, punctures can be a pain. So why not rule most of them
out by lining the inside of your tyre with puncture-proof tape?
Most bike shops supply it.
Big Spender from Bolton writes:
“Shopping by bike? That’s a joke. I need to get
more than a tin of dog food and a packet of crisps at any one
time, you know!”
The Bike Doctor says:
Not all the corner shops have disappeared yet; you could hop
on the bike, and maybe bump into someone you know (not literally,
of course!) while you’re popping round the corner. What’s
more, some people lock their bike to the lamp-post closest to
the shop, would you believe. Ever tried that with a car? There
are a range of carriers from saddle bags to trailers which should
suit most needs. If it has to be the supermarket, since you
won’t be filling up one of those ‘family-sized’
trolleys, you’ll be able to use that ‘express’
or basket-only aisle that you’ve always had your eye on.
And speaking of families, most small children seem to have a
good time on those seats some people fix to the back of their
bike. Could even do the school run like that… it happens,
you know.
Tender Tina from Tottington complains:
“My main recollection
of cycling is a sore backside, not to mention the other aches
and pains.”
The Bike Doctor says:
Don’t assume the saddle you’ve got is the one that
suits you best: there are various options with gel saddles;
if you prefer a traditional one, you’re likely to have
to give it a chance to get ‘broken in’; you’d
do that with new leather shoes, wouldn’t you? Padded shorts
obviously help: they can look pretty nifty worn under a pair
of baggier ones and you can get ones specially made for women.
Some of those other aches might be down to your saddle being
at the wrong height: get someone with the knowledge and a spanner
to check it for you.
Cool Dude from Clayton coos:
“I’ve got my image to think about. Cycling’s
just for poor saddoes who aren’t cool enough to have a
car.”
The Bike Doctor says:
Only slightly understandable, this one. What’s more important:
what your so – called friends think, or doing something
positive about your health and fitness? Are you really telling
me you’ve never seen anyone looking good on a bike? Come
on, be positive, this can be you!
Pessimist from Pendleton pouts:
“Well, okay, this magazine’s given me a few new
ideas, but that’s it until the next issue comes out in
18 months time or whatever.”
The Bike Doctor says:
Always looking on the gloomy side, you are – you obviously
don’t get a ‘lift’ from being out on your
bike enough. Anyway, the ten Greater Manchester Councils have
information about cycling on their websites, there’s also
a new Greater Manchester cycling website launched in 2005. Get
in touch with your Council’s Cycling Officer (see contact
list or check the links on page 3 in the front of this magazine)
for more information: www.cyclegm.org
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