1. TACKLING THE URBAN COMMUTE

2. BIKES KIT MAINTENANCE

3. BIKES BUYING Second hand recycled bikes, fully serviced in Leamington Spa www.action21.co.uk Cyclescheme enables employees to get bikes and accessories tax-free with payments spread over 12 months. http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk

4. BIKES Mountain Bike Tough all terrain. If using on the road choose ‘hard tail’. Great fun at the weekends and for commuting. Slower and heavier than other bikes. Hybrid Bike Half road/half mountain bike. Practical choice. Great for canal towpaths/tracks. Suspension with smoother ride. Does most things well. Compromise - not the fastest or toughest. Tourer Bike Built for long distance with luggage. Durable and comfortable. Versatile bike for commuting and weekends. Heavier, slower and image.

5. BIKES Road Bike Drop handlebars and skinny wheels. Built for speed on tarmac. Varied from racing to comfort. Light – aluminium or carbon fibre. Longer distances/less effort. Not practical for tracks. Riding position may not be as comfortable for some. Folding Bike Folds up for easy storage, great for limited space or taking on a train for commuting. Unless space is an issue all the other bikes do everything better. E Bike Easy to ride without much exhaustion. Won’t keep as fit as a non-motorised bike, expensive to buy and maintain. Requires regular charging.

6. Bike check

7. Fixing a flat tyre It’s always advisable to carry a spare inner tube which is easier and quicker to replace than fixing a puncture. The principles for wheel and tyre removal are the same. TYRES Remember: Always look for and remove the cause of the puncture from the tyre.

8. TYRES

9. GEARS Gears: change one at a time. Pedal smoothly sit down whilst changing. Cadence – pedalling speed: too low and you will tire out faster Don’t strain the chain by using on the extreme opposites i.e. small to large cogs. Low Speed/Hills Start High Speed

10. KIT Helmet Not a legal requirement. But physics make them a common sense option! Must meet EN 1078 standard. Not effective if not fitted correctly. Head injury the biggest cause of death of cyclists involved in a RTC. DEMO 1.Position helmet so that it sits level on the head. 2 finger widths helmet to eyebrow. 2.Centre left buckle under chin. 3.Adjust side straps to form ‘V’ under/slightly in front of ears. 4.Buckle up and pull strap – no more than one 1 or 2 fingers should fit under the chin. 5.Check: does helmet: rock forwards - tighten back strap rock backwards - shorten front strap

11. KIT Lights Lights and reflectors – paramount after dark. The Law states: When daylight fades a front white and rear red light with reflectors are required. We Recommend: Constant front light/flashing rear light LED lights are better for unlit roads (extra power). Halogen heavy on power but good for mountain biking at night. Krypton lights (uncommon) cheaper but consume more power. Security A cheap lightweight lock will compromise security. (good for a coffee shop visit). Ideally use two different types of lock e.g.. cable/D-Lock Leave a bike where there are a lot of people around – the best deterrent for a thief. Wherever possible keep a bike indoors if it is worth more than a few hundred £s. Record your bike (take a photo and log frame number). Be vigilant when buying second hand, don’t pay cash use PayPal (better comeback)

12. KIT Jersey: Lycra or other synthetic material/pockets/sun protection collar/sweat away. Shorts: Tight fitting (streamlined) and padded to avoid saddle sores. Socks: Cotton or Gore-Tex with shaped sole. Two pairs in cold weather (cotton inner). Gloves: Special padding – absorbs vibrations and protects form cuts if you fall off. Shoes: Designed purely for riding. Cleats lock into the pedal. Should fit snuggly. Glasses: Protection from the wind/rain, grit and insects. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS CLOTHING

13. KIT Clothing The right clothing can improve your ride and be more comfortable as well as keep you safe. According to the Highway Code 59 cyclists should: “Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights.” “Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light.” “Wear reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.”

14. THANK YOU THE END