Geton road ..and stay there
The Bike Book editor James Witts tells Rick Fulton why now is the time to learn basic repair skills
TORY politician Norman Tebbit once urged us to get on our bikes – but it’s been Covid that’s actually got us saddle-ready.
The Bike Book manual – which provides guidance on all aspects of bike care – has seen demand for the seventh edition rocket by 566 per cent since lockdown started in March.
Haynes Publishing, which has been releasing editions since 1994, has seen demand for the book double since the June launch of Scotland’s Cycle Repair Scheme, which offers a £50 voucher towards the cost of repairing a bicycle.
While we are looking to cycle to get us to work or to keep the lockdown lard off, repairing your bike will help save money in these difficult economic times.
The Bike Book has been put together by James Witts and is packed full of hints and tips for anyone looking to tackle regular maintenance, running repairs and even major overhauls.
James said: “Finding a new or second-hand bike is like gold dust right now, with many facing long waiting lists which extend into the new year.
What’s more, with the boom in bike sales, many bike workshops are now inundated with bookings.
“The challenge is many people don’t know where to begin with bike maintenance but whether new or old, these are essential skills to learn – along with having knowledge of the Highway Code.
“Of course, many of us will have long-forgotten about bikes lurking in sheds, garages and other storage areas which are ripe for repair and ready to be turned back into roadworthy bicycles once more.
“It’s surprising how easy it can be to get your bike back up and running, so rather than being tempted to ditch your wheels, why not have a go at fixing up your bike yourself ?
“With The Bike Book and a little skill, all cyclists can have the confidence to keep their bikes in a safe condition,” he said.
The Bike Book is available from www. haynes.co.uk.