Louder than words

did you know, free, inspiration, recycle, repair, social

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.

Dr. Seuss

Leeds is such a big place. It is mentioned as a capital of the North on numerous occasions. With every great story comes an untold tale of things that often get omitted by the mainstream media: the social isolation, the lack of access to alternative transport, transport dependence, etc.

On Saturday 28th June we had a pleasure to be a part of a Swinnow Family Fun Day where we set up our tent and provided bicycle check up service for anyone who felt their bike needed some TLC. The turn out was amazing and we are glad to announce that we serviced almost a dozen of bikes, we replaced a couple of cables, adjusted a few brakes, discussed the tyre pressure on a few occasions and even explained the basic physics behind the bearings once. We discovered exactly the same problems occur wherever we go- the bikes are neglected, the brakes are too spongy, tyres are bold, the bottom brackets are loose… What we are currently discussing with our constantly growing list of friends are opportunities to deliver our services to the wider audience- we want to teach everyone how to look after their bikes.

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What we also did during this amazing day was raffling the donated Kona Hahanna. It was won by Louise from Leeds who bought a lucky pink 38 ticket.

This is how we respond to all these untold stories- this is the only way we can address the issues we mentioned. By actions. Nothing else.

M-check

safety, what is

…it is vital to maintain well oiled and functional machine to take a full advantage of it…

The basic check anyone should perform on a very regular basis is an M-check. It covers the most important areas at which failures can be extremely dangerous.

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If you look at your bike from its side you can follow an M shape to check up on it:

  1. starting at the front of your bike you check the wheel (tyre, spokes, hub, skewers or nuts), the brake (cable, blocks or pads, rim or disc), the fork (play, damage), the headset for play and the handlebars for any damage
  2. then move onto the frame (tubing, welds, cables or outers) and follow the checks with a bottom bracket area inspection (bottom bracket play, crankset, rings, chain, pedals)
  3. moving onto the back of your bike check the rear brake (cable, blocks or pads, rim or disc)
  4. finish the check with a rear wheel check (tyre, spokes, hub, skewers or nuts)

M-check (or a shorter version of it once you get comfortable with it) should be carried out at every possible opportunity to ensure your and others’ safety.