What are the best tips to maintain a bike in the proper way?

When you buy an equipment, a manual will be provided with it. A good manual will provide instructions on how to install the equipment correctly. It will provide information on how to use it safely and maintain it so that it will run efficiently.

Even though not all brands/retailers for bicycles will provide such a manual, if you google “owner's manual for bicycle” you should not have any problem in finding one online. From it, you can even learn if you are getting the right frame size for your height.

Though you get your bicycle fully assembled from your bike shop, in the manual you will learn how it is assembled and the type of tools and the sizes you need to do the job. That way if any of the parts are loosen, you will know how to fix it back correctly and with the right tools.

You will learn the name of the parts on the bicycle which will enable you to tell the mechanic clearly what needs to be fixed if professional help is required. This image is from link to “Owner's Manual for Marin Mountain Bikes”.


It provides a schedule on what and when you should clean, service and lubricate on your bicycle and what you should not do. Eg, here is a tip on how to set your gears so that you will not wear out your chain earlier than it should.

I like the instruction manual provided by Green Line for its Single-speed and Multi speed Beach Cruisers, it provides very clear information with lots of images.



The “Owner's Manual Single Speed and Multi-Speed Bicycles” from Dynacraft Bikes that I found online is also very good.

If you take the time to read the manual, you should not have any problem maintaining your bicycle in a proper way.

Would you separate an attached padded liner from your biking shorts?

You are likely to damage or leave holes on the lycra/spandex material of your cyclist pants if you try to remove the pads sewn securely to it.

If you do not like to walk around with a pad in your pants, you can also consider getting padded boxer for cyclist which you can wear like an underwear with your regular pants. Your pants must be loose or stretchable enough for you to cycle comfortably.

There are cycling cargo shorts that are supplied with detachable padding.


This is suitable for cyclists who would like to remove the padding when they have reached their destination to run errands.

These detachable padded pants can be used with your regular pants if you can sew elastic loops on them. Just take a look at how these loops are sewn on the cyclist cargo shorts and you will get the idea how it should be done.

Do you think riding a bike should not be allowed where there is no bike lane?

Cycling started, from the beginning of invention, the world over, without bicycle lanes.

While there is concern that lack of lanes make cycling unsafe on roads, there are also issues with safety even when they are in place because there is no protection for cyclists if behaviour of car drivers and other road users do not change.

No Surprise: Study Finds Sharrows Don't Make Streets Safer

Based on this Infographic, posted on Forbes, it is obvious that there are less road fatalities reported for cyclists in a country when there are more people are involved in cycling.


So, the best way to initiate cycling in your own country is to start a movement, whereby, a group of cyclists make a commitment to make cycling safe with the support of their government so that cycling-specific infrastructure should be part of the development and proper guidelines for all road users are reinforced by the relevant government agencies.

If you would like to work on that, I have shared many useful links in the following write up on, "How can public transportation be integrated for urban cycling?”

Following are links to bike movements that you can emulate to increase participation:
About CicLAvia
Midnight Ridazz Bicycle Ride
List of rides from The Critical Mass - Cycling as a Political Statement

Install the training wheels correctly

Bicycle size 12” right up to 16” are installed with training wheels. They are meant for child age 3 to 7. The reason why most kids still need training wheels even after they have outgrown their bicycles is because the training wheels have been installed leveled with the rear wheel.

The training wheels should be installed with a clearance of less than half an inch from the ground. That way, the child will learn to move his weight from left to right and vice versa each time he feels like he is toppling over.

There are training wheels in the market for 20” bicycles and they are adjustable to fit 12″ to 16″ too. Make sure that you get one that comes with metal instead of PVC cap, as shown in this photo.



Any brand of bicycle with no gears can be fitted with training wheels. Just make sure that they are not installed leveled with the rear wheel.

What are cyclists’ concern about mountain biking?

Here are some of the concerns cyclists faced when they are out mountain biking:

1. When cycling in a group, do I have the stamina to catch up with fellow cyclists?
2. Is my MTB good enough compared with the ones ridden by the others?
3. Will I be left to ride alone if I have to stop to make repairs?
4. Do I have the right tools with me for repairs?
5. Am I dressed appropriately?
6. What kind of support will I receive if there is an accident? Are the rest of the team experienced cyclists?
7. Will it be awkward if I have to get off the bike to push it uphill?
8. What if I lost my way?
9. Is the trails we are cycling to safe? Will I get mugged?
10. Will I be back too late?
11. Will I be invited to join them on the next expedition?

Is that how you felt the first time you went out mountain biking?

Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

The specifications of a bicycle

In general, it is good to know the specifications of the bicycle you are interested in. If you discover a shop selling a bicycle way below the price of other shops, hopefully, it is because it is doing a great promotion to draw customers in and not that they have replaced expensive components with cheaper brands or models.

The same applies if you are buying a used bicycle. You would want to buy a second hand bicycle because the components have been upgraded. You can haggle on the price if you know that the original components, which were better, have been replaced.

Here is another point to take note of when you are buying a bicycle for a child. Bicycles for children are usually supplied with mudguards installed. If you don’t see them, they are likely removed by the retailer to be sold separately. Australian brand bicycles for children will usually be supplied with coaster brake and bell installed.

Some brands have websites with specifications of their bicycle posted online. Some distributors supply their bicycles to their retailers with tags that include the price and specifications.



You know that you are getting a real discount on the price if every components/model indicated on the tag are still on the bicycle.

If you want to know the specifications of a bicycle, you need to know:

1. the brand of the bike.
2. what kind of bike it is, eg, MTB or roadbike, etc.
3. the tyre size, eg, 26″ or 27.5″ or 29er or 700C.
4. the model name or number of the bike.
5. if possible, the year of manufacture, just in case some components have been changed for later models.

Do a search for “specifications (brand name) (type of bicycle)”, and you should be able to find the models that are available if they are posted online. If you are able to find their facebook page and it is actively managed, you can post a message there, to find the specifications of the bicycle you are looking for.

Finding ways to integrate cycling with public transport

The first thing to do is to make it safe for cyclists to use public roads. So, cycling-specific infrastructure, such as, bicycle lanes should be part of the development by government agencies.



Since it is not possible to go long distances on a bicycle, cyclists will consider utilising public transport part of the way.



Would you be comfortable parking your bicycle in an open space environment like this?



If bicycles are not allowed to be brought up public transport during peak period, there must be allocated parking spaces that have been enhanced to prevent theft and the elements of nature that could damage bicycles.

Once these issues are looked into, there are many ways to integrate cycling with public transport. The good thing is that you do not have to crack your head for answers.

If you google "public transport and cycling", you will find many reports and studies made on integrating cycling with public transport. Reading them will inspire you to discover ways to adopt some of the ideas for your own country.

These are some I found by searching "public transport and cycling":

Integrating cycling with public transport

Public transport and cycling: living apart or together?

Another way to find more of such reports is to google “intermodality bicycle”. These are links I found through that search.

Cycling and Intermodality

Bikeways and intermodality between bicycles and public transport 

How do you commute on a bicycle in Dubai?

The best way to find the answer to your question is to find cycling clubs or cycling community near you. I googled "cyclist in dubai" and found this club:

Rides and Clubs - Dubai Cyclist

If you can tolerate the summer temperature of 40-50 Celcius, I am sure that club members who are already cycling in Dubai should be able to give you some tips of what you should and should not do while cycling in Dubai.

If you don’t like the idea of joining a club, you can read about “Cycle laws and safety in Dubai and UAE” at Cycling in Dubai. That is where I discovered that cycling is not allowed on major highways and motorways and there are no bike lanes. So, if you are concern that cycling on roads in Dubai is not safe, consider cycling in the desert. That should be a great way to work out for fitness.

If you are thinking of cycling in the desert, a fatbike is what you should consider cycling on because it can handle sandy, muddy, grassy and rough terrain well.

Here is what it is like cycling on sandy places like the desert.
https://youtu.be/grZ-LL6NOgI

When should I change my gears?

You do not have to zoom down a slope when descending if you put more resistance on the pedals by using the "higher" or "harder" gears.  The lower gears are easy gears are for ascending hills.

Shift down to a lower gear = Ride uphill = ride on lower gears to climb uphill with less effort.

You are cycling on low gear when

1) your chain is on cog of smallest chainring = gear 1
2) your chain is on cog of biggest sprocket at the rear = gear 1

Shift up to a higher gear = Ride downhill = add resistance on the pedals and to reduce cadence (in your own term, heaviest).

You are cycling on highest gear of your bike when
1) your chain is on cog of largest chainring at the front = gear 3
2) chain on cog of smallest sprocket = gear 8 = you are running on 24 speed

This diagram of cogs on a chainring and freewheel of a 24 speed bike gives you an idea on which cog your chain is sitting on when you change your gears.

What this video if you would like a clearer picture of how your chain moves on the chainrings and cogs when you change your gears.

What is the best bike for a child age 5?

If you know the age of the child, you can refer to this "bicycle chart" to determine the right wheel size bicycle to buy.  A 16" wheel size bicycle will be suitable for a child age 5.

Note that if you get the child a 12” bicycle when he should be riding on a 16”, his legs will ache due to fatigue as the saddle is too close to the handlebar for him to ride comfortably. He will often stand on the pedals to cycle to ease the ache. The PVC pedals installed will not be able to withstand his full weight on them. So, if you have to replace the pedals frequently, you will know that the child has outgrown his bicycle or you have bought the wrong size bike. 

Bicycles with wheel size of 12” right up to 16” will have training wheels already installed on them. There are also 12″ bicycle with removable rod attached so you can hold on to the rod while the child learns to ride.

This is very helpful when it is time to remove the training wheels as the child may still need support.  Without the rod, you may have to lean over to hold on to the handlebar and saddle to assist the child.

If you opt for a 12” balance bike you will have to note the age range the model is suitable for. Example, the JDBug models I carry is suitable for children age 2.5 to 5 years and can take a rider’s weight load of up to 30kg. There is also an option to install pedals when these are required at a later stage. So, if you decide to get a balance bike, you will have to study what is suitable for a child age 5.

I noticed that children enjoy choosing bicycles in my shop. They will try to find the kind of bicycles that their friends are cycling. They will be even happier if they can find bicycles in colours of their choice or with cartoon characters they like.

If it is possible, bring the child to a bikeshop.  Let him sit on the bicycle of his choice. Does he feel comfortable on it? Is the bicycle too big and heavy for him? You will know that it is not suitable if he has difficulty pedaling it.

There are a great variety of bicycles for kids in the market. Make sure that the regular bicycle you choose comes with mudguards and a bell attached. The child will be able to sit in a more upright position if you get him a bicycle installed with BMX handlebars like this.

Add front and rear lights if he intends to ride out at night. If it is within your budget, also provide the child with a protector set.

How do I get the bike fit done on a cycle?

Sit on the saddle of the bicycle you are interested in buying. Place your hands on the handlebar. Do you feel that you are leaning way too forward? If it is and you still like the bike, you can request the bicycle shop to change a stem with a shorter reach or replace it with one which is adjustable so that you can raise the handlebar nearer to you.

As you sit on the saddle, are your feet sitting flat on the floor? Raise the seatpost up so that only the tips of your shoes are touching the floor. Sometimes, you may have to change the seatpost if you can’t push the seatpost down any lower as the bolts installed for the cage could be blocking the way. To resolve that, you can change seatpost to one that is shorter in length or have it cut shorter by the shop.

Now get off the saddle and straddle over the toptube. Is your crotch area touching it? If it is, ask the shop to let you try one with a smaller frame size. So, if a 16″ to 17″ frame size (M size) is too high for you, you may have to try a frame size of 15″ (S size). Anything above 18″ is L size. The size is usually printed on the frame where the seatpost is inserted, just below the toptube.

It is safer to buy the bicycle if your crotch area is about 2–3 inches away from the toptube as you straddle over it. That way, should you have an accident and fall, you will not be hurt by the toptube.