Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/18

 CARE OF THE MACHINE.

Ere starting on a tour, it is essential that the machine, which is to carry us through, begins the journey in a condition likely to conduce to the best possible result. The success of a tour depends as much on the running qualities of one's bicycle as on anything, so that any extra time and trouble devoted to a preliminary overhaul is well laid out. Both wheel bearings and crank axle should be carefully examined, cleaned thoroughly by a fairly liberal injection of kerosine, then adjusted and oiled. The chain must next be worked at, for if it does not run smoothly and with an almost complete absence of friction, hard labour is the lot of the rider, and with the soorkey-dressed roads of Bengal, the detail of the chain is one that needs frequent attention. A thorough brushing over, under and between the links, the oiling of each link, a polish with a cloth and a final dressing of the inner face with stick graphite, or black lead, is the proper treatment. Five minutes spent on this will make a wonderful difference in the work, and help most materially towards the pleasure of a day's ride, and among the implements carried in the bag, a chain brush is almost indispensable. Before starting, and at the end of each day's journey, the entire machine should be overhauled and thoroughly tuned up for the next day. Loose or broken spokes must be looked for, as a few such may mean the collapse of the wheel.