Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/21

 pick up a knowledge of bicycles and their requirements, and it is time enough then to take them apart and clean the bearings and alter the adjustment and experiment in the ways so dear to some people. But if the rider never gets that knowledge and never has a desire to meddle with his wheel, as is sometimes the case, there is no great cause for worry. If by any chance the nickeled parts become wet, they should be wiped with a dry cloth, and afterwards, if one does not mind their collecting a film of dust, with a greasy cloth. In the case of good dust-proof bearings the easy-running qualities of the bicycle will not necessarily be impaired by going a year or more without cleaning. Of course, grit or dirt in the bearings tends to wear the parts, but a small amount of wear is not such an unpleasant thing as might appear, for after a season's use bicycles commonly run better than at the start. Even if bearings wear out, there is a remedy, for new cones and balls are within the reach of all at a slight expense. Then again, it is perfectly possible to have the maximum of profit and pleasure from a bicycle without any undue sacrifice of time or patience in its care. See that the chain and wheels are lubricated, and let the rest of the directions slide. If, however, you are methodical and neat and have a reasonable amount of time and patience, you may go further and keep your wheel like a new pin. It is satisfactory to know that each ball in the bearings is bright as a silver globe and that the spokes are not marred by rust pits, that the adjustment is perfect, and that there is no undue wear on any part, that the enamel is glossy and unscratched. All this is good and worthy of