The Bike Supplies You Need When Your Chain Slips

I'd been riding around for a week with a slight clicking sound. I also noticed that my chain had started slipping when I was at red lights and I'd look up and people would look at me and I'd become embarrassed.

So after wiping her down and greasing her up, I took her to the bike shop to see what the problem was. Turns out it was the cassette. Since I normally bike in the highest gear, even when accelerating from a stopped position, the chain had entirely worn away the teeth in that gear. It needed dentures. Actually it needed a whole new cassette and a new chain. I couldn't get a new cassette only because then the chain would be stretched out and the ride would be worse, and there was no point in getting a new chain only because the cassette would still have its worn away gear.

Twenty-five for the chain, fifteen for the cassette, fifteen for labor, and plus I need the brakes tightened, and a new brake cable…This wasn't looking good, especially because the winter was here and I'd be riding less. Might it be worth it to simply wait until the spring, when I'd have fewer expenses anyway and I'd be able to afford all the tune-ups I need?

The bike man looked at me and said, "You know what you need to do." I pondered and held my chin. He was right. I should just invest in the bike supplies now so that I'd be able to ride without worry in the winter. "Besides," he said, "how much money does this bike save you every month." It's true, I thought. If I bought a monthly pass for the train it would be twice the amount I'd spend on my bike maintenance. "And, people forget that these are machines. You use them every day and they're going to break if you don't take care of them.""Fine," I said. "I'll do it." He smiled and I felt for a moment that I had been connived, but deep down I knew he was a good man. His deep crow's feet told me so.

I left my bike and returned the next day and paid my dues. Sure enough, it was worth it. The new bike supplies made my old girl run like new. She was soundless, and I knew that her maintenance visit was worth every penny.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com