As of: April 5, 2024, 8:55 a.m
By: Jannis Gogolin
Comments
Press
Split
A bicycle is only fully roadworthy with reflectors. © Swen Pförtner/dpa
The Geretsried bicycle dealer Thomas Worm explains why not only the bike has to be woken up from hibernation, but also the driver.
Geretsried – Bright sunshine and temperatures around 20 degrees: for many people, the warm spring is the perfect weather for their first cycling tour. But before you go on your first bike trip, both the bike and the driver have to be brought back from their winter break. Thomas Worm, managing director of the Geretsried bicycle shop Isartaler Zweiradhaus, gives tips.
Finally cycling weather: Geretsried cycling expert gives tips for the start of the season
Mr. Worm, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a bicycle that is unroadworthy?
Flat tires, obviously. When I'm out and about and I see a cyclist in front of me who's already riding on the rim - that's bad. This is followed by poorly adjusted gears or squeaky chains.
You can read the latest news from Geretsried here.
Seriously: What should you look for in your bike after the winter break?
Tire pressure and brakes – checking is quick and anyone can do it. The air pressure for the tires is located on the outside of the casing. Are the brakes still working? Is the light working? Oiling the chain doesn't do any harm - but please don't use olive oil or something similar. This could get expensive. The critical thing is that - in contrast to cars - there is no TÜV that checks the roadworthiness of the bicycle. And if you are unsure, we recommend going to the nearest bike shop.
Thomas Worm, cycling expert from Geretsried © Worm
Does this also apply to e-bikes?
What's more: this is even more important for bicycles with electric assistance. Virtually all components of an e-bike are subject to greater force and therefore wear than those of a “bio-bike”, regardless of whether they are brakes or chain. You drive faster with it. And with a battery and motor you are significantly heavier. Accidents can become really dangerous more quickly. Apart from that: In order to get the most out of your e-bike, the software should be up to date. This is also a task for the spring.
My news
39 mins ago
Thunderstorm over Bavaria: trail of devastation caused by tornadoes? Read “Not yet experienced”.
ARD documentary ruthlessly covers Germany's Leopard 2 problem for the Bundeswehr
Debate about citizens' money for Ukraine refugees: “The federal government is making our lives difficult” read
Revolution in cancer diagnostics: Researchers develop “groundbreaking” capsule test reading
Important holiday route closed for months since rock fall – Austrians rage after “sad certainty” read
Many pensioners are entitled to more pension points - but these are only available upon application
And the cyclists themselves?
The bike is one component, the rider is the other. This is similar to the start of the motorcycle season. In the beginning there are clearly more accidents - especially with e-bikes. This is often not due to a defective brake, but rather because some drivers are simply out of practice after the winter break. My tip: You should try out the handling on an unpaved path before you go on your first mountain bike tour in the foothills of the Alps.
By the way: Everything from the region is also available in our regular Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter.