10 random tips.

Here are a few quick random tips about different aspects of cycling, some obvious and some not so...

1. Beware of sun glare, a danger if you ride on busy roads early or late in the day. The low sun makes it difficult for motorists to see a cyclist. If you can alter your route in any way to combat this, then do so - obviously this is not a problem most of us will face every day!

2. Posture on a road bike: Keep your elbows bent and relaxed, to absorb shocks and prevent veering if you hit a bump. The more relaxed you are, the more quickly you'll be able to react to hazards.

3. During every ride, work on developing a smooth, round pedal stroke. To eliminate inefficient up and down pedalling with dead spots, pull through the bottom of each stroke like your scraping the mud from the bottom of your shoe.

4. It's best to have two pumps: a 'track' model for home use and a portable one for on-road emergencies.

5. Always carry some money and a credit card in your puncture kit.

6. To prevent your glasses from fogging up, smear both sides of the lenses with a little toothpaste. rinse with cold water; then dry with a towel.

7. Apply a bike wax to preserve the frame's finish and make it easier to clean, but keep wax away from brakes and rims.

8. If your bike has a steel frame and you live in a damp climate, undercoat the inside of the tubes to prevent rust.

9. Make sure your brake pads match your rims. Ceramic-coated or carbon rims require special brake pads.

10. Whatever type of lock you use, don't place it near the ground. In this position, it's easier for a thief to apply leverage with tools or crush it with a hammer.