The old turquoise bicycle, one checkpoint at a time
A weathered bicycle with a round headlamp, back on the road after two afternoons with a pump, some chain oil and a rag. The headlamp is still dark.
- Takes
- Two afternoons so far
- Needs
- A pump, chain oil, a rag
- Result
- Rideable in daylight. The headlamp is still dark.
The bicycle is weathered turquoise with a round headlamp above the front tyre, and it has been leaning against a wall for longer than I like to admit. This is the first pass at getting it rideable again.
Checkpoint 1: Tyres first
Both tyres were flat but held air once pumped, which saved a trip to the shop. I checked them again the next morning; still firm.
Checkpoint 2: Clean and oil the chain
A rag, a lot of wiping, a few drops of oil on each link and more wiping. The difference in sound on the first ride down the street was immediate.
Checkpoint 3: The headlamp
The round headlamp is the best thing about this bicycle and it does not light. I have not opened it yet; that is a separate quest with its own entry, once I know whether it wants a bulb or something more.
The headlamp, still dark, above a freshly pumped front tyre.