Feb 14, 2003 08:05 AM
153147 Views
(Updated Jun 25, 2005 11:39 PM)
Do not remember when but must be about 40 years back I started cycling. My first cycle was a Hercules make cycle. In those days cycle used be quite heavy and black was the only colour.
Hercules is a very old brand name and I must say they have improved and maintaining the standard. Gear system makes pedaling much easier but well in my time we could not imagine of such system. But now, kid go for gear system but frankly, in cities, does not have much advantage in case of normal use. Yes, for rural areas gear system should be of great advantage due to long rides to cities and on a not that good roads, may be even on a mud road.
Bicycle may be divided in five categories. These are Mountain bike, Road bike, Hybrid bike, Juvenile bike and Specialty one is mainly for sports & fun. Juvenile bikes are designed for children and in many cases are smaller versions of adult models in attractive colors.
Hercules Top Gear Series falls in Hybrid category. Hybrids are a mixture of a mountain bike and a road bike. Tyre is wider than Road bike but smaller than that of a Mountain bike. Higher width of tyre makes it suitable for road and off-road riding. These Hybrid versions have gear systems that provide up to 18 speeds (please check latest models) with flat handlebars. To know more about gears - https://cyclesindia.com/topgear/gears/gear.html
In 2000, we purchase a Hercules Top Gear cycle for our elder son. That one was having six gears. My son preferred a six-gear system because he felt an 18-gear system is more difficult to maintain and there is no additional advantage on flat city roads. Me, the great Papa, fulfilled his desire to ride a geared cycle. So, son moved from narrow tyre Road bike to wider tyre Hybrid Cycle Category. According to him this is a much sturdy and easy to ride cycle. I do not remember the old price but my neighbor purchased a similar one for Rs. 3200/- in august 2002.
About a month back we purchased one more cycle but this time with out gear for our second son. This time also settled for a Hercules cycle. Model is Hercules MTB Storm. We paid Rs. 2500/- for that cycle. According to shopkeeper, gears may be fitted to Hercules MTB Storm by just paying him additional Rs.600/-. That’s a bargain because Hercules MTB Storm has additional features like battery-operated horn with 8 choices to suit your mood and with battery-operated backlight with left-right indicators. If you add Rs. 600/- to that for gears than you get a six-gear Hercules cycle for just Rs.3100/- with additional features. Of course we have not gone for gear system because son liked the colour and those lights and horn of Hercules MTB Storm and saved my Rs. 600/- by not going for additional gears.
Caution – Price of cycle even varies from shop to shop. So keep your eyes open.
I do not have much idea about other makes but Hercules is a trouble free cycle with good quality tyre and tube. Hercules cycles are available in many colors with glossy colorful stickers. Quality of colour is good and last long if maintained properly.
Care and Safety
Gear system of cycle consists of sprockets of different sizes, chain, a shifting mechanism and control lever with cable. The control lever is on the handlebar. When the rider moves lever to change the gear, shifting mechanism shifts the chain from one sprocket to another. The number of sprockets determines the number of gears. It is important to clean the deposits on it for better trouble free performance.
Like all other cycles this too have caliper brakes. Brake pads are made of good quality rubber and last long. Regular cleaning of mud and other deposits increase the life and reliability of brake pads.
In many countries, bicycles have to meet certain safety standards. As per the rules in some European countries Bicycles must have front and rear reflectors and reflectors on the wheels so that the cyclist can be seen from the side. In case of Hercules cycles in India you have to buy those reflectors for wheels. Does not cost much, so go for it for the safety of the loved one.
Unlike some countries, in our country there is no separate lane for cyclist so take charge of your own safety. Bicycle riders should obey all traffic laws. Like motorist, Cyclists should also signal when slowing, stopping or turning. Cyclists should ride in the same direction of the regular traffic and we should avoid riding on the middle of the road and stay as close to the side of the road as possible. Good quality and clean reflectors are must at night. It is always recommended to have light colour dress at night and better to wear something that reflects better.
Does not look good and some may laugh at you but go for lights at night.
For more information - https://cyclesindia.com/default2.html
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Cycling is a very good exercise, so try to spare some time for cycling. Gear system is not recommended if you want to lose few calories for better fitness. I will recommend a Hercules Top Gear if you want to buy a cycle for going to workplace or school on a bad bumpy track and save time & energy for better purpose. According to me, if you at all go for gear system, a six-gear system of Hercules is good enough for daily use.
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You may like this article on bicycle at (rediff)
https://rediff.com/news/1998/sep/12ganga.htm
Enjoy Cycling
