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'I can't reach the pedals properly when I'm sitting on the seat,' panted Ben about 30
seconds after leaving the police station. 'I have to stand up to be able to pedal.'
I tried my hardest not to sound smug but I couldn't resist.
'Andyoutoldmenottowhinge.WhatdidIaskyoubackinthestationaboutthepedals?
That bike looks ridiculous. It is the size of a horse.'
'Yeah, well, it could beat the shit out of your crappy little bike no problem,' said Ben,
trying not to laugh. 'Ok, so it's big, and difficult to pedal, but it's a proper bike. I shall
christen it The Horse.'
Cycling behind Ben was very amusing. The saddle was so high that when he stood up
to pedal it was positioned in the middle of his back.
TherewasaHalfords(othercarandbikeshopsareavailable)thatwepassedonourway
out of Bath, so we called in to see if they could help us out with some basic bike repairs.
'Whatsortofthingsdoyouneeddoing?'askedJason,thesalesassistantandbikemech-
anic.
'You know, just a few minor things like the brakes not working, and the chain falling
off. That sort of thing.'
After a few minutes tightening screws, and prodding cogs he gave his diagnosis.
'The chain is basically buggered. I've put some oil on it, but the rear derailleur has had
it. It needs replacing.'
'Is there anything that you can do?' I asked, sounding like someone who had just been
told that their beloved pet was going to be put to sleep.
'I'm afraid not. Derailleurs for bikes this old are really hard to get hold of these days. It
might last a bit longer before it goes completely.'
'Ok, thanks, what about the brakes?'
'Well, they're basically buggered, too. The pads are so worn down that for you to be
able to use them to stop they will have to be tightened so that they restrict the wheels from
going round.'
I could hear Ben sighing behind me, but I was determined not to be defeated.
'Is it possible to tighten them enough so that I can at least slow down?'
'Yep, can do, but you won't be able to stop quickly.'
'Ok, that's fine.'
After Jason had finished with The Falcon, Ben asked if he could lower The Horse's
saddle. It turned out that it was already at its lowest setting, which amused me greatly.
'Do you guys have helmets?' asked Jason as we were heading out of the shop.
'No, but we wish we did,' said Ben.
'Wait there a minute. I think I can probably sort you out with a helmet.'
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