A perfect example of this was my experience in China. While working there, I was lent a bike in very bad condition, so I took it to a bike shop and asked them to give it a full service. When I collected it the next day, it still had two virtually flat tyres, useless brakes and a non-operational hub gear. The bike man had only raised the seat. To him, the bike was as road-worthy as anything else passing through his shop. Everyone accepted the standard.

Such standards are fair enough, perhaps, for pottering to the shops or tootling on an undemanding track. But where does it leave you when you’re heading downhill at a fair lick and you’re cut up by a taxi? Are your spongy tyres and missing brakes going to allow you to take evasive action and slow down in an instant?

The state of so many bikes on the road is shocking. And I hate to be sexist, but I’ve never met a woman who knew how to (or who wanted to) look after their bike. They seem to think that after you’ve bought a bike you need only ride it until it is stolen or destroyed. Brake blocks rubbing against the tyre? Just a funny noise. Most of the gears not working? Well, there are three that do! Front wheel almost square because you ride into kerbs instead of jumping up them? A mere trifle.

I’ve known people who take their bike to a mechanic to have a puncture fixed, when a set of allen keys and an adjustable spanner will fix pretty much anything you need for day-to-day maintenance. It’s not difficult to make your own adjustments, and easy once you’ve done it once. It’s a pity, and it should be a crime, to ride a bike that isn’t roadworthy. Plus, a bike in good condition is a joy to ride – something that anyone can appreciate.

.matt stanley

.do you agree with matt?
.should people try harder to look after their bikes, or know how to fix them?
.are you a female cyclist who wants to take issue with the comments aimed at you?

.drop us a line at mattisright@citycycling.co.uk or mattiswrong@citycycling.co.uk