a bike thing

Ah, "a bike thing"—the pinnacle of clarity and specificity, said no one ever. Assuming you're after some riveting info on bicycles, here's a quick spin through the basics. Bikes come in all shapes and sizes, from the leisurely cruiser to the death-defying downhill demon. Most modern bikes boast steel or aluminium frames, with prices ranging from a modest $200 to a wallet-busting $10,000 for pro-level carbon wonders. Common issues?

• Flat tyres
• Chain slippage
• Brake wear

If you want to actually shop for one, have a squiz at Tradingpost or CarShowroom—it beats guessing in the dark.