The gears in my bike were not working very well. I called up BSA stores and tried writing to their customer care; unfortunately I didn’t make much headway — The store I called up told me that they will service only the bikes which were bought from their store. Customer Care didn’t give much away either. Then I decided to go looking in Malleswaram for some cycle repair store which might help. I resorted to Just Dial to look for such places. I found a few but when I went looking — invariably early morning — the place would be shut or non-existent. Later I realized that expecting a shop to be open before 11am in Bangalore is some sort of fatal mistake.

The bike, by the way is a hand-me-down from my brother. So I wasn’t exactly familiar with the ins and outs of own a Hercules ACT 105 yet.

Some days later, my bicycle ended with a flat tyre and — surprise, surprise — I didn’t know where to get it fixed. I went to Sweden in May, and once I was back in June, the thing sort of slipped my mind. Couple of months later, it was when we were looking for a place to get one of the tyres in the car examined, that I came across a place in Guttahalli which seemed to fix cycles. Salvation, possibly?

Now imagine my displeasure when I found out that the number lock securing the bike had suddenly decided not to budge! First I thought that I had forgotten the combination — I emailed my brother for it, and tried again but to no avail. Maybe the lock needed some oiling, but I didn’t have any … Very soon I gave up on the lock and decided that breaking it is the way to go.

One locksmith in Malleswaram suggested that I take a hammer and have a go at the lock. I was not so sure … I came across another guy in Sadashivanagar who suggested that I cut it using a metal file. He agreed to lend me his for a day. Pleasantly surprised by his generosity, I took home the file and spent the best part of an hour cutting the metal chain. Finally the chain gave way and I felt as if I made some progress in my quest to ride the bike again.

Couple of weekends later, I rolled the bike to a shop in Guttahalli where I thought the guy fixes punctures. When I approached him, he told me he doesn’t do it; and directed me to somebody who does it. I found Kasturi Cycle Works on Nagappa street. The guy there fixed the puncture and rear brake (the wire had come off) for Rs. 15. Would I be able to ride the bike now? Ah the possibilities! I got onto the bike uncertainly and rode back home.

Once home, I checked the BSA website again for stores nearby. I had remembered seeing one in Rajajinagar recently. I called up the Rajajinagar outlet, and this time the guy agreed to fix the gears!

I plan to go there today. (Edit: the gears are working now! All that is left is to clean the bike properly)

Being a bit more wiser about my surroundings, and being persistent about wanting to fix the bike, brought me to the “right time” when the bike was supposed to get fixed.