Did poor maintenance contribute to his death?

[downfader]

I will get into the maintenance thing, but I hate the Halfords bike and in the process of getting something better. I've had the Carrera tuned up a few times over the year (there is a guy who comes to my work every so often) so if there is anything urgent, I would HOPE he would tell me.

There was a maintenance course on bikes in our parking lot but I was unable to attend and I am on their waiting list for the next one, so fingers crossed I will get to do it.

There were some good videos on the basics (youtube, brake blocks and changing them, pumping tyres to the right pressures and why, etc). The Sheldon Brown website is great, too. Some of the bike mags (cycling active) often do beginners stuff and even the odd DVD.

Halfords are ok, it just depends on which store, or even staff member you get seen by from what I'm told. If unsure ask a more serious cyclist (by this someone who knows about the gear) who they'd go to. Or even post a new topic on here asking for a decent shop advice in a general area?

What I love about the bike is how if something does go wrong I can often bodge safely at the side of the road and continue on my way. I know many drivers where if they got a flat they'd be "stranded."