The following guide was originally printed in the nineteenth century publication Bicycling, a Textbook for Early Riders. I'm transcribing it here directly from the original text, which I found in the Chicago public library's collection, exactly as written. Hopefully you'll find as much use from these rules as the pioneering riders did 143 years ago.
Never buy a bicycle unless it is of the best quality, and by one of the best makers
Never attempt to ride a bicycle with a driving wheel too large for you.
Never fail to thoroughly clean and oil your machine before starting on a journey, and daily when in use.
Never use any oil but the best sperm.
Never tamper with the adjustment of the wheels, nor take the machine to pieces unnecessarily.
Never stir out on your machine without taking with you a spanner and oil-tin.
Never turn the wheel of the bicycle from you when the machine has a tendency to fall, but always in the direction in which it is falling.
Never travel a long journey without having your drawers lined smoothly and carefully with chamois leather or buckskin.
Never fail to get a few hours sleep before starting on a long journey.
Never ride in the early morning fasting; a little rum and milk, with an egg beaten up in it, is an excellent sustenant.
Never fail if you are in a strange country to ascertain the character of the roads, from natives of the district, before starting.
Never ride during the great heat of the sun; but use the early mornings and long summer evenings.
Never ride until you are faint, but rest yourself thoroughly at the first indication of exhaustion.
Never try how far you can ride without dismounting; a short walk, by bringing a different set of muscles into play, will rest you considerably.
Never attempt to ride up the worst hills; you may be able to do so, but it will be better, both for yourself and machine, not to attempt it, especially on a journey.
Never place your feet on the rest for a ride down a hill, which you cannot see all the way to the bottom, without having your machine thoroughly in hand, in case an immediate dismount become necessary.
Never fail to give a wide berth to patchy places in a road.
Never fail to lean well forward up hill, and against the wind.
Never fail to lean well back on your Bicycle in going down hill.
Never ride in the dark, except compelled to do so; unless you know every inch of your road thoroughly.
Knickerbockers are the best nether garments to ride in, and moderately thick boots are better than thin ones.
Never fail, when resting on a journey, to place your machine beyond the reach of meddlesome hands.
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