It is always a great idea to do a pre-ride bike check before every ride, even if you rode the day before. You never know when a bolt has come loose, a tire is a little flat or your chain is creaky.
If you’ve ever taken a lesson or clinic with The Cycling Co., or if you ride with one of our weekly groups, you will be familiar with our routine pre-ride bike check. We encourage you to NOT ONLY complete it when you’re with us, but also when you ride on your own. Our pre-ride bike check is as simple as A, B, C. We literally call it our ABCs.
Pre-Ride Bike Check Checklist:
This pre-ride checklist is applicable to bikes in all disciplines, whether you ride a road, gravel or mountain bike.
“A” is for Air Pressure
When we check out tires we often feel them with our hands, pressing down on the top of our wheel with our palm (as opposed than pinching the sides). We want our tires to have a firmness similar to an apple or an orange. For a more precise air pressure we can check our PSI, with a digital tire pressure gauge or a pump gauge.
Many riders have specific pressures that they use for different trails and weather conditions (i.e. slick/wet rooty rides would benefit from a lower PSI, while a higher PSI would be better for drier/tacky trails). Tire pressure is all about rider preference, as we all have different bikes, bodies and riding styles.
“B” is for Brakes
It is important to have working brakes, so make sure you do not skip this step.
- Stand beside your bike, pull on your front brake, and push forward on your bars. The back end of your bike should lift off the ground, indicating that your front brake is engaged and doing its job.
- Next, pull your rear brake lever and pull back on your bars. This time the front wheel should lift.
If there is play in either brake, this could indicate that your brake pads are worn out, or that you need a brake bleed. If your brakes are an area of concern it is best to visit your local shop for a tune up!
“C” is for Chain
To check your chain, stand next to your bike and give your pedals a couple spins backwards. Listen to your chain and cassette to make sure that there are no loud creaks, clanks and crunches. Look at your cassette and chain to ensure that it is lubed up, and be aware of rust and gunk (grass, chunks of mud, etc.).
Having a dirty chain can affect the longevity of your cassette and chain as well as impact the smoothness of gear shifting. After each ride you should rinse your bike with a hose and be sure to clear your chain and cassette of any debris and dirt. To avoid a creaky, rusty chain, be sure to lube it after each wash.
“D” is for Drop Test
Our last step is the “Drop Test”.
Lift your bike a few inches off the ground and lightly drop it so that it gently lands on its wheels within your grasp. Listen for any knocking, or clanking that could indicate a loose bolt or something out of the ordinary on your bike.
If you do notice an unusual sound, repeat the drop test until you can source where on the bike the sound is coming from. The drop test is a quick and easy way to simulate a drop or bump on a trail that would make your bike rattle.
Weekly Bike Check:
Do you ride every day of the week? Or are you more of a weekend warrior? No matter how much you ride, be sure to do bolt checks after every few rides. A frequent rider should check all the bolts on their bike at least once a week. A weekend warrior should check their bolts at least every other week. The more you ride, the more chance your bolts will loosen and compromise your safety, performance, and your bike’s functionality.
What do I mean by “BOLT CHECK”?
Use your multitool or set of allen keys to check that all the bolts on your bike are snug, and do not have any play. Check your front and rear axles, and headset more frequently.
Headsets commonly come loose as they are constantly in use. To check your headset, pull your front brake, and turn your bars the same way (your front brake should be closest to you). Place your free hand lightly around your headset/steer tube and gently rock your bike back and forth. If your headset is loose you will feel a slight knock/movement. Tighten accordingly.
If you have any concerns about your bike and how it is functioning, call our friends at Westshore Bikes in Langford! Having a professional check your bike or do a full tune up at least once a year is always a good idea! THe crew at Westshore Bikes is always happy to answer any questions, and concerns and will get you back on the trails as soon as possible!
Now go check your bike and get out on two wheels!
Happy and safe riding!