Pre-ride bike check

Putting your bike through a pre-ride check will save time and help prevent mishaps out on the Road. Here’s a simple list to make sure you don’t miss anything.  Too often valuable riding time is eaten into fixing bikes before a ride or stopping en route to put things right. Well, there’s a simple solution that should keep your wheels rolling without a hitch – and it’s called the M-Check. Start at the front wheel, move up to the handlebars, down to the chainset, up to the saddle then back down to the rear wheel and gears to form a letter ‘M’. The check will also help you when buying a second-hand bike to ensure that you don’t miss anything.

Front Wheel and Brake

Check that the wheel nuts are tight and that the wheel runs true. If the wheel’s buckled you could try retensioning the spokes with a spoke key, but unless you know what you’re doing it’s best left to a bike shop. Read More. Look too for broken or very loose spokes. Moving onto the tyres, check the pressure (which will be on the sidewall of the tyre) and the condition of the tread. Operate the front brake to see that the brake blocks are striking the rim at the right place and adjust if necessary. If the levers touch the bars, then you will need to adjust the brakes accordingly. Check too fro any frayed brake cables.

Handlebars

Apply the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. If there’s any free movement, chances are the headset is loose. Tightening is best left to a bike shop. Check that the brake levers and gear shifters are fitted tightly to the handlebars, and that the bar ends are covered by grips or plugs to avoid injury in the case of an accident. Now grip the front wheel between your legs and check that the handlebars don’t twist or rotate in the stem. Check the markings on the stem to see that it’s not been extended beyond its height limit.

Frame

Check that the frame itself is not bent or damaged, which indicates that it has been involved in an accident. Sure signs are fractured paintwork or peculiar alignment. If the Front wheel’s too close to the downtube, then chances are it’s been ridden into a wall and the forks are bent.

Transmission

Take hold of the cranks and check for any looseness. Do the same with the pedals. Lift up the back wheel, turn the pedals and shift through the gears from top to bottom to make sure everything runs smoothly. Make sure the chain and cables are all well lubricated, and that none of the cables are frayed.

Saddle

Grab the saddle and rock it to make sure there’s no movement. If there is, tighten in the correct position. Check too that the seatpin is tight in the frame and not extended beyond its maximum height.

Rear Wheel and brake

Almost done. Lift the rear wheel to spin it and check fro trueness in the same way as the front. As before, check the condition of the tyre and the action of the rear brake. Before you set off, there’s just one more check – your accessories. Make sure pumps, lights, mudguards, panniers and racks are all safely secured. And that’s all there is to it. Now go get out on that ride.

Pack your bags

As well as your bike, prepare a bag of essential kit to avoid wasting time hunting around for things before your next ride. Include a puncture outfit, spare inner tube, multi-tool, a spare mobile and some cash (just in case your batteries fail!).