Before we jump on our bikes this summer just thought a little reminder…
If you’re like me, when you’re ready to ride, all you want to do is go. Just jump on and start pedalling. But for your own safety and to keep your bike in top working order, it’s really important that you get into the habit of performing five simple maintenance checks before you ride. The good news is that these inspections are quick and easy, taking no more than 30 seconds total. And, by checking your bike for the most common mechanical failures that can lead to a crash, you’ll be taking some very effective steps to ensure your own safety each time you go out. You know it makes sense…
1. Tyres and Wheels - Before you get on your bike check your tyres. Make sure they are properly inflated. Take a quick look all the way around for places where the rubber might be cracked, gouged or worn. Also, check the nuts or quick release mechanisms that hold your wheels in place. Check your wheels are securely fastened so they don’t come out while riding. Think of your lovely teeth. That will help you focus.
2. Brakes - Squeeze your brake levers to make sure that they apply enough pressure to stop your bike and that you don’t have any problems with fraying or stretched cables. Brake levers shouldn’t touch the handle bar. Also eyeball the brake pads in the front and back to be sure they are hitting only the rims and not the tyres. If your brake pads are rubbing on the tyres, not only can it wear or damage your sidewalls, but it can also result in you being bucked over the handlebars, offering another way to play Evel Knievel, because rubber hitting rubber grips very well. You only want the brake pads on the rims, because that allows a gentler, more consistent stop.
3. Seat Post and Handlebar Stem - Check to make sure that your handle bar is at the right height, the stem is fastened tightly and that your seat is at the correct height. You want to have the bicycle seat set to a height that allows your leg to extend until it is almost completely straight when you are sitting on the seat. There should be only a slight bend to the knee when your foot is on the pedal in the bottom position. This will maximize power and minimize fatigue. You want to be sure that both are secure, as there are fewer things more exciting (and not in a good way) than realizing that you can’t control your bike as you go zipping down the street because the handlebars are loose in your hands.
4. Helmet - As you get ready to put on your helmet, look it over once to make sure there are no cracks on the outer shell or inner surface. A damaged helmet can produce a damaged head. Check too, that the straps are adjusted so that the helmet fits snugly, and sits down on your forehead, hitting somewhere above your eyebrows. A common mistake is to wear a helmet that rides up too high, which won’t protect your forehead in the event of a wipe-out.
5. Chain and Gears - The last thing to check is that your chain turns cleanly through your front and rear sprockets and doesn't rub against the derailleurs. You can do this as you pedal when you first set off. At the same time, quickly run your bike through its range of gears to make sure there are no problems with rough shifting, chain slippage etc., and that the drive train is free from excessive grime and doesn’t need lubrication. Oil what you can, where you can.
Quick, Easy, and Very, Very Important - All told, these checks should take you less than 30 seconds, and really just require a visual inspection of your bike’s main components. This is smart and easy way to make sure you stay as safe as possible when you’re out on your bike. If you are unable to sort out any of the things listed above, please pop into the shop for some free advice or a service. Drop it off in the morning pick it up on your way homeBoudins Cycles, 10 Sand Street, St.Helier – opposite Sand Street Car ParkTelephone: 01534 732221 Fax: 01534 732221 www.boudinscycles.com