A 60-second check before your first ride of the season
As the weather warms up and the trails call again, many bikes are coming out of garages and basements after months of hibernation. Before you roll out for that first ride, it’s worth taking 60 seconds to run through a quick safety check.
Think ABCDE.
A. Air
Tires slowly lose pressure over the winter. Sealant dries up during winter storage.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI on the sidewall
- Check for cracks, dry rot, or embedded debris
- Make sure the valve stems are straight
- Refresh sealant in both tires and get some for backup
Proper tire pressure makes your ride faster, smoother, and safer.
B. Brakes
Your brakes should engage firmly and stop the bike quickly.
- Squeeze both brake levers
- Make sure they don’t pull all the way to the handlebar
- Make sure the wheel spins freely and slowly come to a stop instead of an abrupt stop
- Check that brake pads hit the rim or rotor squarely
If brakes feel soft, spongy or noisy, it’s time for an adjustment.
C. Chain
Winter storage can leave your drivetrain dry or rusty. This is worse when the bike is stored in a non climate controlled space.
- Spin the pedals backward
- Check that the chain moves smoothly
- Add a small amount of chain lubricant if it looks dry
- If you have a chain checker, evaluate the chain.
A well-lubed chain makes your bike quieter, smoother, and more efficient. It is typically to replace the cassette along with the chain.
D. Drop & Drivetrain
Lift the bike a few inches and gently drop it.
- Listen for rattles
- Make sure wheels are secure
- Shift through a few gears to ensure smooth shifting
Loose parts tend to reveal themselves with this simple test.
E. Everything Else
A quick visual scan can prevent surprises on the trail.
- Are quick releases and through axles tight?
- Are handlebars straight, bartape ripped, grips torn?
- Are bolts secure – especially pedals and stem?
- Are lights charged if you ride at dusk?
When in doubt, give it a quick once-over.
When a Quick Check Isn’t Enough
If your bike has been sitting all winter, it may benefit from a full spring tune-up. Our mechanics at Wheelzup Adventures can inspect your drivetrain, adjust brakes and shifting, true your wheels, and get everything dialed so your first ride of the season feels like new.
Stop by the shop or schedule a tune-up and let’s get you rolling into spring the right way.
