REGULAR BIKE CHECK BEFORE EVERY RIDE
You may not be a pro rider, but you can give your bike a comprehensive check before each ride and prevent major problems from occurring.
DOs
Frame & cockpit
Check for frame damage and check bolts are tight and torqued to correct tension, feel for loose pivots or creaking, the pedals are on tight and spinning freely and finally the saddle and post are tight and can not spin or fall down.
For the Cockpit,make sure the stem,handlebars, grips,brake levers and shifters are tight.
Wheels
Make sure the quick-release skewers/axles are tightened correctly.
Spin the wheels to check that they are true and don’t rub on the brake pads or anywhere on the frame or fork. If there is a wobble in the rim, go ahead and true it before the ride.
Check for lose spokes and that the wheels turn freely and there are no grinding noises coming from the hub. If the wheel stops turning after only a few revolutions or if there is a grinding sound from the wheel, then you’ll need to adjust the hubs, or brakes.
Tyres
Check for adequate air pressure in the tyres. (Most tyres will have the proper tyre-pressure range printed on the sidewall).
Check for any cuts or nicks in the sidewall or tread of the tyres where the inner tube can bulge through and cause a flat. Also check for adequate tread on both tyres.
Drivetrain
Check the drivetrain, by making sure the derailleur is tight on the hanger and can’t go off the cassette. Also the chain is lubricated correctly.
Check that the rear derailleur shifts evenly and smoothly between all the gears on the cassette. Also check that the chain doesn’t fall off the front chain rings when performing front derailleur shifts and that it shifts smoothly between the small and large chain rings.
Suspension & Brakes
Clean suspension and dropper post shafts and check pressures.
Spin the wheels and apply the front and rear brakes independently of each other.
Check that the brakes engage before the brake lever reaches the handlebars and that there is enough stopping power to be safe.
It is also important to ensure the brake pads are not worn.
Inspect where the brake pads hit the rim; they should contact the rim evenly on both sides and not rub the tire in any way because this will cause a flat.
Don'ts
Here is a small list of thing you should NEVER do with your bike:
don't use a pressure washer
Do not gerni or high pressure hose. This will flush grease out of bearings and moving parts and can force dirt into them instead.
Avoid any aerosols and sprays
Avoid any aerosols and sprays, including WD-40, these can contaminate brake components and break down important grease.
