Pre-Ride Safety Check

By Sean Peotter- OnSupport Neutral Service

One of the most overlooked things that should be a part of every ride is a pre-ride safety check. This check does not have to take long, but it will help insure that your ride is a safe and enjoyable one.

To start off you should first check to see if your tires have the proper amount of inflation. All tire manufacturers will print on the sidewall of the tire a recommended inflation range. If you stay within this range you will have good success with your tires. At this time you should also check the condition of your tires for cracks, tears and wear. Be sure the fixing mechanism that holds the wheel to the frame is secure as well.

Another very important item to look at is the braking system. Look at the cables to insure they are intact with no kinks or frays. Give the brake lever a good firm squeeze to verify the cable fixing bolt is tight. You will also want to look at the gap between the brake pad and rim. Not only do you want to make sure the brakes are not rubbing on the rim, but you should also check the alignment of the pad. You do not want the pad to come in contact with the tire or you will have a flat tire down the road.

Washing your bike after every ride is not always possible, though you should give it a thorough wash at least once a month. Not only does this make your bike look great, it also gives you the opportunity to look more closely at the frame. Cracks in frames can be extremely hard to see, especially if your frame is a dirty one. While you clean your bike, look at all the nooks and crannies for any signs of failure. If you notice anything, take your bicycle to a local shop for further analysis.

These checks should take no longer than a few minutes but this is in no way a substitute for a tune-up. It is always recommended to have your bike tuned-up once a year by a professional mechanic that will look at your bike more closely.