Preparing your bike

Related pages: | Preparing for the ride | Getting into shape | What to take |

So you've identified your steed for the ride. Like you, is it up to the job? Having looked at the brakes, how do you feel about hurtling down a 50mph tarmac descent? Are those wheels up to the pounding they will get from the loose, bumpy fire roads in Kielder?

So do the following checks as an absolute minimum. If you are no mechanic then take it into a local bike shop for a service.

Ensure your tyres have a good tread and are firmly inflated

Tyres
Check that your tyres are not overly worn. If in doubt get some new ones. Inflate your tyres to the manufacturer's recommendations. That means firm!

Brakes
Your brake blocks should not be rubbing on the rim when the brakes are off. Braking responses should be sharp and not require excessive lever movement. Check that both brake cables are not frayed, otherwise replace them.

Brake blocks
When you apply the brakes, make sure the blocks contact the wheel rim squarely and do not slide under the rim. Blocks should not make contact with tyre walls. Check that there is plenty of wear left on the brake blocks.

Gears
Test your gears out. They should change from cog to cog smoothly. Check the cables are not frayed. If they are, replace them. Adjust the gears so that during normal pedaling there is no "hunting" where it sounds as if the bike is between gears.

Make sure your gears change smoothly. Keep your chain and gear mechanisms well lubricated.

Lubrication
Apply lubricant to front and rear brake pivots, moving parts of the front and rear gear mechs, brake lever pivots, entry and exit points of all cables and, most importantly, the chain. Reapply lube regularly throughout your ride particularly in damp or dusty conditions.

Check your nuts and bolts
It is a good idea to go round the whole bike checking that all nuts, bolts, screws etc are all tight.

Any good with a spanner?
You really need to be able to remove and refit your wheels and mend or change a tube in the event of a puncture. Being able to fix a broken chain is also an important skill. Check out the Dorling Kindersley guide on the right if you need upskilling or check out the repair section of www.bikewebsite.com.

Spares
For a list of bike-related kit to take on your ride, refer to the checklist on your right.

Lighting up
If you plan to ride late in the day, then take a set of lights with you. Even if you aren't, it is not unknown for pea-soupers of fog to descend on you quickly in the areas you will be riding. In the off-season then lights are, of course, a must.

The following list will help keep you on the straight and narrow on your route:

Tools
Screwdriver
Adjustable spanner
Allen keys
Spoke key
Pump
Strong tape or zip ties
Lubricant
Tyre levers
Chain link extractor
Puncture repair kit

Spares
Brake blocks
Inner tube(s)
Lighting kit & batteries
Chain links

Other items
Bike lock
Water bottle

This practical guide will help ensures you keep your steed in peak condition. Available at uk.dk.com

CaptainBike - an extraordinary database of cycling information. If it's not on here, it's not worth knowing.

Jim Langley - A compendium of bike information that will will help you sort out virtually anything.

Bikewebsite - Bike tuning, repair and much, much more.

Halfords - Includes a useful 'how to' advice section covering rudimentary maintenance and repair tasks.