Have a simple, super quick, routine of checking your bike before every ride. Keep yourself safe by noticing issues before they become a problem.
It’s as simple as
- Wheels & Brakes
- Tighten & Close
- Helmet
If you know this routine great, promise me you will slow down and do it before every bike ride. Also promise me you will teach your family. If you would like more information to follow are the simple instructions, and don’t worry if you’re not a natural mechanic the whole point of these routine checks is to catch things before they get too “big”.
If you discover a problem, try to fix it – e.g. pump up your tyre, close the lever, adjust your brake lever, adjust your helmet – if you need some help read more of our support & stories or take your bike into a mechanic.
Wheels & Brakes
Tyre Pressure – Your tyre will naturally lose air over time so you must check it. How do you do this? Either give it a squeeze or push your thumb into your tyre and hopefully there won’t be too much “give”. It should be firm to pressure with enough air in it to keep your wheel protected while giving you a smooth, comfortable ride. Different types of riding requires different types of tyres and different tyre pressure. To learn what tyre pressure you need for your tyre look at the writing on the side wall. You are looking for a number that is followed by the letters PSI.
Further Reading: Pump Up Your Bike Tyre (includes video)
Checking the front brake – Lift the front wheel of your bike my grabbing your handlebars right in the middle. With your free hand reach down and spin the front wheel. It should spin freely without your brakes rubbing or slowing it down in any way. Pull the front brake lever (usually on the right). This should stop the front wheel and you should feel like your lever is responsive – you shouldn’t have to pull it a long way before anything happens.
Checking the back brake – Lift the rear wheel of your bike my grabbing your seat. With your free hand reach down and spin the rear wheel. It should spin freely without your brakes rubbing or slowing it down in any way. Pull the back brake lever (usually on the left). This should stop the rear wheel and you should feel like your lever is responsive – you shouldn’t have to pull it a long way before anything happens.
Tighten & Close
Levers – Levers need to be checked, are they tight & closed. A lot of bikes have Quick Release levers that are great but they can be bumped or knocked open.
Levers can be found on your seat post underneath your seat. Another common place is the centre of your wheels. Your seat can get knocked out of line and may need straightening check this while you are scanning your bike.
This is a seat post Quick Release lever in an open position.
A closed seat post Quick Release lever.
Helmet
Having a quick helmet check helps you to remember to wear a helmet. I have so often taken off down the road to realise as the wind whips through my hair that I have no helmet on.
Low, level, snug & stable. This is how your helmet should be.
- is it level – around the head, no tilting
- is it low – sitting just above the eyebrows
- is it snug – does it fit snug not tight on your head, are the v clips snug below your ears and is the chin strap snug under your chin
- is it stable – use the palm of your hand to check forward, backward, side to side movement, the movement should be no greater than 2cm
Learn more about correct helmet adjustment by reading this story: Correct Helmet Fit & Adjustment
Please note that this pre-ride bike check does not replace a more comprehensive bike assessment or bike maintenance that should be completed on your bike. How often this is done depends on how often you ride your bike. We recommend a thorough check at least once a month. It is also a good idea to do a comprehensive check before you go on longer duration bike rides like a bike tour or multi day riding holiday. It reduces the risk for any mechanical surprises.
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