Spring is here and many of us are venturing outdoors for our first long rides of the season. Maybe you spent countless hours on the trainer this winter or you took a nice long break and your bike gathered dust in the garage. Either way, you’ll want to check a few key components of your bike before you head outside.

1. Check the tires. If you’ve been riding on the trainer all winter long, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace the back tire. Look at the tire. If you notice a flat surface down the center line and a squaring off to the side walls, then it’s time to replace the tire. If you’ve spent a good deal of time on the indoor trainer, then your tire may have hardened from the heat caused by the wheel rubbing against the trainer. It’s a good idea to replace the tire.
2. Check the brakes. The easiest way to do this is to take a quick ride around your neighborhood or parking lot and use your brakes. Do they feel responsive? Do they engage quickly? If they don’t, it could be one of two issues. Your brakes might simply need to be adjusted or tightened or they may need replacing. Either way, you want to make sure your brakes are ready for the open road.
3. Check your cables. Again you can do this yourself by taking a quick spin and shifting into all of your gears. If the bike shifts smoothly, then your cables are likely fine. If you feel any hesitation, have difficulty shifting, or any of your gears won’t engage, then you need to have your cables adjusted.
4. Check your flat kit. Does it have everything you need to fix a flat out on the road? Our all3sports blog has a great article about everything you need on your flat kit.
5. Wash your bike. Even if it has been indoors all winter, you’ll want to wash your bike before heading outdoors. Sweat can build up on the cables and brakes from trainer rides and dust will build up on the chain and crank. Making sure everything is cleaned and ready to go will make your first ride as smooth as possible.

If you really want to feel confident in your first outdoor ride, let us do the work for you. Our basic bike tune-up is $65 and includes all of the following:

• Inspect Frame for safety
• Inspect wheels, tires, chain, cassette, and components for damage or wear
• Check BB tightness and wear
• Torque bars, stem, controls, seat post and saddle properly
• Inspect and Adjust headset, derailleurs, brakes and brake levers
• Lubricate chain and inflate tires

Book or bring your bike in between now and April 15th and we’ll throw in a free bike wash.

BOOK NOW!