2) Inflate front and rear tires to desired pressure.
3) Check travel on brake levers, adjust cable at handlebar
or at brake if needed. Brake should start to grip about 1/3 pull on
lever.
4) Check all exposed bolt heads for tightness, using a multiple
size hex wrench or Alien tool. These can be found on various areas of
your bike (fork tubes, chainring bolts, seat, handlebars, mounting bolts,
water bottle cages, etc). Use common sense and tighten whatever is loose.
5) Pick up front end and spin the wheel. Make sure the wheel
is rotating freely and the rim or tyre is not rubbing against the brake
pad.
6 )Pick up the rear end and spin the wheel. Make sure that
the wheel doesn't seem to have a wobble in it and make sure it spins
freely.
7) Feel the spoke tension with your fingers on each wheel,
or listen to their tone while holding a screwdriver e.g. against the
spinning wheel. Any dead spokes should be tightened with the appropriate
sized spoke wrench.
8) Get on your bike and pedal around your driveway or street
before your ride. You should shift gears, pedal, and test the brakes.
9) If you ride clipless pedals, check your cleats for tightness
and debris, and lube the mechanism in the pedal.
Make sure you have the proper tools with you for the ride you
are planning. Most riders carry some tools or at the very least a pump
and patch kit. Glasgow MTB Mad recommends taking MORE rather than less
if your ride is of an extended duration or distance. Find out what tools
your partner is carrying if you are riding with someone. Make sure at
least one of you has the basics.
Glasgow
MTB. Mad