As the snow starts melting and the weather finally breaks into spring there will soon come a day where you roll out your bike. Whether you enjoy hitting the bike trails that wind through the forest or burning up the asphalt with your street bike, you should always get your bike and your body ready.
Prepping your bike
Lubrication – During the long winter months your bike can be susceptible to moisture or dry air. Take the time to lubricate your handlebars at the headset where the frame and bars connect, your pedals, cranks, chain, and then your brakes and gear lines.
Tires – Inspect your tires for any cracks or bulges that may have formed then fill them up with air to the proper pressure.
Moving Parts – Look over all moving parts for defect or obstruction. Shift through all your gears as you pedal the bike upside down to make sure it shifts properly and the chain isn’t skipping or kinking during revolutions.
Brakes – Adjust your brakes and test them so both pads clamp evenly against your wheel and are free of dust and debris. If the pads are worn down then now is the time to replace them.
Prepping your body
Mobility – If you haven’t been on a bike all winter take the time to do a few sets of lunges and knee rises. Warm up your wrists, elbows, and shoulders with some push-ups.
Biking Apparel – Layer your clothing starting with a pair of Champion brand bike shorts or compression pants or capris (for women) to keep your warm and preventing unwanted friction. If you are a woman then you’ll appreciate a seamless sports bra for comfort and support. Layer your upper body with a comfortable training t-shirt or top and either an Eco Fleece Jacket or an All-Weather Soft Shell Jacket depending on the conditions and wind chill.
Safety – Plan your route before getting on the trail or road. Nothing puts you at risk more than trying to make split decisions on the fly because you aren’t sure which way to go. Check your helmet, adjust your reflectors, fill your water bottle, and then give everything one last look over.
Once everything is prepared then enjoy the fresh air and cool wind in your face. You’ll be able to embrace the experience and have a lot more fun once you have the peace of mind that everything is prepped and ready.