Maintenance

Five essential pre-ride checks

Cable call

The simplest checks of tyres, brakes, bolts, gears, and cables can lead to a hassle-free ride
A quick pre-ride check of your tyres' rolling surface and sidewalls can prevent a much longer inspection at the road side.
Removing debris from the surface of brake pads can provide more efficient braking and prevent unnecessary scarring to the brake track
The trusty chain checker measures the degree to which a chain links has stretched
Applying a layer of cable lubricant to the inner will allow it to move freely inside the outer. Silicone lubricant on exposed sections will help prevent corrosion
The consequences of a loose stem bolt could be catastrophic. A quick tighten can easily be incorporated in a routine of pre-ride checks

Cable call

Like all bicycle components, cables are subject to wear, and including them in your pre-ride check can be valuable. A light covering of silicone lubricant will provide protection from the elements and allow the cable ‘inner’ to slide efficiently within the ‘outer’.

Replace cables that are corroded or damaged. Damage typically occurs at the end of the cable where the cap has fallen off and fraying occurs, but occasionally strands can break loose in the centre.

A pre-ride check will also highlight any slippage that might have occurred since the cables were installed, typically the cause of a lazy shift or ‘soft’ braking. Most minor cable tension issues can be resolved with the barrel adjusters on brake calipers and rear mech.