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Whether it’s a 24h endurance ride or a 1h scoot round your local trails there are some basic checks you need to make before riding. For longer rides you should also make sure you have the correct clothing, equipment and spares either personally or for the group and tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to be back. It sounds a bit boring or Cub Scout but believe us that isn’t a bad thing. It’s a whole lot less boring (for you and your mates) than freezing your butt off in the cold or rain when your bike breaks at the farthest point from home.
All OTC guides are trained to asses this prior to any ride but it’s best you do it well in advance, so here are some tips.
Bike
Frame
No cracks, bad dents or creases
Should be of the correct size to allow the rider to stand astride the crossbar with both feet flat on the floor
Wheels
Attached to frame securely with no sideways play
Appropriate tyres (for the type of riding) inflated to correct pressure with sufficient tread and no splits
Spin wheels and check for rubbing or buckles
Check spokes are not broken and all are of similar tension
Brakes
Pads or blocks should not be worn and should be aligned with the rim.
Front and rear working and adjusted properly,
Cables should not be frayed
Gears
Should be shifting up and down properly,
The chain should be lubricated properly (not dry and not dripping!) with no slip whilst riding. Cables should not be frayed.
Cranks and pedals should be secure and rotating properly (cant be wobbled side to side)
Steering & Controls
Gera and brake levers secure, comfortable to use when seated on the bike and can’t be rotated
Steering rotating freely with no play in the headset, cables not being stretched when steering moves to extremes.
Grips secure, no damage and bar ends plugged or covered
Saddle
Saddle secure, undamaged and doesn’t twist round
Correct height – sat on saddle, leg straight when your heel is on pedal the for experienced riders. Less experienced riders may wish the saddle to be lower to touch the floor when seated and accept the less efficient pedalling.
Equipment
Taking the right equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable ride with a couple of hiccups and a wasted day!
- Spare inner tube (of the same type fitted to the bike – if in doubt carry one with a presta valve)
- Pump (for the type of tube you have!)
- Tyre levers
- Puncture repair patches (glue-less ones are good)
- Lights (if appropriate i.e. if the ride may end late)
- Helmet (BS, ANSI or SNELL standard), undamaged, correct size, correctly fitted and adjusted
- Water bottle or hydration pack.
- Split tyre patch
- A good multitool
- 3,4,5,6mm allen keys
- 8,9,10mm spanner
- Chain link extractor
- Crank tool
- Small flat and crosspoint screwdriver
- Pedal spanner
- Spoke key
For longer rides the group should also ideally carry
- Torch
- Map & Compass
- Pen and paper
- First aid
- Emergency warm clothing / survival bag
- Whistle
- Emergency food
- Change for the phone
- List of local emergency numbers
Clothing
Wearing the right gear is the best way to enjoy your ride and layers are key especially in cooler weather where you may become cooler or warmer depending on level of activity and our glorious changeable climate.
- Helmet (in good repair with no dents and correctly fitting)
- Body armour is optional and depends on the type of riding you do
- Shorts with padding!
- Non cotton wicking base layer
- Mid layer cycling top
- Windproof or waterproof outer layer (preferably breathable)
- Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers – not sandals or flip flops!
- Gloves
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