Preparing to Ride Your Bicycle

Basic Bike Check

An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order is to do an ABC Quick Check.

  1. Air: Be sure you have enough air in your tires
  2. Brakes: Look to see that your brake pads are not worn, and that your handle brakes are properly adjusted. You should be able to slot your thumb between the handle brake and the handlebar when fully squeezed. If there's not enough space, adjust the brakes.
  3. Chain and Cranks: Pull on your cranks to see that they are not loose and look to see that the chain is not rusted and it is free of gunk.

Make sure all quick releases are closed and take a slow brief ride to make sure that your bike is working properly.

What to Bring

As with anytime you leave your home it’s always good practice to have identification, a cell phone, and cash. In the warmer months make sure you have enough water.

Bike Lock

Your standard equipment should include a good lock—you’ll need it if you are going to leave your bike unattended for even a very short amount of time. For the best security, use a cable lock to loop through your seat and a U-lock to link the bike frame and front wheel to the bike rack. A heavy chain lock can do all three, but keep in mind they can be heavy to carry.

You can also bring an extra wheel tube, air pump, and levers for fixing your bike on the go if need be.


What to Wear

There is no need to go out and buy special cycling gear—you can ride in your everyday clothes.

Riding in the cold: Wearing layers is the best way to control your body temperature. Gloves and ear warmers are particularly helpful when trying to stay warm.

Riding in the dark or rain: Wear bright clothing as you should make special efforts to see and be seen. Hi-Vis yellow and green are best colors for visibility—you will want to steer clear of dark colors.


Bike Helmets

Fitting a Helmet:

  • Place it on your head without fastening the straps.
  • There should be a two-fingers width between your eyebrows and helmet.
  • There should be little movement when you shake your head from side to side.
  • You will want to start out with the smallest size—you may have to try on different sizes and brands of helmets until you find one that fits.

Adjusting Your Helmet:

  • The side straps should come to a point just below your ears forming a “Y” shape.
  • When your mouth is closed, there should be about half an inch between the chin strap and your chin.


Fitting and Adjusting Your Bike

Fitting a Bike Frame:

  • Straddle the bike and stand in front of the seat.
  • Lift the front and rear wheels off of the ground until it touches you.
  • If it is a road bike, there should be 1-2 inches between the tires and the ground.
  • For a mountain or hybrid bike, there should s be 3-4 inches.

Another way to test the fit of a frame: When you’re sitting on the bike and one pedal is pushed all the way down, there should be a slight bend in your knee.


Choosing a Bike

Answering these few questions will help you discover what type of bike is best for you:

  • Why am I buying a bike?
  • How fit am I?
  • Where will I ride?
  • What kind of terrain will I be riding?
  • Will I be carrying anything?
  • How much do I want to spend?

Bike types:

  • Road: Dropped handlebars and skinny tires, for racing or touring.
  • Mountain: Flat handlebars with a wide range of gears, large tires and suspension for unpaved terrain.
  • Hybrid/Comfort: Provides an upright position for a more relaxed ride.
  • Recumbent: Have a reclined position and come in a wide variety of styles.