Beginner Bike Maintenance: Pre-Ride Checks

When I first started cycling (and let’s be real, to this day), Mark is my bike mechanic. And my friends’ bike mechanic… I have a few colleagues who cycle and think “bike maintenance” is something best left to professionals with expensive tools and mysterious knowledge.

However, there will be time that I will have a flat and Mark is not around. Currently, I am on a journey to learn about bike mechanics and maintenance (which will be a new series coming in the next few months). Being a little mechanically confident goes a long way, even just preparing for rides. I used to stroll out into the garage, kitted up and ready to roll – because Mark did the pre-ride checks already. Now these are my responsibility.

You don’t need to know how to rebuild a drivetrain or true a wheel to be a capable cyclist. But understanding a few basics can make your rides smoother, safer, and far less stressful — especially when something goes wrong mid-ride.

This post isn’t about becoming a full-blown mechanic. It’s about knowing enough to take care of your bike, spot problems early, and ride with confidence. I’ve broken it up into three sections: every ride checks, semi-regular bike maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Every Ride Checks (The 2–Minute Habit That Matters Most)

These are the small things that make the biggest difference — and they take almost no time. Make these pre-ride checks a part of your ride preparation, alongside fueling right and route planning.

Tire Pressure

Tires naturally lose air over time, even if you haven’t ridden.

• Check pressure before every ride (or at least every few rides)
• Use a pump with a gauge
• Adjust pressure based on tire width, terrain, and comfort

Correct tire pressure improves comfort, handling, and efficiency — and reduces your risk of flats. I am planning to cover changing a tire in another post – but in the meantime, here is a helpful video from the Global Cycling Network.

Quick Brake Check

Before rolling off:

• Squeeze both brakes
• Make sure they engage smoothly and the levers don’t hit the handlebars
• Listen for rubbing or grinding sounds

If something feels off, it’s worth checking before you’re descending a hill.

Visual Scan

Give your bike a quick look:

• Tires seated properly
• Nothing visibly loose
• No obvious damage or rubbing

This habit catches small issues before they become ride-ending problems.

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Semi-Regular Maintenance

These tasks don’t need to happen every ride — but they keep your bike running quietly and efficiently. Aim for these every few weeks or after wet and/or dirty rides.

Chain Lubrication

A clean, lubricated chain:

• Shifts better
• Lasts longer
• Makes riding more enjoyable

General rule:

• Lube every 100–200 km
• Lube more often after rain or dusty rides
• Wipe off excess — more lube is not better

A noisy chain is your bike asking for attention. Again, from the Global Cycling Network, a video on clean chains & lube.

Drivetrain Cleaning

You don’t need to deep clean every time, but:

• Wipe down the chain occasionally
• Remove visible grime from the cassette and chainrings

This extends the life of expensive components and keeps the crispness. When riding in the winter, we find roads are particularly grime-y, so we often hose off the bikes before storing them.

Bolt Check

Every so often:

• Check that your seat, handlebars, and bottle cages are snug
• No need to over-tighten — just ensure nothing has loosened

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Basic Troubleshooting for New Cyclists

You don’t need to fix everything yourself, but knowing what’s wrong helps.

Bikes usually tell you when something needs attention — learning to listen is part of the process. If the above doesn’t work, consider visiting a professional bike shop. Or do some research – there are lots of informative websites and YouTube videos on bike maintenance.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need to know everything to be a “real” cyclist. You just need to be curious, willing to learn, and kind to yourself when things feel unfamiliar. Every skill you build — mechanical or otherwise — makes cycling more enjoyable.

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Read more posts in this 10-part series:

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