What to Do Before Every Ride (Even Just Around the Block)
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You don’t need a full-on race routine to ride smart.
But a few quick checks before you roll out?
Total game-changer.
Whether you’re heading out for a long loop or just cruising your neighborhood, these tiny pre-ride habits help you feel safer, smoother, and way more confident.
Let’s keep it simple and doable.
Because you’ve got places to ride—and no time for drama.
1. Check Your Tires
Give them a quick squeeze.
If they feel soft or squishy, they probably need air.
If you’re not sure, go ahead and top them off using the PSI range on the side of the tire (check out this post if you need a how-to).
Properly pumped tires = easier pedaling and fewer flats.
Yes, please.
2. Test Your Brakes
Give both levers a squeeze—left and right.
Your wheels should stop or slow smoothly without a delay.
If they feel loose or make weird noises, they might need a quick tune-up (or just a wipe-down if they’re muddy).
This takes two seconds, and your future self will thank you.
3. Do a Quick ABC Check
This one’s classic for a reason:
- A = Air (tires good? check.)
- B = Brakes (responsive? check.)
- C = Chain (clean + moving smoothly? check.)
If all three look and feel good, you’re good.
4. Give Your Bike a Little Shake
Literally.
Hold your handlebars and lift your front wheel an inch or two off the ground, then let it drop.
Listen for anything rattling, loose, or off.
No weird noises? Cool.
Tiny noises? Maybe tighten that water bottle holder later.
5. Lights + Reflectors
If you’re riding near sunset or early in the morning, flip those lights on—even if it’s not fully dark.
They make you more visible, and more visible = safer.
(And no, reflectors alone aren’t enough.)
6. Helmet Check
Helmet on? Buckled snug under your chin?
Two fingers should fit between your chin and strap—no more, no less.
Look, I know helmets aren’t always the cutest.
But neither is head trauma.
7. Dress for the Ride
Quick check:
– Are your shoelaces tucked in?
– Are your pants clear of the chain?
– Got a light jacket or sunscreen, depending on the weather?
Being comfy and safe is the goal.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about building small habits that help you ride strong and worry less.
These checks take maybe three minutes total.
But they can totally shift your whole ride—from “I hope this goes okay” to “let’s do this.”
So next time you grab your bike, run through your little pre-ride ritual.
It’s your confidence boost, built-in.
