4 tips to get your bike in good condition for the summer

The beautiful days are back and all you want to do is get back on your bike! Before riding with your favourite toy, a check is necessary for a safe return.

Nicolas from Intersport gives us 4 tips on how to prepare your bike for this summer mountain biking season…

Tip 1: Check tyre and shock absorber pressures
Air escapes from tyres and shock absorbers when they are not in use. Be sure to check the pressure of your tyres and shocks according to your ride and the terrain you will be riding on. For an air shock absorber, you need a high pressure pump which is available in professional shops.

Tip 2: Check for worn brake pads
To do this check, remove the wheels, turn the bike over and remove the brake discs to see how much lining is left on the pads in the caliper. On the metal part of the pad, there is a kind of resin that wears off as you brake and you have to see if it needs to be replaced. It is also important to check how the brake feels.

Tip 3: Inspect the transmission
Normally the transmission does not move during the winter but the chain may be a little rusty so it should be oiled before the season. Be careful at this stage, you should not put oil on the brake pads as this could damage them. I recommend using an oil can rather than a spray as it is more precise. It is also recommended to check the lubrication of the bearings but these are quite specific manipulations that require good technical knowledge.

4th tip: Check the spoke tension
This is a check that I advise to do before each ride. If the spokes are too tight, they may break on landing and if they are not tight enough, the wheel will be warped. To check the spoke tension, you turn the wheel and tighten the spokes 2 by 2.

If you are not an expert in bike mechanics, we advise you to have your equipment checked by a professional to avoid unpleasant surprises and to fully enjoy your mountain bike rides!