What I Always Do Before Hitting the Road
Every bike ride, whether it’s a quick neighborhood spin or a 100km solo challenge, really begins before you even start pedaling.
I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that preparation is everything.
From mechanical checks to hydration, I’ve built a solid pre-ride routine that keeps me safe, efficient, and headache-free.
If you’re looking to make your rides smoother and avoid those frustrating “I forgot to…” moments, here’s exactly what I do before every ride.
Some of these are obvious, but I’ll also share a few lesser-known habits that have genuinely made a difference.
Tire Pressure: Don’t Just Squeeze and Guess
Yes, I know we all give the tire a quick squeeze before heading out, but that’s not enough.
I always check my tire pressure with a proper gauge. What feels “fine” by hand can be off by 20 PSI or more.
Poorly inflated tires either drag or bounce—and neither is good for performance or comfort.
I also take a few seconds to inspect the tread and sidewalls. I run my fingers along the surface to feel for small glass shards or debris. These tiny bits can work their way in and cause flats later.
Occasionally, I’ve found hairline sidewall cracks—especially on older tires—which could have ended in a blowout if I hadn’t checked. A small habit like this can make a big difference in ride quality and safety.
Match Pressure to the Ride (and Weather)
One thing that made a huge difference in my rides was learning to adjust tire pressure based on the terrain and weather—not just inflating to the max printed on the sidewall.
On smooth tarmac, I tend to inflate my road tires closer to 90 or 100 PSI, but if I’m riding on rougher roads or mixed surfaces, I’ll drop it by 10 to 15 PSI for more comfort and better grip.
If it’s raining or roads are slick, I’ll reduce the pressure just slightly to increase traction. For me, that small adjustment has helped reduce slips and make handling feel more stable.
Drivetrain Check: The 60-Second Habit
Before I roll out, I always run through my gears to make sure everything’s shifting smoothly. A quick pedal in the driveway can save me from frustrating gear skips on hills.
I glance at the chain to check for dryness or visible grime. If it looks dry, I’ll wipe it down with a rag and add a small drop of chain lube to each link.
One mistake I used to make was lubing right before heading out, but I’ve learned it’s better to lube the night before—this gives the oil time to soak in and prevents it from attracting grit on the ride.
Brakes: Feel and Function First
Every single time before a ride, I squeeze both brake levers and make sure they engage evenly and firmly.
Then I give each wheel a spin to check that there’s no unexpected rubbing or drag. If something feels off, I stop right there and investigate—it’s not worth ignoring.
For rim brakes, I wipe down the braking surface with a bit of alcohol to clean off grime.
If I’m riding with disc brakes, I’m careful not to get any oil or lube near the rotor. One time I didn’t notice a bit of overspray from chain lube on my disc, and the squealing noise that followed still haunts me.
Quick Bolts and Axle Check
Loose bolts can turn a good ride into a dangerous one.
I make it a habit to check key bolts with a multi-tool before longer rides—stem, handlebars, seat post, and crank arms.
I also make sure the quick release skewers (or thru-axles if I’m on my gravel bike) are tight and properly aligned.
If I hear creaks or clicks while riding, I don’t ignore them. They often point to loose components or wear in the bottom bracket or pedal threads. Staying ahead of those little noises has saved me both time and expensive repairs.
Lights and Visibility: Always On, Even in Daylight
One thing I never ride without anymore is my rear flashing light, even during the day.
There’s enough research—and real-world experience—to prove that a blinking red light makes you more visible to distracted drivers. I also keep a compact front light in case I get caught out later than planned.
Over time, I’ve added reflective touches to my gear and bike.
One little trick I picked up: I stuck a reflective strip to my rear derailleur. Because it moves while I ride, it catches the eye even more effectively than a static piece of tape.
Flat Kit Check: Don’t Just Assume It’s There
More than once, I’ve been miles from home and realized I forgot to restock a tube or used CO₂ cartridge.
Now, I double-check every time. I carry two tubes, a CO₂ inflator with a fresh cartridge, a patch kit, tire levers, and a mini-tool with a chain breaker. I also throw in a quick link for my chain just in case.
I’ve started storing my spare tube in a small ziplock bag wrapped with a rubber band.
It keeps it clean and prevents it from wearing through or getting gritty in my saddle bag. It’s a tiny detail that’s saved me mid-ride more than once.
Pre-Ride Fuel and Hydration
Fueling doesn’t begin on the bike—it starts before you leave.
If I’m heading out for under 90 minutes, I’ll grab something light like a banana or granola bar and make sure I’m well hydrated. But if I’m riding longer, I eat a carb-rich snack—something like peanut butter toast—and fill at least one bottle with electrolytes.
One small trick I love: the night before a ride, I fill one bottle halfway and freeze it. The next morning, I top it off with water. This gives me a cold drink for the first hour, which is incredibly refreshing on hot days.
Check the Weather—and the Wind
I always check the radar, not just the forecast.
Conditions can change quickly, and I want to know if there’s a passing shower I can wait out or avoid.
I also look at wind direction and try to ride into the wind first so I can enjoy a tailwind on the way back. It makes a surprising difference in morale and energy.
If I’m exploring new routes, I preload them onto my GPS device and take screenshots just in case I lose signal. A few minutes of planning can save a lot of stress later.
Dress Smart for the Conditions
Clothing choices can make or break a ride. I check the temperature, wind, and even humidity before choosing layers.
In cool weather, I’ll wear a breathable base layer under my jersey. If there’s any chance of wind chill, I grab a windproof jacket with zippered vents so I can regulate heat.
I’ve also started carrying a tiny portion of chamois cream in a small ziplock. On long rides or in summer heat, it’s a lifesaver. I’ve learned to treat comfort as part of performance.
The Final 30-Second Mental Check
Right before I roll out, I take a breath and mentally run through a quick checklist: Did I fill both bottles? Is my GPS tracking? Do I have my ID, cash or card, sunglasses, gloves?
Do I feel calm and ready, or rushed and distracted? If something feels off, I pause and fix it.
Those last 30 seconds can be the difference between a smooth ride and a stressful one. I never want to be 10 kilometers down the road and realize I left something behind or forgot to tighten a bolt.
Ride Ready, Every Time
This might sound like a lot of steps, but most of it becomes second nature.
After years of trial, error, and mid-ride fixes, I’ve found that this checklist helps me roll out with confidence every time. It takes me about 10–15 minutes, and it’s worth every second.
Whether you’re training, commuting, or cruising, good prep doesn’t just make your ride safer—it makes it smoother, faster, and a lot more fun.
So next time you’re about to head out, take a few minutes to prep like a pro. Your bike—and your legs—will thank you.