Spring Cycling Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before Your First Ride

Spring is here, the days are getting longer and it's time to get your bike out of the shed. But before you jump on and start clocking up the kilometres, there are a few simple things worth checking first. Whether you've been off the bike for a few weeks or haven't ridden since last summer, a quick spring cycling check can help make sure your bike, equipment and body are ready for the riding season ahead. Here are 10 things to check before your first spring ride. 1. Check Your Tyre Pressure This is one of the simplest and most important checks. Even if your bike hasn't been ridden, tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Riding with under-inflated tyres can make your bike feel sluggish and increase the risk of punctures. Check the recommended pressure marked on your tyre or follow the manufacturer's recommendations, taking into account your weight, tyre size and riding conditions. Don't forget to check both tyres. Tip: Take a pump and spare tube or your preferred puncture-repair solution with you on your first few rides. 2. Inspect Your Tyres While you're checking the pressure, take a close look at the condition of your tyres. Look for: Cracks or splits in the rubber Cuts or embedded glass and stones Excessive tread wear Bulges or other damage Anything that looks unusual If your bike has been sitting in a shed or garage for a long period, this is particularly important. A new set of tyres is a much cheaper investment than dealing with a tyre failure halfway through a ride. 3. Test Your Brakes Before heading out, squeeze both brake levers and make sure they feel firm and responsive. Check that: The brake pads aren't excessively worn The wheels stop smoothly There are no unusual noises Hydraulic brake levers don't feel spongy Cables and hoses appear to be in good condition If something doesn't feel right, get it checked before riding. Your brakes are not something worth taking chances with. 4. Clean and Lubricate Your Chain A bike that's been sitting around for months can accumulate dust, dirt and surface corrosion. Give the drivetrain a good clean and apply an appropriate bicycle chain lubricant. A clean, properly lubricated chain can make your bike quieter, smoother and more efficient. Just remember that more lubricant isn't necessarily better. Apply it to the chain and wipe away the excess to avoid attracting additional dirt. 5. Check Your Gears Run through the gears before your first ride. If your gears are slow to shift, skipping, making unusual noises or refusing to move cleanly across the cassette, your bike may need some adjustment. It's much better to discover a shifting problem in the driveway than halfway up a hill! If your bike hasn't had a service for some time, spring is a great opportunity to have the drivetrain and cables checked professionally. 6. Check Your Wheels and Quick Releases Make sure both wheels are securely attached and that there is no obvious movement or looseness. Spin each wheel and look for excessive wobbling or rubbing against the brakes. If you use thru-axles or quick-release skewers, make sure they're properly secured before riding. It only takes a few seconds to check – and it's worth doing every time you ride. 7. Inspect Your Helmet Your helmet is one piece of cycling equipment you should never overlook. Check it for: Cracks or damage Signs of significant impact Damaged straps A loose or broken retention system General deterioration If your helmet has been involved in a crash, it should generally be replaced even if there is no obvious damage. Spring is also a good time to make sure your helmet fits correctly and is adjusted securely. Your helmet should be comfortable, but it should also stay firmly in place while riding. 8. Check Your Cycling Clothing After months in the cupboard, your cycling kit deserves a quick inspection too. Check your jerseys, bib shorts, socks and gloves for signs of wear or damage. Pay particular attention to cycling bib shorts. The chamois can deteriorate over time, particularly if you've had a favourite pair for several seasons. Spring is also the perfect time to make sure you have clothing suitable for the warmer weather ahead. A good-quality cycling jersey and comfortable bib shorts can make a huge difference on longer rides. At BeeVelo, we believe cycling clothing should deliver performance and comfort without having to cost a fortune. 9. Check Your Cycling Accessories Before your first proper ride, make sure your essential accessories are ready to go. Depending on your type of riding, this might include: Bike computer Heart-rate monitor Cycling sunglasses Gloves Lights Water bottles Saddle bag Spare tube Tyre levers Mini pump or CO₂ inflator Phone Identification and emergency contact details If you use a cycling computer or other electronic accessories, remember to charge them before heading out. There's nothing worse than starting a ride and discovering your computer has 4% battery remaining! 10. Start Slowly and Enjoy It Finally, don't forget to check yourself. If you've spent most of winter away from the bike, your fitness may not be where it was at the end of last summer. That's completely normal. Start with a shorter, comfortable ride and give your body time to adjust. Gradually increase your distance and intensity as your fitness returns. The first ride of spring isn't about setting a personal best. It's about getting outside, enjoying the bike and remembering why you started riding in the first place. Ready for Spring? A few minutes of preparation can make the difference between a great first ride and an unwanted roadside mechanical. So before you head out this spring, run through the checklist: ✓ Tyres ✓ Wheels ✓ Brakes ✓ Chain ✓ Gears ✓ Helmet ✓ Clothing ✓ Accessories ✓ Bike computer & electronics ✓ You! Once everything checks out, it's time to get out there. The weather is improving, summer is on the way and there are plenty of kilometres waiting to be ridden. Dust off the bike. Get your kit ready. And get riding. Ride More. Ride Better. Ride BeeVelo. BeeVelo – Quality Cycling Equipment for Australian Riders