ABC Spin Check

Have you ever started your bicycle commute and suddenly realized it is harder to pedal than it should be? Maybe your tires feel a little flat, or your wheels don’t feel steady. Not only does this impact your safety, but riding a bike that isn’t fully tuned can also shorten the lifespan of your bicycle. 

Maintenance checks can be time-consuming and intricate, deterring people from checking the status of their ride at all. So, we want to share one of our favorite tricks that you can do in under five minutes. It’s the ABC Spin Check! You don’t have to be a professional to tune up your bike, you just need to know what to look for to ensure a smooth ride.

Let’s get started…

A is for Air:

Flat tires will quickly impact your ride, threatening your rims and your muscles, since it takes more effort to pedal when tires are low. If a ride that usually takes you 10 minutes is now taking 15 or even 20 with no explicable reason, there is a good chance you forgot to check your tire pressure. Don’t have an air gauge on hand? Never fear! You don’t need a special tool to check the pressure.

First, inspect your tires. Do they seem flat at the bottom? Is there any obvious damage that might lead to a leak while you ride? If the answer to both of these is no, try squeezing the tire. Soft tires cause all of the problems mentioned above. Your tires should feel hard, similar to a basketball. If they are soft, the time is probably right for a new set of tires.

It is helpful to have a pump on hand for the moments when your tires do feel a little flat. Air pumps are cheap and can be found at a variety of stores. You can even find one that folds for easy transport if you want to carry it with you while you ride.

Is the air in your tires set? Time for the next step!

B is for Brakes: 

There is nothing like the moment of complete panic when your bike won’t stop. That’s why we always recommend checking the status of your brakes before any ride – even a short one. You can do this in seconds by squeezing the brake levers (or pedal backward if you don’t have brake levers). Make sure nothing feels loose but is still easy enough to manipulate without catching at all. And of course, verify that your bike comes to a complete stop! 

Brake levers that are too tight will cause the brake pads to rub against your tires when you ride. This wears down the tread and creates tension that will make it hard to pedal. Brakes that are too loose won’t touch the tires at all, making it impossible to stop. Find the sweet spot, and check that you are still in it before each ride.

So your bike can stop, but can it go? 

C is for Chain: 

Chains make the world go ‘round – or at least make your bike tires go ‘round! First, check to see if your chain is fully in place on the gear. If it is starting to slip, there is a good chance it will come off completely during your ride. You can’t pedal without a chain. 

Once it is secure on the gear, check that the chain makes a straight line across the bottom. Then look to see if there is any rust. Never ride on a rusty chain as it will catch while you ride and create sudden, unexpected stops. The chain should be slightly oily so it moves smoothly around the gear as you pedal.

Is your chain all set? It’s time for the most important part.

Spin is for... You got it... Spin!

Spin your wheels to confirm that they can freely move. As mentioned above, your wheels  shouldn’t rub against the brake pads at all. Additionally, tires should never hit the frame of your bike. They should spin freely with the only point of contact being in the direct center of the tire. 

Once you verify that your tires have full range of motion, it is time to ensure they are secure! Tires spin, they don’t wobble. The minute your tires wobble you are in for a dangerous ride. This will limit the control you have and you run the risk of your tires coming completely loose as it is likely an unsecure bolt somewhere.

If your ABC Spin Check is complete, but you have a few concerns, check out our helpful Things to Carry with You blog post for tools that can help you solve any problem you may find. 

Did the check go smoothly? Then you are ready to roll! Don’t forget to share pictures of your commute and tag Commute Options Memphis!