Spring Bike Check

The clock has sprung forward and the first day of spring is at hand. With it comes the time to get your bike out of the shed or off the trainer to your local bike shop for its annual tune-up as well as a thorough check all of your other equipment.
With regular use and movement bolts and screws can loosen and parts can slide and shift which can contribute to wear and tear on your bike as well as your body. From the bottom up check that your pedals are clean and move easily. If you use a clipless system make sure your clips are positioned properly and the screws are tight to prevent rotation. Seat height is next. Have someone observe you peddling, watching that you use a heel high position with little or no rocking in the hips. Rocking can indicate your seat is too high or you have inflexibility in the pelvic girdle muscles which can lead to hip and knee irritations and all body fatigue. Dropping your heel below level indicates a seat that is too low which can lead to knee pain, saddle sores and loss of power. Handlebars should be checked to prevent rotation that can put undue stress on wrists, arms and upper back.
Tires should be observed for wear and tear, particularly if you have had your bike on the trainer all winter without using a trainer tire. Look for splits and cracks especially in the side walls then finish by pumping to recommended pressure. The drive train should be cleaned thoroughly with soapy water; there are great tools made specifically for this purpose. After drying all parts completely lube with a silicone based chain lube. Finally wipe down your frame to rid it of road dirt and grime while you check for cracks.
Your riding clothes should be checked as well. Although riding shoes do not take the same wear and tear as running shoes and don?t have to be replaced as frequently they should be looked at for excessive break down, compression of padding or bending of the support shank; two full riding seasons seems to be a good barometer for replacing. The padding in bike and tri shorts can become compressed or seams can unravel, both potentially causing chaffing or friction burns. Helmets take a lot of abuse even if never used to protect your head in a crash. From being dropped on the floor, being knocked around your trunk to hours and hours of being sweat on the plastic and foam can become brittle offering less protection when needed. Manufactures vary in their recommendations but three to five years or 500 to 800 riding hours seems to be the standard.
Finally if you are just back to riding break your sitting muscles in with rides of no more than 30 minutes at a time every other day.

Rita Zeran and Brenda Mercer competed in the Achilles St. Patrick?s Day 5k finishing in 39:06 and 39:00 respectively.