If you ride a road bike consistently, you probably notice a number of small problems constantly arising. Whether it is loosened brakes, slowly deflating tires or reduced grease on the wheels, simple tests you make before and after a long ride can help you catch small problems before they grow into debilitating problems that can leave you stranded in the country.
Maintenance Importance
The moving parts on your bike are not made to last forever. In fact, they aren't even made to operate without your consistent upkeep. The chain, for example, needs a consistent layer of grease to turn on the gears without scratching, dinging or otherwise damaging the teeth of the gear and the chain itself. You should also perform routine maintenance before you notice any symptoms of damage or an ill-performing unit -- by the time your bike is giving you warning signs, there is already damage taking place.
Standing Tests
A few tests can be conducted before you get on to the bike. Check the chain lube by placing a finger on one of the links in the bike chain. Look at your finger to confirm that there is lube present on the chain, and that there is no noticeable dirt or sediments stuck in the chain -- this can happen anywhere, but especially when riding or dusty or dirt roads. After you have done this, squeeze the tire and the wheel rim, indenting the tire with your thumb. While you should be able to make some movement, it should be a strain to indent the tire. This shows that the bike is properly inflated.
Riding Tests
While riding at a slow speed and in a quiet area, listen to the fronts and backs of your tires. You should be able to hear the ticking of the wheels as they turn, but if you hear a rubbing sound that is consistent or intermittent, it is likely that the brake is rubbing against the wheel rim, wearing out the brake and slowing you down. Intermittent groans or squeaks suggest that the rim is misaligned and needs tuning. You should experience no jumping or skipping of gears when pedaling and shifting gears on your bike, and there should be no hiccups in your pedaling motion caused by the gears or the chain -- if there are, your chain may be stretched out and running loose.
Considerations
A few simple tools and equipment can go a long way toward allowing you to make quick and easy fixes on your bike. A multi-tool is considered an essential for any long-distance road biker -- many multi-tools feature at least half a dozen different tools that fit compactly into a small unit, which you can fit into a pocket or riding bag. Some riders also carry spare tubes and a mini-hand pump for long rides. At home, a can of grease or lube for your bike is essential -- buy it before you need it, because it is inevitable that you will.
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