Here in Oklahoma, the Spring tours are in full swing. Freewheel training rides started a few weeks ago. And the complaints to the newspapers of bicyclists on the streets are cropping up like mushrooms growing in especially fertile...well...you know.
If your bike has been sitting in the garage all winter, it will need some basic maintenance before you throw a leg over it for that first Spring ride. Chances are it will need something a little more intensive than an ABC Quick check.
The tires are flat, of course. Don't just inflate them to full pressure, though. Put enough air in to make them hold their shape, then look carefully for any separations, cuts, or bulges that indicate an impending failure. See that the valve stem is pointing at the hub, not off an an angle. If everything looks good, inflate the tire to full pressure.
This is a good time to do a quick clean and scrub on the chain. Rotate the pedals backwards while spraying WD40 into the chain. It's excellent for cleaning, but it not a good choice as a chain lubricant. Scrub the chain with an old rag to remove any dirt and old lube, then go have a cup of coffee while the solvent evaporates. Later, apply your favorite chain lube, wipe off the excess, and you're done.
At this point, the bike is almost ready to ride. We've covered the 'air' part of the ABC Quick check in more detail than normal. There should be enough air in the tires.
The "brake" part comes next. Squeeze the levers and see that there's at least a thumb's width of space between the brake lever and the handlebar. Look at the calipers and see that they release properly and that they're centered on the rim. Look for any corrosion or frayed strands. They weaken the cable and it should be replaced prior to use.
You've already performed part of the "chain" check if it stayed on while you turned the crank backward. Before setting out, however, see that the quick releases are firmly closed if your bike has them. And when you do start out, run the derailleurs though all the gears while pedalling gently. It's far more pleasant to find a problem while you're still close to home, so do a short check ride through the neighborhood.
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