Introduction

Cycling planning always starts with the route. You study the relief, weather forecast, places for halves and overnight stays. But one of the most important links in preparation is the bicycle itself. It is he who should withstand hundreds of kilometers under the load, in different weather, on different coatings. A working bike is not only the key to comfort, but also your safety.

Blog CyclitroNiona dedicated to the culture of conscious driving and cycling, shares a detailed checklist of what needs to be checked on a bicycle before going on a long-distance route. Regardless of whether you are traveling on an asphalt highway or off -road on a bicycle with a system plus , this check will help to avoid surprises on the way.

Main part: bicycle in front of the route - what and how to check

1. Chain and transmission

The transmission is one of the most vulnerable systems on the road. A worn or dry chain can break, and a damaged cassette can deprive you of the opportunity to switch.

What needs to be done:

• Check the stretching of the chain (replace if necessary)
• Peel the stars and switches
• Lubricate the chain with a special composition suitable under the weather
• Check the accuracy of switching and the condition of the cables

In the trip, it is especially important that the programs switch softly and predictably. If your bike belongs to the class plus , with an increased load on the transmission, the inspection should be paid additional attention: wear occurs faster, especially when driving through the primer and with luggage.

2. Brake system

Brakes are not the element on which you can hope "at random." On long trips, descent and sharp stops are especially dangerous, where each centimeter of the brake road matters.

What needs to be done:

• Check the wear of the pads
• Clean the brake surfaces (rims or discs)
• Make sure there is no backlash and squeak
• Test the brake response with full load
• For hydraulics - check the fluid level and lack of air

If you use disc brakes, especially on a bicycle with components plus , do not forget to take spare pads with you - on long trips they wear out faster than usual.

3. Wheels, bushings, knitting needles

Wheels - support of the entire structure. The slightest backlash or crack can lead to an emergency stop, especially under the weight of backpacks, tents or bags.

What needs to be done:

• Scroll through each wheel and listen to the work of the sleeve
• Make sure of the backlash and beating
• Check the tension of the spokes
• Inspect the rim for the presence of cracks and deformations
• Make sure that eccentrics or nuts are tightened correctly

If you use wide tires of the system plus , do not forget to check the planting of the rubber - it should sit evenly, without displacement and bloating.

4. Tires and pressure

A pierced tire in the middle of the route is a minimum of time loss, the maximum is the loss of the route. Therefore, before the trip, it is better to replace worn rubber and be sure to check the pressure.

What needs to be done:

• Inspect the tread for cracks, cuts and erased zones
• Check the sidewalls for damage
• Measure pressure and lead to the recommended value
• Check the nipples and cameras for tightness
• Take a spare camera and repair set with you

For plus -Format correct pressure is especially important. Too low - and you lose efficiency, too high - lose clutch and comfort.

5. Depreciation and steering

If you are traveling along a complex relief, the suspension operation should be flawless. And the steering column is to respond without backlash and jamming.

What needs to be done:

• Test shock for compression and rebound
• Check the tightness of the oil seals
• Make sure that there is no backlash in the steering
• Inspect the seams and compounds for the presence of microcracks

Depreciation on the road is not only comfort, but also control. Especially when transporting cargo on the front fork or steering wheel.

6. Lighting and electronics

If your route takes place in conditions of insufficient visibility, it is important that the lighting works stably, and the devices are not discharged unexpectedly.

What needs to be done:

• Charge the front and back headlights
• Check the brackets and reliability of fasteners
• Prepare a turn for a navigator or phone
• Check the speedometer, caden and pulse sensors
• Make sure of the water resistance of accessories

7. The little things that matter

Check everything that does not apply to the basic structure, but can ruin the trip during a breakdown:

• Reliability of trunk and bags
• Fastening of bottle holders
• Bell or signal
• The condition of the wings
• The compactness of the set of tools

Do not forget to prepare a route, paper or digital map, and take the necessary documents with you.

Conclusion

Bicycle travel is not only physical activity and picturesque species. This is logistics, responsibility and trust in your equipment. A proper bike is your main support on the road, especially if the route is long, the relief is complex, and the weather is capricious.

Blog CyclitroNiona Calls: treat the preparation of the bike as seriously as the choice of the route. Even the most ideal plan will not save if your bike refuses the way. This is especially important for those who ride bicycles with the system plus - They require attention to details, but in return give impeccable cross -country ability and stability.

Let every kilometer of your trip be confident, light and filled with new discoveries. And your bike is a reliable companion in any direction.