spring cycling

Before you head out for spring cycling, take a few minutes to clean your bike and get yourself organized with a goal—and maybe even a coach.

Get pumped: Spring cycling season is near.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—With spring here, we can look forward to more daylight (and maybe a new pair of sunglasses), nicer weather, and better, safer road conditions. In other words: primo bike weather. Which means, if you're not an all-weather rider, it’s time to drag your two-wheeler up from the basement or haul it off of its wall mount, and actually ride it again.

But before you do, it’s a good idea to get your bike—and yourself—road-ready. Here’s a simple checklist that will help, courtesy of Bicycling magazine:

YOUR BIKE

• Quick-clean your bike using a damp cloth. Remove the layer of dust and grime from the frame, rims, derailleurs, brakes, handlebars…okay, just clean everything. “Do the chain and chain rings with an old toothbrush and soapy water or a degreaser,” advises Bicycling contributing editor Matt Allyn.

• Inspect the tires by deflating the tube to about half its pressure. While rotating the wheel, slowly manipulate each tire in your hands to expose cuts in the sidewalls or tread. If you find any deep cuts, replace the tire. If the tires look fine, inflate them to the recommended PSI (it’s listed on the sidewall).

• “Check the indicator line on the brake pads to see if they need to be replaced,” advises Allyn. If they're worn down, head to the local bike shop for new ones.

• Take two minutes to remove the seatpost from the frame. It can bond to it permanently unless you do this on occasion. Wipe the seatpost clean, then smear a little grease on the part that fits into the frame.

• Spin the wheels to see if they’re running crooked. If you see any wobbling, or hear strange rattles or clinks, make an appointment to take the wheel to the bike shop. (Go midweek; weekends are busy this time of year.)

Read on to see the four things you should to do make sure you're as ready for riding as your bike is.