POST 17 — Crash-Proof Your Ride: The 60-Second Safety Checklist
Pre-Ride Bike Safety Check: The 60-Second Checklist Every Cyclist Should Use
Why a 60-second check matters
Most ride-ending problems are avoidable: soft tyres, worn brake pads, loose bolts, dry chains. A quick routine before you roll out saves time, money, and stress.
This is especially important before group rides, long routes, or bikepacking trips—where a small issue becomes a big problem quickly.
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The checklist (do this every ride)
1) Tyres
- Squeeze both tyres: do they feel right?
- Look for cuts, glass, flints, and bulges
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2) Brakes
- Pull levers firmly: do they bite consistently?
- Spin wheels: any rubbing or wobble?
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3) Chain and shifting
- Does the chain look dry or rusty?
- Any skipping under load?
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4) Bolts and axles
- Check through-axles/QRs are tight
- Quick bar/stem check for movement
- Seatpost secure
5) Lights (if needed)
- Charged
- Mounted securely
- Correct mode for conditions
Weekly add-ons (5 minutes)
- Inspect pads closely
- Check spoke tension by feel
- Wipe and lube chain if needed
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This checklist plus the right spares = confidence
A quick check prevents problems. Carrying a small kit solves the rest.
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