Cycling Tips
June 30, 2025
How to Prepare Your Bike for a Long Ride or Commute
Before your next ride, make sure your bike is up for the challenge with this pre-ride checklist.
Before your next ride, make sure your bike is up for the challenge with this pre-ride checklist.
There’s nothing worse than heading out for a big ride—only to be sidelined by a flat tire, a dropped chain, or a squeaky brake. Whether you're cycling to work or planning a long weekend ride down the coast, a bit of preparation goes a long way.
At Cloud Cycles, we help Perth riders avoid mid-ride breakdowns by keeping their bikes in top shape with regular mobile servicing. But even if you’re doing it yourself, here’s a practical checklist to prepare your bike for longer distances or daily commutes.
Your tires are your first line of defense against a bad ride. Low pressure means more rolling resistance and a higher chance of pinch flats. Overinflation, on the other hand, can make the ride bumpy and reduce traction.
✅ Use a pressure gauge and pump to set the PSI based on the sidewall recommendation
✅ Look for embedded glass, thorns, or signs of wear
✅ Spin each wheel to check for wobbles or uneven wear
Tip: Always carry a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 canister.
Your chain is the heart of your drivetrain. A dry or rusty chain makes pedaling harder, damages your cassette, and can even snap mid-ride.
✅ Clean your chain with a rag or degreaser
✅ Apply a quality bike-specific lubricant
✅ Wipe off excess to avoid gunk build-up
If your chain is noisy, skipping, or more than 0.75% stretched (you can measure this), it’s time for a replacement.
Brakes are your best friend when traffic gets hairy or you’re flying downhill. Weak or noisy brakes are a major safety risk.
✅ Squeeze both brake levers—they should feel firm, not spongy
✅ Check the brake pads for wear (less than 3mm means time to replace)
✅ Ensure the pads aren’t rubbing the rim or disc
Hydraulic brakes? Make sure there’s no fluid leaking, and that your levers spring back properly. We can also do brake bleeds during your service.
Gears that skip or don’t respond can ruin your ride, especially if you’re climbing hills or navigating city traffic.
✅ Shift through all gears—front and rear—to make sure they engage smoothly
✅ Listen for clicking, hesitation, or chain jumps
✅ If needed, adjust barrel adjusters or check cable tension
If you're unsure, book a tune-up with us—we adjust derailleurs, check hanger alignment, and tune for optimal performance.
Loose bolts can cause anything from creaky noises to serious accidents. Before you head out:
✅ Check stem bolts, seatpost, crank arms, and pedals
✅ Tighten bottle cages and racks
✅ Test your lights and bell
✅ Ensure panniers and bags are secure
If you ride with clip-in pedals, inspect cleats for wear and test your shoe engagement.
Give your bike a quick 2-minute ride around the block before any long trip. This can reveal problems that static checks might miss—like shifting under load or brake fade.
For big rides like the Munda Biddi Trail or weekend adventures out of town, consider booking a pre-ride mobile service with Cloud Cycles. We’ll come to your location, check every component, and ensure your bike is ready to go.
Preparing your bike before a long ride or commute isn't just about avoiding problems—it's about riding with confidence. When everything clicks, your ride is smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.
Don’t let a 10-minute check become a 2-hour repair. Stay ahead of issues—or let us handle it for you. Book a service with Cloud Cycles and we’ll come to you, tools in hand and ready to roll.
