Spring Mountain Bike Prep: Gear, Bike Check, and Setting Goals for the Season

Essential Pre-Season Maintenance Tips for Your Bike and Gear

Spring is in the air, which means mountain biking season is right around the corner, if not already here. If, like yourself, your equipment has been doing a lot of lounging this winter, we need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape before hitting the trails for the first time so we start the season off on the right pedal.

Equipment Check

We want to start by thoroughly checking everything that you use and take with you on a ride—excluding the bike here (see next point).

• Ensure your spare riding supplies are still good (i.e., check that the spare tube in your pack is still functional by blowing it up) and that your pack is well stocked.

• Remove the expired snacks and hydration mixes and replace them with new ones.

• Inspect your armour, shoes, clothing, etc., for any sign of wear that might prevent them from being effective at their job.

• Inspect your helmet. Give it a thorough look and feel for cracks, dents, scratches, or damage. Helmets have a shelf life, so remember to check the expiry date on them.

Bike Check

We need to have ultimate trust in our bike to do its job properly while riding. After sitting all winter, be sure to set some time aside to give it a thorough inspection on the following (but not limited to this list):

• Tires - fix any flats and replenish tubeless sealant.

• Chain - check chain wear, clean and lube if necessary.

• Brakes and brake pads: Make sure that the brakes are working correctly and check that they are not worn out; replace them if necessary.

• Reset your suspension - set the air pressure and rebound based on your current weight with ALL of your riding gear on.

• Grease and bolt check: give any pivots and bolts some fresh grease and torquing as needed

• Shifting - make sure all of your gears and shifting are functioning properly.

Get Your Bike Tuned/Serviced

If you have any doubts or issues with the list above, set up an appointment with your local bike shop to have your bike serviced and loved.

Shop/Purchase/Upgrade

After checking your supplies and inspecting your equipment, head to your local bike shop or supplier and purchase the required items. Maybe it’s time to upgrade that one item you’ve been eyeing for the past few months (e.g., some flashy new grips or pedals).

Set Some Skill Goals and Plan Your Progression with Lessons

Mountain biking is much like yoga in that it is a practice. Be sure to sit down and map out some skills and techniques that you’d like to work towards implementing or improving this season. Additionally, be sure to book some lessons or join a clinic or two to learn and implement them correctly.

Start Gradually

Build your confidence and fitness back up with some mellow mileage. Don’t expect to be at the exact same level as you were ending the previous season. Give yourself time to work back to that.

Plan a Trip, Race or Event to Participate in

Plan a highlight for your season. Maybe it’s making a trip to a new trail system to check it out, a weekend away at a mountain biking destination, exploring a new bike park, or signing up for your first race or event. Whatever that is for you, give yourself something to get excited about and to work towards.

If you’re ready to plan your lessons and goals for the season, be sure to book your Private Lessons early in the season. Find out more on our Private Lessons and how to book here.

#ItsAGoodDayToRide