Before every ride, check three things: brakes, tires, chain. Takes 30 seconds. Catches 90% of problems before they strand you somewhere.
1. Brakes
Squeeze each lever. Does it stop the wheel? Does it engage before bottoming out against the handlebar? Good. You’re done.
If the lever goes all the way back and barely slows you down, something’s wrong. Pads worn out, cable stretched, whatever. Fix it before you ride.
2. Tires
Squeeze them. Should feel firm, not squishy. Check the sidewalls for cuts or bulges. Look for glass or thorns stuck in the tread.
Running low? Pump them up. The right pressure is printed on the tire sidewall. Most road bikes want 80-100 psi. Mountain bikes around 30.
3. Chain
Spin the pedals. Shift through the gears. Should be smooth and quiet-ish. Grinding or skipping means something needs adjustment.
Is the chain rusty or stiff? Lube it. Dry chains wear out everything else faster.
That’s It
Brakes. Tires. Chain. Three things. Thirty seconds. Do it every time and you won’t get stuck on the side of the road wondering why you didn’t check before you left.
Bike shops call this the ABC check. A for air, B for brakes, C for chain. Easy to remember.
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