Because I love cycling: tips on how to get your bike fit for the new season!

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Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Bad Leonfelden
With the first warm days, the desire for summer cycling tours across fields and meadows increases again. Or the desire to swap the car and the underground for the good old bike. So with a zest for action, we get the bike out of its winter hibernation, i.e. out of the cellar. But before the riding pleasure sets in, frustration sets in for many. After all, winter can leave its mark. We have collected a few tips for you on how to get your bike fit again for the new season.
  • Spring cleaning
The first thing to do is to clean the bike thoroughly. It is best to start by removing the coarse dirt with a brush. Then wipe the bike with lukewarm water (soapy water is also suitable for very dirty areas) and finally dry it with a cloth. Only when the bike is really clean will you be able to see one or the other of the quirks. Tip: When cleaning the bike, make sure that you do not use a high-pressure cleaner. The water pressure will cause dirt and moisture to get into every little bearing and get stuck.
  • Lubricate & grease
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, all moving parts should be lubricated after cleaning. This includes the hub and bottom bracket, headset, seat post, suspension fork, shock and chain (it is best to use universal oil for the chain). And if this is too technical for you, here is a short overview of where to find which part:
(c) Niabot via Wikipedia
  • Brake check
Checking the brakes is particularly important. Front and rear brakes should function evenly. A common wearing part of brakes is the linings. If the grooves on the rubber are no longer visible, the pads must be replaced.
  • CHECK THE GEARS
The derailleur can shift a little during the winter. It is best to try out the individual gears one after the other. If there are problems, you can make fine adjustments using the tension screw (at the point where the cables enter the gears).
  • LIGHT UP
Even if you think you will only ride your bike during the day, you need a functioning light. For bicycles with a dynamo, simply switch it on for a short ride. If no light comes on, check the cables and plug connections. If you have battery-operated lights, switch them on briefly for a check and, to be on the safe side, recharge them before your first ride.
  • Tyre check
The tyres of a bicycle can also wear out over time. It is therefore advisable to check the tyres for tread and possible damage, as well as to regularly remove small stones that get stuck. Likewise, the air pressure must be checked. Over the winter, it is normal for tyres to lose air, even without a hole or a leaking valve. The recommended air pressure can be found on the tyre sidewall.
  • Seat check: Normally, handlebar and saddle height should be unchanged, but it is still worth checking again.
  • Saddle height: For the correct saddle height, the knee should be able to be pushed through when the heel is on the pedal. Handlebar height: The correct handlebar height is achieved when the pelvis tilts slightly forward and a hollow back is formed. This gives the spine its natural S-shape.
And if you can’t do it yourself or are unsure about some of the work, if in doubt, seek the help of a professional. Once all the points have been checked off, there’s nothing standing in the way of the first ride of the year. Whether road, mountain, field or forest, we wish you lots of fun!

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