Get In Tune
Whether you've been riding your bike all winter or haven't touched it since your last tri, you'll want to take it in for a full tune-up before your first race.
"Nothing is more frustrating than jumping on your bike at a race and the gears or brakes are not working properly," says Losey, who asserts that you should schedule your tune up for at least a week out from your race, which will give you a few chances to ride beforehand. "Periodic and preventative maintenance is key—you don't to wait for something to go wrong first."
Pack it Right
In the offseason, take time to properly pack your bike tool kit. Stock it with the essentials: Losey recommends WD-40 Bike Lube and Frame Protectant, a torque wrench or allen keys, a pedal wrench (if your pedals don't use an allen key), spare tubes, a patch kit, a rag, and an extra roll of bar-tape.
"Better to be prepared," says Losey, who also suggests keep a $20 bill in there in case of emergency. And if you're traveling with your bike? "Don't leave home without your bike fit measurements and a tape measure."
More: How to Pack Your Bike for Traveling
Checklist
Not sure what to do with your bike—and when? Here's a checklist for how to care for it on a daily, monthly and yearly basis.
Daily
- Properly inflate your tires and check them for cuts or debris.
- Check your wheels' quick releases (the lever attached to the skewer that attaches the wheel to the bike) to make sure they are tight.
- Wipe down your bike after every ride.
- Wipe off the excess lube and dirt from your drivetrain, and re-lube if necessary.
Monthly
- Apply new bar tape.
- Degrease, clean and lube the drivetrain.
- Do a safety check of all bolts with a torque wrench.
Yearly
- Do a complete overhaul at your local bike shop.
- Replace tires and tubes, cables, chain and cassette.
More: Beginner's Triathlon Gear List
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