It’s finally here. Your new bike! Whether this bike is a gift, a much-anticipated upgrade, or your first bike, you can’t wait to get out and explore the world.
But before you start your adventures, there are some essential things to do as soon as you get a new bike.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the essential steps you need to take to ensure your bike is ready to take on the open road. From extra adjustments to proper maintenance and storage, you’ll be able to prepare your bike for the journey ahead. Here’s all you need to know.
Get ready to set up your new bike!#1: Setup Your Saddle Angle and Lever Position
After you are done buying a bike there are many other points to consider, including setting up the saddle angle and lever positions according to your own measurements.
An optimally-adjusted saddle angle will ensure that you can cycle in a comfortable, ergonomic position and minimize the risk of injury due to incorrect posture.
Lever positions should also be adjusted to fit your own hands, allowing you to easily operate the brakes and gears at all times.
Professional bike fitters often use a combination of tools, body measurements, and trial and error to find the best saddle angle and lever positions for the rider.
In addition, these adjustments should be reviewed regularly to ensure the bike setup is still appropriate for your body and needs.
So, bear the saddle angle and lever positions in mind, not only after getting your new bike, but also in terms of regular inspection.
Related Post: 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles
Related Post: How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
#2: Set Up the Suspension and Tire Pressure
Two of the other essential things to do as soon as you get a new bike are to set up the suspension and tire pressure.
This will ensure your ride is comfortable and your bike can handle all of the terrains you plan to tackle. You’ll want to adjust the suspension based on your weight, riding style, and the terrain you’ll be riding on.
Start by adjusting the preload settings according to your weight, affecting how much weight is placed onto the shock absorbers when riding.
Next, adjust the rebound damping setting so that you can control how quickly the shocks respond to bumps in the road.
Finally, adjust the compression damping setting so that you can control how hard or soft the shocks absorb impacts from bumps in the road.
If you find the above difficult, consider getting help at your local bike shop.
Once your suspension is set up, it’s time to adjust your tire pressure. This is especially important if you are riding on different terrains or surfaces, as this will affect how much traction and grip your tires have on other surfaces.
A good rule of thumb is to start with a tire pressure of around 25 PSI and then adjust, depending on the terrain you plan on riding.
Tire pressure is important, because too-soft tires make it harder to pedal and can increase the risk of punctures.
On the other hand, too-hard tires will make for a jarring ride and make it harder to control your bike. So remember, always check your tire pressure before each ride!
#3: Check If the Brakes are Working Fine
Having well-functioning brakes is essential for a safe cycling experience – so check out your brakes after getting a new bike! Taking the time to ensure that your brakes are in good condition will help keep you safe as you explore all the fun possibilities of owning a new set of wheels!
First, make sure the brake pads have enough friction to stop the wheel if you apply pressure. You should also check that the brake pads don’t rub against the wheel rim when not applied and that the cables are correctly lubricated.
Another critical part is ensuring the brakes respond quickly and evenly when applied. To do this, find an open space with no traffic where you can safely test them. Then, apply pressure gradually to each brake lever separately and observe how quickly they bring the bike to a stop.
If either brake takes longer than usual to work or stops unevenly, it might be necessary to adjust certain parts.
Contact a local bike shop for assistance if you’re uncomfortable working with brakes. A professional mechanic can inspect your brakes and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
# 4: Get the Necessary Riding Gear
If you’re an avid cyclist, then you know that having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. After getting a new bike, the following items should be your priority when purchasing necessary riding gear.
Helmet: Safety always comes first, so investing in a quality helmet should be your top priority. Look for one that fits snugly and won’t slip off during your ride. You can also opt for a visor or sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes while you ride.
Gloves: Gloves are essential as they protect your hands from chafing and blisters while providing extra grip on the handlebars. Get gloves that fit correctly and aren’t too tight or loose.
Clothing: The clothing you wear can make all the difference in how comfortable and safe you feel on your bike. A good pair of cycling shorts will reduce friction and help prevent saddle sores, while a breathable, waterproof jacket keeps you cool as you ride.
Lights: If you plan on riding after dark, it’s essential to ensure your bike is equipped with both front and rear lights. These lights make you more visible to other cyclists and drivers and help illuminate the road ahead so that you can stay safe while out riding at night.
Related Post: When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
Pump: A good pump is essential for keeping your tires inflated properly and in good condition. Look for one that’s easy to use with any type of valve to top off your tire pressure before each ride quickly.
# 5: Learn the Basic Maintenance Tips
Last but not least, another one of the essential things to do as soon as you get a new bike is to learn basic maintenance tips. It will help you fix the minor issues of your bike in between your rides that you might encounter.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the components of your bike and the necessary supplies, such as lubricants, that you’ll need to keep it in good condition.
Inspect the frame, tires, and all other components of your bike regularly and make a note of any signs of wear and tear.
Pay particular attention to the chain, brakes, and other parts you use frequently and ensure they are properly lubricated.
Related Post: How to Keep Your Bike Chain Clean – the Easy Way
Lastly, ensure that you clean your bike at least once a month with a mild detergent and warm water to keep it looking and functioning at its best.
Conclusion
Getting a new bike is an exciting experience and requires proper care to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Some things to do as soon as you get a new bike include checking and adjusting the fit, lubricating moving parts, inflating the tires, checking the brakes and gears, and familiarizing yourself with the bike’s features and controls.
Regular maintenance and storage will also help keep your bike in top condition.
This post explained all these essential factors. Now, it is time to start enjoying your new bike.
Check Out Our Most Popular Posts! | ||
| ||
Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog! We write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation! | ||
Leave a Reply