ABCDEs
A
Air pressure
“Squeeze, don’t guess!”
Give those tires a quick check—they should feel firm and ready to rip, not squishy like a sad marshmallow. Good air = faster rides, smoother trails, and way fewer flats.
Dialing in tire pressure is key to riding safe and strong. There’s no one-size-fits-all PSI—it depends on the rider, the bike, the terrain, and even the temperature. The good news? There are plenty of tools (and coaches!) to help you find your perfect pressure sweet spot.
Recommended app: Wolftooth >>
B
Brakes
“Trust your stoppers.”
Give ‘em a squeeze—do they grab strong and not hit the handlebars? If not, that’s a no-go.
At 196MTB, two working brakes = non-negotiable. Both need to be dialed and ready to roll. Bonus points if they’re set up for smooth, confident one-finger (index finger) braking—because control is cool, and skidding into your friends is not.
C
Chain
“Clean, lubed, and happy.”
Your chain should be quiet, shiny (not rusty), and ready to zoom—not squeaking like a haunted house door.
Show it some love at least once a week—and always before race day. Give it a quick wipe with a clean rag, then add a bike-specific chain lube to keep things running smooth. And remember: This is not a WD-40 situation, friends.
D
Derailleur
“Click, click, shift!”
Run through your gears—smooth and snappy is the goal. Clunking, skipping, or full-on drama? That’s your bike asking for help.
If you hear constant clicking or your gears won’t shift cleanly, your derailleur is probably out of tune (or just having a bad day). Don’t ignore it—talk to your coach or ride leader if you can’t hit all your gears.
E
Everything else
“The wiggle test.”
Give your bike a quick once-over: wheels tight? Handlebars straight? Nothing rattling, creaking, or trying to fall off? If it wiggles and shouldn’t… fix it!
Loose bolts or weird noises are your warning signs—don’t ignore them. Get it checked out right away so a small issue doesn’t turn into a big one.
A clean bike is a happy bike. A bucket warm water, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and a clean rag will do wonders. Avoid any abrasive products.
Recommended cleaning solvents and brush kits: