Wanna look like a pro out on the trail? Here are 9 tips and tricks for getting dialed this spring.
Tip #1:Line up the tire label with the valve – makes the valve easier to find.
Centering the valve stem with the tire logo(s) makes it easier to find the valve when you’re in a rush.
Tip #2:Friends don’t let friends ride with kickstands. They’re heavy, and dangerous.
Tip #3:I don’t care how cool you are, how long you’ve been riding, or how easy you’re taking it on your ‘recovery ride’ – wear a helmet, dummy.
Tip #4:QR Lever goes on the disc/non-drive side of the bike. Don’t ask why, it just does.
Quick release levers go on the disc-brake side of the bike. Thru-axle forks will only let you put them on the correct side.
Tip #5:Protect your spare tube – put it in a ziplock bag or an old sock to prevent your multitool from rubbing/poking a hole in the tube.
Tip #6:When photographing your bike, make sure the chain is in the big ring. Itlooks faster.
Proper bike photo. Chain is in the big ring, rim/tire labels are in the proper places.
Tip #7:Gorrila tape. Keep a smallroll in your saddle bag/hydration pack, or wrap some around the frame or seatpost. It has many many uses: keeping a broken spoke from flopping around, booting a slashed tire sidewall, or even taping up a broken finger. Gorilla tape is stronger than duct tape, so don’t substitute.
I keep some gorilla tape wrapped around my seatpost. If you’re clever, you can place it so it’s hidden by the saddle bag’s strap. If you’re lazy/in a hurry like me, just put it anywhere.
Tip #8:Fenders. Get some. They’re cheap, light, easy to install and remove, and work really well. Combined with waterproof shoes or shoe covers, they turn your bike into an all-weather adventure machine. Stay off the trails when they’re wet, but ride paved and gravel roads to your heart’s content in the rain without getting mud in your eyes or spray up your crack.
All set up for a long ride in the rain. Note the improper gear selection for photographing however.
Tip #9:Sunglasses go UNDER your helmet straps, that way you can take your helmet off while wearing the glasses. The roadies will tell you they go outside the straps,but, that’s stupid.
Photo: element22
Which tips and tricks would you add to this list?
27 Comments
May 24, 2012
May 25, 2012
May 25, 2012
And #9 is my favorite mainly because every roadie I know that also rides MTB will always mention "hey you should put your sunglasses outside the straps, never fails..
I don't think I can do fenders either, although they would no doubt come in handy in an extreme situation. I don't really ride in rainy conditions, my local trail maintainers prefer no one ride until at least 2 days after a heavy rainfall to try and avoid tearing up the trail. I personally would love riding rainy and muddy but I have no problem respecting their requests.
Mar 15, 2013
May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
Tip: buy a Sram or KMC Power/Quick Link and carry it with you. When your friend breaks a Shimano chain. Let them diddle with the stupid pin for a bit, then fix it for them in with the link. It will look like a magic trick. :D
May 24, 2012
Also, on #4, while that always applies for the rear, I know people who were adamant about keeping the lever away from the disc up front because of the possibility of touching the rotor with your hands. They were very serious about how the oils from your hand getting on the rotor could reduce your braking power. Personally, I don't really give a rip either way.
Sep 24, 2012
May 25, 2012
May 24, 2012
I've fallen victim to #5 before.
May 24, 2012
May 27, 2012
May get some gorilla.
May 28, 2012
May 24, 2012
I always have to think to get #4 right but my trick is to look at the back wheel and see which side the QR lever is on. If both wheels are off - you're screwed. :)
I'm really paranoid about #5 because even things that aren't sharp (sand, a pump) can, over time, wear a hole in your spare tube. A spare tube with a hole in it completely defeats the purpose.
May 24, 2012
Take all the reflecters off the bike if you only use your bike off road.
Nov 25, 2013
Nov 9, 2012
An old piece of tube works as a good sleeve to carry your spare tube.
May 24, 2012
And I have a bell on one of my bikes, need to get one for the other bike too!
May 25, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 31, 2012
Sunglasses should be worn however they are most comfortable for you.
The only fender on a bike should be Freddy Fender ... on your iPod!
What the h*)) is a "trail maintainer"? ROFL
May 28, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 25, 2012
May 27, 2012
May 24, 2012