The five-minute bike check before race day

Race week is not the time to find out your bike has a problem. A short, calm check a few days before the start catches most of the things that end a day early.

The checklist

1. Tyres. Look for cuts, embedded glass and thin tread. Pump them to the pressure you plan to race on, then check again the next morning for slow leaks.
2. Brakes. Squeeze each lever hard. You want firm resistance well before the lever reaches the bar. Spin each wheel and check the pads are not rubbing.
3. Drivetrain. Shift through every gear while pedalling. Skipping, grinding or a slow change usually means a worn chain, a dry chain or a cable that needs attention.
4. Bolts. Handlebars, stem, saddle and bottle cages should all feel solid. A quick check with a torque wrench takes a minute.
5. Wheels. Spin them and watch the rim. A wobble or a rub against the frame is worth a second opinion.

When to book a service instead

If anything on that list feels off, do not wait for race morning. A workshop can only fix what it has time to see, and the week before a big event is busy for every shop.

Pick a day, book your bike in with the team at Dunkeld Cycles, and arrive at the start line knowing the bike is ready.