10 Things Every South African Cyclist Should Check Before a Long Ride
There's nothing worse than preparing for a big ride, getting kilometres from home and discovering that something is wrong with your bicycle.
A flat tyre.
Bad brakes.
A slipping chain.
A poorly adjusted derailleur.
Or worse—something that could have been identified before leaving home.
Whether you're riding an MTB trail, gravel route, road route or simply going for a long weekend ride, spending a few minutes checking your bicycle can save you a lot of trouble.
Here are 10 things every cyclist should check before a long ride.
1. Check Your Tyres
Start with your tyres.
Look for:
Cuts
Cracks
Excessive wear
Embedded glass
Stones
Damaged sidewalls
Then check tyre pressure.
The correct pressure depends on the tyre, rider weight, terrain and riding style.
Don't simply copy another rider's pressure.
2. Test Your Brakes
Before you leave, squeeze both brake levers.
The brakes should engage smoothly and provide predictable stopping power.
If your brake lever feels unusually soft or comes too close to the handlebar, don't ignore it.
Get it checked.
3. Inspect Your Chain
Your chain should move smoothly through the drivetrain.
Look for:
Excessive dirt
Rust
Dryness
Damaged links
A clean and appropriately lubricated drivetrain can improve shifting and reduce unnecessary wear.
4. Test Your Gears
Shift through the gears before leaving.
Listen for:
Clicking
Skipping
Grinding
Delayed shifting
If your gears are constantly struggling to shift correctly, a professional drivetrain adjustment may be required.
5. Check Your Wheels
Spin each wheel.
Look for unusual movement or rubbing.
Check that your wheels are properly secured and that there isn't obvious damage.
If you notice a loose spoke or significant wheel wobble, have it inspected.
6. Check Your Suspension
If you're riding a mountain bike, don't forget the suspension.
Look for:
Unusual leaks
Damage
Dirt around seals
Incorrect pressure
Strange noises
Suspension setup should match your weight and riding style.
7. Charge Your Electronics
If you're using:
GPS
Bike computer
Smartphone
Lights
Electronic shifting
E-bike systems
make sure everything is charged.
It's easy to remember your water bottle and forget your battery.
8. Carry Basic Repair Equipment
For longer rides, consider carrying:
Spare tube
Tyre levers
Pump
Multi-tool
Patches
Chain tool
CO₂ inflator if appropriate
You don't necessarily need a workshop in your backpack.
You do need enough equipment to deal with common problems.
9. Carry Enough Water and Nutrition
Long rides require preparation.
Depending on the distance and conditions, consider:
Water
Electrolytes
Energy bars
Gels
Fruit
Other suitable ride nutrition
Don't wait until you're exhausted before thinking about hydration.
10. Get Your Bike Serviced
Sometimes the best preparation is professional maintenance.
If your bike has:
Noisy bearings
Poor shifting
Weak brakes
Worn tyres
Suspension issues
Strange noises
Excessive drivetrain wear
don't wait for the problem to become a breakdown.
A professional inspection can identify problems before they become expensive.
What Should You Carry on a Long South African Ride?
Your exact equipment depends on your route.
But a basic long-ride setup can include:
Bike essentials
Spare tube
Pump
Multi-tool
Tyre levers
Safety
Helmet
Phone
Identification
Emergency contact information
Hydration
Water
Electrolytes where appropriate
Nutrition
Snacks
Energy products appropriate for the duration
Navigation
GPS or phone
If you're riding somewhere unfamiliar, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
What If You Can't Bring Your Bike to the Shop?
This is where mobile bike repair can be particularly useful.
Sams Bike Shop provides bike repairs as well as mobile repair services, alongside bike fitting, rentals, custom builds and bicycle sales.
For riders in Soweto and surrounding Johannesburg areas, having access to professional bicycle support can make bike ownership significantly easier.
Final Checklist
Before leaving for your next long ride, remember:
Tyres.
Brakes.
Chain.
Gears.
Wheels.
Suspension.
Electronics.
Repair equipment.
Water and nutrition.
Safety.
Five minutes of preparation can save hours of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before a long bike ride?
Check your tyres, brakes, drivetrain, wheels, suspension, electronics and essential repair equipment.
How often should I service my bicycle?
It depends on how often and how aggressively you ride. Regular inspections are important, particularly when you notice unusual noises or performance changes.
What should I carry on a long bike ride?
A spare tube, tyre levers, pump, multi-tool, water, nutrition, phone and basic safety equipment are useful starting points.
Where can I get my bicycle repaired in Soweto?
Sams Bike Shop in Protea Glen provides bicycle repair and mobile repair services.