The checklist before any bike ride

Whether you are an amateur or a pro, there are a few safety rules and essentials to take with you on every bike ride: whether it’s for a training session, a ride in town or a long ride. We have all been in trouble one day with a flat tire, unable to repair it and stuck on the road. To avoid this kind of inconvenience, the G4 team lists a few tips to leave in complete serenity on two wheels. Some of these tips may be trivial for the most seasoned cyclists, but even the pros often forget them. Here is our pre-ride checklist

Tire pressure

Before each ride, check your tire pressure. Depending on your equipment, it can take only a few days to lose half the air in your tires. So before you get on your bike, take a few minutes to reinflate your tires. Also, make sure your wheels are securely attached to the fork.

The most obvious tip: carry a puncture-proof kit. Take a spare tube with you. Consider taking two if you’re going on a very long ride. If you don’t have a second tube, take a puncture repair kit. And this advice also applies to tubeless cyclists. In the worst case, you can always slip an inner tube into the tire if it is punctured. Of course, when you say tube, you say pump. Some manufacturers now offer very small air pumps that fit easily in a back pocket of your jersey or under the saddle. Your perfect repair kit will therefore consist of a small pump, a spare inner tube, a puncture repair kit (with patches), and possibly a multi-tool. For some, a puncture-proof gel, and a small oil pod.

The helmet: unquestionable!

Another essential, yet… A bicycle helmet that is adapted to your preferred terrain. Whether you’re an urban cyclist or a professional cyclist. There is no excuse for not wearing a helmet. Some people justify it by saying “it’s too hot”, “it’s messing up my hair”. Wearing a helmet is mandatory when cycling and saves lives every day. For those who absolutely do not want to wear a helmet, the brand Hovding offers an inflatable helmet, like an airbag, which opens automatically in case of fall or shock. Obviously, this type of helmet is recommended only for city travel and not for sports. Note that, like car accidents, the most common falls occur near your home or on the roads you know best and are therefore less vigilant. How many of us have not fallen while clumsily clipping our shoes to the pedal while leaving the house?

To drink and eat

As with any sport, take enough water and a snack with you, even if you are going for 40 minutes. A problem on the road, a violent effort or a change in the weather can alter your physical resources. Always leave with more water than you need. And always keep a cereal bar in your pocket. Also in summer and winter, remember to put electrolytes in your water. Apart from the fact that during exercise, our body dehydrates more quickly, we also lose a lot of mineral salts.

Let your friends know

Before each outing, tell someone close to you about your itinerary, especially if you are leaving for several hours. You don’t have to give a precise and complete route, but “I’m going to Marseille and I’ll be back at 4pm” is often enough. Some counters and software (like Garmin or the Strava app) allow you to share your trip in real time and sometimes send an alert in case of prolonged inactivity. Failing these gadgets and a trusted person, carry a smartwatch (with LTE connectivity) or a phone with you. For your outings, we strongly recommend that you take an old cell phone (such as a Nokia). These old phones are generally more durable and the battery lasts several days. If you still want to take your latest smartphone with you, put it in the back pocket of your jersey with the screen facing the sky. Too many cyclists have ended up in the emergency room with these pieces of glass on their back (from the screen) after a fall or a slip. With this little tip, in case of a fall, you won’t save your phone or its screen, but you will avoid serious nicks or cuts. Whether you take your first generation Nokia, your Apple Watch or your smartphone with you, make sure you charge them before you leave. For very long distances, you may want to take a small powerbank to charge your GPS or your meter, but also your phone.

Health information

For safety reasons, take an identity document with you. The best thing to do is to make a copy of your identity card and write down useful information: blood type, emergency contact person, insurance number, allergies or known pathologies… And laminate it. RoadID has also been marketing for years bracelets for athletes where you can engrave this vital information. You can then wear them around your wrist, your neck or stick them on your bike.

And the light came

Take a light with you, if possible a rear one. You don’t need the most expensive model. It can be clipped to your jersey or helmet. If you have a problem on the road, or a flat tire, you could be several hours late coming back after sunset. A rear light, even a cheap one, will make you visible to other road users. For those who ride in winter, G4 offers a cycling jacket with an integrated rear light: the (external) battery lasts for several hours and makes you visible for several kilometers. No need for an extra light, just a jacket that protects you from the cold, rain and wind and makes you highly visible.

A raincoat even without rain

Speaking of jackets, take a raincoat with you, even if the weather doesn’t call for rain. A raincoat is not only useful in case of rain. If it’s windy or you’re going down a hill or a mountain, a raincoat is the perfect barrier against the cool air. Once the mountain is down, you carefully fold your raincoat and put it in your back pocket.

Think about your eyes

Glasses: this accessory is not only for the pros. Even if there is no sun, we strongly recommend you to wear them. Some glasses are transparent and will protect your eyes from dust, but also from insects. If you are riding in a pack when it rains, this will prevent you from getting splashed by the road ahead. In summer and winter, always go out with glasses.

Protect your gear from stubborn stains

In case of a chain problem, the most common problem for a cyclist along with punctures, always carry a tissue with you or in your tool pocket. The best and ideal solution for grease stains: baby wipes that are sold in supermarkets in small bags of a few units. A wet wipe will clean your fingers and will surely save your G4 outfits from stains that are unfortunately often indelible.

Gloves for summer and winter

Summer or winter, like glasses and helmet, take a pair of gloves with you. Too often considered as aesthetic elements, cycling gloves have several uses. Your fingers on the handlebars are the first to be exposed to the cold, heat and sun. In summer, gloves will be a shield against sunburn, and in winter, a cozy cocoon for your fingers. But apart from the hot/cold protection, the gloves also allow a protection of your skin in case of fall and a better grip on the handlebars. For “Ultra” cyclists, gloves also provide an extra layer of comfort (or gel) for chafing and sore muscles. Finally, gloves are an extra layer to absorb your sweat and prevent corrosion of your handlebars.

Most of these tips are obvious, even futile, but we’ve all been on the road one day and forgotten our bike pump, a patch, glasses. So don’t hesitate to write down on a piece of paper the things to check before each ride. In any case, be careful on the road and have fun!

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