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Cycling Equipment

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No matter how many miles you’re riding, safety and comfort all depend on using the proper equipment. Check out the information and links below to make sure your equipment is ready. If you need support, visit one of our local sponsoring bike shops to discuss your needs.

| Cycling 101 | LAB Tools | Proper Bike Fit | Proper Helmet Fit | ABC Quick Check | How to Fix a Flat Tire |
 

Cycling 101

Click here to learn the basics about bike preparation and the items you should have for the best ride experience (pdf).

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League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Tools

League of American Bicyclists logoThe LAB provides great of tips and resources on bicycle clothing basics, bike comfort, bike selection and helmet fit. Take advantage of these expert tips by visiting the LAB Web site for additional information.

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Proper Bike Fit

Proper bike fittingBeing fitted to your bike is just as important to your comfort as having the right kind of bike. It should be appropriately sized for you. The saddle, stem and handlebars should also be properly adjusted. For best results, get your bike fitted at your local sponsoring Bike MS shop.

Plus, check out these articles from Bicycling Magazine for more information on proper bike fit and comfort:

  • If the Bike Fits Buy It by Joe Lindsey at Bicycling Magazine: How to find the right frame and make adjustments for endless comfort
  • Fine Tune The Fit by Joe Lindsey at Bicycling Magazine: Your new bike fits perfectly-almost. Here are a few pointers to help you tweak your position to perfection.
  • Saddle Adjustment at Bicycling Magazine: How to get comfy quicker

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Proper Helmet Fit

Helmets are designed to prevent serious head injury. A serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time, so always wear a properly-fitted, damage-free helmet. A helmet is required for all Bike MS Rides.

Buying a Helmet:
Make That Helmet Fit by Brian Fiske at Bicycling Magazine: Everything you need to know about buying a bike helmet.

How to Adjust a Helmet:
Right and Wrong HelmetAdjust your helmet in six easy steps, provided by our Bike MS LAB Certified Instructor. We strongly recommend you consult with your local bike shop for best fit.

  1. Put on your helmet.
  2. Push the helmet back and forth while it is on your head. The helmet is properly adjusted if the skin on your forehead moves with the helmet and if the helmet is comfortable.
  3. Adjust pads or band to ensure a snug fit.
  4. Slide the helmet forward until it rests about 1/2 inch (one or two finger widths) above your eyebrows.
  5. Shorten or lengthen the side straps so they form a "Y" around each ear.
  6. Adjust the chinstrap so it is snug underneath your chin. You want to be able to breathe freely, but you don't want a space between your chin and the strap. Fasten the buckle leaving a finger's width between your chin and chin strap.

When properly adjusted, your helmet should move less than an inch when you push it back and forth or side to side

For more detailed instructions, try these links:
How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Helmet Fit Checklist from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

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Equipment Safety Before Your Ride: ABC Quick Check

Before you hit the road, make sure your equipment is ready. Use the League of American Bicyclists’ ABC Quick Check before each ride:

A is for air

  • Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire
  • Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure
  • Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged

B is for brakes

  • Inspect pads for wear; replace if there is less than ¼" of pad left
  • Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes
  • Check brake level travel; at least 1" between bar and lever when applied

C is for cranks, chain and cassette

  • Make sure that your crank bolts are tight; lube the threads only, nothing else
  • Check your chain for wear; 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches
  • If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or just an adjustment

Quick is for quick releases

  • Hubs need to be tight in the frame; your quick release should engage at 90°
  • Your hub quick release should point back to ensure that nothing catches on it
  • Inspect brake quick releases to ensure that they have been re-engaged

Check is for check it over

  • Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly
  • Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts; tighten, replace or fix them
  • Pay extra attention to your bike during the first few miles of the ride

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How to Fix a Flat Tire

It’s also important to know how to fix your equipment while on a ride. Check out the resources and step-by-step instructions below. Visit your local sponsoring bike shop for any equipment needs.

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