NHCC Tech Tips—Pre-Ride Basics: Air, Chain, and a Quick Check
The cycling season is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everyone back out on the roads! Whether you’re riding a high-end road bike, a trusty hybrid, or something a little more vintage, a few simple maintenance checks can go a long way in keeping your rides smooth, safe, and fun.
To help everyone get rolling, we’re kicking off the season with a few basic bike care reminders. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a mechanic to do these. Let’s start with the most important (and often most overlooked) one:
Tire Pressure: Pump It Up—Every Week!
Air slowly leaks out of your bike tires even if you’re not riding, so topping them up regularly is key.
How often should you check your tire pressure?
Once a week is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re riding frequently.
How much air should you put in? It depends on the type of bike and the tire:
- Road bikes: Usually 90–110 PSI (check the sidewall of the tire for a recommended range)
- Hybrid bikes: Typically 50–70 PSI
- Mountain bikes or wider tires: Often 30–50 PSI
Always check the side of your tire for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range—and don’t go over it! Use a pump with a pressure gauge if you can, so you’re not just guessing.
Adjusting for rider weight:
Heavier riders may want to inflate their tires closer to the upper end of the recommended pressure range to help prevent pinch flats and improve rolling efficiency. Lighter riders can usually stay at the lower end for better comfort and grip. It’s a balancing act between comfort, performance, and tire wear, so feel free to experiment within the safe range to see what feels best.
Why it matters: Properly inflated tires make your ride smoother, reduce the risk of flats, and make pedaling easier. Under-inflated tires slow you down and wear out faster.
A Few More Basic Checks
Here are three quick things you can do before heading out:
- Spin the wheels: Make sure they spin freely and don’t rub against the brakes.
- Squeeze your brakes: They should engage smoothly and stop the bike firmly.
- Check your chain: Wipe it down if it looks grimy, and add a little bike-specific chain lubricant if it’s dry.
Advanced Tip: Check Your Chain Wear
If you’ve been riding a lot, your chain wears down over time—which can lead to poor shifting and expensive wear on your cassette. If you have a chain wear checker tool, you can use it to measure stretch. If the tool shows 0.75% wear, it’s time to think about replacing your chain. At 1.0%, it’s definitely time. Not sure how to check? Ask one of the more experienced riders or swing by your local bike shop—they’ll be happy to help.
Happy riding, everyone! Let’s make it a great (and safe) season.
It’s the final day to order a Club Jersey online!
The end is near! Okay, so not the end-of-the-world sort of near, but the online-club-jersey-store-closing type of near. You have the end of today to get your order placed! Hey, a club jersey makes you look snazzy and you might actually ride faster (not scientifically proven yet). A note about fit: The new jerseys fit […]
Bicycle Maintenance Workshop is tonight!
Tonight’s the night! It’s freezing cold outside, so what better excuse do you need to come talk bikes? Join us for our Basic Bicycle Maintenance Workshop tonight at 6:00 PM at the Baltimore Recreation Centre. We’ll have Randy, Paul, Jason, and Helmut all on hand to collaborate, answer questions, and help you level up your […]
Bicycle Maintenance Workshop: Monday May 11th, 6pm at the Baltimore Rec Centre
REMINDER: Just 7 more days The NHCC online store where you can purchase club jerseys Store closes on May 14th Get your order in today. $95 (+HST) Whether you’re new to cycling or just want to feel more confident handling basic bike issues, this hands-on workshop will cover essential maintenance skills every cyclist should know. […]
NHCC Online Jersey sales—store is open (until May 14th only)
Get them while you can! The online store closes on May 14th Our new club jerseys will be supplied by Corsino Custom Jerseys and will be available online only through a dedicated store. Members had the opportunity to try on samples at our Membership Night, and based on feedback, we’ve selected the semi-race fit (Elite) […]
Cycling Safety Session: Monday May 4th, 6pm
This Monday is our Cycling Safety Essentials—Theory & Best Practices — it’s a compact 2-hour comprehensive information session designed to cover core cycling safety principles (no bike required). We don’t just talk about what to do, but we explore WHY. With a deeper understanding of traffic dynamics you’ll be safer and more confident. You’ll be […]
Prep Step: Get your Bike Ready
Holy chromoly, cycling season is here (almost!) The sun is shining. Your heart’s pumpin‘ anticipation for the 10am meetup. You find your shorts buried in the drawer (strange… they definitely shrunk). You’re ready for blastoff. You and your bike? Reunited at last. You’re groovin’. You might even show up early. Start Strava. Grab bike. …What […]
Prep Step: Get Sized for a Club Jersey
Starting this season, NHCC club jerseys will be sold online only. In the past, the club carried inventory for in-person purchase, but once existing inventory is depleted, that will no longer be the case. We’re moving to a new supplier (Corsino)—which means new cuts and fits. Hey, whoooooahhh—what about trying one on first? We’ve got […]
Club Jersey Fit Kit – Try Before You Buy!
At Thursday’s Membership Night, we’ll have our Jersey Fit Kit available for you to try on! This is your chance to check out the different styles and sizes to find the fit that works best for you. Please note that these jerseys are for fitting purposes only—they are not for purchase. Once you’ve found your […]