Spring Cycling Tune-Up: Jens Voigt’s Pro Tips to Get Your Gear Ready

When it comes to your gear, keeping it in shape is one of the simplest ways you can ensure your best performance, not to mention safety. Of course, it can also help your bike function without any hassles and ultimately—that’s what we all want, right? Spring is an excellent time for a tune-up, because chances are you didn’t ride as much during the colder, winter months.

Here’s how to dust off the cobwebs and prime your ride:

Step 1: Wash your bike

Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and grab a big sponge. Hose your bike off to start, and make sure to rinse it thoroughly when you’re finished. A word of advice: If you do this at the end of your driveway, you may end up cleaning more than one bike. I’m the father of six, and often when I wash my race bike or mountain bike, the kids see me doing it—and then run out of the house, and without saying a word grab their little bikes, and line them up for the next “car wash.” Even my wife does the same—so bike maintenance is clearly and solely my job in our family. To be perfectly honest, my family almost always comes back outside with a freshly brewed coffee for me. And that’s a fair trade.

Step 2: Check your tires for little cracks and holes

For the more advanced riders: If you use tubulars—which need to be glued onto your rim, make sure the glue survived the winter. Let me tell you from my own very painful experience: There aren’t many crashes worse than sliding out in a corner because your tire rolls off the rim due to old glue.

Step 3: Spin your wheels to see how they roll

If they don’t roll straight, you may need to tighten them. Or if your rim is bent, you might need to visit a bike shop to fix or replace it.

Step 4:  Fine-tune the details

Replace torn handlebar tape, and check the saddle for signs of wear—all in the name of comfort. Change the batteries in your bike computer, if you use one, and in your front and rear lights, too.

Step 5: Prepare for flats and fixes

We’ve all had a tire puncture, and if you haven’t—understand it’s bound to happen. In my case, I didn’t always carry a repair kit, so I’d be standing there, mad at myself—and yelling and swearing at my stupidity. During my pro career, I learned I am able to swear in the most colorful way you can imagine—and in about 12 different languages. I also learned a little tire repair kit is essential for any bike ride.

You can easily attach one in a bag underneath your saddle. Complete your kit with a set of CO2 cartridges, which can fill your tire in half a second. I prefer to carry a small pump, which can be attached to your bike next to the bottle cage. Add a little multi-tool with various-sized keys to your bag, and you’re good to go.