How to Prepare Your Bike for a Long Ride

If you want to prepare your bike for a long ride, the good news is you don’t need a full workshop or specialist tools to do the basics properly. A simple check at home can help prevent most common issues like slipping gears, poor braking, punctures, or uncomfortable riding positions. Spending 20-30 minutes giving your bike a once-over before setting off can make a real difference to how smooth, safe, and enjoyable your ride feels.

Start with the essentials

The easiest way to prepare your bike for a long ride is to focus on the three parts that cause the most problems if neglected: tyres, brakes, and your chain.

Check your tyres first. Look for any cuts, cracks, or embedded debris in the rubber, especially if you ride on country lanes or rough surfaces. Make sure they’re inflated to the recommended pressure, which is usually written on the side of the tyre. Under-inflated tyres make riding harder and increase the risk of punctures, while over-inflated tyres can feel uncomfortable and reduce grip.

Next, test your brakes. Spin each wheel and apply the brake to make sure it stops smoothly and quickly. The brake levers shouldn’t pull all the way back to the handlebars. If they do, the cables may need tightening or the pads may be worn. Also check that the brake pads are hitting the rim or disc properly and not rubbing when you release them.

Finally, look at your chain. A dry or dirty chain is one of the most common causes of noisy or inefficient riding. Wipe it down with a clean cloth and apply a small amount of bike-specific lubricant. Then spin the pedals backwards a few times and wipe off any excess. A clean, lightly lubricated chain makes pedalling easier and reduces wear on your gears.

Check gears and bolts before you set off

Another important part of preparing your bike for a long ride is making sure everything moves and stays where it should.

Shift through all your gears while the bike is either on a stand or lifted slightly off the ground. The gears should change smoothly without skipping or struggling. If the chain jumps or won’t reach certain gears, it may need adjustment. Minor issues can sometimes be solved with barrel adjusters on the gear cables, but if it’s badly out, it’s best to get it checked by a mechanic before a long trip.

It’s also worth quickly checking key bolts, especially on the handlebars, saddle, and wheels. You don’t need a torque wrench for this. Just make sure nothing feels loose and everything is secure. A wobbly saddle or slipping handlebars can quickly turn a long ride into an uncomfortable one.

Comfort checks matter more than you think

When you prepare your bike for a long ride, it’s easy to focus on mechanical checks and forget about comfort, but small fit issues become much more noticeable over distance.

Start with saddle height. When one foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, your leg should be almost straight with a slight bend in the knee. A saddle that’s too low can strain your knees, while one that’s too high can cause you to rock side to side.

Your handlebars should also feel comfortable to reach without forcing you to lock your arms or hunch your shoulders. If you often get sore wrists, numb hands, or neck pain, your riding position may need adjusting.

Even simple changes, like padded shorts or cycling gloves, can make a big difference on longer rides.

What to take with you on the ride

Preparing your bike for a long ride also means being ready in case something goes wrong on the road.

At a minimum, it’s sensible to carry a spare inner tube or puncture repair kit, tyre levers, a small pump or CO₂ inflator, and a basic multi-tool. These don’t take up much space and can save you from being stranded miles from home. Even if you’re not confident fixing everything yourself, being able to deal with a basic puncture is one of the most useful cycling skills to have.

It’s also worth checking that your lights are working if there’s any chance you’ll be riding in low light, and that your phone is charged in case you need directions or help.

Know when a home check isn’t enough

While it’s absolutely possible to prepare your bike for a long ride without professional tools, there are limits to what you can safely diagnose at home.

If you notice grinding or clicking from the bottom bracket, play in the wheels or headset, brakes that feel weak even after adjustment, or gears that won’t index properly, these are signs that your bike may benefit from a proper service. Riding long distances with underlying mechanical issues can cause further damage and lead to more expensive repairs later on.

A professional service can also pick up problems you might not notice, such as worn bearings, stretched cables, or uneven brake pad wear.

Preparing Your Bike Before a Long Ride

To prepare your bike for a long ride properly, you don’t need to be a mechanic or invest in expensive tools. A simple routine check of tyres, brakes, gears, chain, and riding position will cover most of what matters. Add a small repair kit and a bit of common sense, and you’ll significantly reduce the risk of problems on the road.

That said, if something doesn’t feel right or you’re planning a particularly long or demanding ride, getting a professional check can give you peace of mind. It’s often the difference between enjoying the journey and spending it dealing with avoidable issues. Taking a little time to prepare your bike for a long ride now can save a lot of frustration later.

Ready for a smoother, worry-free ride?

If you’re thinking about upgrading before your next ride, Cycle Revival also offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned bikes to suit different riding styles and budgets. Our range includes road, mountain, hybrid, electric, folding, BMX and children’s bikes, with trusted brands available and knowledgeable staff (Matt!) on hand to help you find the right size and setup. Whether you’re commuting, riding for leisure or preparing for longer distances, exploring the bikes available in store is a great way to ensure you’re riding something that truly fits your needs.

If you’d like extra confidence before heading out, Cycle Revival can carry out a quick pre-ride check, tune-up, or full service to make sure everything is running exactly as it should. Whether you’re planning a weekend challenge, a cycling holiday, or simply want peace of mind, dropping your bike in for a professional once-over can make all the difference. Visit Cycle Revival or get in touch with the workshop today and start your next long ride knowing your bike is fully prepared.