Tires and chains and pedals, oh my!
With only 14 days until the RAGBRAI start, it is time to ensure that these touch points get some attention paid to them.
The tires touch the ground and need to be in condition to survive the long miles each day. My current tires had at least 2,000 miles on them, so I swapped out my road tires for new rubber. The Continental Gatorskins were my choice as they seemed to be the toughest option. And this is my third set on the bike. Got out the tire irons and pump and made the change. And I didn’t forget the direction that the tires had to spin on the rims (note the direction arrow on the sidewall). And don’t forget the rim tape!
The chain touch the gears (ok, that’s a stretch for the image I’m trying to set up here). But my point is still important. Chain breaks are more common than you might realize. Bike group friend and resident engineer, Nikolaus, recommends that for every hundred miles you ride, the chain should be lubricated with fresh oil. And cleaned on a regular interval. The drive train is the only way you will transfer the power of the motor (the rider) to the ground.
Feet touch the pedals. I checked out the clips on my pedals and am opting to go with a newer and an SP-D clip type that is easier to adjust. Gotta be able to get in and out quickly to avoid falls.
After almost 3,400 miles to date (this calendar year) training and a nearly 500-mile ride coming up, it was time to check out the bike.
What are you doing to prepare?
Relentless
(*photos by the author)
