If you are a bike enthusiast and riding your bike was all you could think about while at the office today, then what you need to do is just go for it! But, before you set out, it is important to ensure that your bike is roadworthy and safe. This is especially important for aging bikes. It’s really important that you get into the habit of performing some simple maintenance checks each and every time before you hit the road. It doesn’t take long, and of course by doing this you’ve ensured your own safety when relaxing in the saddle.

• 1.Tires and Wheels

Before you get on your bike, check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated. Take a quick look all the way around for places where the rubber might be cracked or worn out.Make sure to verify the wheel hubs are securely fastened so you rule out the unpleasant surprise of a detachment while out riding; if this was the case, it could get nasty.

• 2.Brakes

Squeeze the brake levers to make sure that they apply enough pressure to stop your bike. You also should be sure that you don’t have any problems with fraying or stretched cables either.Only the brake pads should touch the rims and do so evenly, which allows for a gentler, more consistent stop.

• 3.Seat Post and Handle Bar Stem

Another thing you should check is to see if the handle bar is set at the right height, that the stem is fastened tightly and that your seat is set at the appropriate height. It’s important for you to be sure that both are secure, as it would be terrible to realize while riding that you can’t control your bike because the handlebars are loose in your hands.

• 4.Helmet

An important step in preparing to jump in the saddle is the part where you make sure to put on a bike helmet that can protect your skull in case of an accident. We recommend never riding a bike without a helmet.

But, before you put on your helmet, look it over once to make sure there are no cracks on the outer shell or inner surface. Your bike helmet should fit you properly; you don't want it too small or too big. Never wear a hat under your bike helmet. If you're unsure whether your helmet fits you well or not, ask someone that is familiar with fitting helmets.

Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety standards for them. Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your helmet doesn't have a CPSC sticker, get one that does. Wear a bike helmet every time you ride your bike!

• 5.Chains and Gears

Take a look at your chain and see if it turns cleanly through your front and rear sprockets and make sure that it doesn't rub against the derailleurs or frame. You can do this as you pedal when you first set off. At the same time, quickly run your bike through its range of gears to make sure there are no problems with rough shifting, chain slippage and so on. Also, check the drive-train and see if it is free from excessive grime and whether it needs lubrication. These checks are easy to do and they require about 30 seconds of your time. This is the smart and easy way to make sure you stay as safe as possible when you’re out on your bike.

Other tips that may come in handy when riding your bike:

• Go With the Traffic Flow

Ride on the far right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

• Obey All Traffic Laws

A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate

Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must wait for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

• Be Predictable

Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

• Stay Alert at All Times

Use your eyes and ears. Watch out for anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Don’t wear a headset when you ride as it can distract you and stop you from hearing things on the road.

• Look Before Turning

When turning left or right, always use hand signals before making the turn.

• Watch for Parked Cars

Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars.

• Avoid Riding at Night

It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because it’s harder for others to see you. If you have to ride at night, make sure you have lights and reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle.

In many States, bicycles are considered to be vehicles, so cyclists have the same rights, and therefore the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road.

By knowing these important information, your can become even more relaxed, as being safe on the road has the ability to bring that out in people. Why don’t you try it? Get your bike out from your garage, do the necessary checkups and spend some quality time in the saddle!

However if the simple checkups bring out the need of changing certain old, worn out bike parts, well then it’s a good thing you checked… and now, it’s time to do something about it! So, check this out:

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/Product-Directory-Cables-/Product-Directory-srk/Cables-drk/