Pre-Ride Tune-Up with GooseWorks Mobile Bike Tuning
We believe in equipment that works well, makes us feel fast and does not leave us stranded deep in the backcountry. We want equipment that’s dependable and ready to go for that 6 a.m. Saturday morning ride we’ve been planning all week. We believe in gear that makes us feel like a pro when we ride that double-black-diamond trail for the first time. We want our gear to be the best on the trail, and to know that it’s set up properly for the trails we ride. That means giving your bike the attention it needs before you head to the trailhead. Even if you’re short on time, this quick pre-ride checklist will improve shifting and braking performance, and may also prevent equipment issues on the trail that could turn your enjoyable ride into an impromptu MacGyver-style survival skills test.
CHECK TIRE SEALANT
1. Been a while since your last ride? Air molecules leak out of tires and tubes over time, even if they don’t have a puncture. With tubed systems, usually the fix is as easy as pumping up the tires.
2. Tubeless tires with sealant may dry over time and need to be refreshed. Start by removing one bead, or one side, of the tire. You can use this two-handed technique.
3. There may still be a sticky, slimy mess in there. Be careful not to spill any of the sealant leftovers on your garage floor.
4. Remove as much of the old sealant as you can with a rag. Sealant is sticky stuff, so your rag should go in the dirty bin, unless you want sealant smudges the next time you wipe your frame down.
5. Tire sealants separate over time, so be sure to vigorously shake the bottle to get all the particulates mixed with the fluids.
6. Most sealants come with a measuring cup of some kind. This one has a handy cap that works well. Anything is better than just guessing how much you should splash in.
Carefully reinstall the bead using this technique, working the bead away from you with both hands. Done correctly, the bead should slide on the rim and into the rim channel easily.
7. Usually, you put in too much sealant and just end up with heavier tires and an emptier bottle. Measure it carefully, and then pour it into the low spot of the tire.
8. By only removing one tire bead for this process, you increase the chances of the tire seating easily with only a floor pump. If you removed both tire beads, or are having trouble seating the tire, try using a quick burst of air from a compressor. Resist the temptation to use a CO 2 inflation device, as the cold burst of air can actually cause the sealant to freeze.
TIDY LOOSE CABLES
CHECK PIVOT BOLTS
ADJUST COCKPIT CONTROLS
CENTER BRAKE CALIPERS
REPLACE CABLES WHEN NEEDED
CLEAN AND LUBE YOUR CHAIN
About GooseWorks
Gooseworks Tuning was formed in Southern California by Colorado-born, SoCal rider Mike Wirth. The company was founded to provide the highest quality of service and tuning available at the finest bicycle shops with the convenience of a mobile service van that comes straight to you.
As a veteran of the cycling industry for over 20 years, Wirth cut his teeth both as a professional mechanic for racing teams, factory demo programs, and most recently, as the head editor and lead gear tester at Mountain Bike Action Magazine. With years of experience tuning, testing, and talking about the best cycling gear in the world, GooseWorks brings the expertise and know-how to get the most from your ride. Whether it’s a quick adjustment to get you back on the trail, or a complete “Goose It” package to dial in your ride, Gooseworks has you covered.
Book Your GooseWorks Tune Online
With the click of a button, the GooseWorks service vehicle will come to your
home or office and dial in your bike.
For more info, email ridegoosed@gmail.com, or check out GooseWorks.com
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION
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