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Take Fit Specs, Do Pre-Ride Check when Renting or Traveling with Your Bike

Editor’s Note: We continue our recent series of QTs from the RBR Crew this this week’s submission from Coach Rick Schultz. Rick offers some solid advice on those times when you’re traveling with your bike, or when you rent a bike on vacation. Here’s what Rick writes:

When traveling with your bicycle or when renting a bike via a bike shop or tour group, make sure to bring along your fit specs, and before riding give it a quick “once-over.”

BEFORE Traveling: Always get a copy of the fit specs anytime you have a professional fitting done. And be sure to bring along those specs. Otherwise, write down some critical numbers and measurements to take with you, including:

  • size of frame
  • crank arm length
  • stem length
  • Stack & Reach to the handlebars, as well as to the saddle, or
  • distance in cm from center of the handlebars to the tip of the saddle
  • distance in cm from center of bottom bracket to top of saddle (measure in line with the seat tube as a reference)
  • If you’re renting a bike, send the specs to the shop or mechanic before you arrive, if possible. This will help them find the correct-sized frame as well as adjust it to your needs before you arrive.

Also, its OK to bring specific items with you, such as your own saddle, GoPro and mounts, etc.

BEFORE Riding:

1) Place the bike on the ground (most mechanics will adjust everything on a work/repair stand) and open/close each skewer. This will not only center the wheels in their dropouts but also allow you to verify/adjust the skewers to a correct amount of pressure.

2) Squeeze and release brake levers. Check to see that brake shoes are not touching the rims when they shouldn’t be.

3) Make sure that the brake calipers are centered so that when you squeeze the levers, the shoes touch the rims at the same time.

4) Check the condition of all cables. For safety, double check the brake cable/caliper attachment bolts.

5) Take a quick spin around the parking lot or down the road a bit, checking sizing, shifting and braking. Make any last-minute adjustments now.

Finally, make sure you have a tool kit on board, as well as hydration and nutrition, and go and enjoy!


If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.

—John Marsh & The RBR Team

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