CYCLING CHECKLIST

Whether you're looking for fitness or doing errands, riding your bike requires some preparation. Use this list to make sure you are ready to have a fun, safe and comfortable cycling experience.

• □ Bike
• □ Helmet
• □ Water bottle/hydration pack
• □ Sunglasses
• □ Tire levers
• □ Spare tube/patch kit
• □ Bike multitool
• □ Pump
• □ Seat bag
• □ Bike computer
• □ Bike lock
• □ Light/flashers
• □ Women's cycling apparel
• □ Men's cycling apparel
• □ Sunscreen
• □ Energy snacks
• □ Emergency contact information
• □ Cell phone
• □ Money/credit card

Pre-ride Safety Quick Check

Quick releases  Be sure quick releases are closed properly and tight on both wheels and seat post. The wheels should spin freely without wobble.

Tire inflation  Tires should be inflated within the pressure range indicated on the sidewall of the tire.

Brakes  Brake pads should align to hit the center of rim. Make sure the pads are not badly worn.

Chain  Chain should be lubed. Check for frozen links.

Essentials

Bike  Make sure your bike fits properly and is tuned up. If you have any concerns, take it to your local bike shop for a tune-up and a proper fit session.

Helmet  Follow manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it’s the right size. It should be snug but not uncomfortably tight. A properly sized helmet will not move easily and should sit level on your head with the front edge no more than an inch above your eyebrows.

Water bottle/hydration pack  A single 24 oz. water bottle is enough for rides an hour or less but bring two bottles for longer rides. Larger volume hydration packs are useful on long rides where finding places to refill may be difficult. Sports drinks can help you stay energized on all day excursions.

Sunglasses  Wear sunglasses even if the sun isn’t out to protect your eyes from road debris and/or bugs. Frames with interchangeable lenses are great for cycling: choose dark lenses for bright days, clear or light tinted lenses for overcast and low light situations like mountain biking in the woods.

Tire levers  Carry a minimum of two tire levers to help get the tire off the rim when changing a tube.

Spare tube/patch kit  Practice changing a tube and inflating at home so you’ll be confident on the road.

Bike multitool  A small multitool with common Allen wrenches such as 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 mm as well as Philips and flathead screwdriver. A chain tool, chain master link and the knowledge of how to use them to fix a chain can be the difference between continuing your ride and hitchhiking home.

Pump  Bring either a small frame pump or an inflator that uses CO2 cartridges (with spare cartridges). Make sure your pump or inflator will fit your bike’s valves. Most adapt to fit Schrader or Presta valves. Practice with CO2 cartridge inflator at home to make sure you know how to use it on the road.

Seat bag  Small, compact bag that fits under your seat to hold spare tube, inflator, energy gels, patch kit, money and keys. Larger versions will handle wind shell, cable lock, gloves etc.

Bike computer  While not a necessity, they are great for monitoring distance, speed and time.

Bike lock  Nice to have if you plan on stopping and going into a shop for coffee. Make sure you’re locking the bike to something solid.

Light/flashers  An absolute requirement if you ride early or late. Be sure to have a bright white front light paired with a flashing red light for the rear of your bike.

Cycling apparel  We recommend high visibility clothing for riding safety any time of day. Cycling shorts with padding help you stay comfortable in the saddle. Comfort bike seats usually require less padding, while performance road seats pair better with higher-end shorts that have shaped multi-density pads. Full-length tights are excellent for cooler days.

Bike jerseys with rear pockets are quite handy for carrying a cell phone, money, keys and snacks. Lightweight shells can help keep you warm on cool spring or fall days. Most compress down to fit in the back pocket of your jersey. Padded gloves protect vulnerable nerves in your hand on long rides.

If you ride in any weather, be sure to have a good waterproof rain suit.

Energy snacks  Helps prevent “bonking” if you are out for more than an hour. Make sure you eat before you feel hungry.

Emergency contact information  Keep it on you, or in your bike bag in case of an accident or emergency.

Cell phone  Primarily for emergencies, but it’s handy to call home in case of a mechanical breakdown or severe weather.

Money/credit card  Good for roadside pit stops, lunch or coffee breaks.

For more ways to learn about the outdoors, check out our free in-store clinics along with our Outdoor Discovery Schools trips, tours and classes at llbean.com/adventure.
Shop for all your outdoor gear at llbean.com or call or call 1 (888)-797-3880.