Bikmo – Six checks to get your bike ready for Spring
As the weather starts to improve, our cycle insurance partner Bikmo has put together their top tips for Triathlon Ireland members to get your bikes ready for Spring and Summer.
1. Mudguards
Probably the most essential part of any winter bike, but not so necessary in the summer months. Mudguards aren’t always the prettiest things either, so taking these off will breathe new life into your bicycle, and almost feel like you’ve got a new bike! There’s lots of mudguards now they can come off and on in seconds if you need them to – do the research and you’ll thank yourself for it.
2. Checking Tyres
During the winter months, some cyclists use 32mm tyres to avoid punctures on the boggy muddy roads.
When summer arrives and the roads clean up, some people like to switch to thin and fast 25mm tyres. Switching tyres means less drag on the ground, less
weight from the wheel, therefore, a faster-rolling speed. We only do this on our winter bikes, city bikes stay on 25mm tyres all year round. There is however more of a trend for comfort over speed – it’s up to you! If you run one particular tyre, like a city bike, check for wear and look out for if there are any cuts in the tyre wall or cracks on the main outside body of a tyre as these could lead to future punctures. If there seems to be a lot of wear it’s wise to look at getting it changed as soon
as possible as not only will it puncture easily, it won’t provide a great deal of grip either.
3. Brakes
If you don’t often check your brakes, now is a good time as all the grit and mud from the winter months will have worn your brake pads down. This may be a good opportunity to completely remove them and give them a good scrub with soapy water as things can easily get stuck in them too. If you run on hydraulic brakes, you should consider giving them a good bleed. If you don’t feel like making a mess of your living room or patio (if you have ever tried bleeding brakes yourself, you know it can get really messy real quick), make an appointment at your local bike shop, they will be happy to do the “dirty” work for you.
4. Bike cover
If you’re planning on competing and riding more now the weather is improving, or own bikes over €400, then you may want to consider cycle specific
insurance. Not all home insurance will cover the actual value of your bike or gear,
especially “away from home.” That’s why we partnered with Triathlon Ireland to offer a 7.5%* discount on our comprehensive cover. Bikmo policies can cover against:
– Theft
– Accidental damage of your bike(s)
– Event cover including Triathlons
– Kit and accessories including Tri Suits and GPS devices
– 50%^ saving when insuring multiple bikes
Do your bike a favour this spring and make sure it’s covered.
5. Cables
Over time, any cable on a bike will stretch and, in doing so, performance will diminish. It’s essential to be aware of when the gears and brakes aren’t efficiently moving or deploying correctly. Brakes are a little easier to adjust; make sure you’re able to pull both brake levers without the lever hitting the handlebars. If it does hit your handlebar, or doesn’t compress fully, then check the tension nut at the top of the brake calliper, which, when tightened, will draw the brakes closer enabling you to brake more efficiently. Make sure when adjusting the brakes that your wheels still spin freely! Gears aren’t quite as straight-forward, but if they’re slightly out and not changing 100% it’s still possible to adjust them. On your rear mech, you’ll find a similar nut which, when turned, will either increase or decrease the tension
in the mech moving it. We often use our local bike shop with any gearing issues. Previous experience of lining these up can be endless torment, often ending
with the gears still clunky and not shifting smoothly.
6. Drive Chain
This could be the first time your chain has seen some lubrication since last summer so check carefully for any defects in the chain. This could be a crack, a broken line or even a rough patch of rust which stops the chain from moving properly. You can use a proper chain cleaning product to remove old grease and grime before applying new lube to the chain, but soapy water will help remove a lot of grit and dirt. Grab a rag and a tough brush, or a toothbrush, apply plenty of chain cleaner/soapy water and scrub accordingly. Dry off with a rag before reapplying chain lube. Once dry, apply lube followed by running the chain around a rag before re-applying again. Make sure your chain all flows correctly grabbing each chainring tooth.
Bonus tip – a GOOD wash!
All the above coincide with a good wash. This should be a regular routine when aiming to keep your bike working like clockwork.
If you’re apprehensive about any of the suggestions above, take your bike to your local bike shop and let them give it a once-over.
Get the best out of your bike this year and give it the TLC it deserves. If your bike looks and feels good it’ll bestow that confidence in your riding, making the whole experience a good one!
As a Triathlon Ireland member, you know the importance of keeping your bike in top condition – now ensure it’s fully protected too.
It’s worth checking your home insurance policy, as it may not provide the cover you require, such as:
● Maximum value – the maximum insured bike value can be as low as €500
● Away from home – there’s often an ‘abandonment clause’ that classes bikes as ‘abandoned’ after only a few hours cycling away from home
● Excess costs – home insurance excesses can mean it’s not worth claiming for your losses With Bikmo cycle insurance, designed exclusively for cyclists and triathletes like you, you’ll enjoy comprehensive coverage for theft, accidental damage, and much more. Better yet, Triathlon Ireland members benefit from an exclusive 7.5%* discount on our comprehensive cover and a 50%^ saving when insuring multiple bikes. Whether you’re training for your next race, exploring new routes, or simply enjoying the ride, we’ve got your back every mile of the way. Don’t leave your bike’s safety to chance. Get your discounted quote today and ride with peace of mind knowing Bikmo is on your team.
Read more of our guides and blogs:
– Top 3 Places for Cycling Holidays in Europe 2025
– Top tips for locking your bike
– Ultimate Commuting Guide
*Minimum premium €5/mo and policy wording applies. ^Discount applies to lowest value bike(s). This promotion is provided by Bikmo GmbH, is authorised/licensed by the Industrie- und Handelskammer München in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
