Winter’s finally loosening its grip - we think?! …and it’s time to get back to ‘proper’ riding. Spring means better weather, longer days, and a fresh start for your cycling routine. But before you jump straight in, a little preparation will go a long way - both for your fitness and your bike. 

1. Refresh Your Training Plan

If you’ve been riding less over winter, don’t go too hard on your first few rides. Ease back in to avoid injury and burnout. 

• Start with steady base miles – Focus on endurance first before ramping up intensity. Keep rides at a comfortable pace and gradually increase distance.
• Get used to outdoor conditions – If you've spent winter on the turbo trainer, remember that riding outside is different. Wind, uneven roads, and climbs will work your muscles in new ways.
• Add short bursts of effort – Mix in some tempo and interval efforts once your endurance is solid. A few short sprints or hill repeats can sharpen fitness.
• Work on strength and flexibility – A few core exercises, squats, and yoga-style stretches will improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries.
• Prioritise recovery – Warmer weather doesn’t mean skipping rest days. Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition are just as important as the miles you put in.

2. Essential Bike Check for Spring

Winter riding (or months of garage storage) can take a toll on your bike. Before heading out, give it a proper check-over to avoid any mid-ride mishaps.

Tyres & Wheels

• Check for wear and cuts – Look for cracks, embedded debris, or worn-down tread. If your tyres feel squared-off or slippery, replace them.
• Consider swapping to lighter tyres – If you've been using winter tyres, a set of lighter, grippier ones can improve speed and comfort.
• Check pressure – Cold weather can cause air loss. Pump them up to your preferred PSI (usually 80-100 for road, lower for gravel or mixed terrain).
• Spin the wheels – They should be straight with no wobbles. If they rub on the brakes or frame, they may need truing.

Brakes & Cables

• Test your brakes – Pull the levers and check that the pads engage smoothly and don’t feel spongy.
• Check for wear – Brake pads wear down faster in wet, gritty conditions. Replace them if they’re thin.
• Inspect the cables – Frayed or rusty cables can cause poor braking and shifting. If they don’t move smoothly, it’s time for new ones.
• Hydraulic brakes? – Check for leaks and top up or bleed the system if the bite feels weak.

Drivetrain & Gears

• Clean the chain – A winter’s worth of grime can wear out your components. Use a degreaser and brush to scrub it clean, then lube it lightly.
• Check chain wear – If it’s stretched beyond 0.5 on a chain checker, replace it to avoid damaging the cassette.
• Shift through the gears – Make sure they engage smoothly. If not, tweak the barrel adjuster or check for stiff links.
• Inspect the cassette and chainrings – Worn-down teeth can cause slipping under load. Replace if needed.

Bolts & Bearings

• Check and tighten bolts – Go over key points like the stem, seatpost, and crank arms. A torque wrench ensures you don’t overtighten.
• Inspect headset and bottom bracket – Hold the front brake and rock the bike back and forth—any knocking could mean loose bearings.
• Pedals and cleats – If clip-in pedals feel stiff or creaky, apply a bit of grease or replace worn cleats.

Suspension & Tubeless Setup (if applicable)

• Check air pressure – Forks and shocks can lose air over time. Adjust to your riding style.
• Top up tubeless sealant – If it’s dried up, add more to prevent punctures.
• Check spoke tension – Uneven tension can lead to a rough ride or even broken spokes.

3. Spring Kit Refresh

With changeable weather, it’s time to adjust your gear. You don’t want to be freezing in the morning and sweating by midday.

• Layer up – A gilet, arm warmers, and lightweight gloves are perfect for spring’s unpredictable temperatures.
• Swap out winter lenses – If your sunglasses have dark winter lenses, switch to clear or photochromic ones for better visibility.
• Thinner socks, but don’t ditch overshoes – It’s still chilly early in the morning, so keep overshoes handy for extra warmth.
• Hydration & nutrition – With temperatures rising, you’ll sweat more. Start getting back into the habit of drinking consistently on rides and bringing energy snacks.

Spring is one of the best times to ride, but getting back into full cycling mode takes a little time and prep. Ease into training, fine-tune your bike, and make sure your kit matches the conditions. Now, time to get out there and enjoy the open road!